By Samuel Wenck
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
Small-scale manufacturers that make items like candles, jewelry and ceramics would be permitted to operate in certain business districts under a bill being considered by the Baltimore County Council.
The legislation, which was sponsored by Councilmen Mike Ertel, D-6th District, and David Marks, R-5th District, during a meeting Tuesday, would allow so-called artisan manufacturers to open shop in any of county’s 24 Commercial Revitalization Districts with zoning designations for small retail, food, banking and entertainment establishments.
Under the bill, artisan manufacturing would be defined as a business in which goods like candles, jewelry, food and beverages, clothing, handcrafts, ceramics, wood carvings and furniture, leather goods, paper crafts, musical instruments, toys, and cosmetics are fabricated in relatively small quantities and stored and sold on the premises.
These companies could have no more than 25 employees and operate in a facility that is no larger than 10,000 square feet. The use of substances that are hazardous to human health and the surrounding environment would be prohibited.
According to council documents, the use of the artisan manufacturing is intended to revitalize aging streets and commercial areas; diversify the local economies; establish sense of place in county communities; and celebrate local artists and artisans.
Ertel and David both expressed the need of encouraging small business development in the county. Others who testified at the council meeting supported the measure as well.
“The bill will support local manufacturing, small scale makers and entrepreneurship,” said Chrissy Erb, the executive director of the Essex Community Development Corp., a local nonprofit geared toward helping businesses in the Essex area.
Councilman Todd K. Crandell, R-7th District, who was added as a sponsor to the bill, said that it’s good to recognize artisan manufacturing as an effective economic benefit.
“We’ve talked a lot about … the modernization of our county code to reflect a modern economy,” Crandell said during the council meeting on Tuesday. “These maker spaces and artisan manufacturing is a real thing.”
The full list is found here under bill 73-25.
The bill was also sponsored by Councilmen Julian E. Jones, District D-4th, and Izzy Patoka, D-2nd District.
The bill will move to a formal vote in the next legislative session on Monday.