Bel Air Pocket Park Moves Forward + Noise Concern: Town Hall

BEL AIR, MD — The Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners met for about an hour and a half Monday night. They celebrated the promotion of two officers to Deputy First Class and moved forward on several pieces of legislation.

First, the commissioners authorized approval of the town's comprehensive plan, which will guide decision-making about development for the next 10 years.

Commissioners also approved the introduction of legislation to amend the town's budget, which had been $18.372 million for FY 2022.

With the proposed changes, the budget would increase by more than $430,000, bringing it to $18.804 million. A public hearing is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on April 4 on the budget amendment.

The commissioners also approved a $140,000 contract to construct a pocket park on Office Street; a $45,000 contract for engineering and design to improve Homestead Park; and more than $28,700 to replace eight computers for police cars.

Three Bel Air residents spoke during a period for public comment at the end of the meeting.

One Nichols Street resident said she was there to voice "displeasure" over noise coming from a tent at a local business.

"They can have all the people they want to have there, but they can't destroy the peace of this neighborhood," she said, noting the area includes many older residents.

Another citizen asked the commissioners to step in and help the residents of Bradford Village, who are in the midst of a dispute with their homeowner's association.

A Franklin Street resident also spoke out and said he was concerned about drugs and wanted extra patrols in his neighborhood.

This article will be updated with more information about each topic. To stay on top of the latest, get the Bel Air Patch newsletter.