Lawsuit Against Aviation Station Development Near Baltimore Remains Active

Key Takeaways

• Lawsuit against Aviation Station remains active as of May 27, 2025, with no dismissal reported.
• Plaintiffs cite violations of sediment control and lack of stormwater management at contaminated Middle River Depot site.
• Developers claim permit compliance; local officials support economic growth despite environmental and community concerns.

The legal battle over the Aviation Station development in Baltimore County remains active, with no public record or official announcement confirming that the lawsuit against the project has been dropped as of May 27, 2025. This ongoing case highlights the complex intersection of economic development, environmental protection, and community interests in a region with a long industrial history. The dispute involves the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF), local residents, developers, and government officials, each with distinct concerns and priorities. Here’s a detailed look at the current status, background, and implications for all stakeholders involved.

Who, What, When, Where, and Why: The Heart of the Dispute

On March 20, 2025, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and several Baltimore County residents filed a lawsuit in the Circuit Court of Maryland for Baltimore County. The suit targets developers Eastern Boulevard LLC and TKG III Middle River LLC, who are leading the redevelopment of the 53-acre Middle River Depot property, now branded as Aviation Station. The plaintiffs allege that the developers have violated sediment and erosion control rules and are operating without a proper stormwater management plan. These alleged shortcomings raise concerns about environmental health, public safety, and the possible release of hazardous materials from a site with a long history of industrial use.

The Aviation Station Project: A Brief Overview

Aviation Station, located at 2800 and 3000 Eastern Boulevard, sits on over 50 acres of land in Middle River, Baltimore County. The property was once home to the Martin Aircraft plant, which produced B-26 bombers during World War II. In the decades that followed, the site served as a Navy Reserve Industrial Aircraft Plant, where chemicals like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) were used in the 1950s and 1960s. These chemicals are now known to be harmful to both the environment and human health.

In October 2021, Reich Brothers, a New York-based real estate firm, purchased the property from Blue Ocean, which had previously consolidated and improved the site. The current development plan aims to transform the area into a major industrial and commercial hub, promising job creation and economic growth for Baltimore County.

Key Stakeholders and Their Positions

The dispute over Aviation Station involves several key groups, each with its own perspective:

• Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF): The CBF is a leading environmental advocacy group in the region. It argues that the developers have not done enough to address the risk of toxic runoff, especially given the site’s history of hazardous chemical use. The foundation is particularly concerned about the lack of a robust stormwater management plan and the potential for harmful substances to enter nearby waterways.

• Local Residents: Many people living near the site, including those in adjacent trailer parks and neighborhoods, share the CBF’s concerns. They worry about environmental justice, public safety, and the transparency of the approval process. Paul Treash, a 20-year resident of Middle River, has been a vocal critic, emphasizing the need for stronger oversight and community involvement.

• Developers (Reich Brothers, Eastern Boulevard LLC, TKG III Middle River LLC): The developers argue that they have complied with all necessary permits and regulations. They highlight the economic benefits of the project, including job creation and the potential to attract new businesses to the area. The developers also point to the site’s improvements and the use of state and federal historic tax credits as evidence of their commitment to responsible development.

• Government Officials: Local and state leaders, including former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr., Councilwoman Cathy Bevins, Maryland Senator J.B. Jennings, and Delegates Kathy Szeliga, Lauren Arikan, and Rick Impallaria, have expressed support for the project. They see Aviation Station as a key driver of economic growth and infrastructure investment in Baltimore County.

Legal and Regulatory Background

The legal challenge centers on the permitting process and the adequacy of environmental protections. In 2024, Baltimore County issued a grading permit for the project, while the Maryland Department of the Environment authorized a general permit for sediment and erosion control. However, the plaintiffs argue that these approvals are not enough to safeguard the community and local waterways.

Parts of the property fall within a Critical Area Buffer and a 100-year floodplain. These designations typically require additional development provisions to protect sensitive environments and reduce the risk of flooding. The lawsuit claims that these requirements have not been properly addressed, putting both the environment and nearby residents at risk.

Environmental Concerns: Toxic Runoff and Stormwater Management

One of the central issues in the lawsuit is the risk of toxic runoff from the site. The Middle River Depot’s long industrial history means that the soil and groundwater may contain hazardous substances, including PFAS and other chemicals used in aircraft manufacturing and maintenance. Without a comprehensive stormwater management plan, there is a real danger that rainwater could carry these pollutants into nearby streams, rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay.

Kathleen Gagnon, a litigation fellow with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, has emphasized the need for a thorough environmental review and remediation plan. She argues that the current permits do not go far enough to address the potential for contamination, especially given the site’s proximity to residential areas and sensitive waterways.

Community Impact: Environmental Justice and Public Safety

Residents living near Aviation Station are particularly concerned about environmental justice. Many of the people most at risk from potential pollution are from lower-income communities or live in mobile home parks adjacent to the site. They argue that their voices have not been adequately heard in the approval process and that more needs to be done to protect their health and safety.

Transparency is another major issue. Some residents feel that the permitting and development process has moved too quickly, without enough public input or oversight. They want assurances that all necessary environmental reviews have been completed and that the developers will be held accountable for any harm caused by the project.

Economic Development: Jobs and Investment

Supporters of the Aviation Station project point to its potential to create jobs and attract new businesses to Baltimore County. The redevelopment is expected to generate significant economic activity, both during construction and once the site is fully operational. The use of state and federal historic tax credits has also been highlighted as a way to leverage public investment for community benefit.

Blue Ocean, the former owner, and Reich Brothers, the current developer, have both emphasized their commitment to improving the site and making it a valuable asset for the region. They argue that the project will help revitalize an area that has struggled with economic decline in recent years.

Regulatory Oversight: Permits and Compliance

The permitting process for Aviation Station has involved multiple layers of government oversight. Baltimore County issued a grading permit, allowing the developers to begin site preparation and construction. The Maryland Department of the Environment granted a general permit for sediment and erosion control, which is designed to minimize the impact of construction on local waterways.

However, the plaintiffs argue that these permits are not sufficient, given the site’s unique risks. They are calling for stricter controls, more comprehensive environmental reviews, and greater transparency in the approval process. The outcome of the lawsuit could set an important precedent for how similar projects are regulated in the future.

Step-by-Step Timeline of the Dispute

1. Permit Issuance: Baltimore County and the Maryland Department of the Environment issue grading and general permits for sediment and erosion control.
2. Site Preparation: Developers begin grading and site work, which is closely watched by local residents and environmental groups.
3. Legal Challenge: The Chesapeake Bay Foundation and local residents file a lawsuit in the Circuit Court of Maryland for Baltimore County, seeking relief and stricter oversight.
4. Pending Litigation: As of May 27, 2025, the case remains active, with no public record of dismissal or settlement.

Background: The Middle River Depot’s Industrial Legacy

The Middle River Depot has played a significant role in Baltimore County’s history. During World War II, the Martin Aircraft plant produced B-26 bombers, contributing to the war effort and providing jobs for thousands of local residents. In the years that followed, the site was used by the Navy Reserve, with documented use of hazardous chemicals like PFAS.

Over the past decade, several development proposals have been put forward for the site. A plan to build a Walmart Superstore was rejected after community pushback. More recently, the focus has shifted to office buildings and industrial redevelopment, culminating in the current Aviation Station project.

Blue Ocean acquired and improved the property between 2017 and 2021, before selling it to Reich Brothers. The new owners are now leading the effort to transform the site into a modern industrial and commercial center.

Policy Implications: What’s at Stake?

The outcome of the lawsuit against Aviation Station could have far-reaching implications for future development projects in Baltimore County and beyond. Key policy questions include:

• How should sites with a history of industrial contamination be redeveloped?
• What level of environmental review and remediation is necessary to protect public health and the environment?
• How can economic development be balanced with the need for environmental justice and community input?

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these questions are at the heart of many similar disputes across the United States 🇺🇸, where communities are grappling with the legacy of industrial pollution and the promise of new investment.

Multiple Perspectives: A Closer Look

To better understand the range of views on the Aviation Station project, consider the following table:

Future Outlook: What Happens Next?

The future of Aviation Station depends largely on the outcome of the ongoing lawsuit. If the court finds in favor of the plaintiffs, the developers may be required to conduct additional environmental reviews or implement stricter controls to prevent pollution. This could delay the project and increase costs, but it might also provide greater protection for the community and the environment.

If the lawsuit is dismissed or the developers prevail, work on the site is likely to continue as planned. However, ongoing scrutiny from environmental groups and local residents means that the project will remain under the public eye.

Practical Guidance for Stakeholders

For residents and community members concerned about the project, staying informed is key. Here are some practical steps:

• Monitor official updates from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Baltimore County Government, and the Maryland Department of the Environment.
• Attend public meetings and hearings related to the project to voice concerns and ask questions.
• Review court records for the latest information on the status of the lawsuit.
• Visit the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s website (cbf.org) for resources and updates on environmental advocacy in the region.

For developers and business leaders, it’s important to:

• Engage with the community to address concerns and build trust.
• Ensure full compliance with all environmental regulations and permits.
• Be transparent about plans for remediation and stormwater management.

Official Resources and Further Information

For those seeking more information on environmental permitting and development regulations in Maryland, the Maryland Department of the Environment provides authoritative guidance and resources.

Summary and Takeaways

• The lawsuit against the Aviation Station development in Baltimore County remains active as of May 27, 2025. There is no evidence that the case has been dropped or settled.
• Key issues include environmental protection, stormwater management, and the site’s legacy of industrial contamination.
• The development is supported by local and state officials for its economic potential, but faces ongoing legal and community opposition.
• Future progress will depend on the resolution of the lawsuit and any additional regulatory or remediation requirements.

This case serves as a reminder of the challenges involved in redeveloping former industrial sites, especially when environmental and community concerns are at stake. By staying informed and engaged, all stakeholders can help shape the future of Aviation Station and ensure that development proceeds in a way that benefits both the economy and the environment.

Learn Today

Chesapeake Bay Foundation → A regional environmental organization focused on protecting the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem and promoting sustainable practices.
PFAS → Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, harmful industrial chemicals contaminating soil and water near the Aviation Station site.
Stormwater Management → Techniques to control runoff water from rain, preventing pollution and erosion at construction and development sites.
Critical Area Buffer → A protected zone around sensitive environmental areas requiring special development restrictions to preserve water quality and habitats.
Grading Permit → Official approval allowing earth-moving activities essential for site preparation during construction projects.

This Article in a Nutshell

The Aviation Station legal dispute in Baltimore highlights tensions between economic development and environmental safety. With hazardous pollution risks and active lawsuits, stakeholders debate the project’s future. This case underscores essential environmental justice and regulatory oversight in redeveloping historically contaminated industrial sites within vibrant communities.
— By VisaVerge.com