Community Corner

Middle River Depot Development Several Years Away

The future of the site depends on how the property along Eastern Boulevard is zoned, property owners' attorney told residents.

A large, mixed-use development featuring retail, professional and residential components is what owners envision for the long-abandoned 55-acre Middle River Depot.

However, any major step toward redeveloping the site—located along Eastern Boulevard and Route 43—is still several years away, representatives of the owners told a group of about 30 residents at Wednesday’s monthly Essex-Middle River Civic Council meeting.

Towson attorney Robert A. Hoffman, who represents the owners of the depot—Mexican businessman Alberto Saba and New York developers Joey Aini and Jack Avita—told residents much of what they are able to do is dependent on how the property is zoned once the County Council completes the quadrennial comprehensive rezoning process in about 14 months.

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“We need the right zoning in place to kick-start development,” said Hoffman, who said he believes it would take 18-24 months after zoning was approved before significant development could occur. “We are in the very preliminary stages right now and many things could change depending on the zoning we receive.”

Residents were eager to speak with Hoffman, as they have pondered for years what would happen to the depot site.

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The current owners bought the site in 2006 for $37.5 million—then a record for an online government auction. The property includes a 1.9 million-square-foot facility once used to manufacture aircraft during World War II.

Most recently, the facility had been used as General Services Administration warehouse. An expanded Glenn L. Martin Aviation museum, additional rail service and a new post office are just some of the ideas residents would like to see implemented at the depot.

However, there is also 1 million square feet along the buildings closest to Eastern Blvd and the MARC station that have extensive development restrictions as they are included on the Maryland Historical Trust registry.

“We all have suggestions for the site, but we also know the owners didn’t pay what they did for it without the expectation of making money,” Essex-Middle River Civic Association president Rocky Jones said. “If they can’t make money with a certain idea, then it’s not going to happen. We just want to be included in the process.”

Along with Middle River Depot, the site also includes about 15 acres along Eastern Blvd. owned by Vanguard Equities Inc.

Its principal, Len Weinburg, told residents he envisions almost a town center concept that brings new development while not forgetting the area’s waterfront and its aviation heritage. Currently, the Vanguard property includes a mini storage business, which Weinburg envisions being there in the future.

“I see the two properties working together with our site being a gateway to the depot,” Weinburg said. “Once we get the zoning in place, we can come back and really show you this is what we have planned.”

Sixth District Councilwoman Cathy Bevins, who represents the area where the depot is located, has met with the owners and has also sought community input on how residents would like to see the site developed.

Bevins said she envisions a development that creates high-paying professional jobs for the area in coordination with similar development taking place along Route 43.

“We want Middle River to be a destination and not just a drive-through,” she said.


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