Bel Air schoolhouse at center of debate

By Mary Gail Hare

Sun Reporter

Originally published May 21, 2006

The needs of an elementary school are clashing with the town's desire to renovate a century-old building in downtown Bel Air.

Bel Air Elementary School needs more land for a playground, parking lot and a bus loop, and it is eyeing about 2 acres available next door on Gordon Street. But a two-story brick schoolhouse, vacant since December when school board headquarters moved, stands in the way. The county's schools superintendent has recommended razing it. Read on.