Catonsville, MD — February 24, 2026 — Southwest Visions is reporting on a series of community engagement efforts held during fall of 2025 regarding the future of the historic Catonsville Armory.
In December, residents, local leaders, and stakeholders gathered for facilitated discussions designed to capture community priorities and reestablish public involvement in the Armory’s future. The sessions focused on listening, transparency, and ensuring that the direction of the project reflects the voices of those who live and work in the area.
Executive Director John “Jay” Dillow emphasized that sustained engagement will remain central as the process continues. In a recent interview with Joy Tsao, author of The Joy of PTAP, Dillow underscored the long-term commitment required.
“This project is going to be a marathon, not a sprint. The biggest challenge was getting people to feel like they were part of something. People felt ignored. Now they’re showing up and having their voices heard. The energy is positive. That’s the difference.”
Dillow also addressed questions about stepping into a project without a predetermined outcome.
“People often ask how I could take on a project with no plans,” he said. “To me, it is a potential community asset, and if we [SWVF] didn’t step in, it might be lost to the community.”
The December engagement sessions mark an early but significant milestone in a broader, community-driven process. Southwest Visions will continue to share updates, provide opportunities for input, and ensure residents remain informed as next steps take shape.
For more information or to stay engaged in the process, please visit southwestvisions.org.
Related Media:
Happy to Host Jay Dillow to provide a status update, Dec 16, 2025 LINK
Working to Save the Vacant Catonsville Armory for the Community, by Joy Tsao, Sept 19, 2025 LINK
