Olszewski issues executive order to address Baltimore County affordable housing shortage

TOWSON, MD—Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski issued an executive order on December 3, 2024, mandating affordable housing units in new housing developments receiving County financial support. This means any new or preservation development project that receives county discretionary financial support — which includes loans, grants, payments-in-lieu of taxes, tax credits, TIFs, and bonds — must designate a percentage of units […]

MDOT, Housing Department collaborate for transit-oriented development

BALTIMORE, MD—The Maryland Department of Transportation and the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development have agreed to work together to build more housing near transit stations. The agencies signed a memorandum of understanding (PDF) to spur transit-oriented development, which they say will help increase ridership, make housing more affordable, promote economic development, and address climate change goals. The agreement […]

Baltimore among cities with highest mortgage delinquency rates, WalletHub study

BALTIMORE, MD—With the rate of mortgage delinquency ranging from around 3% to 23% depending on the city, the personal-finance website WalletHub has released its new report on the Cities With the Highest Mortgage Delinquency Rates, to highlight where people are at the biggest risk of credit score damage and foreclosure. Baltimore came in at No. 8 on the list.  WalletHub ranked […]

Governor Moore unveils plan to tackle Baltimore’s vacant property crisis

BALTIMORE, MD—Governor Wes Moore has announced an executive order to establish Reinvest Baltimore, an initiative to address the city’s vacant property crisis. The program will be a coordinated effort between the state, city, nonprofits, and for-profit partners, with the goal of revitalizing neighborhoods and maximizing economic potential and quality of life for residents. “Baltimore’s vacant property crisis is an issue […]

Attorney General, MDE file complaint against Joppa developer, homebuilder, contractor over water pollution violations

JOPPA, MD—The Maryland Department of the Environment, on behalf of the Attorney General, has filed a complaint against a developer, homebuilder, and contractor for multiple water pollution violations at the Ridgely’s Reserve development in Harford County. The complaint (PDF), filed Friday in Harford County Circuit Court, alleges that the Ridgely’s Reserve development and its associated sewer line project caused “numerous […]

Councilman Marks: More than 4,900 acres downzoned

The following is a legislative update from Councilman David Marks… On Tuesday, August 27th, the Baltimore County Council approved the new Comprehensive Zoning Map for Baltimore County. In the Fifth District that I represent, acting on my recommendation, the Council downzoned 4,944 acres of property. The Council increased the density or intensity of potential development on 145 acres. That means […]

Councilman Marks to block townhome rezoning in Perry Hall, lighten Philadelphia Road growth

NOTTINGHAM, MD—Baltimore County Councilman David Marks on Tuesday announced that he will oppose a rezoning request that would have allowed townhomes on Gerst Avenue in Perry Hall (Issue 5-004). The zoning will remain one house per acre (DR 1). On the Philadelphia Road corridor, he will recommend downzoning the site of the Evans Funeral Chapel to CB (Issue 5-063) and […]

Baltimore County Council votes to override Olszewski’s veto of school overcrowding bill

TOWSON, MD—On Monday evening, July 1, the Baltimore County Council voted to override County Executive Johnny Olszewski’s veto of the revised Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance. The County Council initially passed the measure in early June.  The revised APFO will require developers to receive approval from a special school capacity committee before they can obtain a building permit for new homes […]