From Friends of Harford:
Friends of Harford believes that, unlike the visionary parts of HarfordNEXT, the Development Envelope expansions shown on the Land Use Map will be implemented immediately, adding land in Creswell, Fallston and Forest Hill to the Development Envelope ready to be rezoned for immediate development. Furthermore, HarfordNEXT proposes a Growth Study that we believe will lead to a large eastward expansion of the Development Envelope boundary in the general area of Churchville, Creswell and points further east. Friends of Harford opposes expanding the Development Envelope yet again, after over 1,000 acres were added less than four years ago. Below is our rationale.
(paper and maps follow below and as attachments)……..
PROPOSED GROWTH STUDY IS NOT NEEDED
A Growth Study is called for in “the area east of the Development Envelope between U.S. 1 and I-95”, with no limit on the study’s eastern boundary. This leads us to believe the County is committed to expanding the Development Envelope regardless of need. Friends of Harford agrees with Maryland Department of Planning that no expansion of the Development Envelope is needed.
In their letter dated March 22, 2016, Maryland Department of Planning, Review Comments, Draft HarfordNEXT, states:
“ Harford County is projected to grow by approximately 18,525 households between 2015 and 2040. Given that the current land capacity inside the development district could accommodate all of this growth, is it necessary at this time to explore new growth areas in addition to the existing Development Envelope? Perhaps the last sentence could incorporate ‘to determine the need for any future growth area’.”
Furthermore, HarfordNEXT ignores the development capacity of the 1,000+ acres between Aberdeen and Havre de Grace added to the Development Envelope by the 2012 Master Plan. We strongly believe the county and these two municipalities should plan together for this area, recognizing that we will jointly share and pay for roads, schools, parks, libraries and other infrastructure here.
PROPOSED EXPANSIONS OF DEVELOPMENT ENVELOPE ARE NOT JUSTIFIED
HarfordNEXT plans to expand the Development Envelope on three properties in Creswell, Fallston and Forest Hill. Friends of Harford asked why, and the Administration responded by saying: “The minor adjustments were proposed based on the need to alleviate environmental or human health concerns or allow for more efficient infill on parcels otherwise constrained by development on adjacent properties.”
Friends of Harford believes these reasons are inaccurate and do not justify the expansions.
· The properties do not meet the common definition of infill and are not constrained by adjacent properties.
· If failing septic systems are the “human health concern”, public water or sewer can be provided to existing homes without expanding the Development Envelope. This has been done before for health reasons. Friends of Harford fully supports providing public water and/or sewer to homes and businesses which have long been in existence.
CRESWELL EXPANSION (see Creswell HarfordNEXT area map)
This is a single property, surrounded on 3 sides by Agricultural zoned land. It is not infill, and resembles “spot zoning”. There is no justification for expanding the Development Envelope for this one property, especially prior to completion of the Growth Study to see if expansion is warranted.
Maryland Department of Planning’s March 22 letter also commented:
“It appears that a portion of the Churchville/Creswell planning area is … identified in Chapter 2 as an area for a potential growth area. Is the County thinking that this area may be added to the Development Envelope? In the Community Planning Areas Chapter, limiting the amount of new development to support existing agricultural areas … seems to be a goal. Increasing the DE with new growth areas would impact the County’s ability to achieve these community planning goals.”
Furthermore, if the only “reason” is that without public sewer, septic systems will be built, then this approach will lead developers to expect automatic approvals for any new residential subdivisions outside the Development Envelope, with developers randomly expanding the Development Envelope boundaries to suit their needs, not the County’s plan.
Maryland Department of Planning also commented:
“ … (HarfordNEXT should) state where and when such expansions of Development Envelope and the Water and Sewer boundaries would be consistent with the County growth goals. This could be carried out by stating public sewer and water expansion is restricted to designated growth areas, or to health concern areas that are later identified and amended into the County Water and Sewer Plan. ”
FALLSTON EXPANSION (see Fallston HarfordNEXT area map)
Maryland Department of Planning commented:
“Is the proposed expansion of the Development Envelope in Fallston connected to residents’ petitions to expand the Sanitary Sewer Service Area as described on pg. 27? If so, perhaps it makes sense to wait for the detailed comprehensive study of the FSS Service Area before making a recommendation.”
Friends of Harford notes that the Development Envelope was previously expanded in 2012 to “help existing homes” in this area, but instead new development was immediately approved which apparently used up the remaining sewer capacity in the Fallston Sanitary Sewer District. To date, we believe, none of the homes that were to be helped have received sewer service.
We believe water and sewer can (and should) be expanded to older, existing homes without expanding the Development Envelope. As noted by Maryland Department of Planning, health concerns are a valid reason to provide public water or sewer without changing Development Envelope boundaries. Health reasons have been used before in Harford as justification to provide such services outside the Development Envelope.
Consequently, we find no reason to add a huge piece of Agricultural-zoned land to the Development Envelope. This property adjoins an active farm in agricultural preservation, some older homes (some of which may want sewer), and on one end adjoins the same owner’s other high-intensity property which was brought into the Development Envelope in 2012. It quickly received B3 zoning and is being intensely developed in this otherwise rural area.
Adding the AG-zoned property into the Development Envelope is strongly opposed by the Fallston Community Advisory Board, Greater Fallston Association, and many local residents including “Keep Fallston Rural”.
Harford’s zoning code states that if an Agricultural property is brought into the Development Envelope and the owner requests and is granted (during comprehensive rezoning which follows on the heels of HarfordNEXT) B1 (low intensity business) zoning, it could legally become an SD “Mixed Use Center” if the developer wants. This would throw the property open to massive, high-intensity development.
FOREST HILL EXPANSION (see Forest Hill HarfordNEXT area map)
This is the less objectionable expansion, as it’s surrounded on three sides by other Rural Residential zoned lots. Rural Residential properties have septic systems rather than public sewer. But if avoiding septic is the reason for expanding the Development Envelope here, why stop with one property, and why does the Development Envelope leapfrog over the Rural Residential property to the south?
It is Friends of Harford’s opinion that the three proposed expansions of the DE are simply gifts to selected individuals or entities, not based on coherent or rational policy. We also believe a Growth Study is unnecessary because sufficient development capacity already exists, and that to decide to develop a specific rural area without justification is unacceptable in a master plan. (See 2012 Land Use Studies by Harford’s Department of Planning & Zoning.)
Friends of Harford is one smart cookie. But there really are no “visionary parts” of Harford next.
How can people oppose these changes?
Sounds more like “not in my neighborhood”. Just keep making the current development area more and more congested and clogged and a lowering quality of life.
So…Let’s lower the quality of life in more places in Harford? Or, “Gosh, we’ve already fouled up part of Harford…let’s finish the job!” Or, “I’m miserable let’s make everyone else miserable too!”
Let’s stage a sit in!!!!!!!!!!
Let us keep in mind that friends of Harford is nobody’s friend. Their basic philosophy is “I’ve got mine, now shut the door.” After 20+ years of watching this group I have come to look at their positions the same way I look a the Baltimore Sun or aegis positions; if they endorse I oppose it If they are agi’n i’m fer it.
Expansion of developement out of the so-called developement envelope is not based on any logical reasons. The only pre-requisite is to pay enough money to buy local politicians like Barry Glassman,Billy Boniface,or Dick Slutzky. They are beholding to developers like Tim Hopkins, Dick Street, and Bob Ward. The only thing that these guys wanr is to line their own pockets.
So you are implying developers are lining the pockets of elected officials. I hope you have proof of this and also read the Dagger TOS regarding your accusations.
All you have to do is go to the Maryland Election Board’s website and search the campaign finance database. Specifically related to the proposed expansions Michael Euler, his wife and entities that are traced back to his home address have given Glassman a total of $7,500 over the past several years; several thousand to Joe Woods ; and hundreds to other councilmen. Wolfe who owns another property up for inclusion in the development envelope has given Glassman over a $1,000. Not as much as Euler but still more than the average citizen. You can go down the list of area developers and related entities and find more of the same. MRA, Joe Snee, John Gessner, Dixie Construction, Bob Ward, Clark Turner, Vinton, Hockaday, Cox, Schulman, Comer, Fred Ward, CNA…. These are the folks who truly run our County. You are naive to believe otherwise. The three properties picked for inclusion in the development envelope are not part of long term strategy. Nor are they coincidence. You can draw your own conclusion as to whether the decisions were influenced by campaign contributions. But none of these contributors are giving thousands of dollars to local politicians because it makes them feel good or because they are simply feeling charitable. They are looking for something in return. And the real people to blame are the politicians who grant them the favors.
I live in Fallston and I was about to contact Joe Woods about him taking money from this group of people. I took your challenge and looked up his Campaign Finance information. It took a while to find because he is listed as Woods, Joe Team. After looking at it and comparing his to other council members; I am very proud of Joe Woods and I will be emailing him to inform him of that. Below are my findings, I will do the same for the other elected members soon.
Woods (2009 – 5/2016): Euler $3,000.00 Note: The Euler’s and all of his addresses only contributed in 2009, 2010, & 2013; MRA: $0.00; Joe Snee $1,300.00 Note: only in 2009, 2010, and in 2012; John Gessner: $650 Note: only in 2009, 2010, and in 2013; Dixie Construction $0.00; Bob Ward: $0.00; Clark Turner: $0.00; Vinton: $0.00; Hockaday: $0.00; Cox: $25.00 Note: I could only find one Cox “COX, WILLIAM H” I don’t know if that is the one you’re talking about. That was in 2012; Schulman $0.00; Comer $780.00 Note: only in 2009 and 2010; Fred Ward: $400.00 in 2010. For a total of $6,155.00 from the people that run the county and nothing from any of them after 2013. It looks like Joe Woods pissed off all of the developers.
Joe Woods’s largest contributors (2009 – 5/2016): Harford County’s Deputies’ – $7,940.00; PPM Inc. – $7,164.20; and Ed and Joyce Kelly – $2,944.00. I also noticed various members of Friends of Harford have contributed just about $2,000.00. Morita Bruce from Friends of Harford with the most of almost $500.00.
Look for yourself: https://campaignfinancemd.us/Home/Disclosures
PPM Inc was Joes company. Ed and Joyce are his Grandparents, they both passed away recently. Im a democrat and I have volunteered at events for Joe in the past. He is a good guy and I trust him. He has a rule at his fundraisers that he can not handle any of the money. All donations must be handled by his treasure. Also he has no access to any of the money and cant use it for personal things. So he can’t pay his bill or buy a car with any of it. And whatever he has left over after he closes his campaign account needs to be donated to a nonprofit. I asked him once who he will donate it to and he said the deputy sheriff fund.
Slutzky (2009 – 5/2016): Euler: $400.00; MRA; Joe Snee: $2,400.00; John Gessner: $1,050.00; Dixie Construction: $8,000.00; Bob Ward: $0.00; Clark Turner: $2,700.00; Vinton: $0.00; Hockaday; Cox: $250.00; Schulman: $1,000.00; Comer: $0.00; Fred Ward: $1,000.00. For a total of $16,800.00 since 2009.
Well done!
Now, what you are missing is all of the various LLCs and other entities a lot of these guys use to disguise the contributions and get around the limitations.
For example, do a search on 260 Hopewell Road (Dixie’s address). Look at all that come up under that address. DD & SP LLC for example. By simply searching on Dixie you would never find DD&SP LLC or know it exists.
For Euler search on 1814 Angleside Road. Look at all that come up. St. Claire Bridge Road LLC.
William H. Cox and Hockaday are connected. Look at 101 N. Main Street, Suite B and 141 N Main Street. Rock Glenn Commercial LLC; Spenceola Main Street Center, LLC; Swan Creek Village Center (where Glassman coincidently decided relocate the County Economic Development department)
Schulman is connected to the James Run project. Not a huge donor. Gave mostly to Craig around the time of the James Run TIF. Combined contributions by all parties related to the James Run project is into the thousands. Even the attorney who drafted the TIF documents got into the act.
Look up this address too: 2560 Lord Baltimore Drive. Staggering how much St. John’s properties gave out.
MRA – Morris Ritchie also gives through the Economic Growth PAC which is funded by its partners.
For Clark Turner look up 4685 Millennium Drive. Big numbers here through all of his various LLCs
Joe Woods does have a fairly decent record with respect to donations from developers. Mike Perrone is clean too. Slutzky is the worst. Craig was terrible. And Glassman is starting to follow in his foot steps.
The names thrown out above are just representative of members of the overall development community. There are too many names to mention. None of this is to impugn their integrity or say that they are doing things that are illegal or unethical. They are well within the rights to make these contributions.
The point of all this is that while individual citizens give their $50 here and there and in some cases $500, the developer community is giving thousands upon thousands. Morita Bruce gave $500 while Euler doled out $7,500 to Glassman alone. FOH cannot get any of the bills on their wishlist introduced while Euler got a fieldhouse bill introduced (even though it didn’t go anywhere), the water/sewer bill last Summer and now the inclusion of his property in the development envelope. How does that happen?
The problem lies with our politicians who are propped up by these contributions and allow these contributions to influence their decision making process. The developers are just doing what it takes to make a buck, all fair and legal. But you can’t allow these contributions to get in the way of doing what is right, which seems to happen all too often in this county.
Interesting discussion here. Seems that Friends of Harford has quite accurately summarized the issue, and provided a coherent opposing view. Those persons expressing an opposing view to that of Friends of Harford really did not present any facts for their opinions. To the comment about not wanting any more development in my neighborhood, I absolutely reject the concept of planning and land use practices that Harford County subscribes to. More development does not bring better roads, more funding for schools, more funding to pay county employees, more libraries or any of the other services residents expect. In fact nothing screams failure in government and governance louder than the planning and land use practices in this County. To the comment about “ I got mine now close the door”, well, yes by all means do close the door. Leave it closed until such time as the County government can determine how to develop without exacerbating an already terrible situation.
It is also interesting to read the fiscal note from the County Auditor. It is about as polite a condemnation of the Harford NEXT as could ever have been written. Seems like the County Auditor could find no silk purse in this pig’s ear.
THNX
JOHN P. MALLAMO
” I absolutely reject the concept of planning and land use practices that Harford County subscribes to”
Why? please give us facts.
” More development does not bring better roads, more funding for schools, more funding to pay county employees, more libraries or any of the other services residents expect”
Again could we please see your supporting facts.
“Leave it closed until such time as the County government can determine how to develop without exacerbating an already terrible situation.”
What exactly is this terrible situation you refer too.
Actually John I don’t expect a thought out response because your accusations are feelings based and not factual. And as much as you may dislike that running a government based on emotion is problematic.
“In fact nothing screams failure in government and governance louder than the planning and land use practices in this County.”
Please show us the failures.
Mr., Mrs., Miss, Ms, G. Wilson
Sir, Ma’am
You Sir, Ma’am are wrong, irretrievable, irrevocably, inexorably wrong. Everything about you post is wrong.
Taking the easy parts first. Governments run on money. Other peoples money. They allocate money based on emotion. Opiod addiction, find them help. Money side says tether them to a rock and let them die. Too many people dying in the middle east send more troops. Upside down on your mortgage, sue the lender and get relief. Can’t afford a house, sue the lender and get a mortgage. Septic and well failing, ask the government to put you in the development envelope to save your investment. Purchase raw property and cannot make it go, ask the government to put you in the development envelope to support all the people who could not otherwise afford to live in nice areas.Government is run on emotions. Like it or not. Could be the reason that Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump are winning the debate.
Re rejecting the land use and zoning practices. Harford County defined the development envelope. The area that they would focus infrastructure investments, roads, schools, libraries, parks. Then, because people desired to live outside the development envelope, invested in infrastructure there. Look at roads leading to major employment centers, schools that are structurally failing, services that are not available. Look at the number of schools that are structurally failing. Look at the areas that don’t get community centers, and never will. Look at the boat ramp that is used by very few. Look at all the other special favors.
Re leave it closed. Yes, until the county can develop a plan that articulates how their road improvements will be funded, the new schools will be funded, the reconstructed schools will be funded, the parks necessary for recreation, the bike paths that are mentioned will be funded, the hiking trails will be funded, and most of all where the water will come from to support this expansion then by all means do close the door. The mess that Harford County is in today is due in no small part to the explosive development of the late 80’s and 90’s . Revenues increased at an incrasing rate, expenditures increased at a greater rate. When revenues fell off, government could not fall off fast enough. Result, government people lost out on pay increases. Those people will continue to suffer, well into the next decade. Look no further than the property tax structure for confirmation.
Re the terrible situation. Harford county is in a precarious financial situation. The triple A bond rating that County Executive Craig first secured was based on not paying employees of the count, School board and Sheriff’s department any more than they had in the past. All salaries were frozen, had they not been, the county could not have afforded to increase wealth. Today, the roads are terrible, schools that should have been replaced are still failing, money that should have gone into the development envelope is directed to facilities that serve very few people. Not a recipe for success. Spreads requirements out beyond that which can be supported.
Failure? Well I doubt that you can throw a map of Harford County at a dart and not find a county maintained road or intersection that is not failing or soon to be failing. I doubt that you can find a bridge that is not soon to be failing that will not be repaired because there is no money. I doubt that you can find schools that are in desperate need of repair that will not be repaired because there is no money. I doubt that you will find a County employee, Board of Education Employee, Sheriff’s department employee whose salary commitments have been made whole. But you may find that resources that are allocated outside the development envelope have contributed to this mess.
Finally, your gambit is weak. Make sure that when you use this gambit again it is absolutely bullet proof. I do not expect a response. Your silence speaks volumes, any answer would only serve to confirm your silliness.
THNX
JOHN P. MALLAMO
Clearly you live in a different Harford County than I do. Only seeing the worst of things I’m sure has made you lots of friends in life.
I did notice you couldn’t point out 1 single failure yet ramble on in the same old generalities.
Try to enjoy whats left of your miserable life. and turn that frown upside down grumpy.
Misreable life? Lol
In 20 years half the population of Harford County will be on drugs.
In 20 years Marijuana will be legal, and all other procession of illegal drugs will probably be decriminalized.
Enjoy coming home from a hard day of work and an 20 year old drug addict smoking pot on your back deck.
So you want facts-
Seems like the so called Friends position is that we have ample supply df lots in the envelope. Unfortunately most of the lots are located in the route 40 corridor where selling houses and even renting apartments is almost impossible and certainly not profitable. The housing market is market driven, always has been and always will be. Location, location, location.
The homes that are selling generate more than enough in property taxes and other taxes generated from those that own these properties to more than pay for the services that they require.
This plan does not go nearly far enough in opening up areas for development where services are readily available and the market indicates that demand is real.
Connecting public utilities to agriculturally zoned properties with densities of 1 unit per 10 acres is not a viable alternative since the cost of installing the infrastructure would in most cases equal a significant percentage of the value of the finished lots. Opposing any expansion and promoting stagnation is not the answer. Expand the envelope where the services are available and the demand is high and then study additional areas that make sense using this same logic makes much more sense.
And throwing stones at certain developers for contributions within the prescribed legal limits is just ridiculous. I’m sure that some of these same stone throwers contribute to politicians and organizations that deal with issues related to their respective industries. But I suppose that in today’s world hypocrisy has sadly become the rule of the day.
Conservative’s have ruined this county, I’m glad to see Democrats in high numbers moving to my area. These good ol'”boys keep electing the same people time and time again.
Tides are changing, in 10 years there will more than 1 Democrat elected in the Maryland General Assembly from Harford
I’m sure am intolerant/xenophobe Republican will tell me to move, it’s my constitutional right to live here too, bro. We’re just bringing social justice to the area
I live in Fallston and I am generally not against development, the last 3-4 years has seen growth of restaurants and shops, which makes shopping more convenient and life a little easier. However, the county has a responsibility to its residents to develop responsibly. The number of car accidents/fatalities in Fallston is frightening – and increasing – traffic safety concerns need to be addressed. The population of Harford County has almost doubled since 1975, yet student enrollment in HCPS is down 1,727 since 2008. Interestingly, population has increased 8,632 since 2008 – is our school system not as strong as it used to be – is that why enrollment is down? Development needs to be undertaken wisely, infrastructure, schools, roads, safety – they all affect quality of life. I’m still scratching my head, wondering why is Harford County still run like good-old-boys club!
Mr., Mrs., Miss, Ms Adoseofreason,
Sir, Ma’am
To your points. First, a basic understanding of the development envelope.. That is the area that Harford County has decided to prioritize for the allocation of resources. It is a recognition that there are more requirements then there are resources, and so to prioritize allocations, and maximize return on investment they identified a development envelope. This action directs development to a specific area, to again maximize the expenditure of dollars. Granted that this seems contrary to the free market concept that you present. Think of it this way. Harford County is behaving just like a market maker on the Stock Exchange. If there were not market makers, the Exchange would collapse.
The short story is that if you want to live in Harford County live in the development envelope, or move to some other part of the County where you will not get the same amenities, or services. Nor should you expect them. Nor should developers purchase property in those areas outside the development envelope and then expect that the County will come to their rescue by expanding the development envelope so that they may increase their profit.
As for those developments paying for all the services they need. Hardly plausible. It requires about $13,000 per child for education alone. Splitting the cost between property tax and revenue streams would require a assessment of $600,000 and at least $100,000 adjusted gross income per child. That does not address any of the other services required, desired or utilized. While the homeowners in areas outside the development envelope may be able to pay the incremental costs of their services, they could never pay the startup cost, that is the new construction and operating costs, for the facilities and services they require.
Harford County has invested heavily in the development envelope, new schools, Libraries, and TIFs. Areas outside the development envelope have also received funding for schools, Libraries and Parks. This drained money from the development envelope, and in fact short changed the areas outside the development envelope as well. Better to live within the current development envelope, until it hits buildout, then provide less than adequate services throughout a wider area.
I would recommend that you watch last week’s County Council meeting. Councilman Peronne made some very insightful remarks during his discussion of the Agriculture Preservation bills. He basically questioned the use of dedicated funds for Agriculture Preservation and school construction. Members of the Council, and Mr. Ryan Burbey all refuted Mr. Peronne’s premise. Unfortunately none of them really grasped the significance of Mr. Peronne’s comments. For anybody wondering, Mr. Peronne basically said that the budget process is strained, some might even say it is broke. Revenues cannot adequately address the requirements of the County today. Since land use and zoning are inextricably entwined with the budget process, it is difficult to imagine that more development, outside the development envelope will cure this problem.
As for those throwing stones. The system that we have in this country allows for citizens to contribute to candidates running for political office. Campaign contributions are usually made to the candidate that the contributor is most aligned with. Naturally, a developer might not want to contribute to the campaign of a candidate who did not support development. It is not hypocrisy to criticize an elected official who takes contributions from a developer, while contributing to a candidate who did not favor development. Perhaps it would be better to view the statements about campaign contributions as an extension of the political debate. In this case, people may be expressing buyers remorse for their vote’s.
Finally on this Memorial Day Weekend, to all those who served or are serving in the military, to all those who are supporting them, and to all of our public servants, thank you for your service. May God bless you all and keep you safe. The direct result of your efforts is that we can have these discussions without fear or reprisal
THNX
JOHN P. MALLAMO
Do you seriously believe that government is a market maker when it comes to housing? Yes I suppose that if we are talking about subsidized housing that government could be the market maker since that is the only way that you will attract people and investment to the route 40 corridor where you believe that growth should be targeted. And then the services required to support this growth would surely bankrupt the county with the result being more blight and vacancies. The more logical alternative would be to understand the market that does exist in that corridor, encourage investment, but also to recognize that the majority of future growth in the county will not occur there.
The market and not the government has and always will direct growth. Just look at the homes that have been selling over the past decade. They have been in the $500,000 + range and attract folks who contribute to the local economy with little need of services. And a healthy building industry also contributes to the local economy with the jobs provided and related goods and services required. It’s not just a coincidence that the areas where people want to live are also the homes of the nimbys that complain the loudest. No complaints when they purchased their homes in these communities but let’s close the door after their moving trucks leave the driveway.
Even the available inventory within the envelope contained in the HarfordNext plan is inflated in terms of what actually can be built on these parcels. Simply deducting the NRD and multiplying the remaining acres by the allowed density is not a good indication of the number of lots that can be built since this doesn’t account for all of the other site constraints such as topography, isolated wetlands and regulatory requirements, access issues, etc. The real number of available lots in areas where people want to live is inadequate to meet the demand and will result in buyers moving to the rural areas of the county and the sprawl that everyone agrees is the wrong approach to growth.
The few areas of expansion that this plan does allow is insufficient to meet the future needs of the county as dictated by the market. The study area shown on the plan is a positive step in the right direction that hopefully will be acted on sooner than later. It would be a shame force people who do contribute to the economic health of the community to move to other counties to find the types of housing that they seek or to encourage sprawl as an alternative. Especially when with proper planning and the extension of services that are already available could see the county grow and prosper. Doing nothing is a poor alternative and not responsible as evidenced by stagnant communities and the resulting problems that can cause.
And sorry but it does sound hypocritical to say that its okay for politicians to accept contributions form those against development and growth but not okay for them to accept contributions from developers.
It seems a shame that you sound like you are so miserable living here. Too bad since Harford County really is a beautiful place with so many natural resources along with a vibrant urban core making it such a great place to raise a family.
Have a happy holiday!
Mr., Mrs. Miss, Ms Adoseofreality
Sir Ma’am,
Your discussion is quite convoluted and confusing. Let’s reduce it to its basic elements and simplify for clarity.
The synopsis of your discussion is that you got here late, all the good properties are taken, you do not want what the County offers in the development envelope, therefore the County is obligated to expand the envelope to accommodate your model.
Next let’s frame the argument. The topic is the expansion of the development envelope by adding three properties. The initiation of a study area to further expand the development envelope. I would like to also add one other area, discussion increasing commercial activities at the Harford County Airport.
Now let’s define the actions. You may hear all manner of descriptions for these actions. The proper terminology would be that they, individually, bestow a private benefit under the pretext of a public good. One of the more undesirable forms of zoning activity. Interesting aside, the County Auditor could not find any public good for the fiscal note requested by the County Council. Also, ironic that County Executive Glassman, who claims that he got his start opposing rubble fill in the Gravel Hill area, would now stoop to the very same actions he opposed when he started.
Now to dismiss those elements that are egregiously flawed, or just false
People who live in the $500,000+ homes don’t require services. However, they do want water and sewer to increase the density the housing project (maybe your project?). They do want schools and they do want parks for children, they do want libraries, they do want roads so, they do want the county to maintain the roads so they can get to my job. They may not require social services, such as addiction counseling, but I do want the Sherriff to keep addicts away from my house, and they do not want any of “Those” people in their neighborhood. They do not want sprawl, although they don’t mind contributing to it. Sounds like you want every service the County has to offer, only more and better.
Construction jobs and related industries contribute to the local economy. Construction jobs are transient, not permanent. When the area hits buildout, construction workers either move to the next area, or find other employment. That is a truism of construction. The fact is that construction never slowed in Harford County. And may not for some time. Additionally, not all persons employed in construction live in Harford County. Any boost from construction would be temporary, and should not be used to project future revenues by any person, business or government.
The market and not the government has and always will direct growth. Not really. It is a fundamental function of government to determine what may be built and where, not the market. It is called planning and zoning. Good governance dictates that there are some uses that are incompatible with others, and so restrictions are placed on those that cannot coexist together. It is not a new concept, but it is one that Harford County should study more carefully if it is to achieve any semblance of order.
As to your projections on how the County will prosper if only they will expand the development envelope, perhaps for your project, I believe that after all of the other projections for future prosperity issued by the multiple different parties/beneficiaries there may be some people who are skeptical. Put me down for someone who just does not believe that story anymore. In fact I have found a sure way to separate flim flam from fact. I usually watch the local elected officials. If they are moving their lips, it is sure to be flim flam. If you could though, please point to any other location that may have prospered under your model for development. Please make sure that the area you select faces or faced the same problems that Harford County faces. We can then have a discussion on how that location managed to find a better way.
Do I seriously believe that the County is a market maker? I seriously believe that the County has defined the area that they will focus development in, and concentrate its resources, particularly tax revenues, on. Unfortunately for you it is no longer a blank page, and so development is more challenging. You seem incapable of finding a way to maximize the land that is available and seek to move to a more pristine area, a blank page so to speak. Such a pity you cannot rise to the challenge. Perhaps you should adjust to the reality of the finite boundaries of the development envelope and stop chasing the rainbow on the next horizon. Greatness does not fall easily on those who cannot overcome small challenges. If your are that incapable, maybe you might be suited for another line of work
I believe that there are people who will find it more attractive to move to other areas, for a variety of reasons. I wish them all well. We will still be here when they come back. I believe that there are people who will seek to live in the more rural areas of the County. I would tell them that it is a great life, but remember that they should not expect the same amenities that their more urban neighbors get. Get all the books you can on basic survival so that when the electric goes out, or the pump loses its prime, or your children wander off into the woods you can still cope and prosper.
I do thank you for your wishes for a happy Memorial Day holiday, and I hope you are enjoying yours as well. I also believe that Harford County is a great place. I firmly believe that we can do better than we have in the past, and when we do, people will continue to move here to raise their families, even those you believe will only move to the areas in development envelope for subsidized housing. I hope that some of “Those” people can dispel predetermined thought on that topic. Harford County can be a better place.
THNX
JOHN P. MALLAMO
Actually John, I am not in the real estate industry but just did purchase a new home, my 3rd in the past 20 years. I used to work in the construction industry but that was a long time ago. I do use the roads that were built long ago and are being maintained via the tax dollars we pay. There were road improvements that were done as part of the subdivision in which we live bur that was funded by the developer of the project. I know this because we could not get our occupancy permit until these improvements were completed. I do have 2 children in high school, we seldom if ever use the library,thanks to the internet, and I have yet to see a policeman on patrol in our neighborhood. We do go to the area parks and love to be on the bay, but not sure there is any fiscal impact from that. We patronize the local restaurants, retail stores, movie theatres, drug stores, etc. and contribute our share to the local economy, a fact that is missing from your socialist rant.
Again, you miss the point regarding the free market since you obviously are espousing socialist ideals. The market is driven by free market capitalism, and government reacts as it should. Planning and zoning follows and adapts to the market, not vice versa. Asking a developer or investor to get creative and to build projects in areas that already have high vacancy rates is just not going to happen. Would you invest your money? I doubt you would.
And its not just the construction industry that benefits from growth. It’s also all the service industries and retailers and the countless jobs that are supported by it. For example, this weekend we have made purchases related to our new home at several of the area stores and set up a service policy with a local HVAC company. My home will need to be maintained, my family will be consumers of goods and services mainly from local businesses and on and on. The population is going to continue to grow whether you like it or not.. I own an area restaurant and hope to benefit from future growth in this county. Move to Cuba if you want to live in a country that wants to keep everything the same. I for one want my children to have the opportunity to prosper and live in a vital community.
Oh My I have not seen someone stick their shoe that far up Mallamos ass in a long time.
Well done sir.
Mr., Mrs., Miss, Ms Adoseofreality
Sir, Ma’am congratulations on your success. I wish you continued success and prosperity in the future. I do find your post to be curious, though.
Seems that you do require the services that the County provides, even those that you do not observe directly, supporting you. Clearly from your post you live in a newer development. That is obvious as you state that the developer, and you, really, paid for the streets within the neighborhood. Now, those same streets if they have green signs belong to the County. The County will maintain them from now on. Not sure which development you came from, but drive through some of the older developments in the County, and drive on some of the County and even the State roads that you might use to get to your restaurant, or to your children’s school or the grocery store. If you cannot see a difference, then let us all know which of those roads is better maintained than all of the rest in the County. Otherwise, be sure to understand that the streets in your neighborhood will as bad in short order The lack of maintenance is due to a lack of funding. Mr. Stratmeyer is an outstanding engineer. His staff is also excellent. Unfortunately, they have not figured out how to maintain the County’s road network, including the streets in your neighborhood, without funding. Perhaps as a unfettered free marketer you could provide them some ideas. Please share them with the rest of as well.
I doubt that your patronage of all of the stores, restaurants other commercial establishment is special. I believe that the rest of us do the same. I doubt that you are the only customer in that establishment when you make your purchases. I do wonder, that with all of those purchases, why we do not have better County facilities. Why is it that there is not more revenue in the County budget as a result of all that growth and all those purchases? Why aren’t all the roads in the County pave with gold? Why is it that there are schools that are structurally failing? Why is that County employees are not better compensated? And why do County expenditures seem to rise somewhat faster than revenues. Simple answer is that the growth you espouse is not the answer you would like it to be.
As a restaurant owner you will understand this much better than most. Not clear whether you are a franchisee of a chain, or independent . As a franchisee, you have certain obligations, rules, procedures, policies, practices that the parent company dictates. Think of them as the local government, that dictates some of your operation. You plan within their framework. If you are an independent, then your customers will dictate more of your operation, regardless you must comply with their desires or lose them as customers. Now think of that one person who asks for something that is not on your menu, that you cannot prepare. What do you do? That customer is exercising their free market ability to demand you accommodate them. They become an exclusive entity. You may accommodate them, and be sure that they will return with even greater demands, and other customers will follow suit. In which case you quickly lose control of you operation, and become a tool of you customers. Or, you may find some way to very politely and diplomatically suggest some alternatives. You may lose that customer, but you will still be able to control your operation. There is a joke about chocolate ice cream that tells it all, but not this time.
Now project the same situation to the government planning and zoning. By the way you should study and really understand the difference between Socialism, which is an economic system, and planning that is a function that every government practices, and even you do in your restaurant business. Learn the difference before you use the terms. Now, in Harford County the government has planned for an area in which they will invest. They will spend revenues in that area, to maximize the return. You probably do the same in your restaurant. When the County decides that they will invest dollars outside the designated area, as you suggest they should to follow free market principles, unless they have unlimited revenues, it upsets the balance of development everywhere. Some piece of government does not get funded, or is inadequately funded, resulting in a poor product. A quick study of the County budget should tell you that the revenues are not unlimited. Therefore, going outside the established framework will not be beneficial. Somewhat like your restaurant preparing a menu item without adequate ingredients or knowledge of the recipe. Bad experience for all. The housing market is free, just as you are in your restaurant , to operate within the frame work established. Planning and zoning will simply not work, at all, if development occurs wherever the free marketer that you describe is allowed to build anywhere. In fact, government will not be able to fulfill any of its obligations anywhere within its area of responsibility. Check the westward expansion of the country for confirmation.
To relate to your personal questions on my investment strategies. I invest to make money. Lots of money. The location of the investment is irrelevant. For the most part, I avoid retail and food industries, particularly, restaurants because they do not provide sufficient return for the risk. Too many failures. I have found that companies that have good management do make money, location is only essential if the process has particular requirements. For example, a gold mine would not do well where there is no gold. Those managers that are able to see the situation, analyze it, determine the challenges, overcome them efficiently, prosper. Others presented with the same opportunity, who wring their hands, and go about wishing for a better situation do not prosper and soon enough fade away. The business model you describe, which requires a blank page is not one I would consider for investment.
THNX
JOHN P.MALLAMO
Mr. Mallamo.
Thank you for your informed, very readable analysis of applied funding. I am not familiar with your name, but I would like to meet you. It is a rare privilege to study at the feet of an enlightened master.
I am not being cute here. Your argument is well thought out and presented in a format anyone could understand. It would be wonderful if your discussion set the tone for all responses to The Dagger. What you have to say is like water to a drowning person.
And you are dead on accurate in what you said.
Thank you.
Oh, by the way, I would like to hear about the chocolate ice cream.
As a resident of Fallston, I say keep out new development. Development only increases the supply therefore lowering the exiting property values, If you don’t like it, eat my shorts. My opinion counts for more than someone who DOESN’T` live here.
I have not heard of any major problem with older houses in Fallston having failing septic and well systems. Since this is the case, we don’t need an expensive project to fill a demand for public sewage/water that doesn’t exist.
Why do we have to develop ever inch of this county this year? Why don’t we back off and save some open / agricultural land for our grandchildren? They may have land use needs that we haven’t considered or thought about. Since Harford County master plan doesn’t have a crystal ball, why don’t hey just leave well enough alone and wait and see what new demands / opportunities develop?
Too bad this advice wasn’t taken right before you moved here.
“Development only increases the supply therefore lowering the exiting property values,”
I moved here in 1992, my house is worth 3 ties the cash price I paid for it. What exactly re you talking about?
I’m guessing you are one of those people that have to spend a lifetime never paying off a 30 year mortgage.
G Wilson, are you posting from a motorolla mobile device?
Has yours gone missing?
In the future, families far and wide in good ol’ hazard County won’t wake up in the mornin’ and smell the poo’ey smell of farmer Jim’s liquid manure.
So what will they smell? The smell of a street drug being burned by a lighter as the next gimmick user leaks down next to their shrubbery to get their high.
Times are changing. Addiction and mental issues are surpassing our current ability to stop it.
Thank you John for your expert advice on how I should run my restaurant. Much appreciated. You are quite correct that we wouldn’t change our menu for the request of a sole customer. Just like public policy such as zoning and land use shouldn’t be directed solely to areas where virtually no one wants to buy new homes or to invest resources. Thank you for making my point that the free market and public policy works hand in hand based on facts and and not the emotions of the few who oppose growth and progress.
You are not correct however that a bad location can be overcome by simply having the government throw more money at it. This is a foolhardy waste of precious resources as has been demonstrated time and time again. Its only when private industry as dictated by market trends decides that the time is right to direct investment into these areas that they will have a chance to grow. Success breeds success and failure results in blight and more failure.
Socialism is an economic system, and so is capitalism which you clearly do not support or understand. While our system is far from perfect and while free market capitalism and growth certainly has its challenges that need to be dealt with, I for one would take it any day over the socialist models that have resulted in massive economic failure in Europe and other parts of the world.
And very sorry that you do not see that value in the restaurant industry, It is hard work but also quite rewarding both socially and financially. You may have achieved success in the latter but from your tone, obviously lacking in the former.
Mr., Mrs., Miss, Ms, Adoseofreality
Sir, Ma’am
I clearly did not offer you any advice on how you should operate your restaurant, nor would I ever attempt to. Please dispel any thoughts to the contrary. You are flying solo on that one, Ace. I offered only a simple observation that you are compelled to plan, that you cannot allow your customers to dictate your operation. You completely missed the point regarding the role of planning and zoning, and the allocation of resources.
Please allow me to clarify for you one last time. Harford County does not have infinite resources/revenue to support the infrastructure requirements for every new development project that comes along. No municipality, state or country does. All are required to prioritize where to allocate resources, just as you are in your restaurant. Harford County has identified an area where they can and will put resources to support growth. Notice the new high schools in Edgewood and Aberdeen, both in the growth corridor. Also notice that the next high school proposed for construction is in Havre de Grace, also in the development envelope, or route 40 corridor. Notice also that there are other schools in need of replacement, roads that need repair, and other public facilities that are underfunded that cannot be improved, maintained or replaced because there are insufficient resources, money. Also notice that county employees, and teachers and sheriffs are just now beginning to see pay increases because there has been no money. Moving resources outside the development envelope dilutes the effectiveness of the resources available, and results in an undesirable outcome for both the existing envelope and the new and improved envelope. Until such time as the existing envelope hits buildout, resources should not be redirected, regardless of how badly some people may argue for the new area.
Following your proposition that the free market should dictate where to promote growth, blight that you discuss is accelerated in the old area, when the necessary resources flow to the newer area. Not only does blight accelerate in the old area, but decay and blight both start in the next peripheral area, and continue to move outward, as capital moves from that area as well, and so blight grows outward, always a step or two behind the next new development. Don’t believe that, then go to the west coast and observe how blighted once prosperous areas have become. In your travels please make sure to stop in areas of Detroit, that were once blighted, that are now being revived. Stop in San Antonio, where they made quite an attraction of older areas. Stop in old Tucson and see what can be done by people who truly have a vision. If you cannot make that trip, then study the effort in Baltimore City, study the Port Covington proposal, or Fells Point revival, or the Inner Harbor. Locations that were once given up for dead that may be doing better than expected. All because people with vision chose to invest more than just money. They invested themselves. They were able to analyze the situation, and overcome the challenges.
Now to your point on Socialism vs. Capitalism vs. planning. In very simple terms Socialism is an economic system wherein the government owns the means of production. Capitalism is a system where the means of production are owned by individuals. You have confused, time and again, the planning process for an economic system. To further clarify, individuals do not own the public facilities in a capitalistic system. Those facilities are owned by the government entity. You, like all others have the use of those facilities, but you cannot on any given day decide that you want your portion of the sidewalk, street, bridge, school, park library, patrol car fire truck or any public property and move it to a new location so converting it to your exclusive use, and thereby deny all others their beneficial use of those properties or facilities. You pay taxes to ensure that all of those facilities operate for the benefit of all residents, just like I do. Although I do not like the idea of paying taxes, I view it this way. I go out to a fine restaurant, maybe yours, have one or two good bourbons, a great meal with a really good wine, no dessert thank you, is it appropriate for me to refuse to pay or stiff the server for a past event? Hardly. I have enjoyed the evening, and should pay the bill and be generous with the tip. I consider it money well spent. Likewise with taxes, I enjoy the beneficial use of the public facilities. I only request that the taxes I pay are well spent. Money stranded in the development area, because you want a new area developed is not money well spent. It is absolutely wasted.
Now to planning. Planning is not an economic system. It is central to all economic systems and to every other facet of life. Just as you plan the operation of your restaurant, so to, do the public servants plan for the operation of the government, in both the Socialist and Capitalist models. The planning process in some cases does include the allocation of resources. The difference between success and failure in any system is in large part due to planning, more precisely the planners. A truism for government plans is that they are not easily changed. Did Harford County do a poor job of planning? You can decide that for yourself, based on the metrics you assign to evaluate the question. Is it appropriate for the County to now abandon their plans, and strand the investments as you suggest? Not really. As a direct result of previous plans, the County accumulated a lot of debt that it will be paying for some time to come. That limits the amount of money that is available to support new infrastructure requirements. A truism that even a free marketer, capitalist will recognize is that resources, capital, are finite. They are not fungible. The question for you is, are you willing to make Harford County whole financially, so that it may recover those investments? Do you think that the developers of the new development are willing to make the County whole? My guess is that the answer is no.
Finally more observations for your consideration. One of the more successful housing developments in the County, Bulle Rock, is directly on the Route 40 corridor. In spite of your view about the area, it seems that the development became popular, and quite expensive. That did not happen accidentally.
One more observation. Harford County experienced a major housing boom in the late 80’s and 90’s. Was it beneficial? In my mind the growth was not well managed, and so it was not beneficial at all. In fact the County is still struggling with that period of rapid development. I would be willing to state that most other municipalities suffer from rapid, uncontrolled, expansion. Just like the one you are proposing. “Deja Vu all over again”. Yogi Berra.
And that good Sir. Ma’am is the reality
THNX
JOHN P. MALLAMO
I’ll give you credit John for one thing. You sure can fill the bucket with your endless drivel. Your convoluted sense of what is real is laughable.
Construction of new schools in Edgewood and Havre de Grace were a waste of resources especially when the existing schools were underutilized. There is a reason why the only new development projects in those areas are apartment projects.
With regards to infrastructure, the county spends very little on infrastructure improvements for new development as they are funded by developers. True, the maintenance does fall on the county eventually but again this is what competent governance is responsible for planning and implementing.
And if you want to talk about TIFs, hindsight would tell you that allocating that funding to Beechtree (in the route 40 corridor) was a poor decision. Bulle Rock, which started at the height of the unsustainable housing boom, has taken forever to build out so I’m not sure that is such a good example of a successful project. I don’t see plans coming in for more residential development projects in any of the areas that you mentioned. And are you planning on moving there? Or your children? Doubtful.
The rest of your argument regarding planning and economic ideals is filled with such nonsense that I need a shovel to even address it. I don’t see folks lining up to move to Detroit, real estate values on the West Coast are at all time highs, and to compare the route 40 corridor in Edgewood and Aberdeen to San Antonio and Tuscon is quite a stretch. If you like the idea of city living, by all means move to Port Covington or to Detroit. Families are not moving into the city, its primarily single young people. Aberdeen and Edgewood won’t even make it on their list of possible areas to live and work.
The housing boom of the 80’s and 90’s well managed? Certainly not perfect, but it is responsible for many very nice communities and perhaps the most important resource that we have, the influx of some very successful people who have raised their families in this county. Most of whom enjoy living here, even with all the growth, and can deal with waiting at a traffic intersection for a few extra minutes.
Well, at least Amber (or is it Mrs. Mallamo or perhaps even your alter ego) appreciates your drivel.
Mr., Mrs., Miss, Ms Adoseofreality,
Sir, Ma’am
Let’s review.
You profess to be a free market capitalist
You are proposing an expansion of the development for growth. You preach the gospel of prosperity from the book of expansion. Recognizing all the while that redirecting resources out of the planned growth area drains necessary capital from that area, and dilutes the effectiveness of capital in all other areas. Dismissing expenditures in those areas as wasted investments. Good for the new area, decayh and blight for the old area. Capitalism at its best, perhaps, nonetheless planning at its worst.
You acknowledge that residents in the expanded area will require public resources like water and sewer, schools, roads that connect their development to other sites, work, grocery school etc, they will require a police presence, fire protection, parks and on and on. In fact they require everything that other residents require, only newer and better. You have not identified any source for private capital that will invest in this area, and probably cannot, because there is no return.
You acknowledge that county resources are limited, and that those limited resources should be redirected to support the new growth area. Because you have not identified private investors willing to underwrite the investment required, you are asking the County for an investment. If the County agrees, all other taxpayers are then forced to pay for your proposal for the private benefit of the developer. Sir, ma’am, you have just articulated the basic tenet of a third economic system. Communism.
You acknowledge in hindsight that the Beech Tree TIF was an error, and the previous expansive development was mismanaged. You make the same argument now, as was made to support the TIF, and the previous expansion, and that has been used for every other major development to some of the same people who will vote on your proposal. Your premise is that this time it will be better. Disregarding the rule about insanity and expecting a different results from the same inputs, look more closely at the laws of statistical probability. There is a statistical probability that there could be a different outcome with the same inputs, but the risk of accepting a bad outcome far outweighs the risk of rejecting a good outcome. Your criticism of those who oppose this proposal, and who had the foresight to oppose the TIF and the expansive development is petulant.
You have become focused so entirely on your vision of prosperity, that you can no longer recognize the frailties and fallacies in your arguments. Your failure to recognize and consider the successes outside your proposal and that there is potential for other such success is a limitation, a liability, not an asset. At this point I am left to consider whether I will look more foolish by continuing a discussion with a fool, than will the fool I am in discussions with. Your discussion points have become more and more circular, and less and less rational. You really don’t have anything of any value to add. I can see no benefit in my continued participation in this discussion. You have my license to continue with your foolishness as long as you wish.
Good day Sir, Ma’am
THNX
JOHN P. MALLAMO
Beech Tree is a ghost town.
Going to be even more crickets once the auto auction is up and running down the street.
Talk about a circular discussion. You give me a headache with your foolishness. Of course investment should be directed towards areas that will succeed. Again success breeds success.
The county does not need to build new infrastructure in the new growth areas. That is funded by the developers who are more than willing to do so in areas where there is demand for new housing. Again, free market capitalism at work. And I’m fine with doing away with all TIF allocations. Should not be required in viable projects. I’m not advocating that the government allocate resources to the areas within the envelope that you insist on directing them to at all. I agree that would be foolish to do. If and when the time comes and the market indicates that those areas are ripe for new development, there will be private investment to warrant the public resources eventually required to maintain these new roads, water and sewer systems, etc.that are initially built and funded by private industry. You fail to recognize this important fact in all of your arguments. And also all the upfront fees that are paid before the first shovel is even allowed to go into the ground.
Unless you introduce anything substantial other than the drivel you have spewn forth in all of your previous arguments, I am done wasting my time with your transparent allusions.
Hello Mallamo,
Back after the little 80 year old airport in Aldino again? No matter how many agencies or courts tell you no, you continue to waste every ones money but your own. Planning and Zoning ignores you; the Council ignores you; and the court system ignores you. I’d like to know what it cost the taxpayers to pay the county appointed lawyer to babysit you for over two years.
You are like fighting a tar baby; you never win but you sure mess everything up.
Mr., Mrs., Miss, Ms History
Sir, Ma’am,
Well hello yourself.
Let’s begin by reviewing the situation with the Harford County Airport in Aldino for those who may not be familiar.
The Harford County Airport Owners Association convinced the county to amend the zoning code so they could expand their operation into the AG zone. The County Council passed Bill 13-004 to amend the code.
The Harford County Airport Owners Association requested a Special Exception to operate the Harford County Airport as a General Aviation Airport by Special Exception, Zoning Case 5814, to expand their operation. After four days of sworn testimony by expert witnesses, all of whom testified that the airport would meet requirements, the Hearing Examiner recommended approval.
I appealed for final hearing. The County Council/Board of Appeals approved the Hearing Examiners recommendation.
I requested a judicial review, by the Circuit Court, of the decision. The Honorable Circuit Court Judge Plitt upheld the decision by the County Council/Board of Appeals and the Hearing Examiner with all of its conditions.
The Harford County Airport now has the opportunity to expand their operation. This is where it gets most interesting.
Skipping a discussion of the laws, the Harford County Airport must operate as a General Aviation Airport and comply with all of Part I the Harford County Code.
Here is what that means
The sale and storage of gasoline is not permitted unless all adjacent properties are on public water.
The 2 active turf runways are not permitted.
Airplanes may not be parked on the grass as they presently are.
A fence must be constructed on the Mc Commons end of the property.
All maintenance and services performed on airplanes, including fueling aircraft, must be performed in a fully enclosed building.
The skydiving operation currently conducted is not a permitted activity.
They airport cannot extend the land area of its commercial operations, including the approach and landing paths, into the AG zone by any more than 50 percent.
The airport is not in compliance with the code as a Special Exception, and might even be operating in contempt of court. It seems to be operating more as a Special Favor by County Executive Glassman. And the question , that perhaps you could answer, is why?
There are those who might state that this is corruption. I advise them not to make those statements. Corruption is determined by a jury, after the accused is afforded due process. I would say though that the situation is highly irregular.
Unfortunately for the Harford County Airport, and Harford County Executive Glassman, it is no longer just a local issue. The most recent operating license issued by the Maryland Aviation Administration to the Harford County Airport still lists the turf runways as active, and indicates that gasoline service is still available. That information is also listed in the FAA data base for airports. Clearly neither the Harford County Airport nor the Harford County administration of Harford County Executive Glassman corrected the record. Do you believe that both of those agencies will be pleased to know that the information they were provided is not accurate?
Finally who do you believe is responsible for this situation? The nominees are County Executive Glassman, County Administrator Bonniface, County Attorney Lambert, Director of Planning and Zoning Killian, County Council President Slutzky. In reverse order, the County Council acts as a body, so no single individual would be responsible. The entire Council could be though. Director of Planning and Zoning Killian has direct responsibility for code enforcement. I doubt that a decision not to enforce the code was made at the working level. County Attorney Lambert, attorneys are never responsible for having provided bad advice. County Administrator Boniface has no direct responsibility for Code enforcement. County Executive Glassman is ultimately responsible for government activity in Harford County.
I do thank you for the opportunity to address this situation. Timing was great, just prior to a vote on the Land Use Master Plan. I am sure that the County Executive is pleased as well. This discussion should be enlightening for all those who may want to address land use and zoning in Harford County.
THNX
JOHN P. MALLAMO
Mr. Mallamo
If you run for public office, you will have support and my vote.
Thank you for this information. It fills in a lot of blanks.
The reason department heads, elected officials and the court system ignores you is because you are a “shit stir”; always searching for a negative thread that you can knit a sweater out of. I’m sure you have your followers because misery loves company.
Development,
Are we reading the same Mallamo essays? He makes really good sense if you stand back and look at the big picture.
It is obvious I am not seeing your big picture. My fault, my ignorance. I seek enlightenment wherever I can find it. I’m listening.
Mr., Mrs., Miss, Ms History
Sir, Ma’am
My goodness you must really have fallen south of County Executive Glassman his administration and the people at the Harford County Airport to encourage and inflame this discussion. Be assured that the more you write, the more you encourage this topic, the more inflammatory your words, the more people, even those who are neutral, will wonder why the land use practices and application of zoning laws in Harford County are curious at best. There is no better example of the irregularities in land use practices and zoning, in all of Harford County, than the situation at the Harford County Airport. Blatant disregard for the code, failure to enforce the code should give everybody in Harford County pause to wonder what will happen to them if the Land Use Master Plan is passed as written. By all means, good Sir, Ma’am, post on.
You are absolutely correct about various department heads and elected officials ignoring this situation, not so much the courts, though. Stonewalling, slow rolling and mischief in public office is a technique. Eventually, though it gets to agencies who make a living at stopping the practice and correcting the process. You guess where this is going next.
THNX
JOHN P. MALLAMO
Before Willy Don, the Inner Harbor was a waste land of derelict warehouses, bars and strip joints. Look at it now.
We could do the same thing with the Route 40 corridor with a little money from the government (local, state and federal) and the judicious use of a bulldozer. And a group of healthy young (or sick old) people with a new and different vision, and the will to work hard. Wealth is built with your hands and your minds, not generated by bundling derivatives to sell to Big Banks and other Wall Street lackeys. “Developing land’ as it is currently done is well past its prime. It’s time for a different vision.
As for property values in California. Having lived there for several year, I decided I didn’t like living where the ground danced on a daily basis. One day, all that expensive real estate is going to be gracing the bottom of the Pacific Ocean.
Detroit needs some healthy young entrepreneurs like the ones found in Silicon Valley to turn some of that urban blight into the next Marin County. All it takes is someone with a vision, hard work and a little government money. After all Bill Gates got started writing software in his parent’s garage (yes I know it was in Redmond, WA not California)..
Maryland has many gifted and talented people who have fresh new ideas about building the New America. We need to find them and dust them off and put them to work. I fear the current “good ol’ boy” system is ignoring this wonderful asset in favor of under the counter money and the same old same old.
ARE YOU LISTENING BIG BUSINESS, BIG BANKS and BIG GOVERNMENT? It’s time for something new.
Thanks so much Amber! I mean Mrs. Mallamo. Now please pass the Kool-Aid!!!
Adoseofreality,
What are you talking about?
I’m talking about reclaiming derelict properties and making them into something the county can be proud of. Maybe even making the RT 152 intersection on I-95 a “let’s turn off here and go see the new stuff on Rt 40” place where tourist, and shopaholics, and other travelers on I-95 can find malls and other interesting places to spend their money.
It could happen. The Rt 40 corridor is not that far from I-95. Why not make it into something that rivals the Inner Harbor? There’s waterfront property along this route. Sure, you’d have to drain some of the swamps, but with all that dredging, you could create deeper channels in the existing waterways. You could tie up your boat while you went shopping and taking in the fresh breezes coming off the bay (sort of like Annapolis).. Boy, wouldn’t that be something? Harford County generating wealth rather than just getting by. The “Point’s” history. We need new ways to afford the good life. Not all the jobs created will be minimum wage.
Maybe Mr. Mallamo can lend his expertise.
CAN’T WE AT LEAST TRY TO BE BETTER THAN WE ARE? Do we have to let a bunch of old farts draw up their old plans for things that have already been done to death? We need to make room for new blood. Just reading the Master Plan makes that obvious. When are we going put down the Bud Lite and get out of the recliner and start making this country great again?
Who drinks Kool Aid when there is so much to live fore?
Do you support the increase in density from low to medium in the Magnolia area as put forth in Harford Next?
Sword,
I have no opinion on Magnolia because I don’t know much about that part of the plan. Where do you stand on this issue?
My argument was a pipe dream to make the Rt 40 corridor something more than it is and more than what’s planned for it. And I am talking about the areas that are currently less than desirable properties
My platform as written would not float on the RT 40 swamp. My thinking needs a lot more input.
I do not doubt that the US Army would throw no end of obstacles in front of any extensive development pans for this area. I suppose its in the best interest of national security to keep this area depressed and somewhere no one wants to go. But what a loss to the county.
Perhaps increasing expansion in and around Magnolia is not a good idea. There are environmental issues that need to be addressed when you go messing with any fragile ecosystem such as Magnolia.
Since I don’t live in Magnolia, my opinions don’t don’t count for as much a the concerns of its current residents. The question I would ask is are you willing to put up with more congestion, traffic and a lot of strangers invading your charming district in exchange for increased revenue from new commercial development?
Before you answer consider this; there is no current shortage of housing in this county – the only reason to consider new residential development. The same goes for commercial development. There are a lot of half-empty office buildings and quite a few empty store fronts in that shopping district between S..Bel Air Pkwy/Wheel Rd/ Rt 924 and Rt 24.
Is the price greater than the reward? To me, this is a no-brainer. I say keep the bas**s out.
But an Inner Harbor/Annapolis type area on the bay off Rt 40 would really be something.
Mr., Mrs. Miss, Ms Forever Amber,
First to dispel any thoughts to the contrary you are not Mrs. Mallamo. Miss Kathryn Ann has been Mrs. Mallamo for more years than she wishes to remember. I know that she loves me; she tells me so after I have finished painting the porch, washing and waxing the cars, cutting the grass and completing any other task she believes that I should. She absolutely refuses to indulge my dalliance on the Dagger, or consumption of fine bourbon and smooth cigars. She tolerates those activities only as long as I continue to paint the porch, wash and wax the cars cut the grass and complete any other tasks she assigns. You may be a delightful person, but I can guarantee, that your tolerance for all of my bad habits, and even better ones would not last long.
Now to your dream. I believe that it is great. Let’s just put some detail to it.
Picture a beginning in Edgewood. Get off the train, step into a pub. None there? Loughlin’s was a very popular place. Could be again with some vision. Truthfully, I preferred the original, not high class but a lot of my people. Drinks, snacks, music, social atmosphere.
Then back on the train. Open cars over the water. Maybe through a true nature area, estuary maybe. Stop in Aberdeen, maybe a ball game, maybe dinner. More music, drinks if desired.
Back on the train to Havre deGrace. Late night stroll on the boardwalk. Moving musicians, dessert maybe, star gazing, historical presentation.
Next morning. Shopping in Havre deGrace. Decoys, artistic goods, one off crafts. Afternoon ride horse buggy?, open bus? to the Harford County Winery’s/ Breweries. I am disappointed that none of the farmers has considered small batch Bourbon, maybe Rye. (This area was at one time noted for rye whiskey. Old Pikesville was one of the last to be distilled in the area. They must have lost the recipe, it is bad, maybe one step above paint remover. Every time I drink it I swear off.) Maybe a horse race, or steeple chase.
Back to a quiet evening, great meal on the waterfront, at a great restaurant good wine, good bourbon, smooth cigar and good night.
Next day late brunch, back to the train and good bye. Maybe some souvenirs in Edgewood? Y’all come back
I absolutely do believe that dreams can come true. Dream big, add details as you do.
County Executive Glassman is not a dreamer. Regardless of how hard he closes his eyes, wishes he may, wishes he might he will still wake up with the same faded 1950-1960 Polaroid of a putrid albatross in his sight. Just more houses. Why do we deserve that?
THNX
JOHN P. MALLAMO
Mr. Mallamo,
Since Miss Katherine Ann has been your bride for a certain number of years, you must be a rare catch indeed. We ladies hold on to the good ones.
Thank you for added depth to my vision. The rail way is a good place to start.
I like the idea of a bourbon distillery. Micro brews are so been there, done that. It’s what this county needs – something to place it ahead of the pack. Do you know anyone who has a formula for a really good bourbon? Along with revitalizing Loughlin’s, it’s beginning to sound like plan.
I’ve said it before, conservative’s have ruined this area.
Middle aged white males can’t wait to intimidate ethnic minorities.
Waiting for the atypical redneck skoal dipper to tell me how Democrats in Baltimore city made it so bad.
It’s not my fault a large percentage of Democrats vote in the city that has lots of people who arent interested in being morally ethical in life.
Take a look at the MD sex offender registry, sure are a lot of white dudes.
Yeah, because they’re not killing each other or being thrown in jail for other things.
I’m sure there are plenty of white people in jail for homicide murder or manslaughter.