1907 Eastern Avenue Property Use Concerns

December 1, 2026

Villas at Devonport Community

The property located at 1907 Eastern Avenue, which is adjacent to our community, has become a source of significant concern for the residents of Devonport. We believe the recent installation of a fence on this site has not adhered to county codes or regulatory requirements, with issues including improper setbacks, excessive height, and a lack of safety precautions during construction. These violations have led to fears about property encroachment and disregard for public safety.

In addition, the property’s current use and access appears to be through an adjacent property without formal approval, and the site is being used to store commercial containers and a camper, activities that do not comply with Business Local (BL) zoning regulations. Such uses are not only out of alignment with the intended purpose of BL zoning but also fail to provide meaningful benefits to residents, instead resembling operations more suited to Business Major (BM) zones.

Residents of Devonport community are particularly displeased by the lack of transparency and engagement from the property owner. There has been no effort to communicate and/or communicated during the transition of ownership, leaving neighbors uninformed and displeased. The situation at 1907 Eastern Avenue reflects a pattern of non-compliance and neglect that will negatively impact the Devonport community. Residents urge the County to review these concerns and take appropriate action to restore compliance and community trust.

Fence Installation
Despite two code violation reports that were reported earlier this month we believe the fence on the property has not been installed according to code. It was placed without considering setbacks from the road along Old Eastern and Marina View. Judging from online County records the fence may also encroach upon adjacent properties to the east (Commadore Bar and Hall facility) and west (Devonport community). Notably, the fence exceeds the permitted height on the west boundary, rising over six feet. There were no visible paint marks on the sidewalk or grass before or during installation, suggesting that Miss Utilities was likely not contacted. This oversight presents a serious safety concern.

Property Access
Access to 1907 Eastern.docx is not provided directly from Old Eastern Avenue, as would be expected for a property of this type. Instead, entry appears to be gained through an adjacent property, likely without a formal right-of-way or easement in place. This arrangement raises several concerns for the Devonport community:
·       It may violate county requirements for legal and safe property access.

·       The lack of a formal access agreement could lead to disputes with neighboring property owners and further erode community trust.

·       Unapproved access routes can create safety hazards for pedestrians and drivers, especially if the property is used for storing large containers and transport trucks.

·       This situation undermines the transparency and accountability expected in property management and development.

Residents are concerned that the absence of a legitimate, documented access point not only disregards county regulations but also sets a troubling precedent for future property use and development.

Property Use
Baltimore County’s Essex Design Guidelines (2021) emphasize streetscape enhancements, gateway features, and environmental sustainability along corridors like Eastern Avenue. These guidelines impact right-of-way management, especially concerning pedestrian access, signage, and transportation integration. Modern planning efforts in Baltimore County prioritize revitalization, pedestrian-friendly streetscapes, and equitable redevelopment, shaping current right-of-way management practices. Any right-of-way plan in Essex now seeks to balance transportation efficiency with community redevelopment objectives, ensuring that infrastructure supports both mobility and neighborhood revitalization.

The owner is currently storing two commercial/industrial containers and a camper on the premises. The property is zoned Business Local (BL), which permits local retail and service uses such as food stores, banks, and taverns. Zoning regulations require a 10-foot setback from the front property line, 40 feet from the center of the road, and a 20-foot setback from the rear property when abutting residential properties. The current property use is not compliant with these requirements and does not align with the intended uses for BL zoning. Such land use is more appropriate in Business Major (BM) zones and does not provide benefits to local residents.

Operational Concerns and Community Impact
There are additional concerns regarding the operation and maintenance of the property, as it has begun to accumulate trash and conduct activities late into the evening. During the transition of ownership, no variance or notifications were posted, leaving neighboring communities uninformed. Two code compliance complaints have been filed since the fence was installed, both were resolved without support or engagement with members of the Devonport community. This has led to the perception that the property owner is disregarding regulations and avoiding outreach and coordination with adjacent communities.

The ongoing non-compliance and neglect at 1907 Eastern Avenue have also raised concerns about declining property values in the Devonport community and the Old Eastern corridor. Residents fear that improper land use, visible code violations, and lack of maintenance may deter potential buyers and reduce the overall appeal of the neighborhood. We collectively urge the County to thoroughly review these concerns, enforce compliance with zoning and safety regulations, and take steps to restore trust and accountability within the community.

We appreciate your diligence in reviewing this matter and await your response.

Sincerely,