Since June, I have been announcing my recommendations on the 59 rezoning issues in the Fifth District. Zoning determines the type and intensity of development on any property in Baltimore County. Community organizations and private propertyowners are very interested in the rezoning process, which is why I waited until after the two public hearings to begin announcing my recommendations.
I have announced recommendations for 19 issues encompassing some of the largest acreage involved in the rezoning process in the Fifth District.
I will support downzoning 237 acres in the Fifth District, 158 acres of which would receive open space zoning. Since open space zoning was created by the County Council earlier this year, this will be the first time it has been applied during the rezoning process.
67 of the acres are in Towson and Loch Raven. I believe this is the largest such downzoning ever proposed in this area by a County Councilmember. The downzoned areas would include the Mount Pleasant Golf Course, community areas in Southland Hills and Burkleigh Square, and city-owned properties closer to Downtown Towson.
69 acres would be in the Parkville area, mostly in the Cromwell Valley.
101 acres are located in Perry Hall, including the wooded area north of Seven Oaks Elementary School, the undeveloped property west of Perryvale Road, and common areas along Honeygo Boulevard.
I have not proposed any increase in residential density. I will release my remaining recommendations over the next two weeks.
We live in a system of private property rights. People have the right to make a profit off their land, and a certain degree of development is needed to grow our economy and produce jobs. At the same time, I believe we can preserve open space and lighten the impact of growth on our schools and roads with the right zoning decisions.
