Board approves lease expansion for Early Charm Ventures at CONVERGE

Harford County's Board of Estimates approved Change Order #2 to increase the leased premises for Early Charm Ventures, LLC at the CONVERGE Innovation Center, expanding the space to accommodate the Bright Charm Proving Ground and co-located company Zephyr Materials.

Karen Holt of the Department of Economic Development said the expansion increases the leased area from approximately 1,080 square feet to approximately 2,660 square feet and updates notice provisions. The department requested approval for Change Order #2 in the amount of $345,600, characterized in the minutes as waived rent serving as the county's in-kind match for a state grant. The motion was moved by Robert Sandlass, seconded by William Bettin and approved unanimously.

The lease expansion is tied to economic development and biomanufacturing activity in the CONVERGE Innovation Center; the minutes record the waived rent amount but do not detail the specific grant terms or timelines.