Marks: Council expected to approve purchase of C.P. Crane property

One of my top priorities as Baltimore County Councilman has been to preserve open space and reduce the development along Baltimore County’s waterfront.

We’ve initiated dozens of rezoning issues that will lower the amount of development allowed throughout Bowleys Quarters, Oliver Beach, and other neighborhoods—and in early September, the Baltimore County Council is expected to review a contract to purchase over 80 acres of the former C.P. Crane plant.

With the addition of another 66 acres already owned by Baltimore County, this will create a massive new park stretching across much of Baltimore County’s waterfront, adding to the green space already protected at Marshy Point Nature Center and Gunpowder Falls State Park.

I would like to thank the Olszewski administration for its exhaustive work on this acquisition, as well as Senator Jennings, Delegates Ryan Nawrocki and Kathy Szeliga, our federal partners, and so many community leaders for their support.

Money has already been secured from the state and federal governments that could be used for future improvements.

Part of the C.P. Crane property will be retained for a battery storage unit. This has always been part of the discussions, and I have introduced this legislation that would allow for this low-maintenance use on part of the site.

Make no mistake—had the county not acted, I firmly believe this area would have eventually been developed into hundreds of townhomes, as originally proposed. Anyone who opposes this purchase should consider the alternative.