SPARROWS POINT, MD—A steering committee made up of community members selected to help guide redevelopment efforts for Hart-Miller Island is slated to meet for the first time August 7.

The nine member committee is charged with overseeing the development of a community benefit agreement that is required by state law as a condition of allowing the Maryland Department of the Environment to place dredged material at the island to help restore wetlands and other critical habitat.

The committee is made up of:

• Paul Brylske, Chair, Hart-Miller Island Citizens Oversight Committee
• Brian Hall, Long-time community activist, Boat Captain
• Frank Neighoff, President, Chesapeake Bay Association
• Gloria Nelson, President, Turner Station Conservation Teams
• Scott Pappas, President, Fort Howard Community Association
• Josh Sines, President, Essex Middle River Civic Council
• Fran Taylor, President, North Point Peninsula Council
• Sam Weaver, Member, Hart-Miller Island Citizens Oversight Committee and Marine Trades Association of Baltimore County
• Karen Wynn, Member, Hart-Miller Island Citizens Oversight Committee and Baltimore County Commission on Environmental Quality

The first meeting of the steering committee is scheduled for August 7 at 6 p.m. at Sparrows Point High School.

“As we continue supporting the reinvigoration of our regional economy following the reopening of the Port of Baltimore, we are exploring every opportunity to come back stronger than ever,” said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. “As someone familiar with the history of Hart-Miller Island — and deeply passionate about its future– my administration is focused on leading a community-centered conversation that ensures any efforts to bolster our economy also includes significant benefits to our neighborhoods and our people.”

The Maryland General Assembly passed legislation earlier this year that requires the agreement to be approved by Baltimore County and the Hart-Miller Island Citizens Oversight Committee.

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.