[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6366716,"mediaKeyId","2159385-39b4ed9d4fcd28f53b96dab5ed1809b4","parentId",2159385,"title","Developers to convey Lester Way right‑of‑way; town staff present public works agreement and bond","audioSeconds",169,"startMs",5109000,"endMs",5278000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2159385-39b4ed9d4fcd28f53b96dab5ed1809b4&start=5109&end=5278","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2159385-39b4ed9d4fcd28f53b96dab5ed1809b4/thumbnail_5109000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6366716/Bel-Air/Harford-County/Maryland/Developers-to-convey-Lester-Way-rightofway-town-staff-present-public-works-agreement-and-bond","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6366716-30b6f470d9917a22257126ad0284d8af/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196938&Signature=oNFQaRBeREp0kzI3k0y-Zyh6R436sKg5JfzVSEgzkYRvr1BLvtYN5XzhZby-gEeiMCc6nG6NMp4Lq2ElCVZzkdRw2fnm67lUvvP~OMBB1mOM-sgkLSSbwgb7u07sDHzDK4JYcg5YVPBvQa5w5rE8~g2jtgh99dvr8JAkrBnAJjDX8LoyQgThMNz5wwCSIV94Qq~EqkGzwzuv7TmQsQP2NLamj9S2~l4Lb3Xg79ji8eUBvHvVdC0cllEqSRsUiRxe~U2lntwD1qsY3XGvZx7-wDsLsIwXakDcLXk4625sL~W5RVyQ56zrG1Xm77OHPjBzZlxW75~NfaMw9rDdavAqYQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-01-22T00:39:27Z","article","Bel Air — Town staff told commissioners on Jan. 28 that, as a condition of an ongoing development, the owners (Standard on Bond joint ventures) will convey 0.055 acres of right‑of‑way along Lester Way to the town so the developer can widen the road, install curb and gutter, storm drainage and sanitary sewer work.

Director of Public Works (Mr. Klein) said the deed has been signed by the owner and will be presented for the board’s approval. The public‑works/developer agreement to be executed by the town will require the developer to complete all improvements to town standards. Staff said the town has collected a $111,000 bond to guarantee performance, will appoint an independent inspector to verify construction, and will retain a 10% warranty holdback for one year after acceptance.

No formal vote was taken at the work session; commissioners were informed the documents have been reviewed by town counsel and will be placed on the consent/approval agenda at a future meeting for signature by the mayor and town administrators.

Ending: Staff will present the signed deed and the public‑works agreement for formal approval at the next appropriate meeting and will continue inspection and warranty oversight after construction is completed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","1/28/2025 Board of Town Commissioners Work Session Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","As a condition of development, the owners of a Standard on Bond project will convey 0.055 acres of right‑of‑way along Lester Way and execute a public‑works/developer agreement; staff said a $111,000 performance bond is in place and inspections and a one‑year warranty will apply.","taxTitle","Bel Air, Harford County, Maryland","taxId",54308,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6366720,"Commissioners question Maryland bill that would let localities tax on‑site food and beverage sales",800,5811000,6611000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2159385-39b4ed9d4fcd28f53b96dab5ed1809b4&start=5811&end=6611","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2159385-39b4ed9d4fcd28f53b96dab5ed1809b4/thumbnail_5811000.jpg","/articles/6366720/Bel-Air/Harford-County/Maryland/Commissioners-question-Maryland-bill-that-would-let-localities-tax-onsite-food-and-beverage-sales","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6366720-5d71edf1a72f2ba10e40f12ce1845ebc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196938&Signature=d1ADUYC8A-jxOkrLyNHG94yL4Ji7MfSt6U67SGyucNCMuS3rvNYF1kmEgq9NqzLtfsIsF44T5FLtYyBkVwaCXRE8m1sgcyHb8eGcNkBeCTEnUIx1Mjc9boQCKGxBIaioRbY91KoCA40n~13WO1kGEbJX3Advf8v9vMtlkPb8ltsYP~XdsQFmZXcQrvnD8H4roL8lol6FLMNE~2BUkVP4i9fOK4~eU9VHaezJMIsi8YRyMQsAg9nxLDAzBAqxWDO7mQLDRV2z8NUVpIgTafYwlrG8~NPjQGk-OeQtigQ2zKwXnRjEJTxVP~qhNews6ENhmMxdv4mvU6VK4oermKk3TQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bel Air — At the Jan. 28 work session commissioners received a briefing on Maryland Senate Bill 324, a state bill that would allow counties and municipalities to impose the admissions and amusement tax on gross receipts from on‑site food and beverage sales, with a maximum local rate of 3%.

Town staff summarized statewide talking points provided by county destination marketing organizations, which warned the tax could increase tourists’ dining costs, complicate multi‑jurisdictional pricing, and discourage visitation to higher‑tax destinations. The municipal lobbying group (MML) has flagged municipal revenue‑raising as a priority and has taken a broadly favorable position on the enabling legislation, town staff said; destination marketing organizations oppose the change.

Commissioners expressed strong reservations. \"Thanks but no thanks,\" Commissioner Taylor said, adding that Maryland residents already face a heavy tax burden and that the measure risks steering tourists to lower‑tax neighboring jurisdictions. \"I do not see this as a good policy,\" he said. Other commissioners worried about the optics of enabling a new local tax and whether counties and towns would feel compelled to levy it once the state grants the authority.

Staff noted the bill is enabling legislation, meaning the county or town would decide whether to implement the tax; there is no automatic revenue sharing between county and municipality. Director Moody warned that if the town seeks other state funding in future, declining to implement an available local revenue source could be questioned by state decision‑makers.

The bill’s first committee hearing was scheduled for Jan. 29; town staff said they had little time to prepare formal comments before the committee deadline. Commissioners did not adopt a formal town position at the work session but said staff should monitor the bill and report back if the Harford County delegation or the General Assembly acts in ways that would require a local response.","Town staff briefed commissioners on Senate Bill 324, which would let counties and municipalities impose an admissions and amusement tax on on‑site food and beverage sales up to 3%; commissioners and staff warned of competitiveness and equity concerns and said Bel Air has no current plan to adopt such a tax.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6366725,"Commissioners back limited extension for temporary outdoor dining; tents must meet fire code",267,4146000,4413000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2159385-39b4ed9d4fcd28f53b96dab5ed1809b4&start=4146&end=4413","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2159385-39b4ed9d4fcd28f53b96dab5ed1809b4/thumbnail_4146000.jpg","/articles/6366725/Bel-Air/Harford-County/Maryland/Commissioners-back-limited-extension-for-temporary-outdoor-dining-tents-must-meet-fire-code","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6366725-7470bd74069fb3773b8942c2557d821a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196938&Signature=SE3rXZMEUOx-oQo4tqcHQJzcEOX2~epotj2lXNl-F90W-B9GRlOk~2oJkrMzC22xLfij3l8U8u62uZ2rATTxMeGpwhbHdadUtaqsDKWMJTs-gtpqfh6vp1gqekrP3By3nK2xqrOSOuWeWSaERKdSDhBMZRX1TzY6xExHfyl8C~jGnPRuZhKToJjMeP2-DHhozLHSkU75gU-rMgPZ-sJH2xHZ7ZuAOnn-t9AhLrgGGOyVjbvD9sn4gfjvbpChQP~cHc7adXon0roKsJ~sxqX8qmbYOogOChertNMTX2E82o3K9BGMoPwE-~a--mvo3PPDjgEWi8cTjSbWy8EH~IGQwA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bel Air — The Board of Town Commissioners discussed a draft resolution (Res. 1245‑24) on Jan. 28 to renew temporary allowances for outdoor dining while discontinuing several COVID‑era exemptions for temporary structures.

Sponsor remarks said the town should end broad COVID emergency rules but provide a limited \"soft landing\" for restaurants that rely on outdoor dining. The proposed resolution would extend the temporary use allowance for outdoor dining through Sept. 30 to give businesses time to adapt but would not continue all COVID emergency exemptions for temporary structures.

Town building and fire officials told the board that tents and temporary structures remain subject to the International Fire Code. Fire marshal guidance requires a building permit for tents and limits tent occupancy to 180 days within a 12‑month period unless other approvals are obtained. Town staff requested that businesses that want to keep existing tents up into the extension apply for a building permit and have their tents and materials (including fire‑retardant treatments and ingress/egress plans) inspected and approved. \"If people with current tents would like to continue allowing their tent up . . . I would like to request that they get a new building permit starting at that date, say, for example, April 1st,\" fire‑safety staff said.

Commissioners expressed sympathy for restaurants and noted that some property owners or landlords (not the restaurant operators) have been slow to respond to permanent solutions, so the extension is aimed at allowing time to negotiate and implement permanent changes. Commissioner Chismar said the extension is intended to be the final limited extension as the town winds down COVID emergency measures, while Commissioner Taylor and others asked staff to continue outreach so businesses present concrete transition plans at the public hearing.

Ziebold and IBC were cited as two businesses that currently use outdoor dining; staff said only a small number of businesses still use full tent structures and that permits must be pursued for tents over 400 square feet or for long‑term placement.

Ending: The board asked staff to schedule a public hearing on the resolution and to notify affected businesses about the need to apply for building permits for tents by March 31 if they want to start a 180‑day permit period on April 1. No ordinance vote was taken at the work session.","The board supported drafting a resolution to extend temporary outdoor dining allowances through Sept. 30 while allowing other COVID‑era exemptions to expire; the town’s fire marshal and building officials said tents must obtain building permits and meet International Fire Code requirements for up to 180 days in a 12‑month period.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6366731,"Bel Air work session debates mixed‑use parking and density limits in two draft ordinances",1015,1488000,2503000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2159385-39b4ed9d4fcd28f53b96dab5ed1809b4&start=1488&end=2503","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2159385-39b4ed9d4fcd28f53b96dab5ed1809b4/thumbnail_1488000.jpg","/articles/6366731/Bel-Air/Harford-County/Maryland/Bel-Air-work-session-debates-mixeduse-parking-and-density-limits-in-two-draft-ordinances","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6366731-25512b9605950eae3f676170d5584c92/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196938&Signature=YfMj11JNnxvC92~AdbeMRfJHWKRKLIfacJtDNxBp2x3TXqlb1xbeA71e05h2mbicTv6G9NG9vzhj~P1H5ZyKSstok5C9XWp-lMHHnnLGzTi26D1htH02ptuOsnk2T08Yn8F392Qh6~Ly7oVXAdtsghSuthfcJy0t2pLKV21HYdEc~qFJABavB9A88dYyKxv6~ctzr5XiUZziOn-2mW842C~InCI5jbfVwO5eIi2B1G60cdZid~4fFdbuF8XWl1J73l7mkrNQ7WHpXt1XhpsoptlIxmMTBxhwWzkJ~Vf8eTFySz2G2PBWVeFnekHUCLLY3n~XmUBUgY-sjKHB0xQEzQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bel Air — Town commissioners discussed two related draft ordinances on Jan. 28 that would revise development regulations for mixed‑use centers and residential density limits.

Ordinance 839‑25 would amend articles governing mixed‑use centers, including revisions to shared‑parking language so the planning commission \"may require\" rather than \"must require\" shared parking, reduction of a commercial‑use guideline from 40% to 35% in certain cases, and removal of an exemption for earlier approvals.

\"One of the reasons why we put it down to 35 was ECDC's contention that if you have retail on the first floor, you have residential above that, that you can also do another floor because your requirement would only be 35% commercial,\" Director Steve Small said, summarizing staff changes and stakeholder comments. Several commissioners praised giving the planning commission discretion to approve projects that meet \"excellence of design\" and to grant limited exceptions when projects fit the context.

Ordinance 840‑25 would add density limits to certain business zones and remove some prior exceptions; it also proposes to remove a special lower density for 55+ developments only in the two zones where form‑based rules are being changed (B2A and B3A). Commissioner Rutledge and others argued for making density \"age neutral\" in those two zones so developers are not given a density bonus solely for 55+ housing. Commissioners debated whether the appropriate cap in B2A/B3A should be 20 units per acre (consistent with existing practices) or 24 units per acre (a compromise that would reflect recent local developments such as Hearthstone, which has about 22.9 units per acre).

\"If we go with 20, we're not imposing an economically unfeasible number,\" one commissioner said, while others urged that 24 would avoid precluding projects that recent market‑rate developments proved viable. Commissioners expressed a preference to limit the change to B2A and B3A — leaving other zones’ existing age‑based density distinctions intact — and to supply clearer guidance to the planning commission about how to weigh \"excellence of design\" and context differences between downtown locations and residential edges.

No final votes were taken; staff said the ordinances will be revised for the town hall meeting with the draft density number set at 20 out of courtesy to the sponsoring commissioner but left open to amendment before final adoption.

Ending: Commissioners asked staff to refine language on context and design criteria, and to return drafts that reflect the board’s direction — keeping age neutrality limited to B2A/B3A, clarifying parking references, and presenting a recommended density (20 vs. 24) for further consideration.","Commissioners discussed two draft ordinances to amend mixed‑use center rules and residential density limits, debating whether to allow shared‑parking discretion and whether to set lower density limits at 35% commercial or keep a 40% figure, and whether to make B2A/B3A density rules age‑neutral (20 vs. 24 units/acre).",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6366734,"Rockfield Foundation, town spar over fire‑sprinkler requirement as renovation continues",112,210000,322000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2159385-39b4ed9d4fcd28f53b96dab5ed1809b4&start=210&end=322","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2159385-39b4ed9d4fcd28f53b96dab5ed1809b4/thumbnail_210000.jpg","/articles/6366734/Bel-Air/Harford-County/Maryland/Rockfield-Foundation-town-spar-over-firesprinkler-requirement-as-renovation-continues","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6366734-2fe08358326ab54f7d27990c2b9a1cf7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196938&Signature=CJ-d9QY7ZNs8thKyFEDoV6zrPLDmyzQH-epU88c57-EDiU3zpq7UbSbCQaicyoD~5k91LwC6WBp~-ai6GNVX0aysPV3gMApecbQnl2GyBZOW7GzpCX7ooKfhdp5JZdlWM-KsX68sVzEcSl2akukxyXv8yjpSRS5d4PNvfkG7a0J32aI7gCQ6dCa0XvJckUoYcb4yQKKNhJNiB3WUFvl--YGZodvh9BJ95HdS7IUnJCtYf~YDeCSIOMcB-90YDqVymLU6WZr6r0MzjSaEmawHvBcAV0cBZrIKpue~CvHzIydNGDb3zbfxnQ1QzFV9r0MSqgpdwOnnLPlNn~8Z2I3fKQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bel Air — Leaders of the Rockfield Foundation told the Board of Town Commissioners on Jan. 28 that a change in Harford County’s interpretation of the building code has forced them to address a required sprinkler system for the historic Rockfield building even though the current construction project was not the original trigger.

\"The cause for the sprinkler system is the second floor,\" Donna Dickey, a Rockfield board member, told commissioners, saying the foundation’s permit was denied in August because the county had no plan for sprinklers. \"Even if we halted our progress with the addition . . . we would still have to upgrade the building to standard code. They're assuming that that second floor is used as event space, which, it's not.\"

Rockfield executive Kelly Kaltoff said the foundation prioritized safety and had hired a fire prevention engineer, Jeff McBride, to advise on options that balance life‑safety, the building’s historic fabric and public cost. \"At the end of the day, the town owns this building. If the town wants to put sprinklers in here, it's your building. You have every right to do so. And Rockfield will fund as we agree to the other 50% of it,\" Kaltoff said.

Todd Morrison of CASCON Construction, the contractor on the site, said core structural work is underway — demolition, slab, steel and wood framing — and the contractor’s schedule expects completion in early May \"but it has to be with the cooperation of the sprinkler system installation as well, which seems to be an unknown. So that's sort of an issue right now.\"

Paul Thompson, president of Architectural Design Works (ADW), which prepared the plans, told the board that interpretations of code sometimes vary by plans reviewer. \"Codes are subject to interpretations,\" he said. He said his firm and Rockfield’s consultant disagree with the county reviewer’s classification of the second floor as an assembly space and believe it qualifies as office space. \"We don't believe that the second floor is assembly. We believe it's office so it's an unseparated mixed use. They're saying that it's a non‑compliant condition.\"

Commissioners and staff discussed options including accepting the county’s interpretation, seeking an alternative interpretation, or having the town consider a retrofit. Commissioner comments emphasized the need for cost estimates before any town contribution and expressed appreciation for the foundation’s stewardship of the site. Commissioner Rutledge noted that the board had previously authorized a $47,000 expenditure to get estimates and said he wanted the \"bottom line\" before authorizing any additional town funds.

Rockfield representatives reiterated they had engaged a fire‑safety expert because of the complexity of historic construction and code compliance, and emphasized they were not resisting necessary safety upgrades. Kaltoff said the foundation has been covering many maintenance costs historically and planned to continue collaborating with the town. \"Public safety at Rockfield is always on our top priority,\" she said.

No formal board vote was taken at the Jan. 28 work session. Commissioners asked staff to return with cost estimates and further technical information so they could determine next steps and whether the town would share retrofit costs.

Ending: The board did not adopt a final position; commissioners asked staff and Rockfield to provide firm cost estimates, permitting guidance and an updated construction schedule for a future meeting so the town could weigh any contribution and integration of a sprinkler installation into ongoing construction.","The Rockfield Foundation told Bel Air commissioners its building addition and ongoing construction were stalled after Harford County reviewers required a sprinkler system because of the second‑floor use; the foundation says it will share costs and has engaged a fire prevention engineer as construction proceeds.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Developers to convey Lester Way right‑of‑way; town staff present public works agreement and bond

Commissioners question Maryland bill that would let localities tax on‑site food and beverage sales

Commissioners back limited extension for temporary outdoor dining; tents must meet fire code

Bel Air work session debates mixed‑use parking and density limits in two draft ordinances

Rockfield Foundation, town spar over fire‑sprinkler requirement as renovation continues