Friends of the Overlea Turnaround

The Overlea Waiting Station was built in 1917 at the turnaround of the Number 15 Belair Road streetcar line. The Station served passengers and crews through the end of the streetcar era, and continued on as a bus turnaround after the streetcars were eliminated from Baltimore life. Waiting Stations were found on nearly all suburban streetcar lines but most are gone.

Because of its poor condition, the Overlea Waiting Station was demolished in 1998. The design of the present-day building is based on the original station.

Listening to the concerns of Overlea residents, Senator Katherine Klausmiere spearheaded the multi-million dollar project. She worked very hard to have the station rebuilt to fit with the history and charm of the Overlea community.

The Overlea Community Association monitors and reports issues at the Turnaround, and has for years. The Association rents the small room there from MDOT for event storage. MDOT has a contract with BARC that provides trash pick up on a regular basis. But it is never enough. Graffiti reports, damage and trash concerns are taking longer to be addressed. The lighting does not work and the sidewalks and area under cover are disgusting. MDOT has been asked to address both concerns. Recently the OCA was able to get the burned bench replaced and damaged areas repainted.

The time has come for the formation of a committee to advocate to our elected officials and to MDOT for the improvements and monitoring needed. Residents are needed to take a more active and direct hands-on role. The newly formed Friends of the Overlea Turnaround will be meeting the first week in September. If you want to be a part of ensuring this neighborhood icon is taken care of, email Doris Poling at dfpoling18@yahoo.com