New plan for York Road site likely excludes Royal Farms

Negotiators close to deal that alters property’s use

A revised plan for the corner of York Road and Bosley Avenue in Towson likely will not include a Royal Farms store or gas pumps — two features some neighbors of the project vehemently opposed.

“I think we have a deal on the table right now where there will be no Royal Farms — no gas station,” Baltimore County Council Chairman Tom Quirk said this week.

Quirk, a Catonsville Democrat, has been leading negotiations on a new plan for the site that involves input from neighbors, community activists and officials from the Towson-based developer, Caves Valley Partners.

Caves Valley has a contract to buy the 5.8-acre, county-owned parcel for $8.3 million. However, its proposal to develop a commercial retail center around a Royal Farms gas station stirred opposition from some residents who said the plan was wrong for a site considered a “gateway” to Towson. They also said it would increase noise, crime and pollution in the area.

Last week, the council tabled a resolution from Councilman David Marks, a Republican who represents Towson, that would have banned gas pumps at the site. Quirk led the motion to table Marks’ measure, saying he would prefer an effort to negotiate a compromise.

This week, County Executive Kevin Kamenetz set a 30-day deadline for those negotiations.

On Thursday, Arthur Adler, Caves Valley’s managing partner, said in a statement that “removal of the gas station portion of the project ... is something we are currently discussing and open to as part of a compromise we are working towards with community leadership and [Quirk].”

“We are committed to continuing discussions with the community and county leadership and are confident we can develop a solution,” said Adler. He also said Caves Valley is pursuing a tenant mix for the site “that will enhance the dining and retail offerings.”

Quirk said in recent days that he and Caves Valley officials have met with community members regarding plans for the site.

Paul Hartman, a member of the Greater Towson Council of Community Associations — an umbrella group representing 50 community associations in Towson — said he was part of a meeting last Friday that discussed removal of the gas station.

“It seems like that’s what Councilman Marks’ latest resolution was to do,” Hartman said. “Even though it got tabled, it seems that’s the result he was trying to get. I think it’s probable his efforts precipitated this change in direction for Caves Valley.”

Marks said he was pleased a plan without a gas station is being discussed.

“We would never have gotten here if the community didn’t make its concerns known and if our office had not introduced the ... resolution” to ban the gas pumps, Marks said.

Quirk said if the gas station is removed, the county’s contract with the Caves Valley would have to be amended — and a lower purchase price negotiated. A revised plan would go to the county’s Development Review Committee.

County spokeswoman Ellen Kobler declined to say whether changes to the sales contract would need to be approved by the council.

Officials for Royal Farms could not be reached for comment.