Councilman Marks to Downzone 95 Acres Along Silver Spring Road

This morning, I am announcing that I will recommend the downzoning of more than 95 acres along Silver Spring Road to limit future development along this older, heavily forested corridor.

The actions occur as the Baltimore County Council concludes the Comprehensive Zoning Map Process, during which period every land's development potential can be modified. That vote is in August.

The land is currently zoned for DR 3.5 and DR 5.5 development. The DR 5.5 zoning allows for apartments, condominiums, and townhouses under certain circumstances.

I want to preserve the lightly-developed character of the Silver Spring Road corridor, and wherever possible, require thoughtful development that involves input from neighbors. At the current level of zoning, investors could piece together the properties and construct apartments along a large stretch of the corridor.

I am aware of a proposal for a Planned Unit Development southwest of Torpoint Road, and has been discussing options with neighbors. A church is also apparently eyeing the property. Information about the Magnolia property can be found here.