Harford County officials are debating how a proposed change in zoning law would affect neighborhoods and small businesses.

Councilman Aaron Penman has introduced legislation that would allow liquor stores to operate in B1 zones via a special exception. Penman maintains that the bill would support small businesses. Others argue that the change is being proposed to support one business and could negatively impact the entire county.

“It is time to support small businesses and give them the resources to be successful,” Penman said during a public hearing on the bill Tuesday night. “That is how we are going to grow. That is how we are going to be able to pay for schools and public safety and it is time to support small businesses.”

Per the county’s definition, B1 zoning — also referred to as Neighborhood Business District — is intended to provide limited retail and services convenient to residential neighborhoods.

County Executive Bob Cassilly said this week he opposes Penman’s proposed bill, arguing that the change in zoning would affect 232 parcels that are meant to support community centers, daycares, libraries and parks — not liquor or cannabis stores.

“The State of Maryland has been very clear that recreational cannabis use cannot be treated more restrictively than liquor sales,” Cassilly wrote in his statement. “This opens the door for cannabis sales to be allowed anywhere liquor stores are permitted.”

Penman introduced the legislation last month after viewing a petition and emails supporting the family-owned business Mountain Road Deli and Spirits. The Joppatowne shop has operated as a deli and liquor store at the same location for nearly two decades. When it ceased deli operations it technically violated the permitted use for B1 zoning. More than 100 people signed a petition and 40 sent emails to support changing the law to allow the business to stay put.

Penman disputes Cassilly’s arguments, stating in a letter Thursday that cannabis dispensaries are allowed in B1 zoning as they are considered “specialty” shops and that his proposed bill does not affect them. He went on to say that state law only allows one liquor store per 4,000 residents, which poses a further challenge for liquor stores to open in B1 zones as they would not only require a special exception, but also a liquor license from the liquor board.

Each county, based on population, has a set number of liquor licenses available. Penman said during the public hearing Tuesday that he believes there are 12 liquor licenses left for the entire county, meaning that liquor stores could be opened on only 12 of the 232 B1 parcels if his legislation passes.

Numerous speakers spoke against Penman’s bill Tuesday night, with Fallston resident Beth Sheer stating that she has “significant concerns” about the entire county being affected by an issue facing one business. She said that the owners of Mountain Road Deli and Spirits should instead address their zoning issue through the county’s Comprehensive Rezoning process as they have tried to do.

According to online documents, the owners are requesting that the property be rezoned from B1 to B2 — which permits liquor stores.

“This is a far more prudent, effective means of addressing one-off requests rather than generalizations that impact hundreds of parcels and sets a dangerous precedent for our residents,” said Steve Overbay, of the county’s Department of Economic Development. “This opportunity to protect our neighborhoods should not be squandered.”

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