Council Approves Towing Bill

It will soon be easier for Baltimore County police to remove vehicles that block private driveways and neighborhood alleys.

The seven-member County Council unanimously approved a bill Monday night that authorizes police to tow vehicles after making a reasonable attempt to locate the owner.

Councilman Tom Quirk, a Catonsville Democrat who sponsored the bill, said he has received numerous complaints from residents about vehicles that block private driveways or clog alleys.

Previously, the police were powerless to tow such vehicles.

The new law goes into effect in July.

In other council news:

• The council unanimously confirmed the as director of the county Department of Economic Development. Gundersen, senior adviser for Philadelphia-based Econsult Corporation and a former New York state economic development commissioner, was appointed to the position on May 10 by County Executive Kevin Kamenetz. Gundersen has been serving as acting director since June 1.
• As expected, Council Chairman John A. Olszewski Sr. introduced a bill that would limit the ability of any member of the council to . The bill, if approved, would also revive such a development in the Catonsville area. A hearing is scheduled for June 28 with a vote scheduled for July 5.