Zoning Changes Will Preserve Green Space and Neighborhoods

Next year, the Baltimore County Council will consider changes as part of the Comprehensive Zoning Map Process. Zoning determines the development and use of all properties in Baltimore County.

In 2012 and 2016, I initiated changes to lighten school overcrowding and preserve green space on thousands of acres in the Fifth District. For this zoning cycle, I have initiated zoning issues on land from Towson to Kingsville.

In Towson, for example, our office is proposing to lower the development potential along York Road near Anneslie and Rodgers Forge, where residents are concerned about future drive-thru restaurants. Our change would preserve the small town feel of this corridor. In Carney, we have raised issues to look at the character of Joppa Road at Magledt Road and Walther Boulevard.

In eastern Perry Hall, we have proposed downzoning the area east of Schroeder Avenue and along Interstate-95, one of the most rural parts of this community.

There may be some areas where zoning might be increased to drive investment into underperforming communities. That is why I have initiated a zoning issue at Joppa Road and Loch Raven Boulevard, where a task force is attempting to develop a vision for this intersection.

Public hearings will be held on the zoning changes in the spring and summer, with a Council vote in August.