The Environment and Transportation Committee of the Maryland General Assembly convened on February 25, 2025, to discuss several key pieces of legislation, including House Bill 964 and House Bill 990. The session began with a focus on House Bill 964, which aims to establish a task force to investigate the impacts of urban renewal in the Emery Grove community.

Reverend Crutchfield opened the discussion by commending the efforts to address the significant issues stemming from past urban renewal policies. He emphasized the need for community involvement in finding solutions to what he described as a "horrendous problem."

Stephanie Killian, a former employee of Montgomery County's Department of Housing and Community Affairs, provided testimony in support of House Bill 964. Drawing on her extensive experience, she recounted the history of the Emery Grove Urban Renewal Plan, which began in the late 1960s. Killian noted that the plan, intended to revitalize the area, ultimately led to the displacement of residents and the transformation of a once-thriving neighborhood into one characterized by low-income rental housing and increased crime.

Killian highlighted the lack of comprehensive studies on the effects of urban renewal in Emery Grove, asserting that it is crucial to document the historical actions taken and to identify potential remedies for the community. Her testimony underscored the importance of understanding the long-term consequences of urban renewal policies.

Following the discussion on House Bill 964, the committee moved on to House Bill 990, although specific details regarding this bill were not provided in the transcript.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the committee's commitment to addressing the historical impacts of urban renewal in Maryland, particularly in the Emery Grove area. The establishment of a task force through House Bill 964 aims to facilitate a thorough examination of these issues, with the potential for significant implications for community restoration and policy reform. Further discussions on House Bill 990 will continue in subsequent sessions.