Compromise Reached In Disagreement Between Bel Air, School Officials

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — Officials with Harford County Public Schools and the town of Bel Air have reached an agreement regarding an emergency access road running through the Homestead-Wakefield Elementary School campus.

The agreement allows construction to move forward on a long-awaited redevelopment project that has been delayed for more than a year due to conflicting views on how the emergency access road should be established.

In April 2022, Bel Air officials requested that the school district construct a connection between East and West MacPhail Roads through the Homestead-Wakefield campus. Town officials stated that the connector was part of its comprehensive plan while the Board of Education of Harford County declined the request out of concern for student and safety, citing the need for the entire property for educational purposes, court documents stated.

“Reaching this settlement truly was a collaborative accomplishment,” said HCPS Superintendent Sean Bulson. “It is a testament to our shared commitment to providing our students with the finest education possible, while providing a safe and nurturing educational environment. I look forward to the day the students of Homestead-Wakefield Elementary School will get to enjoy their new school."

Under the terms of the agreement, an access road, restricted to the use of emergency vehicles only, will be constructed on the campus. Access will be limited by an electronic gate. This agreement allows the campus to remain safe and secure, while ensuring first responders have a clear access route during emergencies.

“We are excited for our community that the new Homestead-Wakefield project is moving forward and our children will have the school that they so abundantly deserve,” Kevin Bianca, chairman of the Board of Town Commissioners, said. “Homestead-Wakefield has been a part of our community for decades, serving generations of students. This emergency access road will serve Bel Air, too, by ensuring the safety of not only our children, but the entire community, for the generations to come.”

The town of Bel Air has issued all the necessary permits to begin construction and the new building should be completed for the start of the 2025-2026 school year.

“I am delighted we were able to reach a settlement with the town of Bel Air,” said Board of Education President Aaron Poynton. “This agreement takes the concerns of all involved parties into account, while ensuring the safety of the students, staff and surrounding community. After having so many Homestead-Wakefield Elementary School students learning in portable pods, I look forward to when we will be able to welcome students into the new building.”

Judge Paul W. Ishak officially closed the case July 26.