$2.36M Deal Would Preserve Nearly 63 Acres Of Howard Co. Farmland

WOODBINE, MD — Nearly 63 acres of farmland in Woodbine could be permanently protected from development under a $2.36 million agreement being considered by the Howard County Council.

The proposed legislation, CB60-2026, would authorize the county to purchase development rights on approximately 62.98 acres at 2698 Jennings Chapel Road for up to $2,363,100.

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The property is owned by Eugene A. Freeze, as trustee of the Eugene A. Freeze Revocable Trust, according to county documents.

Rather than purchasing the property itself, Howard County would acquire an agricultural preservation easement that would permanently restrict most future development while allowing the landowner to retain ownership and continue farming.

The agreement would cost no more than $37,520 per acre, with payments spread over multiple years. The county would also pay interest on the deferred portion of the purchase price.

The proposed legislation would make the payments a general obligation of Howard County, backed by the county's taxing authority.

The property is currently used as an equine farm, and approximately 99% of its soils fall within Class 1, 2 and 3 agricultural soil classifications, according to information presented during the council's Oct. 19 legislative public hearing. The farm also has a soil conservation plan, according to county documents.

If approved, the purchase would become part of the county's Agricultural Land Preservation Program, which has helped protect more than 23,300 acres of farmland in western Howard County.

Established in 1984, the county Agricultural Land Preservation Program allows qualifying property owners to voluntarily sell development rights while retaining ownership of their land. The restrictions remain in place even if the property is sold to another owner.

Howard County also protects agricultural land through the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation and preservation requirements associated with certain development projects.

The county's most recent listed agricultural easement acquisitions include 86.16 acres in Mount Airy purchased in February 2025 and 56.02 acres in Woodbine purchased in April 2024.

The proposed Woodbine acquisition was introduced at the request of the county executive and was scheduled for final consideration during the County Council's Oct. 30 legislative session.