New Downtown Design Standards Will Protect Adjacent Neighborhoods

One of my priorities has been to improve the look and vitality of Perry Hall's commercial district, which is centered on Joppa, Ebenezer, and Belair Roads.   In 2011, the County Council passed legislation that established a commercial revitalization district that offers economic incentives to propertyowners.   This summer, I submitted--and the County Council approved--legislation that requires new construction to be approved by the Baltimore County Design Review Panel. 

On Tuesday, September 4, the Baltimore County Council passed a resolution that specifies the standards for new construction.  The resolution amends the Perry Hall Community Plan to say, among other things, that new buildings should be predominantly designed with brick; that parking should be located along the sides and rear of any new building; and that pedestrian amenities and landscaping are important elements of new construction.

There are also important protections for surrounding neighborhoods.

For example, the resolution says that "commercial buildings that are located near a residential neighborhood should respect the scale and character of the surrounding neighborhood."   Loading docks should be screened, and for fast food restaurants, drive-thru features should be placed in a position that has the least disruption for nearby homes.

If, for example, McDonalds were to be redeveloped, this last point would hopefully provide some added protection for the townhouses along Minte Drive.

The new standards do not affect changes to existing structures.  But if new buildings are planned, we are going to have to live with their look for decades to come, so a little more review and thoughtfulness is very important.  

Better Design Standards for Downtown Perry Hall

On Monday, July 2, I introduced legislation that will hopefully lead to better design standards for new construction in the Perry Hall commercial revitalization district.  This bill would subject new projects to the Baltimore County Design Review Panel, which evaluates projects in other areas of the county.

The Design Review Panel consists of nine members knowledgeable in matters of design, including architects, landscape architects, engineers and other design professionals. The professional members are appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by the County Council. The County Executive appoints the Chair.

Commercial districts in Arbutus, Catonsville, Essex, Pikesville, and Towson are already subject to the Design Review Panel.

Existing businesses that want to modify their appearance or make minor changes will not be affected by this bill.  I am most concerned about larger areas where redevelopment will occur, such as the Butt's Hardware property, the stores across the street along the 8830 block of Belair Road, and the area east of the Double-T Diner.   

Any redevelopment projects will be with us for thirty or forty years, so let's do them right.

I would also like to implement periodic clean-ups involving local merchants to clean up the weeds and trash that have accummulated at Belair, Joppa, and Ebenezer Roads.   Hopefully, these improvements--along with the incentives already available through the commercial revitalization program--will enhance Downtown Perry Hall.