Legal fight brewing over Harford Road housing bill in Baltimore

BALTIMORE (WBFF) — A legal fight is brewing in Baltimore over a bill that could reshape development along Harford Road.

Former City Council member Jody Landers told FOX45 that the bill, sponsored by Councilman Ryan Dorsey, would allow multi-family housing development not just along Harford Road but deep into neighborhoods currently zoned for single-family homes.

Landers said the bill would permit “up to 4-story structures on properties that are at present single-family detached houses,” adding that it would also allow more of the lot to be covered.

He shared that the earlier version was more intensive and was shut down after opponents cited failures to meet notice requirements in zoning law.

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Landers explained that “we believe that this current bill has a number of other legal deficiencies that actually go beyond what’s allowed under the existing Baltimore City zoning law.”

Supporters say the bill could encourage investment and boost area businesses, with potential to add affordable housing.

Landers disagreed, saying, “Well, first off, it’s the reason for the bill has shifted. It was affordable housing, then it was helping the businesses. The problem is there are existing residents and homeowners in these houses.”

He reported that “there are 1,132 residents who’ve signed the petition opposing this.” Landers also described community engagement efforts, stating, “We had a big community meeting last night. The mayor was invited to attend. At 4:30 yesterday afternoon, I received a notice saying, we’re sorry, the mayor will not be able to attend.” He added that the mayor has received the legislation and has until Nov. 23 to take action.

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Landers said, “We’re still encouraging people to contact the mayor.” He emphasized that residents “hope we don’t have to go to court to challenge this because it’s a poorly worded, poorly thought-through bill, but we will if we have to.” He also said they are open to meeting with both the mayor and councilman “to narrow down the scope of this bill.”

When discussing the possibility of compromise, Landers argued, “This bill is mostly about the commercial corridor. It’s really not about affordable housing. So if you look at the preamble to the bill, it has to do with trying to attract more business, but it’s really an overreach.”

He pointed out that the bill affects nearly 3 miles of Harford Road, far longer than similar zones in other Baltimore neighborhoods.

Landers explained, “Northeast Baltimore is a neighborhood that’s primarily single family detached houses. So what we’re hoping is that the mayor and the councilman will listen to what their constituents are saying.”

He concluded, “We’re coming off of a national election where there were major changes. Because the elected officials were tone deaf and not listening to what the constituent— their constituents are saying. That’s what we’re saying here.”