BQCA Past Events

 In the beginning:

Having experienced indifference or intolerance of diverse opionions at an existing community association within Bowleys Quarters, a group of visionary individuals gathered together to cultivate a truly representative community association open to diverse points of view, transparent organizational participation, unparalleled representation and a proactive commitment to protecting eastern Baltimore County's natural, agricultural and scenic resources.  This core group of organizers subsequently developed a mission statement, by-laws and the necessary legal and statutory status relative to a truly functioning organization.  An initial group of individuals (Bill Lagna, Norma Bankard, Ron Walper and Harlan Zinn) were selected as officers for a one-year term in concert with a Board of Directors and various committees.   

An inaugural community meeting of the Bowleys Quarters Community Association (BQCA) was held (January 22, 2008) at the St. Mathews Lutheran Church on Red Rose Farm Road.  The standing room only crowd of 125+ individuals heard introductions, overviews of issues, a call to action and an opportunity to engage in spirited discussions with subject matter authorities.  This initial meeting and subsequent discussions held with neighbors, property owners and residents, business owners, etc. led to an eventual membership in the hundreds with the initial target of 500 members.   Many individuals found the experience and membership to be "energizing, enlightening, empowering and impressive."  Membership in the "new voice" of our community continues to grow as the community learns that the BQCA is committed to keeping residents informed on issues that affect the overall community, including presenting a comprehensive overview of ALL perspectives and anticipated impact statements relative to our community's quality of life. 

In an effort to keep everyone informed, BQCA publishes and disseminates a monthly newsletter and maintains a  web site - "BQCA.org", and holds monthly "general membership meetings".  Various pot luck dinners, fundraisers, social excursions, quarterly community clean-ups, sponsorships of concerts,school scholarships, etc. are held throughout the year in order to maintain visibility, increase credibility and provide a forum for ALL of the community.  Of interest have been the comments from various County Council members as to the impact we are having in Bowleys Quarters; contacts from surrounding neighborhood community associations who have adopted our marketing and communication strategies; and the endless emulation from the earlier improvement association of record in Bowleys Quarters.  We continue to welcome your comments, your participation, your support and opinions.  We are committed to presenting unbiased, balanced perspectives relative to issues facing our community. 

Original officers appointed:

Harlan Zinn, Norma Bankard, Bill Lagna, Ron Walper

Announcement of 1st General Membership Meeting (Bengies Drive-In Marqee);

General Membership Meeting - Overflow Crowd:

Beyond an initial galvanizing issue of whether condominiums should be allowed on Galloway Creek, the BQCA has become involved in a myriad of issues during its first year of existence which included:  adoption of Bowleys Quarters Road and the larger community for quarterly beautification and clean-up campaigns; active participation in various adjacent community organizations - Essex /  Middle River Civic Council, Essex Renaissance Committee, Lower Back River Planning Charette, and Lockheed Martin company dialogues, etc.; information booths at  the Waterfront Festival at Wilson Point, Long Beach Car Show, etc.; testimony and input at the County Comprehensive  Zoning Map Process (CZMP); various community social events - Middle River Conert Band Performance, joint fundraisers with St. Mathews Lutheran Youth Group and Boy Scouts, Rockettes at 1st Mariner Arena, etc.; launch of the "Donors Club" comprised of $100 donation members; annual large scale 50/50 raffle which netted thousands of dollars for the organization; and continuous interface with Baltimore County government officials, legislators and departments regarding community issues and cocnerns.   

Galloway Creek PUD Community Input Meeting:

February 20, 2013

During the General Meeting, Mr Altfield representing Southern Land Development, presented a PUD proposal to be located at the northeast corner of the intersection of Carroll Island and Keener Roads. The PUD was to consist of 480 apartments with amenities and a senior housing complex of 200 units. The apartments were to be located on the portion of the 150 acres which are inside of the URDL, but the details of the senior complex was not presented.

The residents of the area filled the meeting room with approximately 120 people to express their thoughts and concerns. The major concern was with the traffic that would be generated by the PUD on a single lane road and an already crowded intersection. A commenter stated that they would prefer a single lane road without the PUD than a widened road with the PUD. 

Other widely held concerns were the impacts on resources such as the schools and emergency services as well as the impact on the environment. It was suggested that properties without forests be utilized for PUDs instead of removing the trees and habitat for wildlife. It is felt that the area has already been overdeveloped and that this project would create redundant housing opportunities that are provided by other approved and proposed projects. There was a consensus that any additional housing in the area should be occupied by owners to avoid some of the existing issues being caused by renters.

A survey of the attendees was held during the meeting and nobody signed the form to support the project.