One Year After the Election, a "Thank You" to Parkville's Leaders and Volunteers

About a year ago, I was elected to the Baltimore County Council from the Fifth District, which includes parts of Parkville and Carney.    Some of my legislative work has been directly related to events in this area. 

Several years ago, when a development was proposed along Harford Road, residents had to trek to the Perry Hall library for the Community Input Meeting.  That experience prompted one of my first bills, which reforms the Community Input Meeting process for new developments.    Within Baltimore County’s suburban areas, a developer must now hold a CIM within three miles of an affected area unless there are no other locations—which is highly unlikely because the County Council also expanded the places where a meeting can be located.

Another important issue in Parkville and Carney has been the Planned Unit Development process.   A Planned Unit Development is a special project that can bypass normal zoning requirements.    In July, the Council adopted legislation that required a Community Input Meeting and agency evaluations of a proposed PUD before a County Councilmember introduces a resolution to start the formal review process.   This way, the public has an opportunity to comment early on, and county agencies can present important findings to the County Councilmember.

Community input is an important part of the PUD process.   When residents objected, I blocked a PUD that could have led to a multi-storied apartment complex at Harford and Cub Hill Roads.

The county’s budget situation, while much stronger than many other jurisdictions, has still delayed some important capital projects in Parkville and Carney.   I am most concerned about the lack of open space and the condition of some of the local streets off Harford Road.  Still, the county has been able to advance some key priorities such as air conditioning at Harford Hills Elementary School.

In conclusion, I would like to thank the many volunteers and community leaders who have worked with our office to preserve the quality of life in this part of Baltimore County.    It has been a pleasure and an honor representing you.