Gateway Drive Signal Funding Approved, Food Trucks On Main Street Questioned

Bel Air officials have a light agenda before them Monday, with a proposed traffic signal at Gateway Drive and Boulton Street marking the only new business.

Members of the community have voiced a need for a traffic signal at the intersection located near the Harford Mall in Bel Air.

John Meeks of English Country Manor is among the outspoken supporters of a traffic light at the location. Meeks has has long urged the board to install a traffic light at that intersection because of serious traffic problems there.

Money for a traffic light was set aside in the FY 2013 town budget.

Monday's meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Bel Air Town Hall, 39 N. Hickory Avenue in Bel Air.

Fine live updates from the meeting below:

7:52 p.m.: The meeting is adjourned.

7:51 p.m.: Smith went on to ask about a loan the town approved at the last meeting. “Would any of you personally guarantee that loan,” he asked. He said the town should treat taxpayer’s money as they would their own.

7:51 p.m.: “You can change this and make it right,” Smith said. “I do think they’re infringing on the Main Street businesses more than was expected.”

7:50 p.m.: “My point is that we need to protect our downtown businesses and it wasn’t right that the cupcake truck was outside the Tower Restaurant,” Smith said. He added the law should be clarified.

7:49 p.m.: Smith said based on the laws the town has passed, food truck presence at those events should be illegal.

7:48 p.m.: Smith asked if these trucks will then be permitted on sponsored events like girls night out.

7:47 p.m.: Kevin Small said there were several sponsored events and permits are not required for those events.

7:47 p.m.: Tim Smith of Bel Air said the only place he’s seen food trucks since legislation has passed is on Main Street, despite the fact that food truck legislation prohibits them from being on Main Street.

7:46 p.m.: The motion carries in unanimous vote.

7:45 p.m.: Hopkins said he is sure the town will be pleased. Robertson agreed, adding he was surprised there was no one there from the community to express appreciation.

7:44 p.m.: As the town is well aware the town of Bel Air has received a number of requests to install a traffic light at that location, director of Public Works, Randy Robertson, says. Funding in the amount of $150,000 was budgeted for this fiscal year.

7:43 p.m.: Commissioner Reier moves to approve a motion to accept a bid of $85,031 from Thompson Electric to install a traffic signal at Gateway Drive and Boulton Street.

7:39 p.m.: Commissioner Susan Burdette calls Bel Air High School senior Christopher Wilson to the podium for recognition of student achievement.

7:36 p.m.: Hopkins outlines D’Alto’s accomplishments in law enforcement before promoting him officially to the rank of corporal.

7:35 p.m.: Hopkins calls police Chief Leo Matrangola and Sergio D’Alto for a promotion ceremony.

7:34 p.m.: “It is just something nice to do for a town that is just darn nice,” Blum said.

7:31 p.m.: Blum said he has organized about 28 parades for the town and extended his thanks to the town for the recognition.

7:30 p.m.: Commissioner Robert Reier calls Michael Blum to the podium for a presentation in recognition of his work on the Bel Air Christmas Parade.

7:29 p.m.: The meeting is called to order by de facto mayor Edward Hopkins.

7:28 p.m.: The commissioners take their seats on the dais.