Serving the area since 1918, this YWCA is the oldest social service organization serving families in Anne Arundel County. To accomplish its mission of eliminating racism and empowering women, the organization offers programs such as emergency housing for victims of domestic violence and assisting with permanent housing options, legal services, financial and computer literacy training, mentoring, crisis hotlines, health and wellness classes, as well as scholarships to colleges and universities.
The Carroll County Public Safety Training Center, located on Kate Wagner Road near Westminster Senior High School, serves as a training center for a number of local volunteer fire departments. In addition, this facility is a base of operations for a number of specialized local units including the Carroll County Advanced Rescue Team, the Carroll County Volunteer Emergency Services Association, and the Carroll County Emergency Operations Center.
The department of economic development was established as an advocate and resource for the county's business community. Besides promoting Baltimore County as a great place to live and work, the department helps businesses find tax credits, enterprise zones, workforce, training and trade opportunities. This department can also help fast-track development projects.
This parking garage is located next door to both the Towson District Court and the Towson Public library. Rates start at $4 for the first hour and increase to $5 for two hours, $6 for three hours, $7 for four hours, and so on, with a maximum daily rate of $10. Weekend and evening parking after 5:30pm is available for $1 and a monthly pass can be purchased for $93.
This department oversees zoning, building codes, rights-of-way and other issues affecting development. Fees for permits and inspections are listed on the agency's Web site. The agency publishes a twice-monthly e-newsletter for each district of the county with the latest zoning changes in the neighborhood.
The Harford County Board of Elections is a government office located in Bel Air. The board deals specifically with the overseeing of elections in Harford County, providing election information and voter registration materials to residents. The board also deals with absentee voting. A plethora of election resources, including information on candidates and voting locations, is available on the board's website. For further inquiries, phone the Harford County Board of Elections.
The Kensington Volunteer Fire Department was originally built in 1946, renovated in 1978 and then again in 2001 (but it still doesn't have a fire pole). KVFD Station 5 has more than 120 volunteers, with about 60 active volunteers. Two fire trucks and two ambulances (one for advanced life support and one for basic life support) are ready to go when an emergency is called in. The fire department is staffed from 6am to 6pm, Monday through Friday, by five career fire fighters and from 6pm to 6am and 24 hours on weekends by volunteers. "Riding Members" live at the fire house and serve a minimum of four shifts per week in exchange for their housing.
Enter the information office and be greeted by knowledgeable and helpful volunteers who are ready to answer questions and be as helpful as possible. The fire department is always looking for new volunteers (not only firefighters but office workers, paramedics and more). Classes are offered by Montgomery County Public Safety Training. Interested parties must be at least 17 years of age.
The Baltimore County Council is in session year-round, meeting twice a month to vote on issues and hear testimony on bills. While all council members have offices in their districts, all of them also have offices in Towson. The offices and council chambers are on the second floor of the county courthouse. The current councilman for District 5, which includes Towson, is Vince Gardina.
The department of corrections' state-of-the-art glass facility on Bosley Avenue houses Baltimore County Detention Center, the Pre-trial Services Division and the Alternative Sentencing Division. The facility was renovated and expanded in 2006, much to the chagrin of nearby residents. The expansion consolidated all county correction functions in the same building.
