Controversial 120-Unit Apartment Complex Proposed in White Marsh

A little white sign across from the White Marsh Fire Company has caused quite a stir, and some local leaders are hoping to clear the air about what it means.

The sign says a housing group applied to build a 120-unit apartment complex called The Reserve at White Marsh, and a community input hearing will be held at 7 p.m. on Oct. 10 in the Hilton Garden Inn, at 5015 Campbell Boulevard in White Marsh.

Dennis Robinson, president of the Perry Hall Improvement Association, says residents have contacted him and many say they are upset at the proposed apartment complex, which would sit on the properties at 5422 and 5428 Ebenezer Rd. Currently, the land is owned by the White Marsh Fire Company.

"The main concern I'm hearing is the impact on the already overcrowded schools in the Perry Hall and White Marsh area," Robinson told Patch. 

Robinson said residents have also expressed concerns about increased traffic around the Philadelphia Road corridor and along Pulaski Highway.

According to the county, The Shelter Group submitted the application for the project. The Shelter Group manages numerous communities across the mid-Atlantic, including Brightview assisted living centers in Perry Hall and White Marsh, according to the company's website.

If the Baltimore County Council decides to move ahead with the proposal after the community hearing, Robinson said he hopes resources will be made available to adequately improve the schools and traffic spots that particularly concern residents.

"I've been a long-time advocate for alleviating the overcrowding we have at our schools," Robinson said. "Those concerns are valid and they should be addressed."

At this point, the PHIA is refraining from endorsing a particular side on the proposal, but Robinson said he will hear what residents say at the meeting, gauge community sentiment and then choose how to represent Perry Hall residents.

Similarly, County Councilman David Marks said he is waiting until the community hearing to make any announcement on the proposal.

"Any party can submit an application for a Planned Unit Development to the county government," Marks told Patch. "Under the law, my role begins once a community input meeting has been held, and I am going to refrain from public comments until that time."

Robinson said the proposal is an affordable housing project, but he clarified that, contrary to comments he has heard from residents, the project is not "Section 8" housing.

Both Marks and Robinson welcome input from the community, and encourage residents to attend the Oct. 10 hearing, but requested people keep the discourse on topic.

"While people may disagree with this proposal, this should not be an issue that becomes personal," Robinson said.