A Catonsville homeowner reported a ninth automobile striking her front yard in about two years on July 6, prompting Baltimore County to identify traffic-calming options for the street but warning that any changes could take months.
The homeowner, who lives on Kenwood Avenue, told local TV that the most recent crash came closer to her front door than previous incidents. She said the string of wrecks has damaged mailboxes, trees and landscaping and forced her to change how she uses her property to avoid danger.
"I am always looking over my shoulder," she said in a previous interview.
County response and next steps
After the homeowner went public with video of the July 6 collision, Baltimore County's Department of Public Works and Transportation reviewed the footage and said Kenwood Avenue now meets the criteria for speed humps under the county's Neighborhood Traffic Management Program.
County officials also reviewed the crash with Baltimore County Police to determine whether driver behavior, road conditions or other factors contributed to the incident. Police had not released a finalized cause as of the most recent report.
What residents should know about speed humps
Qualifying for speed humps is only the first step. The county requires community buy-in and funding before physical measures can be installed.
- A community petition must be circulated to adjacent property owners.
- At least 75% of those property owners must sign in support for the project to proceed.
- Even with sufficient signatures, installation is scheduled based on available funding.
That means residents on Kenwood Avenue may face weeks or months of organizing and waiting before any speed humps are placed.
Local impact and safety concerns
The homeowner said the repeated crashes have added thousands of dollars in cleanup and repair costs. She also said she keeps her child away from the mailbox and remains vigilant about traffic passing her home.
Neighbors and motorists may want to document incidents, preserve any video evidence and stay in touch with county officials as the petition and funding process moves forward. County staff indicated they will work with the homeowner on the next steps in the traffic-calming process.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Number of crashes reported | 9 in about two years |
| Street | Kenwood Avenue, Catonsville |
| County action | Identified locations for speed humps; coordinating with police |
| Community approval needed | 75% of adjacent property owners |
Baltimore County officials said they would assist the homeowner and consider timing and funding as they move through the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program. Residents who live on or near Kenwood Avenue should contact the Department of Public Works and Transportation for updates and instructions on the petition process.
This report draws on interviews and coverage by WMAR-2 and county statements provided after the July 6 crash.
