Baltimore County Council mandates return to previous pavement for landmark property on York Road

The Baltimore County Landmarks Preservation Commission convened on March 13, 2025, to discuss significant changes to a landmark property, focusing on the restoration of its original paving and landscaping. The meeting highlighted concerns regarding recent alterations that have brought the driveway too close to the building, prompting a motion to revert the area to its previous condition.

Commission member Ed raised concerns about the lack of a buffer between the driveway and the building, suggesting that standard practices should include protective measures like a brush curve to prevent vehicles from damaging the structure. He emphasized the importance of preserving the integrity of the Baltimore County landmark, which is afforded the highest level of protection.

Following Ed's remarks, a motion was proposed to require the property owner to restore the pavement to its original outline, ensuring that grass would replace any asphalt where it previously existed. This motion received support from other commission members, who agreed on the necessity of maintaining greenery around the building.

The commission discussed the possibility of consulting with staff regarding the condition of the landscaping, particularly an area previously noted as overgrown. However, it was decided to proceed with the motion as initially stated, without amendments.

A roll call vote confirmed unanimous support for the motion, with all members voting in favor of requiring the restoration of the property to its previous state. The commission then moved on to discuss further details regarding the primary dwelling at 14943 York Road, indicating ongoing efforts to ensure the preservation of Baltimore County's historical landmarks.