Homes for America, an Annapolis-based nonprofit, and Questar Properties, a Baltimore-based company, will work with the Department of Transportation, the Maryland Transit Administration and Anne Arundel County to develop the 10-acre parking lot on the west side of the Odenton MARC Station into homes, retail and public space centered on accessible transportation.

Anne Arundel elected officials and state employees gathered on the train platform to reveal renderings of the project and the developers.

“We are working to transform areas around transit stations into dense, vibrant, connected communities,” said Acting Maryland Transportation Secretary Samantha J. Biddle, who traveled by MARC train to the station for the announcement.

The development will include 585 multifamily units, including 130 affordable, 20 workforce and 435 market-rate homes. It will also feature more than 30,000 square feet of retail, more than 180,000 square feet of public amenity space and integrated pedestrian and bicycle pathways meant to improve access to the MARC Station and surrounding community.

Odenton is the first phase of the state’s 2024 MARC Penn Line transit-oriented development strategy, Maryland’s effort to promote mixed-use, transit-centered communities between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore.

Questar Properties is a nearly 100-year-old family-owned construction company. The firm has worked extensively in the county, estimating that about 1 in 14 housing units it has built were in Anne Arundel County, most recently a luxury midrise apartment in Hanover.

Homes for America is a nonprofit founded in 1994. Since its founding, the organization has built more than 6,700 homes across Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Delaware, according to its website.

“At Homes for America, our mission is to expand access to high-quality affordable housing and create opportunities for residents to thrive,” said Dana Johnson, president and CEO of Homes for America Inc. “We are especially pleased to continue our long-standing commitment to Anne Arundel County, where we have been headquartered for 30 years, and to partner with the state of Maryland and Questar to bring this vision to life.”

The preliminary estimate for the multiuse project is expected to exceed $200 million, including both public and private investment, according to state transportation officials.

Additionally, the county is funding a new 1,100-space commuter parking garage adjacent to the site, offsetting the space lost to the development. The approximately $56 million project received $4 million in federal funding and $750,000 in the first round of awards from the state Department of Transportation’s Capital Grant program. Groundbreaking is expected in 2026.

Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman said he visited the station with Gov. Wes Moore when Moore was still a candidate.

“We discussed smart growth, transit-oriented development and the prospect of housing for our essential workers. His team has moved forward more rapidly than I imagined, and I am thrilled that Anne Arundel-based Homes for America and Questar have been selected to get this done,” Pittman said.

Information on the timeline and public engagement opportunities will be announced in the coming weeks, according to the announcement.

Have a news tip? Contact Bridget Byrne at bbyrne@baltsun.com or 443-690-7205.

Based in Towson, the organization provides employment training and support, day and residential services, family support and education, treatment foster care, assistive technology services, respite care and public policy advocacy, according to a news release.

The expansion follows the local chapter, Arc Central Chesapeake Region, which split from the national network in May and rebranded as Fello.

“While The Arc Baltimore remains deeply committed to Baltimore City and Baltimore County, this expansion enables us to extend our expertise and care to our neighbors in Anne Arundel County,” Kathleen McNally Durkin, CEO of The Arc Baltimore, said in the release. “We look forward to working alongside peer organizations already making a difference in these communities while the families we traditionally have served can be assured that nothing about The Arc Baltimore’s DNA has changed.”

The Arc Baltimore started in 1949 and until now primarily operated in Baltimore City and County.

According to the release, the group will initially focus “on community visibility and partnerships while assessing needs and then expanding staff and infrastructure as appropriate.”

The Arc Baltimore will work in Anne Arundel County Council Districts 1, 2 and 3, while The Arc Southern Maryland will cover the remaining districts, 4 through 7. According to the release, this ensures The Arc, the multi-chapter parent organization, maintains a strong statewide presence. Foster care services will be provided throughout the entire county by The Arc Baltimore.

Have a news tip? Contact Bridget Byrne at bbyrne@baltsun.com or 443-690-7205.

“The dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment of our faculty and staff to student success have been a constant source of inspiration. Together, we have embraced challenges and opportunities with integrity and creativity, always striving to advance the mission of this remarkable college,” Lindsay said in the release.

Lindsay started out as a social worker. She grew up in Harford County and got her master’s degree from McDaniel College in Carroll County. In 1997, she earned her doctorate from Pepperdine University and set a goal to become a college president. She was named in 2012 and is the sixth president of the college, a nationally recognized public two-year institution serving 30,000 students at its Arnold campus and off-site locations across the county.

Her retirement will be effective June 30, 2026, and the Board of Trustees will conduct a search for her replacement.

“The Board of Trustees expresses our deepest gratitude for Dr. Lindsay’s many years of visionary leadership and service to Anne Arundel Community College,” Board Chair Nadine Chien said in the release, “The Board is committed to a fair, transparent, and inclusive search for our next president, supported by an external search firm.”

Have a news tip? Contact Bridget Byrne at bbyrne@baltsun.com or 443-690-7205.

At a public hearing Monday on redistricting, 90 people spoke to the board demanding changes, but no members of the public attended the portion of Wednesday’s meeting where redistricting was discussed.

In a tense four-hour meeting, board members discussed and voted on final adjustments to a new map proposed by District 2 board member Gloria Dent.

After several motions to amend and some confusion over proper procedure, the new map passed 5-3. District 4 board member Sarah McDermott, District 5 board member Dana Schallheim and District 3 board member Erica McFarland voted against it.

The board considered three maps recommended by Superintendent Mark Bedell, with and without board amendments, for a total of six options. At Wednesday’s meeting, the board voted to remove from consideration all but Dent’s map, which members revised during the meeting.

The vote to eliminate all the other maps was 7-1, with only McFarland dissenting.

The new map is similar to the third option with previously passed amendments, removes several of those amendments and adds new ones. Here are the key differences:

• Nantucket Elementary School keeps the split articulation, meaning students would be split between two middle schools after elementary school.
• 11th-grade students would not be included in the legacy provision that allows 12th-grade students to stay at their home school.
• The Gingerville, Poplar and Wilelenor communities that a board amendment considered moving would not be shifted into the Annapolis cluster.
• The neighborhoods attending Eastport, Georgetown East and Hillsmere elementary schools that a board amendment considered moving would not be shifted.
• The students moved from Waugh Chapel Elementary to Odenton Elementary in other map options would remain at Waugh Chapel.
• The South River Colony neighborhood would remain assigned to Central Elementary School.

The new map keeps the split articulation at Nantucket Elementary, meaning students would be divided between two clusters. Some Nantucket students would attend Crofton Middle as expected, while a minority would attend Arundel Middle.

It would be the only elementary school in this situation, and at public hearings, objections to the split dominated testimony.

Dent’s map, as originally proposed, removed the split. District 6 board member Joanna Bache Tobin moved to reinstate it, which passed 5-3 with McDermott, McFarland and Schallheim opposed.

While making the motion, Tobin explained that Crofton was built too small, leading to overcrowding, and that seats must be balanced for the district to secure state funding for capital projects other parts of the district urgently need.

“I have not been immune from the genuine concern, worry and even pain expressed by the communities impacted by this,” Tobin said. “We do not have what I consider the luxury of simply looking at this from the micro level. We have to take responsibility for the whole system.”

The board voted to advance the new option for public hearing, and those dates were published after the meeting. Public hearings will be held at 6 p.m. Nov. 13 and Nov. 17 in the Parham Building. Those wishing to speak must register in advance by the listed deadline. Details are posted at aacps.org/page/public-comment-at-board-meetings.

Have a news tip? Contact Bridget Byrne at bbyrne@baltsun.com or 443-690-7205.

The County Council, in return, softened some requirements in the pending legislation.

“Our streets don’t get cleared as fast as you want our sidewalks cleared,” said Maureen Carr-York, a Millersville resident and president of the Greater Severna Park Council.

Carr-York said residents have been contacting her, worried that the proposed fines are too high and that the pressure to clear sidewalks could be dangerous.

“I am here with concerns about this bill because our community has concerns about this bill,” Carr-York said at Monday’s County Council meeting. “You don’t have to be 70 years old and break more readily to be concerned about shoveling snow, trying to clear ice, that sort of thing.”

The bill changes the penalties from criminal to civil. Currently, the Anne Arundel County Police Department enforces penalties for snowy and icy sidewalks. Residents who leave their sidewalks covered in snow are guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, subject to fines of up to $10.

If approved, the bill would transfer enforcement responsibilities to the county’s Department of Inspections and Permits and require violators to pay fines in accordance with the county code’s penalties for Class D and Class E civil violations.

Residential properties would fall under Class E civil offenses: $50 for the first violation, $100 for the second and $500 for the third or any subsequent violation. All others would face Class D civil offense fines: $125 for the first violation, $500 for the second and $1,000 for the third or any subsequent violation.

County Executive Steuart Pittman, a Democrat, requested Bill 76-25 to address the high number of complaints sent by residents last year during a heavy snowfall, according to Ethan Hunt, director of government affairs for the county’s executive branch. Council Chair Julie Hummer, a Laurel Democrat, sponsored the bill.

At Monday’s meeting, the council passed an amendment allowing more time to clear sidewalks when snowfall exceeds 3 inches.

Under the bill, residents would report concerns to the county for enforcement, which also raised public concern at the meeting.

“We’re going to rely on our neighbors to tell on us, to complain — there is something wrong with that,” said Doug Nickels, a Severna Park resident. “My fear is we’re going to turn this area into one where people don’t like their neighbors.”

Another public hearing is set for the next council meeting, Nov. 17.

James Matheson contributed to this article. Have a news tip? Contact Bridget Byrne at bbyrne@baltsun.com or 443-690-7205

Opponents cited distrust in the process, the fraught moment in national politics and the desire not to be ripped away from friends among their reasons. The hearing stretched for 3 1/2 hours despite the strict two-minute speaker limit.

The board is considering three maps recommended by Superintendent Mark Bedell, with and without board amendments, for a total of six options. The board is expected to vote on the pending maps this month and may add two more maps for consideration. If that happens, the board will hold another briefing and two hearings.

School officials and residents are in the second phase of a two-part process to address rapidly increasing enrollment. The district serves 85,000 students and expects that number to reach 91,000 by 2033. The current phase focuses on south county and began in February when the district released three initial maps for public review.

Overwhelmingly, families said they do not want to change schools. After fighting to protect their neighborhoods since February, many speakers expressed annoyance, frustration and exhaustion.

“The public has repeatedly shown that we have no confidence in this process,” said Kristen DeBoy Caminiti, a mother in the Crofton High School cluster. “Given the public’s lack of confidence and the crises facing so many families — the government shutdown, fear of ICE raids, lack of SNAP benefits and general fear about the state of our nation — there are countless reasons why this board could justify not adding more uncertainty to the lives of children and families. Choosing to adopt no plan at all would be more than reasonable.”

This was the second of two hearings on the redistricting maps, and complaints were similar to the first. Speakers mainly objected to Nantucket Elementary School potentially being split between two middle schools, a pending amendment meant to increase participation in the Annapolis High School cluster and an option that would move the Apex Arts program from Annapolis High School.

“If the board were to adopt the superintendent’s proposal, my sister and I would be split from the people we’ve grown up with. Friends and teammates will now become rivals,” said Christian Lynch, a Crofton High School freshman who lives in the Nantucket cluster.

Next fall, at least 700 — and possibly as many as 1,500 — students are slated to change schools. In addition to specific complaints, parents argue that changing schools can negatively affect property values, student mental health and community cohesion.

“Please keep me at Eastport. I would like to finish what I started,” said Kieran Laskoski, a fourth grader.

Have a news tip? Contact Bridget Byrne at bbyrne@baltsun.com or 443-690-7205

The number of schools earning five stars rose 36% compared with the previous year.

“This is tremendous news for our entire district because not only do we have more five-star schools than ever before, we’re seeing progression in schools moving from level to level and growth in the number of points earned within a level,” Superintendent Mark Bedell said in a news release.

Ninety-five percent of schools earned three or more stars compared with 86% across the state, and 53% earned four or more stars compared with 43% statewide. Thirteen percent of schools received five stars, including Chesapeake and Severna Park High Schools.

This is the third straight year with consistent criteria. Compared with the 2022-23 school year, the total number of points earned by county schools increased 3.3% at the elementary level, 2.2% at the middle school level and 2.6% at the high school level.

The Maryland School Report Card grades individual schools on a one-to-five-star scale based on factors such as standardized test scores, absenteeism and student and teacher surveys.

Seventy-four percent of Anne Arundel schools saw no change in their rating. Twelve schools dropped one point, and 18 schools increased by one point. Hilltop Elementary School, which rose two points last year, dropped one point this year to three stars.

Anne Arundel Evening High and Mary Moss at Adams Academy are the only one-star schools and are both alternative schools. Brooklyn Park Middle, Corkran Middle, Annapolis Middle and Meade Heights Elementary are the only schools with two stars.

Severn Run High School and Two Rivers Elementary School, which opened last year and received their first scores, earned three and four stars, respectively.

“These results are a testament first and foremost to the quality of work that is going on inside our classrooms and schools but also to the high-quality instructional materials we are infusing in our district and the work of every single staff member to support teachers and students,” Bedell said.

The results come as the state begins to redevelop the report card system, though this likely will not be the final year using the current model, according to Deputy State Superintendent of Accountability Geoff Sanderson. There is also an ongoing process to replace the current state assessment program, which is factored into the report card and is set to continue through spring 2026.

Have a news tip? Contact Bridget Byrne at bbyrne@baltsun.com or 443-690-7205

The school is being built through a partnership with Civic Builders, a nonprofit that develops charter school facilities across the country. Civic Builders will handle financing and construction of the $11.6 million project and lease the finished building to New Village Academy for its first few years, according to the release.

“We are so excited to be partnering with Civic Builders and Annapolis Mall to bring this vision to reality,” Head of School Romey Pittman said in the release.

After three to five years, once the school is financially stable, it will take over the lease and refinance the loan itself, according to the release.

The Anne Arundel County Board of Education approved the school unanimously in 2023, making it the first charter school in Annapolis in 15 years. Originally expected to start in fall 2024, the opening was delayed by a year after the school was unable to finalize a lease with the mall.

In April, Pittman announced again the school would not open in 2025 due to budget issues.

Now, according to Thursday’s announcement, the lease is signed and financing is in place. Construction on the new school will start once permits are reactivated and materials arrive. A groundbreaking ceremony is set for Nov. 18.

The school promises to be “high school done differently.”

According to its website, roughly 150 students are expected to enroll. The school will operate with small class sizes, and each student will be part of a 14-member “crew” with an adviser who stays with them all four years.

Have a news tip? Contact Bridget Byrne at bbyrne@baltsun.com or 443-690-7205

The Student Government Association approved the campus chapter on Oct. 10, a spokesperson for the college confirmed Thursday.

Turning Point USA is a national nonprofit founded in 2012 by Charlie Kirk, then an 18-year-old student at Harper College in Illinois, and Tea Party activist Bill Montgomery.

Kirk was assassinated Sept. 10, leading to broad interest — and controversy — over how to discuss his legacy, including in Anne Arundel County.

Turning Point’s mission, according to its website, is “to identify, educate, train and organize students to promote the principles of freedom, free markets and limited government.”

A hallmark of the group had been Kirk arguing with ideological opponents on college campuses.

The group operates 900 college chapters and about 1,200 high school chapters, according to the site. Other Maryland colleges with Turning Point USA chapters include the University of Maryland, College Park and Towson University.

At Anne Arundel Community College, new student clubs must be approved by the student government. Change.org petitions, in support and in opposition, circulated, with roughly 150 and 200 signatures, respectively.

Representatives for the club did not immediately respond Thursday to requests for comment.

Del. LaToya Nkongolo, a Republican representing District 31, showed support for the new club on Facebook.

“Game changer for those who have actually listened and dissected the debates for years,” she wrote.

Turning Point USA is criticized by the Anti-Defamation League for its members making “racist or bigoted comments” and for promoting far-right conspiracy theorists. In the academic world, the group is also known for cataloguing educators the group disagrees with on its “Professor Watchlist” and “School Board Watchlist.” More than 30 instructors at Maryland colleges appear on the Professor Watchlist.

Have a news tip? Contact Bridget Byrne at bbyrne@baltsun.com or 443-690-7205.

“While the majority of these cases have occurred at the elementary level, I want everyone to be aware of this issue,” Bedell said.

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a contagious viral infection common in young children that causes sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. It’s usually mild and caused by the coxsackievirus.

Bedell said there have been 26 outbreaks — defined as three or more cases in a classroom in a seven-day period — across all schools and day care centers, recorded by the Anne Arundel Department of Health.

Other areas of Maryland are experiencing surges, including Prince George’s, St. Mary’s and Montgomery counties. Across Maryland, there have been 34 total outbreaks in 2025 compared with four in 2024, and several Virginia school districts have also reported increases.

Bedell said it is unlikely a school would ever be closed due to an outbreak, but that schools should be cleaning frequently touched surfaces.

Some steps to prevent the spread of the disease include washing hands well, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and washing toys and other surfaces that have saliva on them.

Students should stay home if they have a fever, are drooling because of mouth ulcers or can’t control their secretions, or have draining sores that can’t be covered, Bedell said in the letter.

Families at schools with an outbreak are generally notified via a message sent through the district’s communications platform.

Have a news tip? Contact Bridget Byrne at bbyrne@baltsun.com or 443-690-7205.