Fines for handicapped parking violators could go up to $500, and a piece of land in Annapolis could become the future home of a veterans? hall after tonight?s Anne Arundel County Council meeting.
Among the agenda items is a bill to raise the fine for able-bodied people parking in a handicapped space by $400. The county has one of the lowest penalties around and the legislation came as a result of increased complaints about violators.
“Unfortunately, we need a penalty with financial teeth to help ensure that those with disabilities can safely get to and from their destinations,” said Council Chairman Ronald Dillon Jr., R-District 3.
It appears the vote could be unanimous ,as the entire council supported amending the bill to increase the penalty to $500 instead of $200.
“That amount will make it consistent with the related offense of using disabled license plates without permission,” said Councilman Josh Cohen, D-District 6.
Anne Arundel County police have said that rather than write citations, officers typically make violators move.
“The enhanced fines need to be enforced once adopted,” said Councilman James Benoit, D-District 4.
The council also will vote whether to sell a 10-acre county-owned plot on Generals Highway, just north of Annapolis Mall.
While environmentalists and neighborhood leaders want to keep the property undeveloped ? six acres are wooded ? the county?s Veterans of Foreign Wars wants to buy the property and build a 30,000-square-foot meeting hall. Cohen said he supports the hall proposal but wants to preserve the wooded portion.
If you go
The Anne Arundel County Council meets tonight at 7 at the Arundel Center, 44 Calvert St., Annapolis. To obtain the agenda and the councilmembers? contact information, visit aacounty.org or call 410-222-7000.
