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    Weekly Briefing – Week of December 19

    1. Havre de Grace
    2. Weekly Briefing – Week of December 19

    Department of Public Works: 

    • The Director of Public Works (DPW) is in communication with various agencies, including MDOT SHA, Harford County, and traffic engineers. These talks will help with right-of-way issues through Survey and GIS information, problematic intersections, traffic studies, and installation of ADA-compliant sidewalks and pedestrian-activated Crosswalks.
    • The Operation’s Assistant is currently drafting a letter regarding the unauthorized use of City Water to be distributed appropriately to various entities within the City limits.
    • There are a number of construction projects happening that have affected traffic patterns and road openings. The Department of Public Works water crew is replacing a valve at Union Ave. and Pennington Ave., which has resulted in a lane shift while work is being done. Goettner is working on construction at Green St., which will result in a road closure during the day that will open on or after 3 PM daily. There is a road closure at Adams St. and Pennington Ave. due to construction on the parking lot and ADA-compliant sidewalks initiative. Contractors are finishing up paving operations at Tidewater Drive.
    • The City Fleet Manager and the DPW are reviewing the entire fleet to evaluate which vehicles can be turned in for the highest resale value.
    • The Department of Public Works has closed and winterized the bathrooms at Hutchin’s Park for the season. The City will reopen the bathrooms on or about April 1, 2023.
    • A Department of Public Works crew is continuing to flush hydrants while the temperatures remain above freezing.
    • A tree has been cut down and removed from Todd Park to protect the bees. Havre de Grace is proud of its Bee City Certification in partnership with the Green Team.
    • DPW teams have been notified to be on standby to proactively salt roads and intersections in preparation for the forthcoming inclement weather this week. 

    Police Department: 

    Preparations Tips for Winter Storms and Driving

    It is more than likely that we will experience icing, snow, and a wintry mix of weather conditions throughout the winter.   When those weather conditions occur, the City of Havre de Grace Department of Public Works (DPW) and the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) deploy crews to perform an anti-icing operation in preparation for whatever storm is projected.

    While the crews work to apply the salt brine, which prevents precipitation from initially bonding to the pavement or snow plow, motorists are encouraged to remain home and off the roads so crews can effectively and efficiently treat the streets.

    For those who must travel, we offer a few guidelines:

    • Please be patient with the working crews trying to clear pathways for drivers.
    • Please know what roads in the City of Havre de Grace are state roads (Rt. 155, Superior Street, Ohio Street, Otsego Street, Union Avenue, Revolution Street (Old Post Road, Rt. 7).  If a snow emergency plan is in effect, vehicles must be removed from that state road.  If your vehicle is not moved, it might be towed or plowed in the spot where it is parked.
    • Slow down.  The posted speed limits are ideal for weather conditions.  The inclement weather may require you to drive slower than the posted speed limit.
    • Please leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the DPW or MDOT SHA equipment.  While following the equipment can be an excellent place, don’t crowd the plows.  Distance is essential in case of sudden slowdowns or stops.
    • Clear snow from the entire vehicle as the remaining snow on hoods and roofs can become ice, dislodge during highway travel, and pose a hazard to other motorists.

    These are a few guidelines to follow if you are driving during inclement winter weather.  However, the best suggestion is to stay home, allow the crews enough time to treat or clear the roadway, or don’t drive unless you absolutely find it necessary.

    Department of  Economic Development and Tourism: 

    • Per our Maryland Smart Energy Community (MSEC) grant, LED light installation in City Hall and the Police Department commenced the 2nd week of December. LED lights in municipal buildings will significantly reduce the City’s energy consumption and electricity costs.
    • Per our grant from the Economic Development Agency EDA), the City has begun the procurement process for the construction of a public pier off Green Street and the purchase of a 100% electric shuttle. Chosen contractors/vendors should be announced in January.
    • The December edition of the quarterly Havre de Grace Business Beat is slated for December 29 – it’s easy to subscribe, as well as past read editions, here: https://www.subscribepage.com/hdgbusinessbeat 
    • Holly Jolly Fridays in December were a huge success!  Businesses were very busy, and Santa saw a record number of kids…nearly 500, double the number from past years!
    • Upcoming events include the Mayor’s Pick Holiday Movie on December 26 at the Opera House: Scrooged,  And make sure to attend the Annual New Year’s Eve Duck Drop and Fireworks event beginning at 10:30 pm at the Concord Point Lighthouse.
    • We will soon be hiring a Main Street Manager & Tourism Coordinator. Details to follow soon on the City website.