[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6632964,"mediaKeyId","2667332-499d41ebb18347f13b0f86cd4be41a6d","parentId",2667332,"title","Havre de Grace proclaims March 21 as World Down Syndrome Day, community groups recognized","audioSeconds",173,"startMs",2697000,"endMs",2870000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2667332-499d41ebb18347f13b0f86cd4be41a6d&start=2697&end=2870","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2667332-499d41ebb18347f13b0f86cd4be41a6d/thumbnail_2697000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6632964/Havre-de-Grace/Harford-County/Maryland/Havre-de-Grace-proclaims-March-21-as-World-Down-Syndrome-Day-community-groups-recognized","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6632964-a36f328bbab31a94b1415a07f0ec9cb8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206146&Signature=Vjx99bgVTwMmVhy~gTlnahNYrMR76EMxDJTkZg6RFXVgN2HGBtrJx8edu-WgOqHJBw8-3mdycuwK0K3WKU0iuAsU21cOoF-d37BEqUQGdQrzziz5ke5cRlgXcdMZcSZhZkES3iumiHO12dK-ev-UVx1tZK3Aek~jkCtSzJXvLKNuPIyvEGN7yywzbdlX0ISkYyOjzLMjML-HL6B7fwYRHMT11AFCmVRq-8GiRApRRElAagXE2G3QyK918Q5YftjIIcUDkcXDIuP84x0oAIhtdNuDrHJsc3ecYf0hpGgUV6iBnVMMZDD1ZlTyI-qjH0-SPD-xwk8-9RAgm910Yav0wA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Havre de Grace, MD","date","2025-03-18T02:40:59.4Z","article","The Havre de Grace City Council presented a proclamation on March 17 declaring March 21, 2025, as World Down Syndrome Day in the city. Mayor William T. Martin read the proclamation into the record and invited representatives of local disability and inclusion programs to speak.

A representative from Isaac’s and Norville House, a local nonprofit program serving people with disabilities, thanked the council and invited residents to visit the organization at 554 Franklin Street. The speaker asked the public to \"presume competence\" when interacting with people with Down syndrome and promoted local arts and inclusion programs the group operates.

Alan Fair, a longtime local volunteer, told the council he had visited the organization and described its workshops and community work. The mayor presented the signed proclamation and invited attendees to join a photo at the front of the chamber. Speakers also encouraged residents to wear mismatched socks on March 21 as part of the global awareness campaign.

Ending

The proclamation encourages residents, schools and employers to promote inclusion and to support policies and practices that provide equal opportunities for people with Down syndrome. The city will host or promote related awareness activities occurring around March 21.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Havre de Grace City Council meeting March 17, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The City of Havre de Grace issued a proclamation recognizing March 21, 2025 as World Down Syndrome Day and invited local groups that support people with disabilities to lead community activities and outreach.","taxTitle","Havre de Grace, Harford County, Maryland","taxId",52147,"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},6632970,"Council approves Susquehanna River Running Festival; sponsor to reimburse police overtime",340,8760000,9100000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2667332-499d41ebb18347f13b0f86cd4be41a6d&start=8760&end=9100","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2667332-499d41ebb18347f13b0f86cd4be41a6d/thumbnail_8760000.jpg","/articles/6632970/Havre-de-Grace/Harford-County/Maryland/Council-approves-Susquehanna-River-Running-Festival-sponsor-to-reimburse-police-overtime","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6632970-ee7d64c401d9cf510a12076babc03410/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206146&Signature=cGcaFDCCeL1~iKlJsRAJ5uRUH~EHCeJXeU1UBSISbSKyRhjBE6ToXSRgOZPUsKTIdrWu8QCu0kfo51fBop7CmtBaRUYyK3lJHj9Jdcmt1cQ2XEwvHkFworzJgtXpb7cchVFGLDcX5UEdBlXf~nkUsBYfPPtItBMtIi~8Z9RC450yS6iB1KzuCOhxWDNoqNqAiFA2oVeLrhNnJY2jpH6hbCOBGfPKUCrEifwbSeHgv6QaDAZjPH5ouv7lB~TOkODkdjax3KDFjVWsN04yN~i1OBKAhYjYd1oLo~x3Pco8w6RT9HWX6DjaXn5vbu7AbWWJ8OnRqFv7ecZju-3FSSQ-mA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Havre de Grace City Council voted March 17 to approve the Susquehanna River Running Festival for Sept. 19–20, 2025, and added an amendment requiring the event sponsor to reimburse the city for police overtime costs.

Race organizers said the event draws regional participants and brings economic benefits to local businesses. Will Murdoch, representing the festival, explained that the event attracted nearly 1,900 participants last year and that organizers are again coordinating course logistics, runner guides and local business promotions.

Councilmember Booker moved to amend the event approval so the promoter reimburses the Havre de Grace Police Department for overtime costs. The amendment was seconded and carried 5-0. Staff provided an estimate for police overtime at $24,150 and for Department of Public Works (DPW) services at $7,715.52; council limited the sponsor reimbursement requirement to police overtime only, consistent with prior practice.

Festival representatives said last year’s actual police overtime invoice paid by the sponsor was $6,504 (including FICA). Festival leaders asked council to consider the event’s overall economic impact when reviewing cost-sharing requests; organizers estimate the event costs roughly $200,000 to stage and bring substantial local patronage to restaurants and retail.

With the police-OT reimbursement condition in place, council voted to approve the running festival motion (original approval moved by Councilmember Boyer, amended by Councilmember Booker) by a 5-0 vote.

Ending

Staff will prepare an invoice to the event promoter after the festival for actual police overtime incurred; DPW costs were estimated in staff materials but were not required to be reimbursed by the sponsor under the council amendment.","Havre de Grace council approved the Susquehanna River Running Festival for Sept. 19–20, 2025, and amended the approval to require the event sponsor to reimburse the city for police overtime costs. Estimated police overtime was $24,150; an estimated DPW charge ($7,715.52) will not be billed to the sponsor under the motion.",{"_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},6632974,"Council adopts leases, zoning changes and budget amendments; reappoints election supervisor",1161,6063000,7224000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2667332-499d41ebb18347f13b0f86cd4be41a6d&start=6063&end=7224","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2667332-499d41ebb18347f13b0f86cd4be41a6d/thumbnail_6063000.jpg","/articles/6632974/Havre-de-Grace/Harford-County/Maryland/Council-adopts-leases-zoning-changes-and-budget-amendments-reappoints-election-supervisor","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6632974-b3e5ce7e4392a7189f472b9e84f865fb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206146&Signature=WB79VqeASxThTVzyzXyqcc1gFZWy0-1VF~xlVe4ExQiVeUoXVeFAKkFVNaiEltcIoqKEatVyeEQYIwQkWzc2sGI60wgcvhuA68Z-Bz-U3JvWIJPuSlg-J~y6m6aob0nEffpTEyjTxjRoAQjiIkA~NMDhElYpV5TJY1KEOBvZ8G5ng5BOgp3dywQFyaJuzElCQvecKV5NckApYYvXL6-khVy8bOtwdrbEAgoc9-YrXuoUeKWbjaO6vY8V78bnvgWM5sfvkyEJw1r-zrVi2NzbGPNN0TGBUfrZMOJJ7TxELWzcHki8garkBEzenhkey68QmFynIY9-ncJHlVfh8sshHA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Havre de Grace City Council took multiple legislative actions on March 17, adopting ordinances and budget amendments and approving appointments. Key outcomes:

- Dock lease for skipjack Martha Lewis (Ordinance 11-76): Council approved a dock lease between the City and Chesapeake Heritage Conservancy, Inc., for use of the Hutchins Park Pier. The ordinance passed on second reading by roll call vote, 5-0.

- Landscaping code amendments (Ordinance 11-77): Council adopted amendments to Chapter 102 (Landscaping — Sustainable) on second reading. The measure was introduced and then amended on the floor; the final roll call vote was 5-0. Public commenters including Carol Zimmerman (Havre de Grace Green Team) urged stronger protections for large specimen trees and greater public input on landscape impacts.

- Lot and yard requirements / infill alignment (Ordinance 11-78): Council adopted changes to Chapter 205 (Zoning) intended to require infill dwellings to align with the existing streetscape (front-yard alignment within the same city block). The ordinance passed on second reading by a 4-1 roll call (one councilmember opposed). Council discussion described the intent as preserving consistent streetscape setbacks for infill development.

- Budget amendment for pier repairs and redecking (Ordinance 11-79): The council introduced and adopted this budget amendment on first reading, authorizing $62,500 in DNR and city funds for pier repairs and redecking; the motion carried 5-0. A public hearing was set for April 7.

- Budget amendment for unanticipated project cost increases (Ordinance 11-80): Council adopted a first-reading budget amendment to cover additional costs encountered on several capital projects, including water and downtown infrastructure work; the motion carried 5-0. Council and staff explained the increases were unanticipated costs discovered during ongoing projects and would be funded from capital cost recovery and bond proceeds.

- Reappointment to Board of Elections Supervisors: The council approved the reappointment of Nick Gallaro to the Board of Elections Supervisors; motion carried 5-0.

Other recorded actions appearing in the meeting minutes that were approved during closed-session minutes review included approval of the mayor’s appointment of Jeff Goans as Director of Planning (motion reflected in closed-session minutes and recorded as passed 6-0 in that earlier closed-session entry).

Ending

Council scheduled public hearings where required (April 7) and directed staff to carry out the budget transfers and administrative steps necessary to implement the adopted ordinances and capital work.","At its March 17 meeting the Havre de Grace City Council approved a dock lease for the skipjack Martha Lewis, adopted landscaping and lot-and-yard ordinances, introduced budget amendments for pier repairs and other capital work, and reappointed an elections supervisor. Vote totals and next steps are summarized below.",{"_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},6632979,"City Council approves move of Havre de Grace Farmers Market to Pennington after merchants press for delay",931,1733000,2664000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2667332-499d41ebb18347f13b0f86cd4be41a6d&start=1733&end=2664","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2667332-499d41ebb18347f13b0f86cd4be41a6d/thumbnail_1733000.jpg","/articles/6632979/Havre-de-Grace/Harford-County/Maryland/City-Council-approves-move-of-Havre-de-Grace-Farmers-Market-to-Pennington-after-merchants-press-for-delay","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6632979-10b28e59050394c361245fd98ecbae2d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206146&Signature=BBkRXwnLfwvuU2Gg7sQazB5x8N8iLBlbdKoT3pCpSlXZqukMp9ZSoYrOsKfSmDgSPgiIyhuI03uXRWLYcO7CeaUepveebjgb6pitlvc4BIf229XL0NFbBygTNEkHxBeUE9pGoxoST2goPpPs0-LEOm7BPVUr6tRPduHgc2SBCl4WyR-qf~l0nFLHhf8au4~~al0EAwrj0eweXBpO9RS2bIfCTI-QHTgsajMZceBaOyO1QT5Jsy3-N5XoxSjyxxLKZokC77vRaZ~5FwBLFO7CaYzs2p-7ACWuvDqCh4KSiiQKloxwLjvOTkPHo15BxWdIJfGnz26yiSCHVgaJsrVhLA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Havre de Grace City Council voted 5-0 on March 17 to approve the Havre de Grace Farmers Market’s request to relocate its primary market footprint to Pennington Avenue for the 2025 season (May 3–Dec. 20). The decision followed more than an hour of public comment from vendors, downtown merchants and residents.

Merchants at the meeting said they had not received timely notice about the proposed move and warned that removing the Saturday market from its traditional downtown location could further harm business already affected by construction and parking constraints. \"The Farmers Market Committee may not be aware of how much the merchants value their presence in the downtown area and rely on the Saturday morning sales,\" said Anita Swain, proprietor of retail space on St. John Street, urging council to postpone the decision so merchants and the market committee could negotiate alternatives.

Farmers Market representatives and vendors said the Pennington location has produced higher sales during the winter market and would allow the market to grow. Donna Bridal, representing the market committee, told council the Pennington block is wider, permits vendors to park at their stalls, provides easy set-up and take-down, and offers on-site bathrooms and an ATM at the police station. \"Our winter market is outselling our regular market sales in the winter market in two hours versus three and a half in our old location,\" Bridal said.

Vendors and supporters also emphasized safety and logistics: the narrow layout at the market’s current street location has led to drivers occasionally moving through the closed street during setup or takedown, they said. Sandy Magnus, a market vendor, told council Pennington’s larger parking lot and trolley stop improved customer access and vendor operations.

Several downtown merchants urged council to require the market committee to work with the Main Street and merchant groups on mitigation measures. \"I want to be able to sustain my business downtown,\" said Emily Yeatman, a Washington Street merchant, who asked the council to postpone the move to allow talks between brick-and-mortar merchants and the market organizers.

Council discussion acknowledged both the merchants’ concerns and the market’s need to grow. Councilmember Jones moved to approve the market application for Pennington, seconded by Council President Ringczak; the motion passed 5-0. Director of Planning/City staff said the city will continue to coordinate logistics with vendors and downtown business groups and reminded attendees that the city does not operate the Farmers Market — the market is a separate 501(c)(3) organization.

Mayor William T. Martin also noted a long-running legal dispute over the use of Hutchins Park for festivals and said the city still hopes to resolve that litigation and ultimately return the market to the waterfront tent at Hutchins Park if the courts permit it. He urged vendors and merchants to collaborate on marketing and shared promotions while the market is operating at Pennington.

The council did not attach any additional conditions to the market’s permit at the March 17 vote. Staff said they would work with the market committee and Main Street representatives on signage, vendor layout, and a plan for shared promotions between merchants and the market.

The Farmers Market application as approved in the council motion will move forward for the 2025 season; details about vendor placement and any required city permits will be handled administratively.

Ending

Councilmembers said they expect ongoing outreach between the market committee and downtown businesses and encouraged merchants who requested more time to engage with the Farmers Market Committee and city staff to propose specific mitigation or partnership ideas.","After extensive public comment from downtown merchants and market vendors, the Havre de Grace City Council voted to approve the Farmers Market’s permanent summer location on Pennington Avenue, with the season set to run May 3–Dec. 20, 2025. Merchants urged postponement and requested better coordination and protections for downtown businesses.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Havre de Grace proclaims March 21 as World Down Syndrome Day, community groups recognized

Council approves Susquehanna River Running Festival; sponsor to reimburse police overtime

Council adopts leases, zoning changes and budget amendments; reappoints election supervisor

City Council approves move of Havre de Grace Farmers Market to Pennington after merchants press for delay