County to Seek Input From Residents on Middle River Depot's Future

The county has often planned for development without input from landowners and communities, said Andrea Van Arsdale, director of the Baltimore County Office of Planning.

Arsdale said this would change, however, during Wednesday's Essex Middle River Civic Council meeting, where she discussed plans to work with residents as the county explores development opportunities for the Middle River Depot.

Mexican businessman Alberto Saba and New York developers, Joey Aini and Jack Avita, bought the 55-acre property in 2006 for $37.5 million—then a record for an online government auction.

“We all have to do a better job of communication and self education,” said Arsdale, who was appointed to her current position in May. “We need to use our community voice for quality and what is acceptable.”

The council agrees that each impacted community should be involved in the redevelopment process. Councilmembers suggested that a work group be formed to ensure each community's wants and needs are represented.

“Right now we’re trying to figure out what the community as a whole would like to see be done at the site,” said Essex Middle River Civic Council President Rocky Jones. “We know the developers will seek whatever is best for business, but we want to make sure we are involved in the process.”

County Councilwoman Cathy Bevins has met with developers and discussed mixed-use zoning for the property. Several details of the future of the Middle River Depot have been restricted from public access since its purchase by the investors.

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.

Bevins that the owners have paid for the property in full and she expects development to begin once the council completes the quadrennial comprehensive rezoning process in about 16 months.

“This is a great opportunity for the community to have input in the redevelopment of the Depot,” said Bevins following the meeting. “It is also a fantastic time for businessmen to invest in the Middle River area."

“Given the location of the MARC station and the proximity to Route 43 and Martin State Airport, this property should be considered a destination for outside business as well as visitors to the area. It should be noted that the area has various enhancements such as waterfront amenities that are not available in other areas.”

Area residents can submit their Depot redevelopment concerns by writing to Councilwoman Cathy Bevins at 400 Washington Ave, Towson 21204 or by contacting her office at 410-887-3388.

Essex-Middle River editor Ron Snyder contributed to this story.