[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6454896,"mediaKeyId","5857797-4702f204cc67fd0fed127dc2af626dda","parentId",5857797,"title","Thousands of residents oppose reallowing duplexes as council holds lengthy hearing","audioSeconds",1415,"startMs",5745000,"endMs",7160000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5857797-4702f204cc67fd0fed127dc2af626dda&start=5745&end=7160","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5857797-4702f204cc67fd0fed127dc2af626dda/thumbnail_5745000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6454896/Annapolis/Anne-Arundel-County/Maryland/Thousands-of-residents-oppose-reallowing-duplexes-as-council-holds-lengthy-hearing","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6454896-c712511249ee7dc642e19f9007d41a92/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153828&Signature=QgatB~WDY8LgCQqh4h2415vI2HobKjeHTYVo55SlP54c7ldh4PnrA51rD1hfK0YbIpuyn69PDOMFOKux6pvjxhfhQLOr3glXMekggOWETa0oZIQkNeOoaw5T7NuvKToZ6Fsg2yqeZZ0aWQVOyYP4s7vH~B868lKJ6Ypfhr~IrzKOKKmMB8qMz5bZIzrSS77MkQJyrcM1Vf3lrCrhF0khK71bDxLim9LBglDoA1JAA6se~b-~b1B1SwZnFBbHOgj07GuVpb84Cn8ehsBN4pnnReGO5gXBg3G~1RKQ6QFCS~l7oyyBJxPlGUu~ztSFIdk1u0seWyFoHinQgJBRTUKxzw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Annapolis, MD","date","2025-09-30T14:13:48Z","article","The Annapolis City Council heard hours of public testimony Monday on ordinance O18-25, which would reallow duplexes in areas zoned R-2. Hundreds of residents and neighborhood representatives spoke in opposition, arguing the change risks altering historic neighborhood character, straining infrastructure and encouraging developer-driven replacements of modest homes.

Opponents framed the ordinance as a sweeping rezoning that could permit duplex development on hundreds of lots citywide. Selma Edwards, speaking for Ward 1, warned the ordinance \"risks eroding the character\" of historic blocks and said duplexes would \"disrupt the scale, setbacks, and rhythm of our blocks.\" Antonia Berry of Homewood asked the council to \"stop the zoning change\" and said duplexes would remove green space, increase impervious surfaces, and worsen stormwater problems affecting Spa Creek.

The nut graf: The hearing highlighted a clash between city planning proposals intended to increase housing supply and a broad coalition of residents who said the measure would accelerate demolition of single-family homes, degrade neighborhoods and place new burdens on parking, sewer and stormwater systems.

Speakers repeatedly cited a July 2025 staff map showing that hundreds of R-2 parcels meet minimum lot-size thresholds for duplexes. Several residents said that even if a minority of eligible parcels converted, the cumulative effect would be large. Winship Wheatley and Susan Wheatley said that more than 800 parcels citywide would be eligible under the proposed criteria; other speakers described local streets where many existing houses could be replaced.

Several speakers criticized the process and urged more public engagement. Cindy DeMoz and others said the council relied selectively on the Annapolis Ahead 2040 plan and on an Urban3 economic analysis that compared tax yield per acre, calling that approach narrowly financial and insufficient to judge neighborhood impacts.

Supporters said duplexes are a historic part of Annapolis neighborhoods and could provide attainable housing. Max Gross, again speaking for the Anne Arundel County Association of Realtors, said duplexes \"have always been a vital part of our neighborhoods\" and enable people to afford living near work or family. Jeremy Olsen called the proposal an example of \"incremental density\" that can preserve neighborhood vibrancy.

The hearing closed without a council vote on O18-25. Several council members noted the depth of public concern and indicated they would review the staff materials and public comments. The council did not act to adopt the ordinance at the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting September 29 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Ordinance O18-25, which would allow duplexes in R-2 zoning districts, drew substantial public opposition concerned about neighborhood character, infrastructure, parking and environmental impacts. Speakers urged the council to pause or withdraw the bill.","taxTitle","Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, Maryland","taxId",59348,"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},6454901,"Annapolis holds heated public hearing on accessory dwelling unit ordinance",1393,4353000,5746000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5857797-4702f204cc67fd0fed127dc2af626dda&start=4353&end=5746","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5857797-4702f204cc67fd0fed127dc2af626dda/thumbnail_4353000.jpg","/articles/6454901/Annapolis/Anne-Arundel-County/Maryland/Annapolis-holds-heated-public-hearing-on-accessory-dwelling-unit-ordinance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6454901-97302c1e5d00b4d950bbc72013733f8f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153828&Signature=VAGNT98oPR7aqdVqylhW-ql8co5TFVFg3rZXM7bFjCFgIXppOrmhPnyJQ42IW8KLwTh7mQHV-uqoJdXpY9Tj845vQZw6cGCX8LALIJ1sCLaaGE9tclGaJz~4KD8id3Sqvw8ZB~phhme2QH~Y88KAjUDAOjqgBMYBRbovH3MsT5CcrK8-CQzRF3~-fVnWdoVNIomOT7KslH8VIZ7SHjXNjzLtoZmzCQuy33jndFap9Ct8OV9gfLYklMm-fiftvEr5aNc4vam5H4Fny4zt05xnF47oNdR9y~TzG0IJd~79JD1~Xpfky0WRJCMXDhQ-cu3NOQ8Ldqce3n44iaBdVYk6aQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Annapolis City Council held a public hearing Monday on ordinance O15-25, which would revise the city's accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules. Supporters and opponents packed the chamber and urged the council either to adopt the changes to expand housing options or to withdraw the bill for more study.

Proponents argued ADUs increase housing supply without substantially changing neighborhoods. Max Gross, speaking for the Anne Arundel County Association of Realtors, said ADUs provide \"gentle density increases\" that can help keep younger workers and families in Maryland. \"Accessory dwelling units are an excellent use of something referred to as gentle density increases,\" Gross said, asking the council to pass the ordinance.

The nut graf: The hearing revealed deep disagreement about whether this version of O15-25 would further housing affordability or instead enable investor-driven conversions that reduce long-term housing and neighborhood cohesion. Opponents repeatedly warned that removing residency requirements and allowing larger ADUs would fuel short-term rental (STR) growth and developer activity rather than create stable affordable housing.

Opponents told the council the changes would be a net harm. Katie McDermott urged the council to withdraw O15-25 and said the bill removes an owner-occupancy requirement and would expand opportunities for out-of-state or corporate ownership. \"This eliminates the residency requirement and it expands the opportunities for corporate ownership,\" McDermott said. Trudy McFaul, who said she has owned an ADU for 44 years, argued the owner'presence requirement is essential oversight: \"I am a firm, firm believer ... that the owner needs to be present on the property with an accessory dwelling unit.\"

Multiple speakers tied ADUs to ongoing problems with short-term rentals. Several residents said the city already struggles to enforce existing STR rules and warned that loosening ADU limits would make enforcement harder and accelerate the conversion of long-term housing into transient units. Ben Sale told the council the timing, shortly before an election, was politically fraught and that enforcement had been inconsistent.

Planning staff and the planning commission's report were frequently referenced during remarks. Opponents noted the planning commission had recommended unfavorably, saying it expects adverse consequences for neighborhoods and that the bill as drafted could work at cross-purposes with stated ADU goals.

Speakers urged different remedies: some asked for a coordinated package addressing ADUs, duplexes and STR regulation together; others asked for a moratorium on STRs while the council considers ADU changes. Laurie Sullivan, who said the proposal would effectively rezones neighborhoods without adequate engagement, recommended the council slow down and work the three related bills together.

The hearing closed without a final vote on O15-25; council members received written material and testimony and indicated more discussion and possible amendments may follow. A copy of the planning commission findings and submitted written testimony were accepted into the record.

Ending: Council members can consider changes in committee or on later readings; no final action on O15-25 was reported during the meeting.","Residents and housing stakeholders debated proposed changes to the city's accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules during a public hearing, with speakers sharply divided over residency requirements, unit size and potential impacts on short-term rentals and neighborhood character.",{"_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},6454882,"Truxton Heights residents oppose paddle-board concession in water access plan, cite pollution and safety concerns",161,2023000,2184000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5857797-4702f204cc67fd0fed127dc2af626dda&start=2023&end=2184","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5857797-4702f204cc67fd0fed127dc2af626dda/thumbnail_2023000.jpg","/articles/6454882/Annapolis/Anne-Arundel-County/Maryland/Truxton-Heights-residents-oppose-paddle-board-concession-in-water-access-plan-cite-pollution-and-safety-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6454882-4b5fc1ba3a9ae604725fb9a91a95607b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153828&Signature=cglWPsy0V6UqYZ~T~uow0W3~JP06anigWYSFQpwOa1Aus~uYhOjBr7aeZp2nMG~IkygY-gCUm4TIoAGJbBnb4HMH~LDSO-lb-cGd6hjUETbFzJDD0DBOx38s-SGzT-~HQOjEKfjJmlfMNqxukjMhIgQ8vw18Z~q-sYhOp5o-DJ-2q8ly1mnb1SaJl9iT~GNroN~2uVOB9PXzp97yjVZQV~BLNbIVAAqQMiRnuMPOjF2mLrrDfKiVY7mmldBW4iuMHH-xxhi1t0vKzmb4zDM2meaPR9HO7WaW5UyajCiaY1TK0gVvvGoF11otfr3KPaiiaXKQJT9~opXFvpVDP12CsQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several Truxton Heights residents and adjacent property owners raised concerns during public comment about a proposed paddle-board concession within the city's water access plan, saying the site is environmentally sensitive and lacks necessary infrastructure.

John Taylor, who gave his address as 144 Spa Drive, told the council the park is currently zoned R-2 and said he believes the only reason to change the zoning would be to allow the paddle-board concession. He described multiple local constraints: \"There are no city employees there to monitor the activities going on there. There were no toilet facilities there. There was no parking in the area. There was no security,\" Taylor said, and added concerns about water depth that would leave a floating dock \"high and dry for significant periods of time.\"

Taylor also said the city's staff response suggested dredging the arm of Spa Creek to create sufficient depth. \"If the city really wants to spend millions of dollars preparing for this ill conceived idea, then I'm living in the wrong city,\" he said. He suggested the city consider an existing boat ramp area located about an eighth of a mile away that already has facilities, staff presence and parking.

Nut graf: Testimony focused on environmental constraints (water quality and depth), infrastructure gaps (toilets, parking, staffing) and expected costs (dredging) that would be required to operate a paddle-board concession at the proposed location, leading residents to urge the council and staff to reconsider siting.

Council members and committee chairs who previously discussed the water access plan were referenced in testimony; Alderman Savage had earlier said the environmental matters committee postponed action on harbor-line items and requested further presentations from planning and zoning.

No formal council action on the paddle-board concession was taken during the meeting; comments were recorded in the public record for future consideration. Residents asked the council to prioritize water-quality data and practical siting alternatives before pursuing any concession.","Residents from Truxton Heights told the council they oppose a proposed paddle-board concession in the city's water access plan, citing chronic water quality problems, limited parking, lack of facilities and potential need for costly dredging.",{"_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},6454886,"Council advances sidewalk snow-clearing fees to second reading amid resident concerns",49,10507000,10556000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5857797-4702f204cc67fd0fed127dc2af626dda&start=10507&end=10556","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5857797-4702f204cc67fd0fed127dc2af626dda/thumbnail_10507000.jpg","/articles/6454886/Annapolis/Anne-Arundel-County/Maryland/Council-advances-sidewalk-snow-clearing-fees-to-second-reading-amid-resident-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6454886-ce429771147294d7a392e3c86f8925bf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153828&Signature=EWNqTXroXefmkrRgxa2ccy3PMYXpEDy-N37N1RGOEQNmk1kidRWe9W3gHkiKvwzuNDVi6ezrxF63fPIhPhenSgOEk3vC1G-xrmToQBScp1JyK7wdf3xoeNlOPFW5bFGwTXeyJfdvFQWT0plnaHG5mP8x8N11wIgYB7SqeDvH39otJbfMep2LRdQ3Fce0wEmQczT2B9ilWzFNt1Cp5GEuNuCbkVqcJHlV4SIwvuFIdNI7WjhtUutG~wul9zQlTDrSaTedcnXFp8HzxOviKe5LckwAdxg7ijXdBU4MGrhuAv7~7RjTnm0QrjPuuYYW7yP4o64ifaBeSZLq1~F-anJyRg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Annapolis City Council advanced resolution R36-25 on second reading Monday, a measure that sets fines and a fee schedule for clearing snow and ice from city sidewalks.

The proposal drew public comment from residents who urged the council to reconsider punitive fines and to focus enforcement on absentee or nonresident property owners. Laurie Sullivan, a corner property owner, said the resolution would be \"punitive on residents\" and gave the example of an elderly homeowner who could not clear a long sidewalk quickly. \"To now impose hundreds or even thousands ... in fees on top of daily fines is unfair and punitive,\" Sullivan said.

Nut graf: The vote on second reading moves the resolution forward while leaving room for further amendment. Several commenters asked the council to consider targeted approaches such as a volunteer \"snow brigade\" or exemptions for residents with demonstrated hardship rather than flat fines that apply equally to all sidewalks.

Council members recorded an aye vote on the second-reading motion during a roll-call. Supporters said the rule aims to keep sidewalks safe and passable, but critics pressed for exemptions and better targeting of enforcement. Several speakers suggested focusing enforcement on absentee landlords who repeatedly fail to clear sidewalks rather than taxing resident homeowners.

Ending: The council advanced R36-25 on second reading. Further amendments or final action could be scheduled at a subsequent meeting.","The council advanced resolution R36-25, which sets fees and fines for clearing snow and ice from city sidewalks, by a second-reading vote after debate; residents warned the fines are punitive to individuals with mobility or health limits and urged targeting absentee landlords instead.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6454891,"Council approves multi-year leases for fall and spring boat shows",152,10134000,10286000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5857797-4702f204cc67fd0fed127dc2af626dda&start=10134&end=10286","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5857797-4702f204cc67fd0fed127dc2af626dda/thumbnail_10134000.jpg","/articles/6454891/Annapolis/Anne-Arundel-County/Maryland/Council-approves-multi-year-leases-for-fall-and-spring-boat-shows","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6454891-977056c1728c40ee076c885c3f7c5623/orig.mp4?Expires=1771153828&Signature=V98MUXPMntSL9x0oRY~80~0PO2lwFybxeaCEv8vWkwMZVc867KqkfjIrTD4M7qf7Zu9pSzS6eD9c5PzHeCuDjiu1D4BUC-KLzGAS5-SDJzHyorxnv1psL~1A1doFlKwxxMzJjcKX-qWRN~v37gYgngovrJD~LUW8QCZ3SXBJIfS1~zz2Y92LY8sSlVeh1EHnhbvBz3NSfM7j21HMHYYBXMTCt~nUR1c7pEyGgbJmxa1PRaUUua1-MFebye4dw6CpEkxloPqTHQ~bgVg33-bpv8bPR-I2lqyu2rptUXEpVAD1EelCjNDenTLO61UZPqtiun4hjwiUSNh3D2VXS6QpBQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Annapolis City Council approved multi-year lease extensions for the fall and spring boat shows during Monday's meeting, advancing the events' contracts through additional years.

On O32-25 (fall boat shows), the council approved the lease extension in a roll-call third-reading vote. Mayor Buckley and council members who voted were recorded as \"Aye.\" The motion passed.

The council similarly approved O36-25 (spring boat shows) on third reading after a roll-call vote with an \"Aye\" outcome recorded for the mayor and council members present.

Nut graf: Both votes extend existing concessions and event leases that preserve the seasonal boat shows as annual events. Council members said the leases maintain continuity for major tourist events that draw visitors and downtown economic activity.

During discussion members asked clerical questions about the term length; a council member clarified the current lease ran to 2031 and the action extends the term with additional years. No amendments were proposed on the floor.

The measures passed by roll-call. Council members present recorded their votes aloud during each roll call.

Ending: The approvals keep the fall and spring boat shows on the city calendar and authorize staff to continue implementing the leased arrangements under the new terms.","The council voted to extend city leases for the fall and spring boat shows through the 2030s after roll-call votes. The measures received broad support during second- and third-reading votes.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Thousands of residents oppose reallowing duplexes as council holds lengthy hearing

Annapolis holds heated public hearing on accessory dwelling unit ordinance

Truxton Heights residents oppose paddle-board concession in water access plan, cite pollution and safety concerns

Council advances sidewalk snow-clearing fees to second reading amid resident concerns

Council approves multi-year leases for fall and spring boat shows