Sykesville council approves $225,000 from reserves for train station renovations

The Sykesville Town Council voted unanimously Sept. 23 to reserve $225,000 from the town's unassigned fund balance to help pay for renovations to the historic train station, part of a public‑private effort tied to a lease with Stazione Incorporated.

Town staff told the council the town entered into a lease agreement with Stazione Incorporated in December 2023 “for the purposes of reopening a restaurant in the town's historic train station,” and that preliminary plans show more than $1 million in improvements. Staff said $125,000 was already budgeted for fiscal year 2025, leaving a gap the town will fill with the authorized $225,000; that allocation will be reflected in the next budget revision.

Why it matters: Council members said the work supports the town's downtown revitalization and follows conceptual approval from the Maryland Historic Trust. Staff cautioned that some elements of the work might later qualify for grant funding — for example, certain safety‑related improvements — but recommended not relying on pending grants when authorizing the town's contribution.

Details and debate: During discussion, staff said participating up to $350,000 was the original ask from the lessee and that the town already held $125,000 in the current budget toward that amount. Council members asked whether additional grant programs could reduce the town's share; staff replied that some components might be eligible but that timing and grant deadlines made unassigned fund balance the practical source for now. Council members also requested periodic updates to track any grant reimbursements that would lower the town's net contribution.

The next steps: With the allocation approved, staff will include the $225,000 commitment in the next budget revision and continue work with the lessee and the Maryland Historic Trust on the project design and permitting.