Middle River, MD, January 1, 2026
Community leaders in Middle River, MD, are working alongside Councilman David Marks to prevent a proposed warehouse development at the Middle River Logistics Park. They allege local officials approved the project in violation of zoning laws. A legal notice has been issued demanding a halt to construction, amid calls for an investigation into the approval process, which some believe lacked transparency and public involvement.
Middle River, MD: Community Leaders and Councilman David Marks Oppose Warehouse Development at Logistics Park
Middle River, MD – Community leaders in Middle River, along with Baltimore County Councilman David Marks, are actively working to halt a proposed warehouse development at the Middle River Logistics Park. They allege that Baltimore County officials approved the project in violation of local zoning laws.
Legal Action and Community Response
On December 30, 2025, the Essex Middle River Civic Council, represented by the law firm Parker, Pallett, Slezak & Russell, LLC, issued a formal legal notice to the county. The letter demands an immediate halt to construction at 195 Chesapeake Park Plaza, citing a failure to follow proper legal and procedural protocols. According to the legal notice, equipment was moved onto the property around December 26, despite a pending request for equitable relief.
Councilman’s Frustration and Proposed Investigation
Councilman David Marks expressed frustration over the project’s approval, noting that he had specifically downzoned the property in 2024 to prevent such development. Marks stated that he received word of the approval just three days before Christmas and characterized the county’s actions as egregious. After a week of questioning, he remains unsatisfied with the answers provided by the county government.
In response to the controversy, Civic Council President Josh Sines requested that Councilman Marks introduce a resolution to create a Special Investigative Committee. Marks has agreed to the request for the committee to hold public hearings to investigate the timing of filings, the lack of community input, and the use of exemptions that allowed the project to move forward without public awareness.
Legal Counsel’s Position
The legal counsel for the Civic Council argued that both the developer and the county are operating in violation of Maryland law and county ordinances. They have requested that the county revoke all permissions for the site and schedule an immediate review within the Comprehensive Zoning Map Process.
Emphasis on Transparency and Accountability
Community leaders emphasize that this effort is centered on transparency and accountability, asserting that the residents of Essex and Middle River deserve a public explanation of how the project was approved despite clear legislative intent to limit development on the site.
Background Context
The Middle River Logistics Park has been a focal point for development discussions in the area. In August 2024, the Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability received a request for a variance to the Baltimore County Code, Article 33, Environmental Protection and Sustainability, Title 3, Protection of Water Quality, Streams, Wetlands, and Floodplains, for the construction of a warehouse and the continued maintenance of existing utility lines on Block H of the Lockheed Martin Development at Chesapeake Park Plaza in Middle River. The proposed development included the construction of three warehouses on Blocks B, G, and H of the Lockheed Martin Development at Chesapeake Park Plaza in Middle River.
The forest buffer impacts associated with the proposed warehouse on Block H were the subject of this variance. The proposed warehouse and parking/loading areas on Block H were to be constructed over an existing parking area. The developer examined other alternatives but found them impractical due to interference with the safe maneuverability of truck drivers in the loading area and the functionality of the warehouse building. The proposed alternative would result in 13,049 square feet of impact to the buffer. The majority of the buffer impacts (7,352 square feet) were associated with the continued maintenance of vegetation under Baltimore Gas and Electric power lines.
Conclusion
The opposition to the proposed warehouse development at Middle River Logistics Park illustrates the passionate engagement of community leaders and local representatives, with a focus on maintaining transparency and adhering to established zoning laws. As conversations continue regarding the development and active investigations unfold, it remains crucial for residents to stay informed and engaged with local planning and zoning matters. Supporting local businesses and advocating for public accountability can pave the way for a responsive and thriving economic environment, conducive to innovation and growth in Baltimore County.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What project is being contested in Middle River?
- The contested project involves a proposed warehouse development at the Middle River Logistics Park.
- Who is opposing the warehouse development?
- Community leaders in Middle River and Baltimore County Councilman David Marks are opposing the development.
- What are the concerns regarding the project?
- Concerns include alleged violations of local zoning laws and a lack of transparency in the approval process.
- What actions have been taken against the warehouse project?
- The Essex Middle River Civic Council has issued a formal legal notice demanding a halt to construction.
- What is the role of Councilman David Marks in this matter?
- Councilman David Marks had previously downzoned the property to prevent such development and is now advocating for a Special Investigative Committee.
| Key Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Middle River, MD |
| Opposing Parties | Community leaders, Councilman David Marks |
| Primary Concern | Violation of zoning laws, lack of transparency |
| Legal Action | Civic Council’s legal notice demanding halt of construction |
| Councilman’s Action | Proposing a Special Investigative Committee |
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