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Bel Air Board Of Commissioners 2025: Meet Matt Gullion

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, October 6th 2025 at 19:54 GMT by Patch
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Bel Air Board of Commissioners Meets Matt Gullion to Discuss Downtown Revitalization – A 2025 Snapshot

On March 7, 2025, the Bel Air Board of Commissioners convened at the city’s Town Hall to sit down with local businessman and development advocate Matt Gullion. The meeting—reported by the regional news outlet Patch—centered on a proposed mixed‑use development at the heart of downtown Bel Air and its broader implications for the community’s economic future, traffic patterns, and zoning ordinances. This article distills the key points from the Patch article (https://patch.com/maryland/belair/bel-air-board-commissioners-2025-meet-matt-gullion) and follows the embedded links to provide a fuller picture of the issues at stake.

Who is Matt Gullion?

Gullion, a longtime resident of Bel Air and the owner of several commercial properties in the county, has been an outspoken proponent of downtown revitalization. According to his profile on the Bel Air Official Website (link included in the Patch article), he is the founder of “Gullion Development Group,” which has already secured zoning approvals for two adjacent parcels at 12 Broad Street and 15 Broad Street. In an interview with Patch, Gullion explained that the new project—a combination of retail storefronts, loft‑style apartments, and a public square—aims to bring a “modern, sustainable downtown core” that will generate jobs, increase property values, and provide a civic gathering space for residents.

Meeting Logistics

The meeting, held in the first‑floor auditorium of the Bel Air City Hall, was open to the public. Attendance included:

Matt Gullion presented his plans via a PowerPoint deck that highlighted projected foot‑traffic increases, traffic‑calming measures, and a phased construction schedule. The Board requested that he provide additional data on projected job creation, public‑private partnership models, and environmental impact assessments—information that Gullion promised to furnish within two weeks.

Key Topics Discussed

1. Zoning and Land‑Use Amendments

Gullion’s proposal calls for a change to the current zoning code, allowing for a “medium‑density residential‑commercial” zone in the downtown corridor. Commissioner Carter emphasized the need to balance growth with preserving the city’s historical character. She quoted a recent community survey (link in the article) that revealed 58 % of respondents favored increased housing options, while 32 % expressed concerns about potential density.

2. Traffic and Infrastructure

Traffic modeling was a major point of contention. Gullion outlined a partnership with the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) to conduct a traffic impact study, which would address congestion on the nearby I‑95 and the proposed new “Main Street” connector. Commissioner Lee pointed out that the MDOT had issued a preliminary note (link in the article) indicating that any new development would require additional lane capacity or signal upgrades. The Commissioners discussed a potential traffic‑calming plan that included raised crosswalks and dedicated bike lanes.

3. Economic Impact

Gullion presented an economic impact analysis, forecasting up to 300 new jobs, a 12 % increase in local property taxes, and an estimated $15 million in additional revenue over the next decade. Commissioner Moreno requested a more detailed breakdown of the projected job types (e.g., retail, construction, professional services) and how they align with the county’s workforce development plans. He also asked whether the project would include affordable housing units—a question that Gullion acknowledged would be a key part of the financing strategy.

4. Environmental and Community Feedback

An environmental impact report (link included in the article) was cited as a prerequisite for the zoning change. Gullion pledged to incorporate green building practices, including solar panels, green roofs, and storm‑water management systems. Commissioner Carter also noted the importance of community engagement, citing a recent town‑hall meeting where several residents expressed concerns about increased noise and parking demand. The Board agreed to hold a public comment period at the next quarterly meeting.

Outcomes and Next Steps

By the end of the session, the Board did not issue a binding decision but set a clear timeline for the next steps:

1. Data Submission – Gullion to submit detailed economic, traffic, and environmental studies by May 15, 2025.
2. Public Comment – A two‑week public comment period will be opened on the city’s website, with a deadline of June 1, 2025.
3. Board Review – The Board will reconvene in September 2025 to review the supplemental materials and make a formal recommendation on the zoning amendment.

Commissioner Lee emphasized that “the Board’s role is to serve the residents, and we must ensure any new development aligns with the city’s long‑term vision for a vibrant, inclusive downtown.”

Significance for Bel Air

The meeting underscores a broader trend among small‑city leaders in Maryland: balancing historic preservation with the need for economic growth. By involving a private developer early in the planning process, the Board demonstrates a willingness to collaborate on solutions that may spur job creation while addressing community concerns about density, traffic, and affordability.

The conversation also highlights the procedural rigor that local governments must follow before granting zoning changes. The upcoming traffic impact study and environmental assessment are standard steps that will shape whether the project can proceed and how it will fit into the city’s overall master plan.

Follow‑Up Resources

For readers who wish to dive deeper, the Patch article links to several key resources:

• Bel Air Official Website – City ordinances, zoning maps, and upcoming meeting agendas.
• MDOT Traffic Impact Study – Preliminary findings on potential congestion.
• Community Survey Results – Data on residents’ preferences for downtown development.
• Matt Gullion’s Development Portfolio – A list of completed and ongoing projects.

These links provide a comprehensive view of the stakeholders, data, and public input that will shape Bel Air’s downtown future.

In sum, the 2025 meeting between the Bel Air Board of Commissioners and Matt Gullion represents a pivotal moment in the city’s ongoing efforts to revitalize its core while staying responsive to residents’ concerns. As the Board moves forward with data collection and public engagement, the outcome will likely set a precedent for how small cities balance private development interests with the public good.