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Bel Air commissioners unanimously oppose planned move of district court from downtown
Summary
The Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners passed Resolution 1270‑26 May 4 opposing the Harford County District Court relocation from downtown Bond Street to Marketplace Drive, citing harm to downtown businesses, congestion, and loss of pedestrian traffic.
The Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners on May 4 approved Resolution 1270‑26 opposing the proposed relocation of the Harford County District Court from its downtown Bond Street location to Marketplace Drive (Maryland Route 24).
Commissioner Hanley, who moved the resolution, said moving the courthouse would "have a negative impact on... the town in general," removing pedestrian traffic that supports nearby businesses and creating additional congestion in an already busy commercial area. "Moving to Marketplace Drive... will contribute to that even further and make it more congested," he said.
Other commissioners agreed that the courthouse and adjacent services support restaurants, retail and professional businesses within walking distance, and warned that relocation would weaken downtown foot traffic and economic activity. No public commenters opposed the board taking an official position; the board recorded a unanimous vote in favor of the resolution.
The resolution expresses the town’s formal opposition and invites further action to state decision‑makers; it does not by itself change any state plan or statute.
