[{"_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",6486364,"mediaKeyId","5598083-b1221fef1ef5b4bb81f88080f12e9481","parentId",5598083,"title","Council introduces tax-credit ordinance for 1621 Clark Road after public criticism of tree removal and wetlands clearing","audioSeconds",3911,"startMs",2134000,"endMs",6045000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5598083-b1221fef1ef5b4bb81f88080f12e9481&start=2134&end=6045","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5598083-b1221fef1ef5b4bb81f88080f12e9481/thumbnail_2134000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6486364/Havre-de-Grace/Harford-County/Maryland/Council-introduces-tax-credit-ordinance-for-1621-Clark-Road-after-public-criticism-of-tree-removal-and-wetlands-clearing","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6486364-f9483cf6340c60897ed5d5abe58acf27/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206193&Signature=TW0An5ec4J3ORjE-v2xeVd0P4NRg69b87jp-TKGeTzke6PYCRF1CqGXkQNmrF69aPJpbLe0Jbma~Qg9mbzEeNO1YZpWq9dxdvq7GlVsft5Gcwg2Frc3T881BGorAoPZlKvP83yJpOh0HlEuJC3YwujQsk-i7X1sft9tavL-yyREy2bjeh3Q6jB1wcupGa~~0izzREnt7IloyWGAAheNWj9GO9uY9ayMgHZKZwH3XMBGLRh3dQlbzeNyveNDfX17FTXhAqCeqce18V8xPtIbej0R684EGnrjEYPOovTQYFGKTMV2x2VbE9MCjZUAn111r5lHHceQe3aC3f0bol3MyKg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Havre de Grace, MD","date","2025-08-18T21:09:03Z","article","Havre de Grace — The City Council on Aug. 18 introduced Ordinance 12 o 3, which would approve real property tax credits for SRE Maryland Hartford 1621 LLC for a proposed warehouse at 1621 Clark Road; the introduction passed on first reading and a public hearing was set for Sept. 2.

Carol Zimmerman, a Havre de Grace resident, urged the council not to approve tax credits for the site, calling attention to earlier approvals and recent clearing that she said removed wetlands and 24 of 31 specimen trees protected by the city’s Forest Conservation Code. ‘‘We need to protect the environment and abide by our own laws including the Forest Conservation Code,’’ Zimmerman said as she urged council to oppose the tax credit.

Council members discussed the county-administered enterprise-zone program and its intent to spur investment and jobs. Council member Boyer noted the site is in the city’s industrial park, described expected completion as April 2026 and said the developer projects about 20 full-time and 10 part-time jobs if leased. Karen Holt, Harford County’s director of economic development, said the state program’s sliding tax-credit scale (80% reduction for the first five taxable years down to 30% in later years) applies to the assessed increase in value — a point she said often confuses the public — and that assessments would be set by the Maryland SDAT in the next assessment cycle.

Council member Booker expressed concerns about the length and magnitude of the tax break, while other council members noted the city has a limited industrial footprint and that the county program aims to attract investment. The ordinance was introduced on first reading with the roll-call showing a majority in favor; a public hearing was scheduled for the council’s Sept. 2 meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Havre de Grace City Council Aug18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Council introduced Ordinance 12 o 3 to grant enterprise-zone real property tax credits for a proposed 168,000-square-foot warehouse at 1621 Clark Road; a resident criticized prior clearing of wetlands and specimen trees during public comment. Public hearing set for Sept. 2.","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},6486369,"Council introduces lease for Canton Kayak Club at Hodgkin's Park after club presentation",2631,3528000,6159000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5598083-b1221fef1ef5b4bb81f88080f12e9481&start=3528&end=6159","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5598083-b1221fef1ef5b4bb81f88080f12e9481/thumbnail_3528000.jpg","/articles/6486369/Havre-de-Grace/Harford-County/Maryland/Council-introduces-lease-for-Canton-Kayak-Club-at-Hodgkins-Park-after-club-presentation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6486369-1b578fcf3e8e4028a0326af0310f7e68/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206193&Signature=Arfvz8v5fxy3O7clM61jTYIKNS2FeTIfFswmeLmd0tK~lJkYpD1oUg4vkxONGHtWL4-d4pi3t3HyGXZ9ftLfD0GEC7v2TgzYjziiEXeU4tdDjZJMKHaigzeaoxigxzHFvIrs4pewC7cIKn2WQUs-P5vCHZcnaKLMJBmhdN~rVjLdkJEz6Bja0EzMuNxxzdfp1j9vjp4LQwW-BYwpIrV9x~LPLVRCSdgDGUd1fdrRiOTWqoWz04SrCVVKsyY-qqm6OHHzBu7nm0fQ771bM-IcZCw0j2qy1jnUcqRLxkT2prLpgLArI4pmySgVGPah-Vvek660VeVSteorIPPSbfJYug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Havre de Grace — The Canton Kayak Club asked the Havre de Grace City Council on Aug. 18 to allow a seasonal shared-kayak program at Hodgkin's Park. After the presentation, the council introduced an ordinance approving a lease for a portion of the park by a 6-0 vote on first reading.

Ray Skerritt, president of the Canton Kayak Club, said the nonprofit operates seasonal kayak racks at waterfront locations from Annapolis to Delta, Pa., and provides training and equipment to new members. ‘‘Our goal is to increase access to the water by providing a seasonal shared kayak program from multiple waterfront locations,’’ Skerritt said.

Club members said the proposed Hodgkin's Park site is in a far corner of the park’s parking lot near the existing drain and would host a stationary rack holding about 8–12 kayaks, plus a dock box storing life jackets and paddles. Membership for new users was described as $180 for six months (includes training); returning members pay a reduced rate. The club operates an unstaffed model: members complete training, then use combination locks and cable security to access kayaks.

Council members asked about security, maintenance, and how the operation would coordinate with existing youth sailing programs and the farmer’s market. The club said it would avoid amplified events, coordinate schedules with park users, and would consider investing in dock improvements only if the site became a training location requiring more equipment.

Following the presentation, Council member Shenagas moved to introduce Ordinance 12 o 4 approving the lease for Hodgkin's Park; the measure was seconded and carried 6-0. The ordinance was adopted on first reading; a public hearing is scheduled for the council’s next meeting on Sept. 2.","The canton Kayak Club presented a shared kayak program and the council voted 6-0 to introduce an ordinance approving a lease for part of Hodgkin's Park for a seasonal, unstaffed kayak rack; public hearing set for Sept. 2.",{"_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},6486373,"Amtrak, BGE outline utility relocations tied to Susquehanna River rail bridge during Havre de Grace public hearing",106,941000,1047000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5598083-b1221fef1ef5b4bb81f88080f12e9481&start=941&end=1047","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5598083-b1221fef1ef5b4bb81f88080f12e9481/thumbnail_941000.jpg","/articles/6486373/Havre-de-Grace/Harford-County/Maryland/Amtrak-BGE-outline-utility-relocations-tied-to-Susquehanna-River-rail-bridge-during-Havre-de-Grace-public-hearing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6486373-d83d30eaf37de8a24fc52bc30663dfff/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206193&Signature=omesHgUUmwfzHsFF2f~vrvrNfl4zFuOiiADu2vMxA7WtrGR0xMLtdLPpJ61YxMT94u3zK03NXFXDRwzzLC9U8SBEU30JRSZBuOTWwc8tmQl-t97RpcsxXmZjtyX4AzvVh1oVD4i-TwEPiUzO7WlKZcQxodMgSb-w7odh3uWQnFjksNPgfSjz-Q4NY9XyGFyAPdwgututGIfh5tRxjGQF2~i3p2u5Rb~UMNSqz4usjo7cg1k2Q5-iqacfdN4coEE373xxDCRnvvGjn9LXEvmBdD57YoG3bUW9wm1bP9b4CQPaeGjVu7q-v4HbCtkA0Xj9YSTRkGb66WPbDMwyVaaxJg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Havre de Grace — Amtrak and BGE officials spoke at a public hearing Aug. 18 about utility relocations tied to the Susquehanna River bridge replacement project and an ordinance (12 o 1) that would grant rights-of-way to BGE.

Jen Riegel, representing Amtrak, said the relocations are ‘‘part of our early works’’ to clear the path for heavy equipment needed to replace the 119-year-old rail bridge spanning the Susquehanna River. Kevin Pode, an Amtrak designer, explained the work would move existing overhead BGE facilities underground along Water Street, Atseego Street and Pearl Street to ‘‘clear the path for safe vehicle operation during construction.’’

Gary Bowers, representing BGE Real Estate, said the easement before the council would allow BGE to install underground facilities and access properties between addresses identified in the easement. He described the work as necessary for the ‘‘mobilization for the main bridge work’’ and noted the specific stretch on Water Street included pulling conduits out of the road and running them onto adjacent properties to reach new poles or underground vaults.

Council members and business owners asked about traffic disruption and streetscape effects. The BGE representative said the work would likely require localized lane closures but did not expect prolonged full road closures; he described portions being ‘‘drilled’’ for conduit installation and said the firm could follow up with a schedule and traffic-management plan. A merchant said removing overhead lines could improve the streetscape, but Bowers said he could not confirm aesthetic outcomes and that he had only been briefed earlier that day.

The council closed the public hearing after receiving no further speakers. No vote on the ordinance was recorded during this meeting; the hearing record was closed for the council’s consideration at a later legislative step.","Amtrak and BGE representatives described undergrounding of utility lines along Water Street tied to the Susquehanna River bridge replacement; council held a public hearing on Ordinance 12 o 1.",{"_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},6486378,"Havre de Grace council deadlocks on Pennington Avenue one-way proposal after heated public comment",5731,1732000,7463000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5598083-b1221fef1ef5b4bb81f88080f12e9481&start=1732&end=7463","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5598083-b1221fef1ef5b4bb81f88080f12e9481/thumbnail_1732000.jpg","/articles/6486378/Havre-de-Grace/Harford-County/Maryland/Havre-de-Grace-council-deadlocks-on-Pennington-Avenue-one-way-proposal-after-heated-public-comment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6486378-94e8dbe6b7b61063a3fec5ea3a79626a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771206193&Signature=MBNeaLJs9O22Cb~QrG0gqqsp99ZioQXZvuR4zEIiRhGb26XlXiSHjtoKMNZRfWDvO5Eo6vD09qM1Dt50Sjp~gwrzCfKOAiRU~c--0hayAUlUybqlAOQNtyeEDp2kIQYVaZPHmbxHjFOPx~apGA7zV3xZTZUc8brVK6gGK5nMz~1-hNvb-qm~OpgifVqX48yLNXfi~4w85LcVwf0sPtYQ~xsH7muFsuJA~rPl5WjY6Rwxg4c0mpih90pK-ZlSX2xM-5rrYdwPOLZCLacqptC3Y~D-h6SkJtVi48Ow~SS19iA49fWh1c0CNJEX4pLpL4NToYO~JBOGR0vNO9sjEpWjvA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Havre de Grace — The Havre de Grace City Council voted 3-3 on Aug. 18, failing to advance an ordinance (12 o 2) that would have changed Pennington Avenue to a one-way street and reconfigured parking.

Supporters of keeping Pennington two-way — including multiple downtown business owners — told the council during public comment that the change would confuse visitors, reduce access to storefronts and complicate deliveries. ‘‘Visitors get turned around, frustrated, give up before they find where they want to go,’’ John Klasavage, owner of Washington Street Books, told the council. ‘‘If you make that one way, they have nowhere to go.’’

The proposal had been placed back on the agenda so the council could debate it before the city’s striping contractor repainted downtown after recent repaving work. Proponents said the one-way conversion could increase the number of parking spaces by allowing narrower, 9-foot stalls and create a safer traffic pattern at a nearby intersection; opponents said the map-based gains were overstated and would harm the downtown economy.

Several merchants described detailed counts and local knowledge challenging the administration’s estimates. ‘‘I walked this last meeting. There were 54 parking spaces available on Pennington at the time,’’ Klasavage said, disputing a map that showed a projected increase from 46 to 71 spaces. George Wagner, of Baughaska Antique Mall, said he counted 678 parking spots in the broader downtown area and that the net gain from converting Pennington would be small.

Council debate reflected the split. Council member Shanegas (recorded as Snagis in the roll call) voted yes to move the ordinance forward so advisory boards and the public could study it; Council member Jones also voted yes. Council president (identified in the roll call as Ringsacker) voted yes. Council members Booker, Ellis and Boyer voted no. The tie left the ordinance without the first-reading approval needed to proceed to public input and final readings.

Mayor Martin and administration staff said the reintroduction was intended to let the City stripe Congress and Pennington together if a one-way pattern was desired, to avoid re-striping costs. Opponents urged the council to send the idea instead to the Street and Traffic Safety advisory board and to gather formal counts and fire/EMS access confirmations before making a change.

The council did not adopt the ordinance. Council members who supported further study said they would seek review by the Street and Traffic Safety advisory board and requested input from the fire chief and police on emergency access and parking for first responders.

The failure of the measure preserves the current two-way traffic and angled parking layout on Pennington for now. Any future change would require the council to reintroduce the ordinance and schedule the required public hearings.","The city council failed to advance an ordinance to change Pennington Avenue to one-way after extensive public opposition from downtown business owners and a split 3-3 council vote on first reading.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council introduces tax-credit ordinance for 1621 Clark Road after public criticism of tree removal and wetlands clearing

Council introduces lease for Canton Kayak Club at Hodgkin's Park after club presentation

Amtrak, BGE outline utility relocations tied to Susquehanna River rail bridge during Havre de Grace public hearing

Havre de Grace council deadlocks on Pennington Avenue one-way proposal after heated public comment