Why all of a sudden are people hiring an attorney to fight this battle? This man's property and business has looked this way for years and people are just now complaining about it?

Good question edb. I drive by the property all the time and think it looks fine. I actually like driving by and seeing the cars parked there. It is nice to see that a local auto repair business is doing well and has customers.

It's not that dissimilar to the residents that bought a house next to I95 and then complain about the noise. I don't know exactly when 95 was completed through here but I'm certain it was before 2006. There isn't much sense of community around here especially when it comes to what was here first. It happens everywhere nowadays.

It has always been an eyesore in my opinion. Since Mr. Wilson is doing so well and has obviously outgrown his space, I think it is high time he thought about moving his business elsewhere.

Val, that was a very ignorant thing to say. You do not live in Elkridge. Perhaps you are not aware how much time Brian Wilson donates to the youth of the community, what a mentor he is to many children. I sense an insecure jealousy on your part that he is doing well. Look in the mirror, look within yourself and try to take your negative energy, switch it to positive - give back to the community rather than attack people who take their success and pass it on to others.

Val, I'm surprised to hear you would not be supportive of the success of this long time Elkridge business. He offers our residents a very convenient service for all their automotive repairs. He is one of the rare Elkridge business owners that actually lives in the community, as well as volunteers many hours of his time to the betterment of the Elkridge community. I find your suggestion totally absurd. Do you even live in Elkridge?

The fact that I see the cars shows me that Elkridge Motors must know what they're doing for so many people to take their cars there for service. I've been meaning to check them out the next time that I need some service. It seems to make sense that he has a business of fixing cars, he should be allowed to park cars on his property. Howard County should be happy that the economy provides for a thriving business in Elkridge as opposed to trying to tear one down by imposing hardships. As I see it, Elkridge Motors is providing a valuable service to the many "tax paying" residents of the area.

I want to thank Brian for the work on my car and as a former coach at EYO for many years, I can attest to the many hours Brian has donated to the community! For people to complain is ridiculous! Brian keeps his shop and property in a organized manner!! People should find something better and more productive to do with their time!!! thanks again Brian!

I have driven by Elkridge Motors and only see a successful long-standing business, and it has never affected traffic in that area for me. He also coached my nephew's baseball team, and was wonderful with all the kids and encouraged them to excel regardless of their skill level. Sounds like a "lynching" of sorts to me with this report being introduced without Mr. Wilson being made aware of it ahead of time. The real government mistake is to vilify a successful businessman and active community member, leading me to question who is really pushing this and to what purpose? Is his land attractive to someone who is stirring up this nonsense?

I don't know about you guys but I'm going to write DPZ a letter in support of allowing it to stay as-is and send a copy to Mr. Wilson. It's the least we can do for him and even if ineffective I'll sleep better knowing I did something. If this continues what's next? Neu Valley? Cindy's ice cream? Both are "eye sores" in a way but they help define the place we call Elkridge. Just like Brian Wilson.

Great he is successful...but that does not give an excuse of having your land look like a junk yard. And what if he is an active community leader. Clean up you mess and stop going around saying that's what the property looked like since 1946. That's bull because the previous owner would not in anyway had it looking that way. Get rid of some of those cars around your house so that you don't have to park your customers cars on the otherside of your neighbors.

AS have you spent much time looking around Elkridge? There are far worse offenders all over, even in our new chic neighborhoods. Maybe not a lot full of cars, but junk all over, run down homes, broken rusty fences. If there is a battle to fight this can't be the best one. The county itself doesn't take care of our roads or clean up after themselves when they do something. How about the mess on 1 at the old drive in? Is anyone being punished for these eye sores? How about that mountain of dirt behind the auto body shop by Troy Hill? All far worse to me at least.

I guess you can going ahead and stay tired...as I am not one on the few who created the "circus" but only as a passer by. And I am making an offer, an offer of advise to Mr. Wilson, clean out cars that he may not use. This isn't only his business but his house too, make your house look nice. Let me ask you Biker, would want a neighbor like this living next to you or across from you? One that you would have to look everyday when you went outside?

@Happy Cat .. I wasn't going to bring Ducketts into this since I happen to be a pissed off Ducketts Lane resident and didn't find it relevant, but you are absolutely right in that it's a shining example of either corruption or stupidity on the County's part. We the taxpayers of Elkridge throw good money after bad to this County just so new residents can come in, bleed off what little resources we have, and get next to nothing in return. I would not be surprised at all if an entity like Ryan Homes is pushing this issue just to force Mr. Wilson out and buy his land. That's pretty cynical of me, but I'm really starting to believe the hype that our local government is either on the take or just stupid. For what it's worth my wife and I have 2 trips planned to Colorado and Vermont this spring to go house hunting already. We are quite honestly done with this place and see no hope for it.

DJP, What surprises me more is that RYAN (NVR) homes is still in business when they are the most litigated home builder in America. They have lawsuits pending all over the country, including in Howard County. I am a Realtor and recently listed and sold a condo built by Ryan. We ended up having to sell it for cash at a reduced value, because the HOA/community association was suing Ryan for defects in the construction of the building, therefore no lender would lend money on it. I know Mr Wilson and he has been there as long as I have lived in Elkridge, (since 1996) and believe he should be allowed to continue as he has in the past and be given the right to install his parking lot. However, it might be a good idea to fence the property to make it more asthetically pleasing to those who are offended by a thriving business. I am with most of you who are really pissed off at the local, state and federal government who just go on raping the wallets of it's citizens. I don't know how they expect us to survive. I would like to thank my public servents for doing absolutely nothing to help us, the people.

Somewhere in this thread is a reference to "looking around elsewhere in Elkridge" regarding eyesores - and we have TONS of them. Most, if not all, dwarf Brian's business in terms of being visibly challenged. I would much rather be reading about Council meetings, zoning boards - whatever the hell the bureaucracy calls them - that are convened to address the following calamities: Route 1 beauties - from Rt. 100 North - the old floral business with the crack-house trailer spray-painted out front for years; the stained/used furniture dump with surrounding shacks; the gorgeous fencing company with it's neighboring junk yard full of huge trucks/buses/fire engines (I think there's a crane in there too); and, more going further North - the Old Buttermilk is a classic "welcome to our town" kind of structure - and downtown "Elkridge" is a mega-eyesore: Rt. 1 and Levering - wow. The ole' King has been in the Ridge for almost 20 years. We have no "Main Street" - like Catonsville, Ellicott City, Arbutus. We're just a bunch of houses scattered about with titles associated with the "development" we live in - and a shopping center to get food, smokes, booze and prescriptions. That's it. No real "community" beyond the Pancake Breakfast once a month during the Fall/Winter/Spring. Add it all up and you get "not in my backyard" only - with folks not giving a hoot about something we don't have: a real "town". Goddamn shame. On another note, vote for Corey Andrews!

It's been a gas station, auto repair shop since I was a kid and I am 57. So whats the problem?

Got to get out there and make it happen if we want change in Elkridge. Put pressure on the gov't officials, support the businesses you want, don't support the businesses you don't want...be the squeaky wheel.

Brian and his business are an asset to the community. The same people that are complaining are the people who gladly accept Brian's time as he coaches their childrens youth sports teams, and the same people that would be complaining there arent any good auto repair facilities in howard county (after they ran them all out).

To Biker, MC and SAS:

I am supportive of Brian Wilson’s business success, but I repeat, his business is an eyesore, in my opinion. The fact that I do not live in Elkridge is totally irrelevant to this conversation as is the fact that Brian donates to the community.

It is completely relevant that you not a member of the Elkridge community. And you are saying his contributions to the community and Elkridge youth don't matter? Wrong again and they are a testament to his character and credibilty. You are suggesting then that appearances matter not actions and good deeds. Frankly, you seem frustrated in general. Maybe something personal is missing in your life. Get it taken care of.

MC, you are nothing more than a bully. Stop hiding behind your "MC" and state your full name. I should be able state my opinion, as should you, without personal attacks.

Good morning! This discussion has raised a lot of interesting points about the state of Elkridge. One thing Patch asks is that we stay away from personal attacks. Here's an excerpt from our Terms of Use: "Communities thrive when people care about each other, and as such, Patch expects all of its users to be respectful of others." http://elkridge.patch.com/terms

Thank you Elizabeth

Wouldn't calling someone's personal property an "eyesore" be a personal attack? Come to think of it, isn't this entire issue a personal attack? Elizabeth,wasn't it a personal attack to post a photo of this man's home on Patch when in reality the only issue at dispute is the parrking lot on the western edge of the property? What message are you trying to send with that photo? I don't see much input from Mr. Wilson other than what was said during the hearing. Did you interview him? Is there more to this story?

I have only had the fortune of knowing Mr. Wilson for the past year, but in that year, he has left an indelible impression on me. I have never met someone with as much integrity and compassion as him. At first I was grateful to have met an honest mechanic, something this world is far too short of. However, when I had learned that he worked during his free time on the Fourth of July to finish my vehicle so that I could get to work, he made a customer for life. Brian has always worked on my vehicles, and his level of service goes above and beyond expectations every single time. Whether you value it or not, its undeniable that the man loves his community, spending hours coaching youth. In his shop or on the field, Mr. Wilson provides an immense service to the community and customers alike.

I was present at the hearing, and personally cannot understand why some people have such a vendetta against a successful business owner who gives so much to the community. I find the whole thing very suspect. The woman sitting in front of me kept muttering vitriol under her breath, leading me to feel that those behind this (paying for it, etc) have ulterior motives. This is a recession. How much more taxpayer money are we going to feed into the fire for this ridiculous witch hunt against a successful pillar of the community?

I also want to comment about Val McGuire who has been a community activist fighting for Elkridge. She has dedicated close to 20 years volunteering her time to the Elkridge community including school, library,public ammenities and zoning issues. Some of you only know Brian Wilson as a friend and feel offended. Don't. This has nothing to so with him personally. It is about his property, repeat not him personally. If I lived near or across the street from Elkridge Motors for years, I might get tired of looking at all the cars parked

Wow! Are all of you for real? If you get tired of seeing the cars, move. And kudos to the writer who sounds like he/she knows how to speak her mind. Whoever that is should run for president. Oh but feelings were hurt? And then it "breaks the rules" of The Patch? We can speak our opinion but then not? NIMBY?

Wow this has become the hottest topic I've seen here on Patch to date. I am curious to know if anyone has taken me up on my inkling to voice our concerns (both sides of the proverbial fence) in writing to the County. I finished my letter to DPZ but haven't mailed it, hopefully Saturday after it's been proofread by my levelheaded wife. I guess my point is that while we obviously all feel strongly about this topic our voices are not going to be heard this way. Regardless of how you feel I implore you to put it in writing! The pen is mighty and speaks even more in the digital age than it once did. Please make the effort!

That is a great idea. Everyone has something to say and Brian Wilson takes the high road. And to djp952 I agree that written letters on behalf of Brian Wilson are the way to go as the Patch is so wonderfully monitored. So MC is a "bully" and resulted in Ms. Janney posting "This discussion has raised a lot of interesting points about the state of Elkridge. One thing Patch asks is that we stay away from personal attacks. Here's an excerpt from our Terms of Use: "Communities thrive ... Patch expects all of its users to be respectful of others." Yet the propaganda by "Concerned" is okay. So everyone please write your thoughts and support for Brian Wilson to DPZ in addition to the Patch!

As suggested above, the slanderous statements by Concerned Elkridgean accusing Mr. Wilson of criminal actions seem to fall out of the realm of what is appropriate on this internet dialogue. Perhaps Ms. Janney could clarify what is appropriate and what is personal attack. I didn't realize we could call people bullies and make malicious accusations here. I thought this was about zoning?

I will restate my question! What are the facts? What is the environmental impact of cars sitting on the property? Does the run off affect the soil, streams etc? The Landing Cider Mill property has to be remediated when it was built on because of the high arsenic levels from the apple orchards. Unfortunately, Elkridge have been bombarded with development in the last 20 years which impacts zoning and safety issues. This is not about Brian Wilson personally or his business. It is about zoning and people's rights and safety. Look around at other property in Elkridge where people have had problems with county. It is great that you all support Brian, but the truth is the zoning was grandfathered in. The county can hold Brian as anyone else to zoning or zoning violations, if they exist. To me, when people call Rte 1 an eye sore in Elkridge, it looks like Rte 1 in many parts of US. Unfortunately, the solution to cleaning up Rte 1 for the county and state is high density! What is the eyesore in Elkridge?.. Elkridge Crossing ugly blue pastel and red buildings on Montgomery rd!! Who knows what Liparini or Meta or the county were thinking!

I hope you that are so passionate about Brian Wilson's case will help in standing up for Elkridge as Comprehensive rezoning is coming up! Where the county can rezone any property what they see fit! This high density growth affects small business owners! Get involved through GECA and writing to our County Executive Ken Ulman and county council.

We need people to help fight against the CSX Intermidal site on race rd... Anyone want to volunteer to help preserve Elkridge History join the Elkridge Heritage Society... See Facebook page.

Hello, I am a 5 year resident of Hardwood Park area in Elkridge. I moved to Elkridge for a few reasons,.. one in particular is that it provided a simple, country, neighborly and afforadable feel in living within Howard County. I left a gated community and cookie-cutter sub development in Howard County that did not give out warmth and community feel like Elkridge. Existing in Harwood Park is Small Developers and Realty companies, such as Weichert, buying up homes and lots to tear down and build up with Duplexes.(HATE IT) Eventually the serenity of Elkridge, the small town feel will be gone, because of big dollar developers intruding on the tax paying residents. Elkridge residents need to very concerned over the CSX proposal to the area. If you think your home value is low now..just wait until the CSX is built here. YOU HAVE TO INVOLVE yourself on issues that matter. Yes, having a eye sore such as Mr. Wilson's property can be of concern for any neighbor----HOWEVER, it is how one approaches the matter. The "TONE" of what one does and says can be the difference in either achieving or not achieving what one wants. There are options and suggestions that can be mutually beneficial to Mr. Wilson and the surrounding community. He is a Tax Payer and has done well within the Elkridge community for years and should not be overlooked. There may be circumstances unbeknownest to you. Respect and dignity to others can go a long way. You get more with honey and a kinder-respectful approach.

To continue with my previous comment. There has been a Mobile Park, Pawn Shop and Liquor Store at the intersection of Rt-1 and Loudon Ave. Those owners have the right and entitlements to own and operate a business, however, it sets a negative preconceived view of what the neighborhood and community is all about. Also, it contributes to the devalue of property within Hardwood Park. I have been proposing the city and/or county give a facelift to the mobile park, such as: planting trees on the paremiter and entry to the park-- to soften the look. Also, Proposing that the Pawn Shop and Liquor Store aquire a better face-front with a face lift to give a better feel for the community when it turns down Loudon Ave. Unfortunately for those who live off of Montgomery or in the newer developed areas of Elkridge..still have the same zip code as Hardwood Park..21075 and within a radius of 3 miles. We should think about ensuring that ALL commerical properties within Elkridge are maintained to keep home values steady and to go up. Elkridge is to become the new Ellicott City.
Therefore all areas in Elkridge, including Hardwood Park effect home values in 21075 zip code. Whether your home is $150K or $500K, lets pull together and work together in the spirit of unifying our love for Elkridge, MD

To Trey Stamer (T-Car) and others to ponder, I believe many (if not most) of the cars Mr. Wilson parks there on the lot in question belong to him personally. Do we really want to enter into a "Police State" like in George Orwell's, 1984, where we let the government to disallow us to have our own tagged possessions on our own property? Do we want them watching us or taking away from us things that we own? Be careful what you wish for...