[{"_1":2,"_121":-5,"_122":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_25":26},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5},"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","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_27":28,"_29":30},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[31,73,85,97,109],{"_32":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":67,"_71":55,"_72":55},"mediaId",6171881,"mediaKeyId","5393421-6a669dbc7fd0870c266d8dd6dd56b6bd","parentId",5393421,"title","Bel Air commissioners question speed-hump installation after data shows it did not meet criteria","audioSeconds",2740,"startMs",1532000,"endMs",4272000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5393421-6a669dbc7fd0870c266d8dd6dd56b6bd&start=1532&end=4272","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5393421-6a669dbc7fd0870c266d8dd6dd56b6bd/thumbnail_1532000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6171881/Bel-Air/Harford-County/Maryland/Bel-Air-commissioners-question-speed-hump-installation-after-data-shows-it-did-not-meet-criteria","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6171881-2172a254e4512c205b9331468115e781/orig.mp4?Expires=1769843369&Signature=QZ6KQiV4cyMG~ISeN~Rpz~--~aHka8Wd2oVDXzg-fwNjLTmP9-gOSODWHxTgjpd8P-ZkryagKp2eXKbAAF88XTLd6D9fkaUfeKrsppZ~1nUOVofEPcHHK-aJcRIDNVyAFkq-0XvU1NmYhmhS9-Ji~KKwMX0iurdi7q0iDOaAOSA96Xklp96seLVYLEBlLh9p24j9EMd6piGS0wNCcQIi6RSgRuwiO9DvEAdAFRqG0oCgNFN3sPHRhGvrxg-0ltcvb3cEFbcn2rdAFok~gCv8P8TLpZPaVcJwGCdCdq88lSIUOqrDV7QVLn-bGQWfJZvAde1Wl-WI6kCmTcTnyhHuHA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-07-15T23:56:30Z","article","Bel Air commissioners delayed approving a previously announced traffic-calming hump on the 500 block of Broadway after neighborhood data and town scoring showed the location did not meet the department’s threshold for that measure.

The issue drew more than 90 minutes of discussion at the Board of Town Commissioners’ July 15 work session as commissioners, public safety and public works staff and residents debated process, fairness across neighborhoods and what to do next.

Commissioners said they were troubled that residents had been told the hump was guaranteed after resurfacing, when the town’s scoring of two speed studies — one done in summer and re-run in October — produced 30 out of 50 points, short of the 50 points required to qualify for a level‑2 hump. Chair Eddington said, “If it doesn't meet the criteria for a speed bump, I don't think we should be putting one in.”

Town staff explained the Neighborhood Transportation Management Program (NTMP) scoring and said the town’s criteria mirror county standards in many respects but include additional metrics such as sight-distance and accident history. Kevin Small, planning director, described the NTMP scoring ranges: level 1 (0–49), level 2 (50–75) and level 3 (75+). Staff said the Broadway location scored about 30/50, with an average speed measured at roughly 27 mph and most vehicles clustered near the posted 25 mph limit.

Commissioners and staff identified three separate problems they want to address before any final action: (1) process clarity (how a neighborhood petition advanced without clear authority or a commissioner-level decision), (2) technical criteria (how the town scoring compares with Harford County’s practice) and (3) equity (how to apply the same standard fairly to other neighborhoods that request humps). Several commissioners said they want the town to request the county’s criteria and reasoning for placing humps along Ardmore to Moores Mill Road for comparison.

No formal vote to install a hump was taken. Instead, the board directed staff to: obtain Harford County’s criteria and rationale for its contiguous speed-hump installations; consider whether another traffic study should be run after schools resume in the fall (the previous studies were done in summer and October); and report back to commissioners. Several members emphasized that any physical installation or expenditure would require a formal commission approval.

Context and next steps: Commissioners said the incident revealed gaps in communication between the NTMP committee, staff and the elected board. Several members supported appointing a nonvoting commissioner liaison to the NTMP or instituting a standing report from the committee to the Board, so future recommendations would be visible to the full commission before implementation. Staff said the town can schedule another speed count in the fall and will pursue answers from the county about criteria used for long stretches of county-installed humps. The board offered an apology to residents for the confusion about whether the hump was guaranteed.

No action to install a traffic hump was authorized at the meeting; the board asked staff to return with county criteria, any additional fall traffic data and recommended process changes for future NTMP requests.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","07/15/2025 Board of Town Commissioners Work Session Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Bel Air commissioners delayed approving a traffic-hump installation on Broadway after speed studies and the town’s scoring showed the location did not meet the criteria required for a level‑2 traffic hump.","taxTitle","Bel Air, Harford County, Maryland","taxId",54308,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_32":74,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":75,"_40":76,"_42":77,"_44":78,"_46":79,"_48":80,"_50":81,"_52":82,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":83,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":84,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":55,"_72":55},6171862,"Reisterstown Kiwanis lieutenant governor pitches revived club and youth programs to Bel Air commissioners",987,181000,1168000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5393421-6a669dbc7fd0870c266d8dd6dd56b6bd&start=181&end=1168","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5393421-6a669dbc7fd0870c266d8dd6dd56b6bd/thumbnail_181000.jpg","/articles/6171862/Bel-Air/Harford-County/Maryland/Reisterstown-Kiwanis-lieutenant-governor-pitches-revived-club-and-youth-programs-to-Bel-Air-commissioners","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6171862-5d745bd5f9ee427c8de8ac30ff37e906/orig.mp4?Expires=1769843369&Signature=jUfQCihNnbT1ahewoAE8117UkIhXk7-SpkLAt7LDM8SfO8mfwhmAsHC1VqqlW1G06v30kynTZ1qz4ZXSmh0phzTSPNgpRa2CvWDEFL43Wu59SK934XjKcbXPVwV~tYi5jP0axVIMW1tBePT27D3PENuCd54py0~wtDgWNJ62AqC6fQ9Y6fKh1QwAYX2ikgA8cmXKhyz~m1BqO8p75pMOcZGH-lr4mWasuZCp~losfMtOzbNWMydvXGPtwsOAc1CbQ6JoH~mBMOHayyNPmA6EL7EzegDDzJ0PCbT-DXidERshCJpzH7N6QSXQ0FI1x80bApJRMxLKnvWPow5JBOTYoA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Gary Beck, lieutenant governor for Central Maryland and Delaware Kiwanis, told Bel Air commissioners at their July 15 work session that volunteers are working to re-establish a Kiwanis club in Bel Air and invited residents to an organizational meeting Thursday at 54 East Lee Street.

Beck described Kiwanis as a global service organization with an emphasis on youth leadership programs — Key Club (high school), Builders Club (middle school) and Circle K (college) — and said a new club requires at least 15 members to charter. He said the organization also runs community events such as bike rodeos (safety inspections and free helmets), coat drives and school‑based clubs.

Beck outlined membership requirements: a criminal background check every four years, attendance at at least one club meeting per month (membership expectation not mandatory attendance), and rules that public funds raised by Kiwanis events go to a separate foundation account rather than the club’s operating funds. He said joining costs include a $75 initiation fee (about half to start working funds for a new club) and quarterly dues (he cited his dues of $50 per quarter); Kiwanis provides liability insurance for events.

Beck said he has about 35 people registered to attend the Thursday organizational meeting at the Harco Bank community building and left contact information: (443) 250‑1243. Commissioners thanked Beck for pursuing the effort and encouraged residents to attend the organizational meeting.","Gary Beck, lieutenant governor for Central Maryland & Delaware Kiwanis, told the board he is helping re-establish a Kiwanis club in Bel Air, outlined membership rules and community activities and invited residents to an organizational meeting on East Lee Street.",{"_32":86,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":87,"_40":88,"_42":89,"_44":90,"_46":91,"_48":92,"_50":93,"_52":94,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":95,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":96,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":55,"_72":55},6171867,"Bel Air to ease corner-lot shed rules; staff drafting narrow code change",292,7874000,8166000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5393421-6a669dbc7fd0870c266d8dd6dd56b6bd&start=7874&end=8166","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5393421-6a669dbc7fd0870c266d8dd6dd56b6bd/thumbnail_7874000.jpg","/articles/6171867/Bel-Air/Harford-County/Maryland/Bel-Air-to-ease-corner-lot-shed-rules-staff-drafting-narrow-code-change","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6171867-62f67e2dc65143ebca88e49d342fc587/orig.mp4?Expires=1769843369&Signature=KnlpjfTzHJ26cVIx-Q-MZFUl~9HeipqhMxWyZXiUr9fFoSwpvuUClXJSbgou1DDXXVWwwnTupNKPJ2lL1t~QppvRLa1zXsJpxAQhcMwiKzY~XP5Wn7Of8kDbpA6iUFeGAvakVV1J2h2j2m9s6HzTLjB1~smFLxJC~qTDDUs~R699~GzPsRVZyNZIQ6h3TJUwDZ3h3qq9O1SUWheznyhozAZQgrj9cb~6ZPtCbC6F3w6-O0CBIwOqlzreK-6IbYHg0FvTDcB~FlpsnZyXt9rOXvUHodfyYhxfrzFdY9hXjiLBDd2J~sCcCYWxpL0ZJ1kIkMyJRCV3zVMMqQJi76Xrtg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioners discussed a narrow amendment to the town zoning code to permit small sheds on corner lots where current rules effectively prevent homeowners from placing a shed behind the rear façade.

Staff and a sponsoring commissioner said the current code makes it “exceedingly difficult” for corner‑lot owners to build modest accessory sheds because front‑yard setbacks on both street frontages often leave no buildable area. The proposed change would allow a shed (defined in the draft as structures of 200 square feet or less) to be sited behind the house’s rear façade so long as it sits at least six feet from the right‑of‑way and does not impede intersection sight distance.

Commissioners instructed planning staff to clarify drafting details, notably whether the measure should be limited to sheds (under 200 sq. ft.) rather than all accessory buildings. Staff said they will ensure that any permit can require a survey or additional measures if the shed would reduce corner visibility. No code change was adopted at the meeting; staff will prepare final ordinance language and return it for formal introduction and any required hearings.","Commissioners discussed a proposed amendment to allow small sheds to be sited behind a home’s rear facade on corner lots with a minimum six‑foot setback; the change is intended to preserve sight lines at intersections while allowing property owners reasonable use of their lots.",{"_32":98,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":99,"_40":100,"_42":101,"_44":102,"_46":103,"_48":104,"_50":105,"_52":106,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":107,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":108,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":55,"_72":55},6171872,"Bel Air weighs how to enforce sidewalk-riding rules and address faster e-bikes on Main Street",972,5856000,6828000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5393421-6a669dbc7fd0870c266d8dd6dd56b6bd&start=5856&end=6828","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5393421-6a669dbc7fd0870c266d8dd6dd56b6bd/thumbnail_5856000.jpg","/articles/6171872/Bel-Air/Harford-County/Maryland/Bel-Air-weighs-how-to-enforce-sidewalk-riding-rules-and-address-faster-e-bikes-on-Main-Street","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6171872-5a05d8586853e52e588d0585ba38623d/orig.mp4?Expires=1769843369&Signature=BBKroNWrXayWSZ-dTStbxUgb6AkUSMLOgDmBon6bvDKrQu0PrWuA8kt2riWKWQmOXXNjIT19qVdS24OIHz7cr4FsDLzqK~ftwp073MmH570AcdI32RJoc4UaU2tqiQC842iPoYtsIaZ6yG-qUdxUOcPp1Ga-64MWXkm9bhsQ5kRtdVnXgJ2~I91mBQP-QoGYz~YVnGIsi7qG8jY83MiPJbUaT-iUTmtRHTOwR0F4N14T4xHMJId6YEcvxseiNvhq5-FTBTvI8BqmxyYGQ7h2jxpIX9Y3Hmc8sdgp4izit1uo3-G1wgoI0qzbfrfcai00EAus2t8t~n5q2Mcn2YXYbw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bel Air officials discussed enforcement of existing town code prohibiting bicycle and similar-device use on sidewalks within the business district and on municipal structures, and asked staff to review state law for clarity on local authority.

Chief Moore told commissioners the town has received complaints about stunt cyclists and riders who endanger pedestrians on Main Street and other business-area sidewalks. The town code currently carries a $25 fine for a first offense and higher penalties for repeat violations; the chief said confiscation of a bicycle is unlikely without clear state support or prosecutorial backing. He added that officers prefer to use discretion for children and occasional users but have trouble enforcing against riders who flee.

Commissioners asked town staff and legal counsel to confirm whether state transportation statutes limit or permit local sidewalk restrictions and whether the town may adopt clearer definitions for electric bikes (e‑bikes) and scooters. Commissioner Collins and others described frequent adult commuters riding on sidewalks in parts of North Hickory Avenue and Broadway; the board asked staff to return with legal guidance and recommended code language options.

No ordinance change was made at the session. Staff will review state Transportation Article provisions, Town Code sections 4.50‑33 and 4.50‑35 (sidewalk riding, skateboards and similar devices) and provide recommended language and enforcement options for future consideration.","Town staff and police described enforcement challenges — from ambiguous statutes to battery-powered bikes — and commissioners asked legal staff to review state code and town rules before writing new signage or fines.",{"_32":110,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":111,"_40":112,"_42":113,"_44":114,"_46":115,"_48":116,"_50":117,"_52":118,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":119,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":120,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":55,"_72":55},6171877,"Bel Air officials tentatively back short-term rentals in business districts, not residential zones",879,6834000,7713000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5393421-6a669dbc7fd0870c266d8dd6dd56b6bd&start=6834&end=7713","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5393421-6a669dbc7fd0870c266d8dd6dd56b6bd/thumbnail_6834000.jpg","/articles/6171877/Bel-Air/Harford-County/Maryland/Bel-Air-officials-tentatively-back-short-term-rentals-in-business-districts-not-residential-zones","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6171877-6921aef5bf800579152f782c0eae36a7/orig.mp4?Expires=1769843369&Signature=G9MsQeQFQxi0mU0h~FrGMiJKMBkNGX6rlYS5OVmJED6xCM3TjNv5Uw-iGJ5zfEJgX64Hq~4C97rTz9PfvocsWmabPpgdvb5pPczs~XnQkalnnyvbSEP1gippmFzdukq2f~O5R65AFeEaXPS7JV5Avm2cgfxIWcYJ1XvN8GGQO7lxgbdDAXKZyFk-5WfIExUbJYW4eVtT8dcOf8mqW1gampLT07VlJF8iu2sd~GXKRNlEZVKSBDkAD1OJTVYM2gDe~XPkbCQyM6H3OPfcS5MJHMMCGfFnXNf3ifiVl6pqhb2mK1Nq0Bb~DPasyM2osb54nb0yl31kJJKhevA86xgoww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bel Air commissioners signaled support on July 15 for allowing short-term rentals (STRs) in commercial (B) zoning districts while reserving judgment on permitting them in residential zones.

Town staff presented a draft ordinance and said the Planning Commission and the town’s Economic & Community Development Commission (ECDC) had each reviewed the draft and provided unanimous support for regulated STR approvals in both R and B districts, subject to limits and licensing. Staff noted changes to the draft after those reviews, including clarifying the definition of a short-term rental as a property rented for “28 continuous days” and adding a requirement that the owner or caretaker be located within Harford County for properties in business districts.

Several commissioners voiced caution about allowing STRs in residential neighborhoods. Commissioner Rutledge said she opposed short-term rentals in any residential district, calling them “essentially a mini‑hotel.” Commissioner Chismar and Commissioner Taylor supported a narrower start: permit STRs in the B districts and “see how it goes” before considering broader allowances. Commissioner Taylor noted concerns that proliferating STRs in residential areas could reduce the town’s ability to attract a full‑service hotel.

Staff described proposed controls under discussion: special‑exception permitting in residential zones with caps (the draft discussed a 500‑square‑foot maximum for accessory units in certain R districts) and special-development or licensing requirements for commercial zones; owner-on‑site requirements were clarified to state the owner or caretaker must be physically located within Harford County to ensure enforceability.

No ordinance was introduced or adopted at the session. Commissioners asked staff to prepare formal ordinance language reflecting the board’s guidance (allow STRs in B districts subject to limits and enforcement, do not open R districts at this time) and circulate it for a future public hearing and vote.","After presentations from planning and economic development panels, Bel Air commissioners signaled support for allowing regulated short-term rentals in business (B) zoning districts while expressing reluctance to allow them in residential areas.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Bel Air commissioners question speed-hump installation after data shows it did not meet criteria

Reisterstown Kiwanis lieutenant governor pitches revived club and youth programs to Bel Air commissioners

Bel Air to ease corner-lot shed rules; staff drafting narrow code change

Bel Air weighs how to enforce sidewalk-riding rules and address faster e-bikes on Main Street

Bel Air officials tentatively back short-term rentals in business districts, not residential zones