[{"_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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6475321,"mediaKeyId","5734518-888659673aa01c71bab0e428716576d7","parentId",5734518,"title","Annapolis council hears divided public testimony on Tyler Avenue complete community overlay","audioSeconds",1147,"startMs",3284000,"endMs",4431000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5734518-888659673aa01c71bab0e428716576d7&start=3284&end=4431","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5734518-888659673aa01c71bab0e428716576d7/thumbnail_3284000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6475321/Annapolis/Anne-Arundel-County/Maryland/Annapolis-council-hears-divided-public-testimony-on-Tyler-Avenue-complete-community-overlay","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6475321-0b971d56360361210c6454beb49c23e5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771181410&Signature=H-T01~2FI6WDivkiligeYHF8LgO7EAI1VAkmZ0lmq7U7iNydvZl9JzjqP0YAF3bB1S-Ybu6xD-aRwcPtRUmYMkXHPY6hpGYD3n~PuWtEsgSnp8EDS5pR9JYFiWRv7kGknrIw4I28kjBdhRh3n9P4VqscO-GdBjf0XH5sLSJ7PgQr~KMxtM-YOexyZfPLuBm6ILVFUN4ihdHyaGjAIP7oT-aGI6RY81Wy2X5cYw2GebvObDvV1HkzoGC3E2~yJ4YjRu1wAVVlmR92jvOFz5cf~WnLLAOOA2eHoJxqT70oIMACZileoZOobKd5gVSt~tFs3qCIPaj72trDUHuzGuegUA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Annapolis, MD","date","2025-09-08T22:41:53Z","article","Annapolis City Council members heard more than a dozen residents testify for and against ordinance O29‑25, the Tyler Avenue complete community overlay, during a public hearing Tuesday evening.

Supporters described the overlay as a targeted, voluntary tool to add housing options and calm traffic along Tyler Avenue. “This is gonna give an opportunity for people that are less fortunate, be able to afford housing in Annapolis,” said Yannis Cauquiani, a Tyler Avenue resident. Longtime residents and planners said the overlay would encourage reinvestment without changing underlying zoning. “The Overlay District maintains the underlying zoning district that’s there in existence,” said Larry Tom, a former Anne Arundel County planning director, and he called the proposal “a very stable neighborhood” approach that could unlock underused properties without up‑zoning.

Opponents warned the overlay would accelerate gentrification, reduce single‑family yards and push longtime homeowners out. “This is phase 1 of getting rid of single family homes with backyards in the city of Annapolis,” said George Gallagher. Gabriel Solano, who lives on Tyler Avenue, raised cost concerns, arguing that new four‑unit buildings would require additional land acquisition and would likely sell for “$600,000 to $700,000,” not the lower prices sometimes promised.

Speakers who support the proposal said participation is voluntary: property owners can opt in. “If anyone that owns property on Tyler Avenue has the option to participate and perhaps build a multifamily dwelling on their property or sell their property and maybe allow someone else the opportunity to do so,” said Jennifer Wilhoite. Proponents also emphasized traffic calming and streetscape repairs tied to the overlay; Alderman Gay noted street repairs and traffic calming will occur before any major development.

Council accepted the planning commission’s findings into the record and closed the public hearing; no final vote on the ordinance was taken at the meeting. City staff and the council’s planning liaison, Eric Leshinski, were thanked several times by speakers and aldermen for meetings and outreach. Alderman Gay said procurement issues delayed some street repair work that would be completed before larger development proceeds.

What’s next: The council did not adopt O29‑25 at the meeting. The matter will remain in the public record for future committee consideration and potential action by the council.

Votes at the meeting: Council accepted the planning commission findings into the record and closed the public hearing on O29‑25 (no final ordinance vote was taken).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting September 8 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Annapolis City Council members heard more than a dozen residents testify for and against ordinance O29‑25, the Tyler Avenue complete community overlay, during a public hearing Tuesday evening.","taxTitle","Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland","taxId",59348,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6475306,"Annapolis public hearing on ranked‑choice voting draws broad civic debate",4403,6759000,11162000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5734518-888659673aa01c71bab0e428716576d7&start=6759&end=11162","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5734518-888659673aa01c71bab0e428716576d7/thumbnail_6759000.jpg","/articles/6475306/Annapolis/Anne-Arundel-County/Maryland/Annapolis-public-hearing-on-rankedchoice-voting-draws-broad-civic-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6475306-3654b0b5393888f97dadbff87e96de33/orig.mp4?Expires=1771181410&Signature=C-E44Bp4aoxkGUkfxcLAmhsv1z-VfCtUmmXw15EssLfzwZKHDS2Sl2grDLifp0Eyooy6PAFBJQgRhHFWPwW1SvBrcC0tLrTBzN2if3Av79z~Y9frmwrTfe3TNLP8Ksmf5Hb3h7yVsx2sTl6rxZ7BYOEvFs9Q2quPo4J0xAEuHX~bRbPt4dTFN-MpYdYf03c4SN4o7gbRwsqhZjNBKvqOrorqAioWbYPw4lsNpJ~o3Eei1V-jI5Rth0DcI09wyvrdJnakIGt6FBCAA9ls~hIoc3641TdtGrDVBjSjPAe7RHYzLsURKy2WLGR8aJY34riB~fWwFS30MVdnWyLVwjKEVA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Annapolis City Council heard extensive testimony for and against ordinance O35‑25, a proposal to use ranked‑choice voting (RCV) in city elections.

Supporters included local civic groups and voting‑rights advocates who said RCV reduces the “spoiler” effect, encourages broader candidate fields, and can increase participation and civility in campaigns. “Ranked choice voting or RCV empowers voters to better express their preferences at the ballot box by eliminating the need for strategic voting,” said Morgan Drayton of Common Cause Maryland. Voter‑education advocates and local League chapters urged a public education program if RCV is adopted; Morgan Drayton and others recommended voter education as part of implementation.

A coalition of local advocates and organizations testified in favor of the ordinance, and multiple speakers cited experience from other jurisdictions. “Voters across the U.S. are tired of toxic campaigns,” said Zoe Bridal (transcript name Zoe Bridal), arguing RCV incentivizes candidates to seek second‑choice support and campaign more civilly. Proponents pointed to studies and jurisdictions reporting high voter satisfaction after implementation.

Opponents voiced concerns about ballot exhaustion, complexity, potential litigation and cost. “RCV is confusing and designed to be that way,” said Susan Duffy, who cited recent state‑level litigation and called for caution. Several speakers and members of the public asked the council to consider other reforms, including nonpartisan or open primaries. Ron Gunsberger suggested a nonpartisan “jungle” primary as an alternative.

Council members asked procedural questions from the dais during the hearing. Several speakers emphasized that voters would not be required to rank every candidate and that jurisdictions using RCV typically release cast‑vote records to support audits and transparency.

Council action at the meeting: the council closed the public hearing on O35‑25; no final vote was recorded at the meeting. Speakers and groups on both sides asked the council to proceed with public education, transparent implementation planning, or to slow the process and consider alternatives.

What’s next: The council will consider the ordinance and any committee referrals or implementation details in subsequent meetings; supporters urged a robust voter education campaign if the council advances the change.","The Annapolis City Council heard extensive testimony for and against ordinance O35‑25, a proposal to use ranked‑choice voting (RCV) in city elections.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6475317,"Residents, business owners clash over proposed long-term Market House lease in Annapolis",1904,5129000,7033000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5734518-888659673aa01c71bab0e428716576d7&start=5129&end=7033","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5734518-888659673aa01c71bab0e428716576d7/thumbnail_5129000.jpg","/articles/6475317/Annapolis/Anne-Arundel-County/Maryland/Residents-business-owners-clash-over-proposed-long-term-Market-House-lease-in-Annapolis","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6475317-1153766c8b5f41d0c5acf0d8424f3f7f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771181410&Signature=B2icmbdVFjDbESK0mn4y~ySvWHt2j5JYsXuSFbHS45WLdWJI-Kqb9mW8xsS2X1dSnwv6o6-sBxxzyooyHs-auByFoP-O4GdCPDlqAHmJwHZmW5QXDDHFRpHKdrpHCVDu1aKuwcVg2~BmaUsq2GZ34HCUjAdKMjMThAhTK3pwzBE5U-GVzggDrRMBP579p0URkpusofx4lv22CwzMLVorSqPIbSn4mPVJRKYUorsrgP3ZCQYobCPgTZTTPrANKAHjwdOQQj~THBURReNsYi~PEtyiWv7156JjIcUewsGImp-8UAagg5paYcnIQZI72gT4NIkiDBxlsxNpLMMdeyvrOw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of residents, business owners and stakeholders spoke Tuesday about ordinance O33‑25, the proposed extension of the Market House lease at City Dock, voicing sharply divided views over the city’s economic value, transparency and how far ahead the council should commit a prominent public asset.

Supporters—including the current operators and organizations tied to Annapolis’ maritime economy—urged the council to grant a longer lease so the tenant can invest in improvements. “We’re investing a lot of time and money into what this will look like for the boat shows and other festivals,” said Mary Ewinson, president of the Annapolis Boat Shows (speaking about the nearby boat‑show leases). Jody Danek, a Market House partner, said the tenant has paid materially to the city: “Last year alone, we paid $171,000 to the city of Annapolis,” and argued the operators need multi‑year certainty to justify additional capital work.

Critics called the proposed extension premature and one‑sided. Laurie Sullivan, a longtime resident, said the existing lease terms are unusually favorable to the tenant and that extending it eight years early would be “not prudent stewardship.” Sullivan and other critics cited low base rent compared with nearby market rents, a reduction in performance rent in the proposed extension (from 2% to 1% as characterized by speakers), and requests for renewal options that could lock the property to 2053. “Locking the city into nearly 3 more decades of this arrangement 8 years early is not prudent stewardship,” Sullivan said.

Other concerns raised in testimony included whether the Market House tenant pays applicable taxes or amusement taxes and the lack of public documentation about missing or late performance rent payments; speakers called for disclosure of records. “Without transparency, the public is simply asked to take the word of the very parties who benefit the most from this arrangement,” Sullivan said.

Market House operators and supporters pushed back on several factual points raised by critics. Jody Danek and Keith Bouchard said the tenant’s payments to the city are substantial and that the business has grown rapidly since the COVID period; Danek noted the tenant’s legal ability to operate with a liquor license was obtained by council action and that city and state tax rules limit the city’s ability to impose property tax on city‑owned assets.

Council action at the meeting: the council closed the public hearing on O33‑25; no final vote on lease terms was taken. Members and many speakers asked for more transparency and documentation from staff and from the parties while opponents urged postponement until closer to the lease expiration so the property could be re‑bid if appropriate.

What’s next: O33‑25 remains under council consideration; staff and council members will consider follow up documentation and may act in committee or on a later meeting agenda.

Votes at the meeting: Public hearing closed; no ordinance adoption or referral specifically recorded at the meeting minutes.","Dozens of residents, business owners and stakeholders spoke Tuesday about ordinance O33‑25, the proposed extension of the Market House lease at City Dock, voicing sharply divided views over the city’s economic value, transparency and how far ahead the council should commit a prominent public asset.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6475301,"Resident voices concerns about water quality and priorities as council refers public water access plan to committee",8896,2684000,11580000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5734518-888659673aa01c71bab0e428716576d7&start=2684&end=11580","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5734518-888659673aa01c71bab0e428716576d7/thumbnail_2684000.jpg","/articles/6475301/Annapolis/Anne-Arundel-County/Maryland/Resident-voices-concerns-about-water-quality-and-priorities-as-council-refers-public-water-access-plan-to-committee","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6475301-bbc325eb3670132ea9ad3ad34d7746c8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771181410&Signature=i7PGNNvXGgc06joKslwlAPiAH8COXSTxSOzpBxPj8E0nnzE9xc5ZzNkK53V1WMSQ4dfRwtMOXTiOadpSFXCtHI-vKapcJUiCJ2BzIiK-0SWUrvbsvnLYMbr3cu856lSXg1M5burKwp2~iWdyfYhLsOTlAQska33Ts0h6qkgUtROKsCJrtfbdfuLC~OUCpvWb0lUAYzwFp49agFigN1lzntVsxLuCp~p9BvzoHvoTlpMzhfNSmqBzLIg61cNtOSOiFtBtNOWeNqIOIILPQftmF8v5FW5S8ogoaUbj43-p67ngztZdw4M3rWs~Wa2gV2TC3zQ2hnOKrZgK-BApyM~hyA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the start of the general public comment period, Heidi Rothenhaus told the council she opposed adoption of the city’s equitable public water access plan (R40‑25) as drafted, saying staff had not adequately prioritized projects and that some proposed access sites have water‑quality or depth problems that make short‑term use unsafe or infeasible.

Rothenhaus said the plan lists more than 120 projects and assigns many to short‑term timelines despite what she described as incomplete evaluation of existing conditions. She cited Spa Creek testing and health‑department coliform measures, and noted the Truxton Park/children’s museum paddle access can be unsafe “about half the days as measured by the Spa Creek Conservancy.” She said stray current and depth issues at specific locations make immediate paddler access unrealistic without remediation and that staff had already applied for a DNR permit for a dock in places that, she argued, are not ready.

“Putting disadvantaged residents into dirty, unsafe water in the name of equity is not responsible or kind,” Rothenhaus said. She urged the council to delay adoption and to require prioritization tied to feasible remediation and clearer cost and grant strategies, given other maintenance needs across the park system and fiscal pressures related to the City Dock project.

Council action later in the meeting: the council voted to refer R40‑25, the equitable public water access plan, to the Environmental Matters Committee for further review (referral announced by Alderman Savage at first‑reader referrals). The referral moves technical review and prioritization back to committee before any final council adoption.

What’s next: Environmental Matters Committee will review staff analyses, water‑quality data, remediation needs and project prioritization. Commenters asked the city to include clear funding and timelines and to connect access planning with transportation options to nearby higher‑quality sites such as Quiet Waters Park for underserved neighborhoods.","A resident told the council R40‑25, the equitable public water access plan, is premature because many of the 120 proposed projects lack realistic short‑term feasibility and some access points suffer from water‑quality problems. The council later referred the plan to the Environmental Matters Committee for further review.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":91,"_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":73,"_74":73},6475311,"Annapolis boat‑show organizers ask council to secure long-term CityDock leases; public hearing closes",363,4766000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5734518-888659673aa01c71bab0e428716576d7&start=4766&end=5129","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5734518-888659673aa01c71bab0e428716576d7/thumbnail_4766000.jpg","/articles/6475311/Annapolis/Anne-Arundel-County/Maryland/Annapolis-boatshow-organizers-ask-council-to-secure-long-term-CityDock-leases-public-hearing-closes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6475311-c055d5e7593b4b706e321472480ffdac/orig.mp4?Expires=1771181410&Signature=o1aotLxCWt3S1IXjx5hCerRfHN6OhHvBrIRK~rfXfYNH4nKY06GJvb2A9ARCWZhXLJ3qj4s6Ia4LBArrHmh1tXZduGFw4y6vzLr4AexrWqVcvl81MKKz5Qr7SdLkNezxfVj8KDl9Hg6Jvt7DleQeDYZ~8gssOkMmGJxVI~sMxVQfew93zvRXQ4MjOgaDn3UOYGex9LPcRo99UXhoObayiDDFC5NQKe-kKP7MnRNq9Qy0OMIW0RoJV67sGgz-STKx~Qx0gWDWu-sax0JFZoiQ0fkCoJdrc7gTWB4VQ7NQc4JDpMVl13q92T6hPWL50vPf46FpVbSo2RpTsUx1LzSggA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives of the Marine Trades Association of Maryland and the Annapolis Boat Shows urged the council Tuesday to adopt long‑term lease renewals for major boat shows at City Dock, saying the events are vital to the local and regional marine economy.

John Stefanchek, executive director of the Marine Trades Association of Maryland, described the shows as among the largest of their kind and a major driver of local economic activity. “Annapolis Sailboat shows the largest sailing events in the Western Hemisphere,” he said, and the combined shows account for a significant portion of the state’s recreational marine business.

Mary Ewinson, president of the Annapolis Boat Shows, told the council that the shows plan many years in advance and require lease certainty: “Our leases end in 2030 and what this next round takes us to 2036 with an option to renew through 2040. And that is correct. We could exercise that option at any time.” Ewinson and other supporters said the extended term allowed organizers to invest in logistics, marketing and event infrastructure and gave local businesses predictability.

Speakers and council members touched on the overlap between boat‑show operations and ongoing City Dock construction and operations, and organizers said they have been coordinating with city staff. No substantive opposition emerged during the hearing; speakers framed the shows as critical to the waterfront economy.

Council action at the meeting: the council closed the public hearing on O32‑25 (leases for all boat shows through 2036/option to 2040) and on the related spring boat shows item; no final lease approvals or votes were recorded at the meeting.

What’s next: Staff and council will continue review of the leases; organizers requested certainty to plan multi‑year investments.","Representatives of the Annapolis sail and powerboat shows and the Marine Trades Association urged the City Council to renew and extend leases for major boat shows at CityDock through 2036 (with optional renewals), saying long leases are necessary for planning and investment. The council closed the public hearing; no final vote was taken.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Annapolis council hears divided public testimony on Tyler Avenue complete community overlay

Annapolis public hearing on ranked‑choice voting draws broad civic debate

Residents, business owners clash over proposed long-term Market House lease in Annapolis

Resident voices concerns about water quality and priorities as council refers public water access plan to committee

Annapolis boat‑show organizers ask council to secure long-term CityDock leases; public hearing closes