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Delegate Wells urges support for bill to clarify West North Avenue Development Authority powers
Summary
Delegate Wells told the Ways and Means Committee that House Bill 258 would clarify powers, create a nonlapsing Western Avenue Development Fund and provide tax exemptions intended to support a comprehensive plan for revitalization along West North Avenue.
For the record, I am Delegate Wells, and I'm here to express my strong support for House Bill 258, which seeks to enhance administration and membership of the West North Avenue Development Authority, Delegate Wells told the House Ways and Means Committee on Jan. 30.
The bill would clarify the authority's powers and duties, create the Western Avenue Development Fund as a special nonlapsing fund, exempt the authority from certain legal provisions and provide tax exemptions under defined circumstances, Delegate Wells said. He told the committee the authority submitted a West North Avenue comprehensive plan on Jan. 31, 2024, that focuses on “restorative justice and equitable community development” and prioritizes housing, public spaces, mobility and economic opportunities for one of Baltimore City's most disadvantaged areas.
The authority was created to “advance housing, economic development, transportation, and neighborhood revitalization along the 600 to the 3200 blocks of West North Avenue,” Wells said, and he argued the catchment area has experienced long-term neglect. Wells cited a committee figure that “56% of vacant residential and commercial properties in Baltimore City are located within the catchment area of West North Avenue development.”
Wells said the legislation strikes a balance by clarifying the authority's role while “instituting necessary limitations” and by requiring specific actions for the authority’s financial operations. He urged a favorable report and noted the committee had passed a version of the bill the prior year.
Committee members asked no questions during the hearing and the chair closed testimony on House Bill 258 after Wells’ remarks. The bill remains at the committee hearing stage and no formal vote was taken on Jan. 30.
Why it matters: The proposal targets a concentrated area of Baltimore City and would create a dedicated, nonlapsing fund meant to support long-term revitalization work. Proponents say the changes will help coordinate investment and provide local tax tools for a neighborhood the sponsor described as historically underserved.
