When the system failed, the community stepped in. And won.
On July 1, 2025, the Circuit Court for Harford County dismissed a lawsuit filed by 3P Protect Perryman Peninsula after the developer of the 1501 Perryman Road site withdrew its grading permit and the County closed out the file.
The legal case is now over. But this was never just a legal fight.
This was a grassroots defense of sacred land—less than 500 feet from St. George’s Episcopal Church, the oldest Episcopal parish in Maryland still in use, and one of the oldest in continuous use on the East Coast.
When the County Failed, the Community Took Action
In 2023, Harford County quietly approved a site plan for expanded trailer parking—directly adjacent to St. George’s Church and cemetery—without properly routing the permit through the Historic Preservation Commission.
When 3P learned of the error, members of our Historical Committee demanded a public hearing. The County issued a Stop Work Order on December 19, 2023.
At a packed HPC meeting, Tamie Wainwright, Genene LaCour, Sarah Coard, and Shelley Mezan spoke movingly of the site’s historic and spiritual importance. The video of Tamie’s testimony has become a rallying cry for those who believe Perryman deserves better.
We extend our deepest thanks to Tamie, Genene, Sarah, Shelley, and the entire 3P Historical Committee for standing guard over our shared past.
Then We Took It to Court
Even after the Stop Work Order, Harford County reissued the grading permit in January 2024—this time triggering a separate concern: the proposed lot would push impervious surface above legal limits set by the County’s Wellhead Protection Overlay District.
On January 29, 2025, 3P filed a Verified Complaint, arguing that the County’s permit violated Harford County Code § 267-66(D)(2)(b). That provision caps impervious surface for lots in the overlay district to 75%, or the existing amount—whichever is less. The proposed trailer parking lot would have brought the site to more than 79% impervious surface, directly over the Perryman aquifer, which supplies nearly a third of Harford County’s drinking water.
The County and the developer moved to dismiss the case. But 3P filed a forceful opposition, laying out why the code applies parcel-wide—not just to the portion inside the mapped overlay—and citing Maryland case law, environmental policy, and site-specific hydrological risks. The brief addressed every argument raised by the County, including standing, exhaustion, laches, and the mistaken notion that enforcement was discretionary.
The court agreed the case merited serious review. In April 2025, the judge declined to dismiss and instead set the case for oral argument. This was a major milestone: the County’s interpretation of its own zoning code was not accepted at face value.
But before the hearing could occur, the developer withdrew its permit. The case was dismissed as moot on July 1.
There is now no trailer lot. No expanded impervious surface. No fencing. Just open, protected land.
Timeline of Action
Summer 2023
- The property owner’s plans to build a parking lot on the only remaining impervious surface at 1501 Perryman Road is approved.
- The parking lot will provide 45 tractor trailer spaces.
Fall 2023
- Community members uncover a major permitting failure
- 3P demands action; County issues Stop Work Order
On video that night: Tamie Wainwright, Genene LaCour, and Shelley Mezan spoke powerfully about the site’s proximity to one of the most sacred and historic churches in Maryland—and the County’s failure to protect it.
January 3, 2024
- Harford County Historic Preservation Commission holds hearing
- 3P Historical Committee testifies powerfully about the site’s sacred significance
- HPC recommends a buffer to protect St. George’s Church
January 29, 2025
- 3P files suit citing illegal impervious surface expansion
April 2025
- Judge declines to dismiss case and sets oral arguments
May–June 2025
- Developer withdraws permit; County finalizes inspection
July 1, 2025
- Case dismissed. Land preserved. Community prevails.
This Was a Community Win
This victory was made possible by neighbors who noticed, researchers who dug, volunteers who testified, and leaders who refused to be silenced.
It was made possible by a team of grassroots advocates, and by the skilled legal support of our attorney of record, Mr. Rignal Baldwin V, whose tireless work ensured Perryman’s voice was heard in court.
We remain deeply grateful for Mr. Baldwin’s guidance and aggressive defense of this community’s land, history, and future.
What’s Next
Perryman is not just a place on a map. It is a living community with deep roots, and water that sustains life far beyond its borders.
3P remains committed to protecting Perryman’s land, water, and people. And we will act again—through organizing, public testimony, and legal action—when the law is ignored.
If you believe in this work, please consider making a one-time or monthly donation. Every dollar helps us continue.
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