Locksley Manor, commonly known as Wetlands Golf Course, encompasses 206 acres on Gilbert Road in Aberdeen. Wetlands Golf Course has operated under a special exception for use in the county's agricultural zoning district since 1991. In 2021, Wetlands Golf Course was annexed into the City of Aberdeen following a petition for annexation by the owner of the property, Samuel Smedley, president of Locksley Manor, Inc. This petition for annexation was the second attempt by Locksley Manor, Inc., with the first attempt being overruled by referendum by the citizens of Aberdeen in 2006. Upon annexation, Wetlands Golf Course was primarily zoned Integrated Business District (IBD), with a small portion (16 acres) being zoned R-1 Residential under the City of Aberdeen's zoning code. IBD allows for a wide range of residential and commercial uses, including single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments. The R-1 Residential district allows for single-family, low-density residential development. When Wetlands Golf Course was annexed in 2021, the attorney for the project, Bradley Stover, stated the goal of annexation was to secure water and sewer access on the property, which would be used for recreational purposes.
Section 4-416 of the Maryland Local Government Code states that for five years following annexation by a municipality, the municipality may not allow development of the annexed land for uses substantially different from the original authorized use. This five-year waiting period is required in order to prevent abrupt or incompatible development, and allow the county time to adjust services and infrastructure. In the case of Wetlands Golf Course, this means no development other than what is permissible in the county's agricultural zoning district would be allowed until 2026. However, Section 4-416 also states that with the express approval of the county council, a municipality may permit development for a land use or density different from the original authorized use prior to the five-year waiting period expiring. In the spring of 2023, Councilwoman Boyle-Tsottles, along with Council President Vincenti, introduced Resolution 023-23, which waived the five-year waiting period contained in Section 4-416. Resolution 023-23 passed unanimously on May 2, 2023. Wetlands Golf Course was now able to begin the redevelopment process in compliance with the city of Aberdeen's IBD and R-1 Residential districts, three years prior to the five-year waiting period expiring.
A neighboring property to Wetlands Golf Course, Preserve at Gilbert Meadows, was annexed into the City of Aberdeen in 2019 and received a similar waiver in 2020, allowing the expedited development of 93 townhomes and 83 single-family homes on 80 acres of land formerly zoned agricultural. Additionally, nine acres of agricultural land located on Long Drive was annexed into the City of Aberdeen and granted a waiver in 2022, and approximately two and a half acres of land on Tollgate Road was annexed into the Town of Bel Air and granted a waiver in 2023. It is evident that waiving the five-year waiting period following annexation has become common practice for the Harford County Council.
The preliminary site plan for the redevelopment of Wetlands Golf Course, called The Reserve at Greenside, was first introduced to the Aberdeen Planning Commission on July 10, 2024. The developers for the project, Sule Qazi and Michael Euler, a prominent developer in the Fallston area, have had to address several issues concerning traffic, infrastructure improvements, and school capacity. The Reserve at Greenside received a conditional approval by the Aberdeen City Council on June 9, 2025, with the condition that a roadway network plan is presented to the Council before the recording of plats. 882 residential units are slated to be built, consisting of 163 single-family homes, 441 townhomes, and 278 villas (similar to townhomes). All residential units are meant to be owner-occupied. A clubhouse, restaurant, and 10,000 square feet of retail space are also included in the preliminary site plan. The project is expected to be completed in four phases, which could take up to ten years to complete. A representative from Morris & Ritchie Associates stated in an April 2025 planning commission meeting that ground is expected to be broken within two years of receiving site plan approval.
During the public hearing for Resolution 023-23, Joe Siemek, Director of Public Works for Harford County, stated that the existing road (Gilbert Road) surrounding Wetlands Golf Course is constructed of tar and chip, and is approximately 18 feet wide. Gilbert Road is one lane in each direction, with no shoulders, curbs, or turning lanes. Gilbert Road is reasonable for traffic expected in the agricultural zoning district, however the new zoning following annexation will contribute significantly more traffic volume than the road was ever constructed to handle. To address this issue, the developers for The Reserve at Greenside will be responsible for contributing $850,000 to Harford County to convert Gilbert Road from tar and chip to asphalt, as well as constructing a traffic circle at Long Drive/Gilbert Road and improving the Gilbert Road/Maxa Road intersection. However, there have not been any plans presented regarding sidewalks being added to Gilbert Road.
In a letter from March 2025, Missy Valentino, Facility Planner for Harford County Public Schools (HCPS), commented on the impact The Reserve at Greenside will have on school capacity in the area. Bakersfield Elementary School is currently operating at 92% capacity, and is projected to increase to 111% capacity by 2030, not including the addition of The Reserve at Greenside. Ms. Valentino explains that The Reserve at Greenside could potentially add 187 new students to Bakersfield Elementary, which would significantly exceed the school's capacity. Redistricting and a new elementary school are currently in the pipeline for the Havre de Grace/Aberdeen area, however, not before the new Harford Academy is complete. HCPS does not currently own property for a new school in the area, but has been in communication with Harford County regarding land acquisition. Interestingly, the Harford County Council recently voted to cut $5 million from the $10 million budgeted for site acquisition in the fiscal year 2026 budget. Council President Vincenti stated that he believes a site can be attained for much less than $10 million.
The City of Aberdeen has seen an explosion of residential development in recent years, particularly in the area west of I-95. Since 2020, a total of 2,029 residential units have been approved in this area. Aberdeen officials hope to see an economic boom following the residential growth, which will strengthen the tax base and provide more support for businesses in the area. As with any new development, it will be essential for infrastructure and public services to keep pace with residential growth. Otherwise, the citizens of Harford County will be left with increased traffic, overcrowded schools, degraded infrastructure, and diminished public services, all in the pursuit of economic growth.
| Development | # of Units | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aberdeen Overlook | 344 | 122 single family, 63 villas, 159 towns |
| Fields of Aberdeen | 94 | All rental stacked townhouse units |
| Preserve at Gilbert Meadow | 176 | 83 single family, 93 villas |
| Fieldside Commons | 533 | 49 rental towns, 224 1BR, 260 2BR apartments |
| Reserve at Greenside | 882 | 163 singles, 278 villas, 441 towns |
| Total Units | 2,029 |
There are several businesses and individuals who have been part of the Wetlands Golf Course annexation and redevelopment process. The following tables display campaign contributions from these entities to members of the Harford County Council, who were responsible for waiving the five-year waiting period following annexation. Note that only Council President Vincenti, Councilwoman Boyle-Tsottles, and former Councilman Penman received money from the businesses and individuals identified. Select any entry in the table to view the individual contributions.
Locksley Manor, Inc: Owner of Wetlands Golf Course
| Recipient | Amount Received |
|---|---|
| Vincenti Patrick Friends for | $29,000.00 |
| Boyle-Tsottles Jessica Friends of | $4,500.00 |
| Penman Aaron Committee to Elect | $1,500.00 |
Chadds Ford Investment Company: Smedley family, owners of Wetlands Golf Course
| Recipient | Amount Received |
|---|---|
| Vincenti Patrick Friends for | $2,000.00 |
Bradley Stover: Attorney representing Wetlands Golf Course during annexation process
| Recipient | Amount Received |
|---|---|
| Vincenti Patrick Friends for | $3,450.00 |
| Boyle-Tsottles Jessica Friends of | $1,500.00 |
Canvasback Title and Escrow: Bradley Stover's business
| Recipient | Amount Received |
|---|---|
| Vincenti Patrick Friends for | $5,000.00 |
| Boyle-Tsottles Jessica Friends of | $4,500.00 |
| Penman Aaron Committee to Elect | $1,000.00 |
Bay State Land Services: Provided site work for Wetlands Golf Course during annexation process
| Recipient | Amount Received |
|---|---|
| Vincenti Patrick Friends for | $31,500.00 |
| Penman Aaron Committee to Elect | $3,200.00 |
| Boyle-Tsottles Jessica Friends of | $650.00 |
Charles Campbell: Principal of Bay State Land Services
| Recipient | Amount Received |
|---|---|
| Vincenti Patrick Friends for | $8,000.00 |
Morris and Ritchie Associates: Provided site plans for the Reserve at Greenside
| Recipient | Amount Received |
|---|---|
| Vincenti Patrick Friends for | $4,650.00 |
Harford Political Watch 2026 ©
