Fifth District Baltimore County Councilman David Marks looks back at all of the accomplishments for the area over the past 12 months. Here is his article:
As 2025 winds down, it’s important to look back at the year that was. I appreciate my Council colleagues, residents, other elected officials, and all other stakeholders who supported these initatives.
Land Preservation. Since 1967, the Urban–Rural Demarcation Line has directed growth toward areas with existing infrastructure. This urban boundary protects Baltimore County’s reservoirs, which supply 86 billion gallons of drinking water, and it prevents farmland from being consumed by urban sprawl. I sponsored a charter change—on the ballot next November—that strengthens Baltimore County’s urban boundary.
Supporting Baltimore County’s Farmers. Another charter change will consolidate farm-related agencies under a permanent Department of Agriculture.
Protecting the Gunpowder. Our office joined with environmentalists, community leaders, and hundreds of residents to oppose a request from the Days Cove Rubble Landfill when this facility wanted permission from the state to increase its discharge into the Gunpowder River. Both Baltimore and Harford Counties oppose this permit, and opponents will be prepared to act if the state approves the permit.
Regulating Solar Facilities. The County Council passed our legislation that enacts distance requirements for solar facilities reviewed by the county.
Opposing the BGE Power Lines. The County Council passed our resolution that brings up raises important issues that must be addressed before approval of new power lines in Kingsville and Perry Hall.
No New Taxes. While Annapolis sticks Baltimore Countians with higher taxes and fees, Baltimore County enacted a local budget that contains no property tax rate hikes.
Choice and Transparency During the Sewerage Process. The County Council passed our legislation that provides propertyowners with a full accounting of costs when considering connection to the sewerage system—and a choice to opt-out if there is no public health issue.
Protecting the Inspector General. I joined four of my colleagues to retain the current Inspector General when others wanted her gone. The County Council also passed my resolution urging the state legislature to expand the Inspector General’s jurisdiction to include the school system, which is responsible for half the county’s budget.
Fair Redistricting Maps. The County Council said “no” to partisan activists who pushed for a gerrymandered redistricting map. Baltimore County’s map is fair, competitive, and bipartisan. Anyone who complains that this process was secretive is selectively ignoring the historic number of public hearings that led to the adoption of this fair and bipartisan map.
An End to Middle School Overcrowding. With the opening of Nottingham Middle School and the expanded Pine Grove Middle School, overcrowding throughout much of the Eastside has largely been eliminated.
Preserving our History. The Council passed my legislation that expands the appeals process for historic properties. The county announced the creation of a new pocket park near the Glenn L. Martin complex in Middle River. The Upper Falls community celebrated erection of a new gateway at Upper Falls. Our office partnered with Senator Carl Jackson and local residents to start the restoration of the Dowden Chapel in Rossville. The County Council enacted historic landmarks status for the former Perry Hall School, and Perry Hall celebrated its 250th birthday.
Road Resurfacing. Baltimore County resurfaced two major corridors, Honeygo Boulevard and Ridgelys Choice Drive, as well as numerous local routes in the district.
New Traffic Lights. Baltimore County flipped the switch on traffic signals at Bucks Schoolhouse Road and Perry Hall Boulevard, and at Bird River Road and Campbell Boulevard.
Playgrounds, Parks, and Community Improvements. From Ridgely Park to Belmont Park to Philadelphia Road, the county completed new playgrounds, pickleball courts, and multipurpose courts. New parks were created at the Jennifer Run in Carney and along the Seven Courts Drive corridor, and acreage was added at Honeygo and Indian Rock Parks. The Oliver Beach Community Hall—ravaged by fire a year before—celebrated a grand reopening.
I would like to thank all our partners who worked hard to move eastern Baltimore County forward. Progress is made by those who show up and work hard, in a bipartisan way, to get things done.
