ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Ball today announced he will submit emergency legislation with the County Council to prohibit the permitting of privately-owned buildings operating as detention centers in Howard County. The text of Ball’s proposed legislation will be available Monday on the County Council website.
The creation of privately-owned detention facilities anywhere in our county and state raises serious concerns about health, welfare, and oversight that must be addressed. As we continue to see the devastating consequences of federal enforcement actions that have led to loss of life and unrest, we must stand united against any actions that cause more harm, fear, and division within our community. I want to thank our State Delegation and the Governor’s office who have been incredible partners as we work collaboratively on state legislation to address this concern during the Maryland General Assembly. I also want to thank our Federal Delegation for their collaboration and support throughout this process.
This legislation follows the County’s inspection of a privately-owned office building in Elkridge, which is currently under renovation for use as a detention facility. A third-party permitting company known as McKeever Services, located in Fairfax, VA, has applied for and received a permit to renovate 28,614 square feet within an existing building located at 6522 Meadowridge Road in Elkridge. The building is owned by Genesis GSA Strategic One, LLC. The building permit was issued on August 5, 2025, with the following description of work: “General Services Administration/scope of work includes improvement of tenant spaces support areas, detention facility, detainee processing and secured waiting area.”
The work performed under the permit appears to be nearing completion. The most recent inspection was passed with conditions on December 29, 2025. However, certain areas remain to be reinspected and approved prior to issuance of a Use & Occupancy certificate.
Howard County Government is unaware of any specific lease agreements or contracts between McKeever Services or Genesis GSA Strategic One, LLC and any federal agency. However, the retrofit of private office buildings in Howard County for use of a detention facility raise serious concerns about public health, safety, welfare, and oversight of such facilities. As such, Ball’s emergency legislation would restrict the use of privately-owned detention facilities in Howard County as the County determines appropriate future actions.
The County Council will consider the introduction of the emergency legislation during its legislative session on Monday, February 2nd, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.