Baltimore County residents advocate for historic preservation and recreational spaces

The Baltimore County Town Hall meeting for the 2025 Budget in District 5 took place on March 20, 2025, focusing on various community concerns and proposals. The meeting began with discussions on the need for an archaeologist on staff for Baltimore County Parks. A speaker emphasized the importance of archaeological oversight, noting that without it, significant historical findings could be lost during development. He pointed out that Baltimore County lags behind neighboring counties in this regard and expressed concern over the loss of historical properties, citing the demolition of the Chote House, a historic tavern that lost its protection due to inaction by the county council.

Following this, the meeting addressed the nomination of the old Perry Hall Elementary School for historic preservation status. The landmarks commission has forwarded this nomination to the council, and there is a push to expedite the process to protect the property from potential demolition.

The Sunny Flyers, a local radio-controlled airplane club, made a plea for assistance in finding a permanent runway for their activities. They highlighted the importance of having a designated area to prevent conflicts with other public spaces and to ensure safety for both hobbyists and the community.

Additionally, a resident proposed the incorporation of bocce courts into Baltimore County parks, noting that there are currently none available. The speaker argued that bocce courts are low maintenance and suitable for all ages, providing a safe environment for activities, especially for Special Olympic athletes.

The meeting concluded with a reminder of the economic challenges facing the county, as inflation has risen over 23% since 2020, impacting budget considerations for community projects and services. Overall, the discussions reflected a strong community engagement in preserving historical sites and enhancing recreational opportunities within Baltimore County.