Oklahoma Road Middle

A citizens group plans to ask the county Planning Commission to impose what would amount to a moratorium on building permits until a new middle school opens in South Carroll.Citing severe crowding at Sykesville Middle School, the South Carroll Coalition will begin circulating a petition tomorrow. Signers will pledge support for what they are calling a "deferral" on new building."Building at the new school may not be complete until 1998, but we can't continue like we are," said Kathleen Horneman, who helped form the coalition last fall.

Parents concerned with overcrowding at Sykesville Middle School are shifting their focus from education officials to county planners and developers.As a last resort, they may ask for a building moratorium."

About 500 people simulated the crowding at Sykesville Middle School last night as they filled the gymnasium to capacity.They came to tell county and state officials they wanted Oklahoma Road Middle School built in South Carroll as soon as possible. And they had packed the gymnasium on purpose, in order to demonstrate the crowded conditions at the school."What are your projections for new home construction in South Carroll, which could soon become the population center of the county?" asked Robert Martz.