Lawmakers in Baltimore County have approved construction of a brand new, 16-pump Royal Farms gas station just north of Towson’s downtown epicenter, much to the distaste of local residents.
The Baltimore County Council last night voted unanimously to approve a resolution allowing construction of the gas station at the corner of Bosley Avenue and York Road. It will be built on land currently owned by the county five blocks north of Towson Circle, considered by many to be a “gateway” to the city.
Community members had been protesting the project for years, citing concerns that it would make for an unsightly entry point to downtown Towson, lead to more traffic congestion and make the community less walkable. County Executive Kevin Kamenetz first announced plans to sell the land in 2012, according to the Sun’s Pam Wood.
Despite residents’ protest rallies and input provided at a series of community meetings with council members, the county went ahead and approved the deal anyway. Councilman David Marks told Fox45 he found it to be a tough decision. “I tried pleasing both sides, but I found it impossible to do,” he said.
The county will sell the land, once home to a fire station, to Towson-based developer Caves Valley Partners. The development firm hasn’t responded to a request for comment on the council’s vote or their timeline for the project.
While they’ve got the OK from the council, the deal isn’t final. Caves Valley will still have to move its proposal through Baltimore County’s review process.
