Southern Harford County Taskforce Reports Progress, Gathers Community Input

For decades, residents and businesses in southern Harford County have pleaded for help revitalizing their communities. Recognizing that additional attention to the area was necessary, then newly elected County Executive Bob Cassilly formed the Southern County Taskforce (SCTF).

Launched in 2023, the SCTF is an ongoing partnership among county government, local businesses, nonprofits, and community members to address the unique challenges and opportunities in Edgewood, Joppatowne, Belcamp, and surrounding areas. Results to date include:

14 neighborhood security cameras;

82 brighter streetlights;

13 community cleanups totaling 43 dumpster loads;

300% increase in street sweeping;

64 roads resurfaced;

Four new ambulance units;

Enhanced code enforcement targeting abandoned and unsafe structures;

$2.3M in community services grants;

One new park and several upgraded parks & recreation fields;

62% increase in recreational program participation; expanded offerings;

New summer youth/mentoring program;

Rehabilitation of community meeting spaces;

Local cultural events;

Small business grants and other business assistance;

Bus shelters replaced/repaired;

Added bus stops;

100K additional bus transit trips aided by free apps.

Harford’s SCTF held its third community input meeting Monday evening in Edgewood, attracting more than 70 participants. Residents recognized progress in their communities and shared ideas for further improvement.

Edgewood resident BangTam Miller said, “At last evening's SCTF Community Meeting, residents learned about all the positive actions taken by County Executive Cassilly's administration to address quality of life issues in support of neighborhood revitalization. Speaker comments and questions were answered or noted by designated representatives for follow-up. The message was clear that citizen involvement is welcomed and that efforts will continue to make our neighborhoods a great place to live, work, and play.”

Thanking attendees, County Executive Bob Cassilly encouraged residents to stay engaged and informed.

“Community partnerships are essential to continuing our progress,” County Executive Cassilly said. “Government, businesses, nonprofits and individuals cannot do it alone, but by working together we are making all of Harford County the best it can be.”

More information is posted on the county website , on Facebook, and available in a free e-newsletter.