From Richard D Schafer, President/CEO, Maryland Reclamation Associates Inc.:
Harford County has requested The Court Of Appeals to grant Certiorari on the MRA trial verdict where a jury found that the County did in fact do a regulatory taking of MRA’s property and awarded just compensation in the amount of $ 45,420,076 The County also has encouraged other Maryland Counties and jurisdictions to file an Amicus Curiae brief. MRA has filled its answer asking the court to deny these requests. The jury decided this case under a US Supreme Court Case “Penn Central Transportation Co v. City of New York.
I feel the county has misled the other jurisdictions and never made them aware of the fact that this was a Penn Central case and not a zoning case. In addition, they keep arguing that we missed the statue if limitations. If they would only read Section 709 of the County Charter. 709 makes it crystal clear as to that issue. At trial Harford County’s expert on zoning, who is a past planning and zoning director and a current planning and zoning employee testified that he had never read Section 405 of the Harford County Charter. This section shows the duties of the Planning and Zoning Director and qualifications.
“This is quite telling and makes one question the competency of the Glassman Government. Instead of settling this case Harford County would rather spend 12,500 dollars a day in interest and thumb their nose to the county taxpayers and jurors. The verdict was for 45,420,076 and with interest it’s now approximately $ 47,220,076 and rising daily”.
Richard D Schafer, President/CEO
Maryland Reclamation Associates Inc.
Debra says
What a jerk! I have never read such words from such a pompous windbag!
LMAO says
This is rich…. here we have a person that is owed $47 million dollar as decided by a jury of Harford county citizens. The case has been heard 4 previous times and the County Executive is making lawyers rich while wasting an additional $12,000 per day of the taxpayers money and you think the man who wants his money is being a jerk. Is there something in the water that makes so many Harford county residents idiots?
Margaret Miller says
Mr. LMAO, I taught education in the School System for 31 years. I would never have tolerated that trash talk from any of my students. Mr. Schafer was rude and condescending. M’S Margaret Miller
LMAO says
You taught education? You are an idiot Maggie, go away.
Top Hatter says
This is why so many now Home School their children. Teachers who have no ability to allow differing opinions, but require all to regurgitate the message of the state. Even when the State is clearly in the wrong.
Carlton Bruno says
I agree with the above comment.
Incredibly insensitive comments.
Local Yocal says
What’s so “insensitive about facts?
Over 47 million and rising is the hard truth!
Carlton Bruno says
It was petulant! Like a little child throwing a tantrum. Not convincing in the slightest to me.
LMAO says
He doesn’t need to convince you, what would you do if you have been waiting years for your $47 million?
Angry Voter says
Insensitive Comments? How so? Perhaps not dealing with the problem and letting it get to $46M is what you should consider insensitive. Unfortunately this kind of behavior in Harford County Government agencies is not atypical. This litigant pressed on until he got justice. Many throw their hands up and just move on with life.
Carlton Bruno says
He was rude.
I really don’t like him, or you for that matter.
Angry Voter says
Sounds like a personal problem…..I would be rude also if the County all but essentially took my property and blocked my lively hood.
Glenn Strobe-Cox says
I don’t like you, either,
Jonh P. Mallamo says
Mr./Mrs./Miss/Ms Debra
Mr./Mrs./Miss/Ms Carlton Bruno
Mr./Mrs./Miss/Ms Margret Miller
Mr./Mrs./Miss/Ms. Glenn Strobe-Cox
I am offended by the situation presented by Mr. Schafer. Even though there are some who object to his words, he has stated his case in a forthright manner. The circumstances of the situation originated in the early 1990’s as mischief of the Harford County Council, with Mr. Barry Glassman as a sitting member. As a result of County Executive Glassman’s miscalculation, a jury awarded Plaintiff, Maryland Reclamation Associates 46 million dollars plus interest. Who would have ever thought that a plaintiff seeking a 100 million dollar payout would show up with multiple attorneys and multiple exhibits, while defendant showed up with one attorney, outside counsel no less, who was obviously overwhelmed? That debacle cost County Taxpayers 600 thousand dollars for outside counsel. As a taxpayer I am very much afraid that I will end up paying all or hopefully only some portion of the judgment against the County, accrued interest, and no doubt legal fees for both MRA and outside counsel for the County. I face future activates of County Executive Glassman with trepidation. Knowing full well that no one is protected against his land use decisions as promulgated Planning and Zoning Department and his vision for the Study Area in the Creswell area. It is no comfort to realize that the County is litigating five other land use cases, and potentially two more in the very near future. Yes, I am one of the litigants. I will leave Mr. Shafer to question the competency of the Glassman Administration. Certainly the press release regarding the other counties and municipalities gives sufficient reason for that. That release really spikes the ball. Me? I spend my time plumbing the depths of the ineptitude of the administration, and developing plans to insulate myself from their mischief. Et Tu?
THNX
John P. Mallamo
SoulCrusher says
Well, if you think you’re going to get a honorable decision from the head of the Judicial crime syndicate in Maryland, you need to think again. The Maryland Court of Appeals knows only one path of law and that path is nothing short of treason. Remove your suit and file it in the US District Court. You really have no other choice.
Sword of Light says
Far too late for that. The dye is cast, I am afraid.
? says
Why are you afraid?
Sword of Light says
Did you forget to connote sarcasm in your response?
? says
no, you sated you are afraid. If you can’t answer a simple question perhaps posting here might be beyond your skill set.
Sword of Light says
I don’t think I “sated” anything. Perhaps if English isn’t a part of your skill set, you should refrain from participating.
? says
“Far too late for that. The dye is cast, I am afraid.”
Clearly someone else typed they were afraid in your post….
? says
“I don’t think”
You should have stopped there, we know.
Sword of Light says
Ah, the keyboard warrior. Turgid over having the last word. You win.
? says
Does that scare you?
Joan A Ryder says
I really feel that this case has gone on for too long. We taxpayers are paying for this. In the past they were willing to settle for $12,000 million and were turned down. We can’t let our pride get in the way. We need the County to settle this so we don’t pay any more. That money could go toward schools, highways and anything else. Step up to the plate and pay the judgement.
Cdev says
Exactly one year of a interest is 4.5 million that could do a lot!
Reality of It says
You think? Unfortunately there is so much corruption in Harford Govt they don’t know how to do what is best for the citizens of Harford County. If I owned a home their I would sell it and get out because it’s only getting worse.
@Ryder says
Local politicians are appealing this so that paying up comes after the election. Otherwise it would be the issue of the campaign and several current politicians and other officials would be looking for new jobs.
Karen says
I’m sure there is an insurance policy protecting the citizens of Harford county from idiotic decisions like this made by the county council.
Local Yocal says
You are totally incorrect!
If there was such a policy available, Harford County Government would have used it a long time ago. In fact, HCG is self insured!
Cdev says
The insurance is raising your taxes
Come On Now says
This is demonstrative of what has been said repeatedly about the “Leaders” you have in Harford County. Personal agendas by these politicians need to stop. The Corruption is off the charts and this is the result.
Sam Adams says
By the time the county ends up capitulating, this could be a $100 million hit. By then, this council and executive (like the ones before it covering almost two decades) would have moved on leaving taxpayers to pay through the nose and other orifices.
Heavy Fuel says
Who are the lawyers advising Mr. Glassman that put the county in such a negative financial situation? I don’t know the specifics but, it certainly sounds like something is amiss. These are my and other citizen’s tax dollars. Will my taxes now be increased? What will this do to our Bond rating? Will it cost more to obtain financing required to run the projects this leadership is to provide? Certainly the interest rate on borrowed funds will increase. Mr. Glassman is a shoe-in for the upcoming election but, if I were him making decisions that thrust the county into this mess, I would have some sleepless nights.
Lulu says
Robert Wagner is a good man and YOU should be ashamed for smearing him.
Shorty says
John Mallamo, I hope you never see a dime.
James McMahon says
I have no relationship to the plaintiffs or defendants, but remember this case. As a 30+ year resident of Harford County, I urge Mr. Glassman to keep punching. Fight this ridiculous lawsuit.
Mr. and Mrs. Taxpayer want the fighting spirit we saw from Mr. Glassman when this young tiger was first elected to the Council.
Go get ‘im.
JOHN P. MALLAMO says
Mr./Mrs./Miss/Ms James McMahon
Sir, Ma’am
If you are still a resident of Harford County, perhaps you would consider that you ARE a defendant in this suit, as are all of the other residents of Harford County. As a direct result of the activities of Mr. Glassman as a sitting member of the Harford County Council and now as County Executive, you have a 46 million dollar obligation to Mr. Schaefer. That obligation grows as interest and legal fees accrue. I do not know how much more of the “young tiger” Harford County can afford. My vote is no more of his mischief.
THNX
John P. Mallamo
James McMahon says
Mr. Glassman did nothing wrong.
JOHN P. MALLAMO says
Mr./Mrs./Miss/Ms James McMahon,
Sir, Ma’am
Are you stating that Harford County owes Mr. Shafer 46 million + dollars because County Executive Glassman did it all right? If so I would believe that Harford County residents are beyond help.
THNX
John P. Mallamo
Angry Voter says
I would agree if Harford Couunty residents believe Glassman did it all right then your fools! A jury has said otherwise. He arrogance is as bad as Gahler, Cassilly, and Ryden, This bill should put a big dent in the bottom line. Doubt it will change their behavior.
Reality of It says
Hey Jane, worry about where you live now, Ceciltucky! Remember you were forced out by Harford County by the alleged corruption of all the county officials..remember that?
Infatuation… it’s still here
I’ll join the other spell checkers too, “He arrogance?” what’s that mean?
Next….
Angry Voter says
Reality of It…What are you talking about?
Reality of It says
Now that’s funny Donnie !!
Next…
Angry Voter says
Reality of It must be smoking crack.
Angry Voter says
I could eat a bowl of alphabet soup and shit out a smarter statement than that.
Jane says
Reality of It you worry about yourself. Remember the circle exercise? Remember what happens when you drag me into a conversation? Seems as if you aren’t the smartest. MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS in FOREST HILLS. Take your own advice for a new beginning.
Angry Voter says
@Reality of It…..Shock me, say something intelligent. Otherwise follow Jane’s advice and MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS.
11 says
Angry Voter, Jane, Reality of It are clearly all the same person.
This has become disturbing
Jane says
11, Reality of It, Come On Now, Spell Checker, Village Idiot, Cum on Now, are clearly all the same person.
This has been disturbing for much longer.
7:24 am on a Sunday? Don’t you know Sundays are for sleeping in?
11 says
Sleep in? Because your psychotic ass has been up all night having an argument with yourself on the Dagger.
Get help.
Jane says
You tell yourself that if it makes you feel better……Thanks for the unsolicited suggestion. Amazing how that seems to work isn’t it? Basic inability to MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS. Then you feel qualified to offer others suggestions. Opinions are like assholes everyone has one. _wink_
ForestHill Resident says
The lawsuit has been lost already, a jury of Harford County Residents has found the county liable in the amount of $46 million. What part of that aren’t you understanding Mr McMahon?
James McMahon says
With all due respect, ma’am, Joe Cassily needs to adjudicate this all the way to the supreme court.
Legal Eagle says
This is not a case for Mr Cassilly , the States Attorney, it’s under the purview of the county law department, correct? A civil matter, despite how egregious it may be?
@James McMahon says
This can’t be the James McMahon that currently sits on the County Council. He would know that the State’s Attorneys Office would not be the legal entity to challenge the verdict on behalf of the county. Then again many have questioned McMahon’s mental capacity in recent years so maybe it could be the real James McMahon; which should make all of us thankful he will be departing political office in the very near future.
Legal Eagle says
Precisely, but I was trying to be a touch more diplomatic about it.
TopHatter says
A jury of your peers didn’t think it was ridiculous. Perhaps you don’t have the information they have. You can’t make up the rules as they go along.
Willy says
It seems to me this should have been taken care of years ago when it could have been settled for a reasonable amount. But the politicians (Barry Glassman being one at that time) decided to push the can down the road. It appears to me they were trying to bankrupt Mr. Schafer or waiting for him to die. This helped start Barry Glassman’s political career and could very well end his political career. What goes around comes around.
Mr. Common Sense says
This is the biggest load of BS I have ever heard. The man one his suit, plain and simple. A jury of OUR PEERS from HC awarded this man his money. For those of you against this, if you would have seen the trial you too, would have given him this money. Do you think those jurors were concerned about their taxes and where else that money could have gone too? Of course they were! But they had to make their decision upon n both cases presented to them. And obviously, after the county screwed this man for so many friggin years, they realized that it was time for at least one man not to be screwed! The man won. Plain and simple. The judge won’ even consider a re-trial because the county has absolutely NOTHING else to present to eve challenge the case a bit. I hope you get you get what is undoubtedly coming to you, and I hope you get it soon before this idiotic administration costs residents even more?
Rita Green from Dublin says
Hogwash to all. The county’s culpability has never been proven. Mr. Mallamo is whining.
Reality of It says
The county’s culpability has never been proven? What was the jury trial? I guess the jurors must be wrong.
Tilefish says
Just remember, when you cash your pay checks, thank a businessman who was willing to take a gamble and start a business and create jobs. We need more people like Mr Schafer and less like McMahon!
TopHatter says
Exactly….Keep in mind your audience on here….Majority are the very same who have managed to get the citizens into this boat by refusing to productively negotiate the problem. They do not understand reason, which is why it took a lawsuit to address it. Unfortunately far to often this is the case in Harford County.
This case is one of many in the pipeline. Maybe after its said and done the county can be absorbed by Baltimore or Cecil Counties. That or carve it out and float it out to sea.
Wait till tax payers find out about the collusion with the Sheriff that will bring huge bills to every taxpayer in the near future. Of course after the election because we know how that works.
Legal Eagle says
Do pray tell what the Sheriff has to do with this?
Willy says
How much money have our illustrious politicians cost the taxpayers over the last 20+ years since this has been going on? You don’t see those figures published. For the politicians that voted to keep appealing and making law firms rich should take responsibility for this debacle. Why don’t they lay their salaries on the line and if and when they lose they can forfeit their salaries for remainder of the time they hold office.