Havre De Grace Seeks Public Feedback On Historic Preservation Changes, Shoreline Budget, And Aberdeen Water Supply Automation

HAVRE DE GRACE - The City of Havre de Grace is seeking public input on three proposed ordinances at a public comment hearing scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, October 2, at the City Council Chambers.

Historic Preservation Amendments, Ordinance 1122:

The first ordinance on the docket proposes amendments to the City Code Section 97 to streamline the historic designation process. Previously, a historic designation required a declaration signed by property owners and the Mayor and City Council, recorded in Harford County's land records. The proposed change will identify the property by name and historic inventory number and add it to the Havre de Grace Department of Planning's list. The ordinance will also strengthen the Commission's role in application reviews for construction or alterations to historic sites and establish protocols for addressing demolition by neglect, ensuring the longevity of the city's historic properties.

Budget Amendment for Shoreline Maintenance, Ordinance 1123:

Ordinance No. 1123 addresses a gap in the fiscal year 2024 budget for maintaining the city's living shoreline, a project initiated in 2018 to protect the Chesapeake Bay from stormwater runoff. Having invested over $5.8 million, largely from State and County grants, and receiving accolades for using native plants for natural filtration, the city seeks to allocate $120,000 from unspent funds of fiscal year 2023 to cover the annual maintenance costs. The city has framed the move as crucial for the sustained ecological health of the Chesapeake Bay and compliance with financial regulations.

Automation of Water Supply to Aberdeen, Ordinance 1124: The third ordinance, No. 1124, proposes a budget amendment to automate the meter vault on Route 40. This vault is a pivotal point in the water supply line to Aberdeen, established following a 2019 agreement. The city identified valve operation and monitoring automation as essential for employee safety and operational efficiency. Under the ordinance, the projected cost of $159,500 will be covered by the surplus funds from fiscal year 2023.

Those unable to attend in person can access the live stream and recorded video of the meeting by visiting www.havredegracemd.com and clicking on the City YouTube Videos tab.

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