Sykesville approves purchase of 4.07-acre parcel and amends FY2026 budget to cover cost

The Sykesville Mayor and Town Council on Oct. 14 unanimously adopted Ordinance 2025-O-5 to acquire roughly 4.0657 acres identified as Map 200 Parcel 4323 northwest of Main Street and Norwood Avenue, and adopted Ordinance 2025-O-6 to amend the town’s FY2026 budget to fund the purchase and related revenue adjustments.

Staff described the parcel as strategically located in the town’s comprehensive plan and connectivity study and said it would support future trail connections and could provide space for town operations such as public works. Town staff also said the town has an EPA grant for environmental work: “the town did receive, an EPA grant, for, phase 1, phase 2 environmental studies,” and that Phase I work is proceeding with EPA staff scheduled to meet with the town in November, staff said.

Joe (town staff) told the council the property was appraised at the purchase price and that the purchase agreement contains a 120‑day feasibility period during which the town can withdraw. A public commenter noted nearby residents’ support for town ownership and said Royal Electric planned to sell the parcel; another asked about tree removal during any future redevelopment. Council members noted the contract is publicly available and that, as written, it includes a month‑to‑month rent‑back option for the seller of up to 12 months.

Council discussion described the acquisition as a rare opportunity inside town limits to secure acreage for connectivity and future municipal use. “I am prepared to vote. It is a lot of money, but it is as exactly said, this is a good value,” Councilman Dyer said during deliberations.

The budget amendment Ordinance 2025‑O‑6 increases expenditures and corresponding revenues to reflect several operational grants and the capital purchase. The staff memo described the $525,000 capital entry as funded from the town’s unassigned fund balance; other adjustments reflect grant revenues matched with corresponding expense accounts.

Both ordinances were introduced at prior meetings, the public hearings were opened and closed at this session, and the council voted to adopt both measures. No roll‑call tallies were recorded in the transcript; the mayor announced each measure adopted unanimously.

What’s next: staff will proceed with the Phase I environmental work funded by the EPA grant and continue contract closing steps within the contract’s feasibility period. Any material change required by environmental findings would be brought back to the council, the staff presentation said.