County Executive Glassman Seeks to Protect More Than 1,500 Acres

Harford County Executive Barry Glassman on Wednesday sent legislation to the County Council to protect 1,589 acres of farmland from development.

The legislation would bring 25 farm properties, representing 111 development rights, into Harford’s agricultural land preservation program and fulfill requests from all qualified applicants for the first time in county history. Harford’s program is funded by dedicated revenue from the transfer tax, half of which must go to ag preservation and the other half to school construction.

If approved by the council, the acreage preserved or pending settlement in state and local preservation programs would total 61,604 acres, representing 26.4% of Harford County’s land mass.

“Harford County’s longstanding goal has been to protect 75,000 acres for future generations, and I want to get as close to that as we can by the end of my term,” County Executive Glassman said. “I encourage the County Council to help advance our goal and protect this precious farmland forever.”