Press

New Commission Will Study Md. State Parks As Visits Soared During Pandemic

Maryland Matters -By – Elizabeth Shwe

New Commission Will Study Md. State Parks As Visits Soared During Pandemic


Legislation to allow community solar energy systems in Harford County

Harford residents backing solar bill

AEGIS, February 8, 2021


 

Friends of Harford Board Member Guest Commentary

Smart Growth Policies, Not Haphazard Approach Will Help Restore the Chesapeake

Maryland Matters, December 8, 2020


 

Could this happen in Harford County? 

Ethics and Election Reform in Baltimore County 

The Baltimore Sun, February 1, 2019


Proposed projects draw the ire of residents

Community is concerned about warehouse, retail space planned for Abingdon                                                                  The AEGIS, January 2019

A proposal to build more than 2.4 million square feet of warehouse, commercial and retail space near the Route 24/Interstate 95 interchange in Abingdon faced strong opposition from residents Tuesday.


Friends of Harford-  Watchdog organization’s annual meeting at the Abingdon Library 

Friends of Harford reminds the public of the power of the zoning code.
The AEGIS, May 2, 2018

“The HarfordNEXT master plan, passed in 2016, gives Harford County residents a general sense of how land in their communities can be developed in the coming years. But they need to go to the zoning code, if they want the best information, according to the Friends of Harford, a development watch dog group.”


Baltimore County changes charter to allow more time for public hearings and amendments to bills

Baltimore County Council OKs ballot proposals to alter county charter
Baltimore Sun, April 3, 2018 

“One of the most substantial changes would extend the time that council legislation can be considered — from 40 days to 65 days. Community activists have supported that change, saying it would give residents more time to study proposed bills and determine whether they support or oppose them. It would also give the council time to hold public hearings on proposed amendments. Council members can now add amendments to bills at the same meeting where a final vote is taken. Critics say that doesn’t give time for the public to review or comment on them”


Friends of Harford, weighs in on future development in Harford County. 

Volunteer watchdog group stakes out positions on Harford Comprehensive Zoning review.
The Aegis, June 12, 2017

 “Friends of Harford, the 20-year-old Harford County land use watchdog group, is offering its view of the 115 properties whose owners are seeking to have those parcels rezoned during this year’s comprehensive zoning review…” 


Don’t take Harford Co. for granted– get involved in zoning!

Look around, get involved… now
Editorial, The Aegis, March 29, 2017

“This is the time for every Harford County resident to take a look around their neighborhood, or during their trip to their kid’s school, or on their way home from anywhere. Note the trees, the open fields and the farmland. Note the vacant lot across the street, or the one next door. Don’t assume that patch of woods at the end of the block is destined to always be woods. It’s not…”


It’s time to make a difference in Harford zoning

“This is the time,” activists warn residents to get involved in Harford rezoning
The Aegis, March 27, 2017

“Any Harford County resident who wants to have a say about future uses of properties in their neighborhoods must get involved now in the county’s ongoing comprehensive zoning review process…”


115 parcels are up for rezoning! Get involved in the review process with Friends of Harford

Rezoning sought for 115 parcels
The Aegis, March 24, 2017

“Join your neighbors in evaluating zoning changes that can impact you,” Friends of Harford member Janet Hardy, of Abingdon, wrote in a letter to the editor published Wednesday. “The zoning code, plus the property’s individual zoning dictates the future. Make your voice heard and make a difference.”


Aegis questions departure from Harford’s long-standing zoning appeals process

Time-tested system decides zoning cases
Editorial, The Aegis, March 15, 2017


Aegis calls out Harford’s zoning “process”

Zoning changes the wrong way
Editorial, The Aegis, March 1, 2017

“Need your zoning changed? Call us [Harford County Council]. We’ll just change the code. That, unfortunately, is a disaster waiting to happen.”


Marylanders propose bill to reduce loss of forests to development

Environmentalists propose strict new measures to curb Maryland forest loss
The Baltimore Sun, February 13, 2017


Harford residents respond to proposed Royal Farms in Joppatowne

Joppatowne residents oppose new Royal Farms gas station on Joppa Farm Road
The Aegis, January 27, 2017


Baltimore Co. residents support ban on developer contributions

Baltimore County residents seek ban on developer campaign donations
The Baltimore Sun, January 27, 2017

“Representing Towson, Edgemere, Bowleys Quarters, Pikesville, and White Marsh, the residents told stories of how they feel their concerns about proposed developments have been ignored by county elected officials…”


Developer contributions to local campaigns

Brochin Proposes Ban on Developer Contributions in Baltimore County
The Baltimore Sun, January 17, 2017

…”‘The deck is stacked against ordinary citizens,'” Brochin said. “‘They have no say. It’s supposed to be government by the people and for the people, and it’s anything but.'”


Harford County’s Overlay Districts and housing demand

Something to Show
Editorial, The Aegis, January 4, 2017


Howard County’s Question A

What price will voters pay for good government?
The Baltimore Sun, October 26, 2016

Here’s a question that all Maryland voters ought to be pondering: How confident are you that your locally elected leader put the interests of their constituents ahead of their major campaign donors?


Morita Bruce, Friends of Harford co-president, makes a positive impact in Harford

Harford County Women Making a Difference
Harford Magazine, The Baltimore Sun, 2016

women-making-a-difference-morita-bruce
Morita Bruce, Friends of Harford

“Some might think that Morita Bruce and the nonprofit she heads, Friends of Harford, are against development in Harford County.

In the early 2000s, Bruce had lived in Harford County for five years and, she says, paid little attention to local government issues. Then a 500-student private school was proposed for nearby agricultural land. Concerned about increased traffic on rural roads, Bruce joined the Friends of Harford, which advocates for responsible land use…”


Comprehensive Rezoning in Baltimore County

CZMP Rezoning Kills Royal Farms, Halts Volvo
Michael Ruby, The Villager Newspaper, September 2016

“…Everything you needed to survive the 2016 comprehensive zoning maps process you should have learned in kindergarten. Play well with others, listen to instructions and cooperate were the skills that made the difference towards getting the desired zoning on many properties in the Third and Second Councilmanic districts which cover the northern central portion of Baltimore County…”


Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for James Run development

Harford County Council Approves James Run TIF in Tight Vote
The Baltimore Sun, November 21, 2012