Marley Meadows Development Nears Approval Finish Line

A low-cost housing project in Glen Burnie received mixed approval from the County Council on Monday, but their support will allow the Marley Meadows site to move on to the next development hurdle.

When completed, Marley Meadows at 7790 Baltimore Annapolis Highway will offer affordable housing ranging from $380-1200 in rent among its 36 units. Conifer Realty, the developer of the site, approached the county council seeking their support for the project as they finalize a $3-million state loan to begin construction work.

But when the item came up for a vote on Monday, it passed narrowly by a 4-3 vote, with Councilmen John J. Grasso, Derek Fink and Dick Ladd voting against the measure.

Grasso, a Glen Burnie Republican, has adamantly opposed Marley Meadows being developed in his district, claiming that low-income housing historically attracts crime. A landlord himself, Grasso touted his experience with low-income tenants throughout the meeting.

“In my personal belief, when someone is only paying $380 rent, what kind of quality person is only going to be at $380?” Grasso asked.

Councilman Jamie Benoit (D-4th District) led the support for the legislation, saying that there was no causal link between crime and low-income tenants. He cited crime statistics that showed crime in Glen Burnie on the decline, even though the area has some of the lowest income in the county.

“The notion that people with low-incomes, or affordable housing, are more likely to commit crimes is just complete nonsense,” Benoit said, adding that this development was an example of a creative partnership between county and industry.

Grasso told Benoit that he shouldn’t be commenting on something he doesn’t have any experience with.

“Until you’re a landlord and actually deal with these people every day … then really, don’t make a statement. It’d be like me coming into your area and telling you about something I know nothing about,” Grasso said. “It’s easy to stand behind something and say it’s a great deal when you have no skin in the game.”

Conifer representative Andrew Crossed said he didn’t agree with Grasso’s conclusions about the quality of life at low-income housing complexes, and said their tenants took pride in where they lived.

Conifer Realty also is asking the county to enter into a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) program that will reduce the amount of property taxes owed by $7,000. The county would still get an annual payment of about $6,000 as a result of the property being developed, and one-time connection fees of $813,000 are still being paid.

There’s a tight deadline on the project though, as work must be underway by Nov. 15. They had requested emergency status on the PILOT request at a meeting earlier this month, a stipulation that was voted down for more discussion. It is expected to come back for a vote Nov. 7.

Editor's note: This article has been updated from its original version to correct the date of the council meeting and the district Councilman Jamie Benoit represents. The council met Monday, Oct. 18, and Benoit represents District 4.