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Havre de Grace council approves temporary sign license, lease assignment and authorizes talks with Amtrak
Summary
The council adopted three calendar resolutions unanimously: a temporary sign license for Bully Rock Parkway, assignment of a right-of-way license for 932 Warren Street, and authorization for the mayor to pursue a Federal Railroad Administration net-benefit review tied to Amtrak use of city property.
The Havre de Grace City Council on a unanimous vote adopted three calendar resolutions allowing short-term property uses and enabling city negotiations with Amtrak.
Council member Shenagas introduced calendar resolution 2024-30 to approve a license allowing a temporary sign on Bully Rock Parkway in the Scenic Vista subdivision sales area. Shenagas said the sign may remain "until the last home is sold" and must be removed within 30 days of that sale, regardless of whether the house is built. The council adopted the resolution by roll call, 5-0.
Shenagas then introduced calendar resolution 2024-31 to approve the assignment of a license previously authorized by resolution 2023-17 for 932 Warren Street. Shenagas described the action as a transference of curb-cut rights to the new owner (identified in the meeting as "Miss Queen") and the council approved the assignment 5-0.
Council also introduced and adopted calendar resolution 2024-32 authorizing the mayor and administration to proceed with a Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) net-benefit determination related to Amtrak’s planned use of city-owned properties, including Gene Roberts Memorial Park and David R. Craig Park. Council president summarized the purpose: "this authorizes the city administration to go into negotiations with Amtrak, so we could have a net benefit use of the property and that that we get something out of it." The resolution passed on a 5-0 roll call vote.
All three measures were introduced and adopted during the meeting’s legislative portion with no recorded dissents. The resolutions cite the city charter and the Annotated Code of Maryland as the legal bases for council action.
What happens next: the administration is authorized to finalize license paperwork for the temporary sign and the Warren Street assignment, and to enter FRA/Amtrak discussions to seek negotiated benefits for the city from Amtrak’s use of public land. No final agreements with Amtrak or other outside parties were presented or approved at this meeting.
