Bill Summary – FastDemocracy

SB 783
                      Department of Legislative Services
                              Maryland General Assembly
                                    2021 Session
                           FISCAL AND POLICY NOTE
                                   Enrolled
Senate Bill 783                 (Senator Hayes)
Finance                                                   Environment and Transportation
             Baltimore City – West North Avenue Development Authority
This bill establishes the West North Avenue Development Authority for the purpose of
developing a comprehensive neighborhood revitalization strategy for the benefit of the
“target area” and “buffer zone” in Baltimore City. The bill establishes provisions governing
the membership, procedures, and duties of the authority. Authority members may not
receive compensation but are entitled to reimbursement for expenses. The authority is
authorized to manage appropriated funds from Baltimore City and the State. By
October 1, 2023, the authority must report its comprehensive neighborhood revitalization
strategy to the Governor and to the Senate Budget and Taxation and House Appropriations
committees. The bill terminates September 30, 2026.
                                    Fiscal Summary
State Effect: No direct effect. It is assumed that members of the authority can provide
staff and provide expense reimbursements with existing resources, as discussed below.
Although the bill allows the authority to manage funds appropriated by the State, it does
not require any such funds to be appropriated. Revenues are not directly affected.
Local Effect: Baltimore City and participating local authority members can provide staff
for the authority with existing resources. Although the bill allows the authority to manage
funds appropriated by Baltimore City, it does not require any such funds to be appropriated.
No direct effect on Baltimore City revenues.
Small Business Effect: None. Small businesses are not directly affected by the
establishment of the authority but could be affected by the implementation of the
neighborhood revitalization strategy developed pursuant to the bill.
                                         Analysis
Bill Summary: “Target area” means the portion of West North Avenue in Baltimore City
between the 600 Block and the 3200 Block, inclusive. “Buffer zone” means the area within
250 yards of the target area. The authority may, by a majority vote of all members of the
authority, modify the boundaries of the target area and the buffer zone.
The authority may receive donated services from accountants, lawyers, or other consultants
as necessary to carry out the authority’s duties. The authority may also supervise, manage,
and terminate staff and consultants as necessary.
The authority must support the development and approval of a comprehensive
neighborhood revitalization plan in the target area and the buffer zone to benefit (1) the
residents; (2) housing; (3) neighborhoods; (4) economic development; and (5) transportation,
including motor vehicles and pedestrians. The authority must also work in coordination with
the residents of the target area and the buffer zone to develop a comprehensive
neighborhood revitalization plan.
Current Law: There is no relevant current law.
State Expenditures: The bill makes the President of Coppin State University (CSU), or
the President’s designee, the chair of the authority. CSU advises that it can provide staff
for the authority with existing resources, with additional support potentially provided by
Baltimore City and volunteers as authorized by the bill. No State expenditures are expected
to be incurred to staff the authority.
Additional Comments: The bill does not explicitly allow the authority to finance
neighborhood improvements and economic development initiatives that are typical for
development authorities. However, to the extent that it receives funds from Baltimore City
and the State for those purposes, the authority may initiate those types of projects. As any
such projects are contingent on funding that is not required by the bill, this analysis does
not reflect any fiscal effects, such as increased debt service payments, or property tax
revenues, that may result from implementing the neighborhood revitalization strategy that
is developed in accordance with the bill.
                                Additional Information
Prior Introductions: None.
Designated Cross File: HB 1293 (Delegate Amprey) - Environment and Transportation.
SB 783/ Page 2
Information Source(s): Department of Commerce; University System of Maryland;
Department of Housing and Community Development; Maryland Department of
Transportation; Department of Legislative Services
Fiscal Note History:   First Reader - March 12, 2021
rh/mcr                 Third Reader - March 25, 2021
                              Revised - Amendment(s) - March 25, 2021
                       Enrolled - April 10, 2021
Analysis by: Thomas S. Elder                     Direct Inquiries to:
                                                 (410) 946-5510
                                                 (301) 970-5510
SB 783/ Page 3
Statutes affected: 
Text - First - Baltimore City – West North Avenue Development Authority: 12-701 Economic Development, 12-702 Economic Development, 12-703 Economic Development, 12-704 Economic Development, 12-705 Economic Development, 12-706 Economic Development
Text - Third - Baltimore City – West North Avenue Development Authority: 12-701 Economic Development, 12-702 Economic Development, 12-703 Economic Development, 12-704 Economic Development, 12-705 Economic Development, 12-706 Economic Development
Text - Enrolled - Baltimore City – West North Avenue Development Authority: 12-701 [], 12-702 [], 12-703 [], 12-704 [], 12-705 [], 12-706 []