Committee weighs transfer of Spa Road parcels to resilience authority for cleanup; reverter amendment approved, final action deferred

The Rules and City Government Committee of the Annapolis City Council discussed ordinance O-20-25 on the proposed transfer of city-owned property at 932 and 935 Spa (Spiro) Road to the Anne Arundel County Resilience Authority to pursue federal and state Brownfields remediation funding. The committee approved an amendment adding a reverter clause — that the property shall revert to the city within up to seven years if remediation is not completed — but deferred final committee action to the July 23 meeting so the Resilience Authority and additional staff can brief the full council and the public.

Why it matters: The administration says the transfer is intended to allow a quasi-governmental partner to take ownership so the site becomes eligible for large remediation grants that the city cannot receive while retaining title. Committee members expressed support for pursuing Brownfields funds but pressed for clearer limits in the ordinance about the scope of the transfer, the timeline, and financial liability for remediation costs.

Committee members and staff spent substantial time clarifying which portions of the parcel are included in the sale, how the city will complete a required subdivision before conveyance, and what legal and financial obligations remain with the city. Ashley Leonard, assistant city attorney, and Mike Lyles, city…