Guthrie suggested other transfer station sites, such as a property behind the Holly Hills Motel in Aberdeen, but county officials ruled that out.

Tomarchio, who was representing Craig at the meeting, said there were a number of discussions about whether to build on Route 40, emphasizing the county's proposal "reduces our cost to dispose of your trash."

He also defended the county's investment in the Route 40 area, which some residents questioned. He pointed out the new schools that were recently built and a new playground at Magnolia Middle School.

Tomarchio also pushed back on the controversy over the county's $2.9 million purchase of the Plecker property, when a neighboring site was appraised for much less.

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"I don't think the county feels it overpaid for the property," he said.

Dog and pony show

Residents were not mollified by any of the explanations, saying the proposal was a "done deal" and calling the presentation "a dog and pony show."

They pressed the officials about what the county and MES intend to do about increased traffic, noise and other adverse impacts such a facility will have on their community.

Stephen Puopolo, of Edgewood, said the transfer station will affect more than just the Joppa area.

"The problem is, the county executive decided to purchase this land without talking to the community first," Puopolo said. "I can tell you it's not just a Joppa problem. It's going to be Edgewood, it's going to be Abingdon, all these places that Route 7 goes through... People are making decisions without the approval of this community."

Dale Gomez, of the Gunpowder community, said the county should not put anything "icky" in a community gateway, which Joppa is.

The bottom line for most in the room seemed to be that Joppa should not become the home for the rest of the county's trash.

Gloria Moon said the Joppa community's master plan, which is about 16 years old, shows residents do not want any type of waste facility in the area.