Kamenetz Withdraws Open Space Waiver Reduction for Developers

A resolution lowering fees for developers who want to bypass open space requirements for developments will not be voted on Monday night by the Baltimore County Council.

The resolution to lower the fees was withdrawn after Council Chairman Tom Quirk raised questions about the proposal and its effect on open space programs in the county.

"I was concerned it might have an unintended negative effect on NeighborSpace and wanted to look more at the [county's] analysis," Quirk said. "Open space programs and programs like NeighborSpace are critical to our quality of life and help increase property values, as well."

County Executive Kevin Kamenetz asked for the decreases after saying a review of the county law showed that property values had decreased and warranted a similar reduction in the fees charged to some developers.

"Our review reflected the downward spiral of assessments which continues to create fiscal pressure on our budget," said Ellen Kobler, a county spokeswoman. "But the study also revealed that very few waivers are granted compared to years ago."

The county has collected nearly $4.3 million since the creation of the program in 2000. The resolution, introduced two weeks ago, was the first review of the fees since 2006.