Baltimore County Council Legislative Day 17 Meeting - October 15, 2025

The Baltimore County Council convened on October 15, 2025, for its 17th legislative day, considering a range of administrative resolutions, zoning bills, and public concerns. Key topics included a pilot extension for Prescott Square Apartments, a retroactive lead hazard reduction contract, the Days Cove landfill permit, and a proposed 24-hour restaurant in the Honeygo overlay district. Public testimony was heard on the landfill and the restaurant issue.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Days Cove Reclamation Company (Resolution 49-25): Multiple speakers urged denial of the Maryland Department of the Environment permit to expand daily discharge from 12,000 to 25,000 gallons. Kathy Ryan Martin, a lifelong Gunpowder River property owner, detailed decades of pollution and broken promises to close the landfill by 2000. Marie Leport, representing the Sierra Club, supported the resolution but abstained on closure until more information is available. Theo Legadour, Gunpowder Riverkeeper, noted a new public notice issued October 7 and requested a second public hearing.
• Bill 72-25 (Honeygo Restaurant Hours): A dozen residents from Forge Reserve, Perry Hall Place, and the Gatherings testified in support of the bill to prohibit 24-hour restaurant operation within 250 feet of residences. They cited existing nuisances from a nearby 24-hour Wawa, including late-night noise, loitering, and trash. They argued the developer originally promised a Steak 'n Shake and did not disclose a 24-hour Denny's. Ron Shaftel, representing Southern Land Company, opposed the bill, stating Denny's is an established tenant, that the community was not promised limited hours, and that the bill would breach the lease and cause litigation.

Discussion Items

• Resolution 47-25 – Prescott Square Apartments Pilot Extension: Terry Hickey presented an amendment to extend the payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) agreement from 10 to 20 years following a 9% low-income housing tax credit award. The project at 4400 Old Court Road will renovate 75 units, with 70 reserved at 60% AMI, including 28 three-bedroom and 4 wheelchair-accessible units. No questions or opposition were raised.
• Fiscal Matter – Lead Hazard Reduction Contract (Day Village): Terry Hickey requested retroactive approval of a contract with Lewis Construction for lead abatement in 41 units at 511 North Avondale Road. A disconnect in contract expiration required a retroactive purchase order from January to November 2025. Councilman Crandall questioned the chronology; Hickey explained the prior master agreement had expired but a purchase order remained open. Councilman Patoka asked about resident displacement; none occurred as temporary suites were provided.
• Property Acquisition – Windsor Mill Sidewalk Project: Jonathan Herbst requested approval to acquire a 0.103-acre parcel from Verizon for $15,150 for sidewalk construction. Councilman Jones noted this was the final acquisition for a project initiated 12 years ago. Councilman Marks asked for progress on Cross and Honeygo land acquisition. Councilman Patoka inquired about funding sources for right-of-way acquisitions.
• Police Contracts – DNA and Marijuana Testing: Colonel Dennis Delp presented six-month extensions for three forensic testing contracts to avoid service interruption. Councilman Marks asked about marijuana testing; Delp explained it is for THC percentage determination in certain cases.
• Fire Department Donation – Grain Bin Rescue: Deputy Chief Kevin Hughes accepted a $6,000 donation from the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety, including rescue equipment and training, with no recurring costs.
• Bill 67-25 – OR1 Zone Temporary Use: Councilman Young introduced a bill to temporarily permit storage of construction equipment in OR1 zones for state highway projects. The bill includes a sunset tied to project completion. Councilman Crandall confirmed the change is not permanent. Councilman Young reported no complaints from the community.
• Resolution 49-25 – Days Cove Landfill: Councilman Marks introduced a resolution urging the Maryland Department of the Environment to deny the permit and close the landfill. Councilman Ketch added his co-sponsorship during the meeting. A technical amendment to request a second public hearing was discussed.
• Bill 71-25 – Open Space Fee in Lieu of: Councilman Urtel presented a bill to clarify open space fee categories for newly created overlay districts (MU, ESH, student housing). A technical amendment was noted to remove the Eco-Park district as it is non-residential.
• Bill 72-25 – Honeygo Restaurant Hours: See Public Comments for testimony. Councilman Marks emphasized the bill is a response to community concerns about a 24-hour Denny's being built feet from homes. Councilman Jones and Young asked about precedent and alternative hours. Marks indicated openness to amendments.
• Resolution 50-25 – 2024 CZMP Correction: Companion resolution to address zoning issues, presented by Councilman Marks without questions.
• Resolution 51-25 – Red Run Meadows PUD: Councilman Jones presented a plan unit development on Ray Run Boulevard. Councilman Patoka asked about community benefits; Jones said they are being finalized before voting.

Key Outcomes

• Councilman Ketch formally added his co-sponsorship to Resolution 49-25 (Days Cove).
• The administration will prepare a technical amendment to Bill 71-25 removing the Eco-Park district.
• No final votes were recorded during this meeting; most items are expected to be voted on at a subsequent meeting (noted for Monday, October 17).
• A second public hearing on the Days Cove permit was requested by the Gunpowder Riverkeeper and acknowledged by the council.