City Council Discusses B&O Train Station Project

Aberdeen's B&O Train Station once served as a spot for travelers to come and go. Now the station itself may do some traveling of its own.

The Historical Society of Harford County discussed the possible relocation and renovation of the station at Monday night's meeting.

“All of us can enjoy and our families in the future [will] be able to witness the exciting history that we’ve been a part of for so many years,” the project's team said.

Richard Herbig, assistant vice president of the Historical Society of Harford County, led an update on the station's possible move. 

Besides some roofing damages, Richard Wagner, an associate with an architectural firm in Baltimore, said the station didn't deteriorate much since the team first evaluated the building in 2005 and decided the station could be saved.

Herbig said the Historical Society received a $100,000 grant from the Maryland Historical Trust to relocate the station. The grant is currently under final review.

"We anticipate finalizing that agreement very, very soon, and once that agreement is signed, then we'll be able to apply the grant fund to help us to stabilize the building and prepare it for relocation," Herbig said. 

The B&O Train Station was built by Frank Furness in 1885. A 2003 study determined the station could be moved to a nearby location. 

During the public comment session, Ian Riden of 646 Market Street said he wanted to the B&O Station to stay as a cultural spot. 

"The loss of the station would not only be a loss of history, but the loss of our history as a city," he said. 

One Aberdeen Heritage Trust member said she believed the organization should be responsible for restoring the station but recognized the trust did not have significant funds for the project.

Councilwoman Ruth Ann Young asked the Historical Society presenters about the station's intended use for the future. 

Herbig said the Historical Society identified a variety of possible ideas, including a restaurant or museum. 

The City Council also recognized recent graduate Max Landbeck for painting 63 city fire hydrants as a part of his Eagle Scout project. Mayor Bennett presented him with an actual city fire hydrant and paint brush for his work. 

"I think it's just admirable," Bennett said. "Sixty-three hydrants, that's a lot of blood, sweat and tears." 

The council briefly introduced Ordinance No. 11-O-07, an amendment to the city election code. The legislation states that potential candidates for a city election must submit their candidacy forms to the Aberdeen City Hall clerk no earlier than 60 calendar days and no later than 30 calendar days before the election.

It also says campaign signs be taken down one week after the election and cannot intrude on public space.