MarylandHB 02582025 Regular SessionHouse

Economic Development - West North Avenue Development Authority - Alterations

Sponsored By: Melissa Wells (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Economic DevelopmentAdministrative AgenciesAssessments -see also- Property TaxBaltimore CityBoundariesCommerce and Business -see also- ElectrComm; ForeignTr; etc.Commercial Rehabilitation -see also- EnterprZon; UrbRenCommittees and CommissionsCommunity DevelopmentContracts -see also- ProcurementCorporations -see also- Municipal Corps; Public Corps & InstEmergency BillsEthicsFees -see also- Attys' Fees; Devt Fees & TaxesFinancial Institutions -see also- Banks; Credit Unions; etc.GiftsGovernorGrantsHigher Education -see also- Comm Colleges; Med Schools; etc.Housing -see also- Apartments; Condos; Mobile & Manuf HomesIndustry and TechnologyLeases and RentLimited Liability CompaniesLoans -see also- Credit; Mortgages; Scholarships&SFAMeetings -see also- Hearings; Open GovernmentNonprofit OrganizationsOpen GovernmentPartnershipsProcurementProperty TaxPublic Corporations and Instrumentalities -see also- HBEPublic InformationReal Estate -see also- Agents and BrokersReportsResidency -see also- Immigrants and CitizenshipRevenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)Rules and RegulationsSafety -see also- Occupational SafetySalaries and Compensation -see also- Overtime; Reimb. RatesSecuritiesSunsetUrban AreasUrban Renewal -see also- Commercial RehabilitationWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.Zoning and Planning

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 4 mixed.

Owner-occupied homes protected from forced acquisition

The West North Avenue Development Authority cannot use eminent domain to take an owner-occupied residential property. Eminent domain means government power to force a property sale. The property must be both residential and owner-occupied. This limit applies to this Authority, not to other government bodies.

Residents gain seats; development authority gains flexibility

Two affected-community residents serve on the board, representing neighborhoods east and west of North Fulton Avenue; listed community groups’ leaders choose them by majority vote. The Authority can act without State-unit consent and is exempt from general procurement law and certain other State rules. Public records, open meetings, ethics, and specified State finance rules still apply. It must maintain accounting, financial controls, audits, and reporting, with a July 1–June 30 fiscal year. Deposits must go to a Baltimore City or national bank, or a federally insured savings and loan with at least $1 million in paid-in capital.

Baltimore redevelopment gains tools and time

Effective April 22, 2025, the law expands the Authority’s development powers in Baltimore City. Its reach includes West North Avenue’s 600–3200 blocks and the area within 250 yards. It can make grants to individuals, finance project purchases or improvements, acquire and improve property, and charge for services. No household is guaranteed assistance. The law extends the Authority’s governing rules from September 30, 2026, to September 30, 2029.

Development fund comes with self-support deadline

The law creates a dedicated Authority fund whose unused money carries over from year to year. It accepts State budget money, interest, and other accepted money for staff, consultants, administration, and the Authority’s work. Spending must follow the State budget; no funding amount is set. For fiscal years 2024–2028, the fund keeps interest otherwise directed to the State’s General Fund. Starting in fiscal year 2028, the Authority must support itself, but the law sets no method or household fee.

Development tax breaks end with private use

The Authority receives tax and assessment exemptions for its development projects, their operation and maintenance, and their revenues. It also pays no State or local transfer or recordation taxes. Property it sells or leases to a private entity becomes subject to Baltimore City and local real property taxes immediately. The law sets no dollar amount for these tax savings or bills.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Melissa Wells
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 295 • No: 25

House vote • 4/3/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 122 • No: 15 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 4/2/2025

Third Readings Passed with Amendments

Yes: 47 • No: 0

House vote • 3/17/2025