by Ryan Moriarty
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
The Baltimore County Council has been asked to help finalize a huge contract to bring Home Depot warehouses to Sparrows Point.
Appearing before the council’s work session Tuesday, Will Anderson, a director for economic development, asked for a loan of $800,000 from the council to build two warehouses at Tradepoint Atlantic in Sparrows Point. The warehouses, totaling 1.5 million square feet of space on the site of the former Bethlehem Steel mill, will be the shipping hub for Home Depot in the region.
Anderson speculated that the project would create 250 new jobs for Marylanders. However, he said the project is being slowed down at the state level.
Still Councilman Todd Crandell, whose 7th District includes Sparrows Point, said the project is on an “incredible pace” and that the projected completion date of fall 2020 doesn’t seem to be in jeopardy.
On another key issue, the council was told that the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services has donated $161,641 for software development and installation of texting technology. The monetary gift would help improve texting 911 centers.
The 911 texts typically are used by Maryland residents who are deaf or have speech disabilities but need to send emergency message using their cellphones. Officials said the system also may be useful when callers do not want to be overheard by others.
Councilwoman Cathy Bevins said the technology “is so needed and so important,” and “is actually going to save lives” in situations where discretion is needed. The council was quick to push this issue forward.
Officials said that both projects will be discussed at a future official council meeting.