The rear entrances of Knettishall homes face serviceable alleys used by fire and emergency services vehicles. So that they can do their job in a safe and timely manner, the county is mandating that all our houses display address numbers on the back of the properties. The numbers must be at least 3-in in height. Residents have until March 9th to comply (i.e. the deadline was last month) or face a fine of $100 for non-compliance. Numbers are available at Home Depot, Jo-Ann Fabrics or Wal-mart, for example.

You should receive your Maryland Property Tax Assessment notice in the mail. There is an application inside the assessment which you need to fill out in order to apply for the Homestead Property Tax Credit.

This credit was automatically given to you in the past, if you were eligible, which most of us are. This year you must apply for it. The homestead credit limits the amount of assessment increase on which a homeowner will pay property taxes in that tax year on the one property actually used as the owner's principal residence.

THIS YEAR IF YOU DO NOT FILL OUT THE APPLICATION YOU WILL NOT BE GRANTED THE HOMESTEAD TAX EXEMPTION AND YOUR TAX BILL WILL GO UP ACCORDINGLY.

Please be sure to look for this application and fill it out.

If you have neighbors who may not receive this email and may not be aware of the application process that is needed this year, please pass this along.

If you have further questions you can visit the Maryland Department of Assessments website at http://www.dat.state.md.us/

The Department of Permits & Development Management, Bureau of Code Enforcement, has issued a useful booklet in advance of the July 1st, 2008 deadline by which time ALL rental properties are required to be registered with the County. Community associations and councils, attorneys, landlords, and prospective landlords, should get a copy. The title is:

DO YOU OWN RENTAL PROPERTY IN BALTMORE COUNTY ?

Fines for non compliance could run as high as $ 1,000 a day.

Contact the department online at: pdmenforce@baltimorecountymd.gov, or by phone: 410-887-3351

On the evening of Jan 8, 2008, a man standing at the bus stop on Loch Raven and Aberdeen was shot during a robbery by two assailants. The shooters fled the scene on foot, running through Knettishall and leaving some clothing behind in one of the Wyton Rd alleys. The victim was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at a local hospital, while the neighborhood was canvassed by police, scent dogs and a helicopter for a few hours.

On the morning of Thurs, Jan 31, detectives from Baltimore County Police and the Harford County Sheriff's Office raided 8116 Loch Raven Blvd and arrested 3 dangerous fugitives:

Larry Boulware was charged with the Armed Robbery of a Rite Aid in Harford Co. Thomas Eugene Washington, age 18, was charged with the robbery of 2 Loch Raven Village residents that occurred on 10/29/07 as well as the robbery and shooting described above. His cousin Charles Eric Andrews, age 17, was charged as an adult accomplice in the same robbery and shooting. As of Feb 6, all three suspects are currently still in jail.

This information has come from Sergeant Stephen Moffett, Precinct 6 Community Outreach Team & Hillendale CSAFE Team. He can be reached at 410-887-5933 or smoffett@baltimorecountymd.gov