Harford County’s Economic Development Department presented a public hearing on Resolution 041-24, a request for a loan of up to $200,000 from the Economic Development Opportunity Fund (EDOF) to MJT Holdings, LLC for the acquisition and conversion of 909 South Main Street in Bel Air.

Karen Holt, director of economic development, introduced the request and said Bonnie Baresi, business development associate and finance liaison, and members of the Economic Development Advisory Board’s finance subcommittee were present. “Through the committee's efforts, we've revamped the loan program and increased the cap available to businesses,” Holt said.

Baresi described the loan terms and the business: MJT Holdings was formed in 2024 to purchase and convert the property for use as an office for BrightStar Care of Bel Air, operated by Michael and Jennifer Tamberino under Golden Rule Health Services. Baresi said BrightStar Care currently employs about 60 field staff and seven administrative staff and that the relocation and expansion could increase employment to as many as 120 positions.

The speakers said the property provides improved client access, central location and adequate parking after planned improvements. Baresi said the loan program has a web-based application and staff do active outreach to businesses, and she described past program successes, including partnering with other lenders to preserve a chocolatier's family business and funding a wholesale food distributor’s facility improvements on Route 40. “Since its inception, the EDOF program has generated 107 jobs and resulted in nearly $5,680,000 in private capital investment here in Harford County,” Holt said.

Council members asked procedural and program questions. A member asked how businesses learn about the fund and how to apply; Baresi said the department markets via a newsletter, events and direct outreach, and maintains an online application (applicants are encouraged to contact the office to confirm fit). Another member asked when the business expects to move; staff said the company expects to occupy the property in 2025. Staff also clarified that business owners do not have to live in Harford County, but the business must be located in Harford County to receive the loan.

No members of the public were signed up to speak. The council president closed the hearing: “this will conclude this public hearing for Resolution 041-24 and it'll be taken up at our next meeting.” The council did not vote on the resolution at this session.

If approved in a future meeting, staff said the loan aims to support property revitalization, job creation and private investment in Bel Air while leveraging other lenders and grants when appropriate.