The Viaduct – Vol 7 No 2 – April 1994

Headlines and Article Summaries (April-May 1994 Issue)

  1. “Scratch the Flea Market?”
    This article discusses community opposition to the proposal for an open-air flea market at the old Elkridge Drive-In site. Despite the property owner’s claim that the market would fund community projects, many residents believe it would reinforce negative perceptions of the area and create traffic and sanitation problems​.
  2. “What’s Playing at the Drive-In?”
    This editorial reflects on the history and future of the Elkridge Drive-In site. It highlights past efforts to use the location for community events like the Elkridge Days Carnival and debates the owner’s new proposal for a flea market. The article emphasizes the importance of cooperation between property owners and the community​.
  3. “Noisier Skies This Summer?”
    Due to ongoing construction at BWI Airport, runway closures will result in increased air traffic noise over Elkridge. The article advises residents to report excessive noise and emphasizes the community’s ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of airport activities​.
  4. “Waste Transfer Station in Elkridge”
    Browning-Ferris Industries (BFI) has requested a permit to establish a waste transfer station capable of processing up to 2,000 tons of trash daily. Community leaders express concerns about increased traffic, noise, and the environmental impact of consolidating waste facilities in the area​.
  5. “Old Schoolhouse to be Moved”
    An old one-room schoolhouse from the 1860s, part of the county’s Historic Structures Inventory, is slated to be relocated to Rockburn Branch Park. Plans for its rehabilitation include educational and community use, though challenges such as ADA compliance and infrastructure improvements remain​.
  6. “St. Augustine’s Celebrates 150th Anniversary”
    St. Augustine’s Roman Catholic Church is celebrating its 150th anniversary with a series of commemorative events. Parishioners are invited to share historical anecdotes for inclusion in a special publication​.
  7. “Shelter Development Announces Senior Housing Facility Project”
    Plans for a new senior housing facility near the Elkridge Library are progressing after the initial attempt to build on the former drive-in site faced setbacks. The project aims to provide much-needed senior services and housing​.

Summary – The Viaduct (April-May 1994 Issue)

The April-May 1994 issue of The Viaduct focuses on community concerns, development projects, and historic preservation in Elkridge.

A proposed flea market at the former Elkridge Drive-In site faces strong community opposition. While the property owner argues it would fund local projects, residents worry about increased traffic, sanitation issues, and reinforcing negative perceptions. At the same time, Shelter Development Corporation is moving forward with plans to build a senior housing facility near the Elkridge Library after previous setbacks.

Environmental concerns are also prominent. Browning-Ferris Industries (BFI) has applied to build a waste transfer station capable of handling 2,000 tons of trash daily, raising concerns about increased truck traffic and environmental impact. Additionally, runway closures at BWI Airport are expected to cause more air traffic noise over Elkridge during the summer months, with community leaders urging residents to report disturbances.

Efforts to preserve local history continue with the planned relocation of a 19th-century one-room schoolhouse to Rockburn Branch Park, where it will be restored for educational use. Meanwhile, St. Augustine’s Roman Catholic Church celebrates its 150th anniversary with special events and a commemorative publication reflecting on its rich community history.

Throughout the issue, there is a clear focus on balancing growth with community interests, preserving local heritage, and ensuring environmental accountability.

Link to Full Issue:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S4x-8LKqqrlaRF_LDjHOKBdG86hP_QX-/view?usp=drive_link