Rodgers Forge Listed on the National Register of Historic Places

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MARYLAND – The neighborhood of Rodgers Forge in Baltimore County has now been listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the official list maintained by the National Park Service of historic places worthy of preservation.

Rodgers Forge is a community of primarily over 1,700 rowhouses built by Baltimore developer James Keelty and his sons between 1931 and 1957. The development is named after smithy, George Rodgers, whose blacksmith shop was located at the intersection of York Road and Stevenson Lane.

The listing marks the culmination of a multi-year project initiated by the Rodgers Forge community association’s Historic Preservation Committee. Committee members Liz Buxton, Jean Duvall and Sarah Kahl obtained a grant from Maryland Historical Trust to allow the preparation of a full report on 20th Century Rowhouses in Baltimore, which would serve as a backbone to the National Register nomination.

The report and nomination were prepared by Mary Ellen Hayward, co-author of The Baltimore Rowhouse and author of Baltimore’s Alley Houses: Homes for Working People since the 1780s. According to the nomination, Rodgers Forge stands out as a significant illustration of both the English and the Early American style rowhouse. As construction continued through the depression, the shift in style from English garden suburb to Colonial architecture was apparent. The variation among the houses in a single style, however, was a significant feature and a key selling point at the time: advertisements boasted “no houses were alike.”

Committee member Sarah Kahl says, “I am thrilled to have the neighborhood listed on the National Register, which I hope will be a source of pride for the community. I also hope that homeowners will look into the tax credits that are available for preservation of listed properties.” Committee member Jean Duvall summed up the excitement of the Board: “This project has been one of the most educational and rewarding endeavors that I have ever had the pleasure to be affiliated with in any manner. We are very appreciative that the Board of Governors agreed to support this effort financially.”

For more information about the National Register and other legacy preservation projects, see the Maryland Historical Trust website at http://mht.maryland.gov/nationalregister.html. For more information about Rodgers Forge, see the community website at http://www.rodgersforge.org/.

Get the Word Out!

Please get this information at to all in your communities and neighborhoods.

Over the past few weeks we've seen a spike in residential burglaries throughout the Towson area and in several instances the investigating Officer gathered valuable information from neighbors about possible suspect(s) and/or vehicles that were seen entering/exiting/around the victim's property at the time of the crime. Obtaining this information is great and very helpful in our investigations, the problem though is that when these neighbors have observed this activity they aren't calling 9-1-1 immediately to report it and thus we don't get this information until the victim calls in, which has been several hours after the actual incident.

I know in the past when I've made this request you have done a good job in getting this request out so I'm asking again for your assistance. Let your folks know that whenever they observe suspicious activity, a person they don't recognize walking around the area, an unfamiliar vehicle driving around or parked in the area to call 9-1-1 and request the Police immediately. They can remain anonymous if they're in fear of any retribution or they just don't want any contact with the Police, but it would be a great help if we got this information when it happens.

Thank You for your Assistance,

Sgt Steve Fink
Baltimore County Police

Rodgers Forge is Officially Designated an Historic Community!

We are proud to publicize that the Rodgers Forge Community has received notification from the Director of the National Park Service of announcements and action on properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places and our community is now listed on that list.

Rodgers Forge has received Official Designation as a Historic Community on the National Register of Historic Places.

More details to follow.

Regester Avenue Road Patching Unacceptable

Having had an opportunity to drive down the newly completed area of Regester Avenue where County Roads recently completed repair work, the RFC, Inc. had originally believed only the initial phase of the work had been completed.

The road surface is patched in the middle on a strip that does not quite extend to where vehicles can be parked on either side by the curb. This causes the outside wheels of cars driven on the street to be off the newly paved surface while the inside wheels are are on it. There is presently no line down the middle of the road and the paving has created a crown of sorts in the middle of the road. To top off our comments, we must state this the work looks quite uneven and unsightly.

We are informed that the balance of the work had been scheduled but far into the future! In the opinion of the RFC, and we are certain this is an opinion shared by all effected neighbors, such a timeframe for future work completion is not acceptable.

The RFC, Inc. External Affairs Committee has calls in to the appropriate authority concerning this matter and we will keep the community informed as things develop.

BCPD - Significant Events Report - Stay Alert & Call 911 if You See Anything Suspicious!

The latest weekly Significant Events report has been shared by the BCPD, and, although there is no crime listed in Rodgers Forge, please be sure to read the report--this is what's happening in our area.

Notice that the many of the burglaries involve the suspects entering through a rear basement door or window. How secure are your doors and windows? Be sure to lock them when out of the room or away from home. Thieves are very watchful and notice windows being left ajar.... Don't give them an opportunity!

If you see anything suspicious, call the 911.

If something or someone is "out of place", call 911.

From the Baltimore County Police Department, Precint 6 (CLICK ON THE IMAGES FOR A LARGER VIEW):

COPtoberfest! - Join RFCOP!

From Rob Williams, head of the Rodgers Forge COP:

COPtoberfest!

COPtoberfest is a month long celebration of the Rodgers Forge C.O.P.
The RFCOP is celebrating over the number of current volunteers. The
RFCOP is celebrating the scheduled patrols that will be hitting the neighborhood. We want YOU to be a part of the celebration.

Currently, we have seven volunteers and we need more. Whether it be
patrolling by vehicle or by foot, we need your service. There's no long
term contracts to sign, no hidden fees and best of all, the interest rate
stays the same. That, of course would be a 100% interest to help be
the "eyes and ears" of the community.

What will you receive by volunteering? Absolutely nothing BUT adulation
and warm wishes from your neighbors applauding your efforts.

Those who would be walkers will receive a stylish reflective "Citizen Patrol" vest. It's the fashion statement of the fall season.

So, come on, what are you waiting for? The RFCOP needs you. Volunteer
and be apart of COPtoberfest.

Call today. Call now! An operator will be happy to take your call. Yes, that operator is yours truly.

Rob Williams - RFCOP 410-561-6378 or 410-377-4756

Questions & Concerns?

This is a weekly post that allows you to comment with any questions or concerns.

The idea is to allow residents another avenue to communicate with the board and ask questions.

Comment away!