County Council Approves Warehouse Moratorium, Approval Of New Construction And Permits To Halt For 90 Days

HAVRE DE GRACE - On Tuesday, the Harford County Council voted to continue the moratorium for approval or permits for new warehouses.

The 6-1 vote came after many residents voiced their concerns about the effect new warehouses would have on traffic, property values, and green space.

The council passed two amendments at the meeting. The first will cut the moratorium down from six months to 90 days. The second clarifies what types of projects and buildings the moratorium applies to.

The vote officially stalls the plan to turn 700 acres of farmland in Perryman into a five million-square-foot warehouse facility.

Perryman residents and advocacy groups were excited about the opportunity to have more say on what types of developments are built in their community.

"The passage of this bill is an opportunity for us to reevaluate our approach to economic development while also preserving the rich heritage of Harford County," Leigh Maddox said on behalf of the Economic Development and Historical Context team. "We look forward to working with the community and policymakers to ensure a brighter future for all."

County Executive Bob Cassilly signed the bill on Wednesday.

"I am pleased the County Council has approved my moratorium on mega-warehouses, which will provide a necessary pause as we update our zoning code to properly account for the many unique impacts of these facilities," Cassilly said.