Elkridge Motors Issue Revs Up Readers

Readers took to the comments section this week on Elkridge Patch stories about  and , but nothing got the wheels turning like the .

A  on the Montgomery Road auto repair shop packed a room in Howard County’s government complex on Feb. 6.

Ultimately, the hearing was postponed and for March 5.

In the meantime, Patch readers responded to the truncated hearing—which was about ' owner Brian Wilson using part of his property as a parking lot—with discussion of issues like government spending, zoning regulations and Elkridge's image, among others.

Here are some  from the article:

“I'm really getting a little tired of the pompous few referring to this honest, hard-working and humble man's property as a junkyard. I'm more offended that the county government would spend one cent of my tax money on this circus act put on by these few. Anyone worried with this man's property should either get a life or make an offer.” —

“I am making an offer, an offer of advice to Mr. Wilson [to] 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 [you] want a neighbor like this living next to you or across from you, one that you would have to look [at] every day when you went outside?” —

“It's been a gas station/auto repair shop since I was a kid, and I am 57. So what's the problem?” —

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

“…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…" —

“DJP, what surprises me more is that Ryan Homes is still in business....They have lawsuits pending all over the country, including in Howard County. I am a Realtor....I know Mr. Wilson, and he has been there as long as I have lived in Elkridge (since 1996), and [I] believe he should be allowed to continue....However, it might be a good idea to fence the property to make it more aesthetically pleasing to those who are offended...” —

"...Elkridge was founded on 'mom and pop' businesses. People now move here and want the area to change....As long as this business or any business is within the zoning laws of Howard County, then what right do you have to complain?...If Elkridge is such an eyesore, then you have the choice to leave..." —

What do you think about Elkridge's image? Is it an "eyesore" or something else?

Editor’s note: Comments have been edited for spelling and length. Refer to the for complete responses.