Preserving the Cromwell Valley

The Cromwell Valley stretches across the northern edge of Towson.   While its western part includes neighborhoods like Campus Hills, the eastern part is largely undeveloped.  This includes the ridge that once supported the Ma and Pa Railroad, as well as Cromwell Valley Park, Long Island Farm, and the woods near Loch Raven Reservoir. 

Years ago, community leaders were warned about high levels of zoning in the Cromwell Valley, and they were urged to downzone property.  That didn't happen.   Today, however, I am announcing that I will support lowering the development potential on more than 66 acres in the Cromwell Valley.   The acreage includes land owned by Baltimore City, a homeowners association, and private propertyowners south of Cromwell Bridge Road, east of Littlewood Road, and north of Satyr Hill Road. 

It is the largest downzoning in this area in county history, encompassing more acreage than exists at Loch Raven High School.  Earlier this year, I also supported the landmarking of "Little Valley," a historic property in this area. 

With this announcement, I have pledged to downzone more than 191 acres in the Fifth District, from Towson to Perry Hall.   The full County Council will vote on this and other zoning recommendations on Tuesday, August 28.

Protecting the Oakleigh Pet Cemetery

The Oakleigh Pet Cemetery, located in the 8400 block of Oakleigh Road in Parkville, is one of the only cemeteries of its kind in Central Maryland.  It is the final resting place for hundreds of dogs, cats, and other pets.   Unfortunately, the property has deteriorated for years, leading to thousands of dollars in fines from Baltimore County government.  This WBAL-TV report from three years ago vividly describes the problem.  

Current zoning at this three-acre site is DR 5.5, which would allow a 15-unit development to be built there, irrespective of environmental constrants. Because of the uncertain future of this property, I will be asking my colleagues on the County Council to downzone the Oakleigh Pet Cemetery to DR 1, the lowest possible level of residential development. DR 1 would allow, at most, three houses to be built there if the land were to be sold for development.

I am also sponsoring legislation that would provide protections for anyone who purchased lots at the cemetery. At the August meeting of the Baltimore County Council, I will submit a bill that requires a pet cemetery owner to notify lot buyers if the cemetery is ever sold or used for a purpose other than a pet cemetery. The legislation also requires compensation for those who purchased lots. 

The Oakleigh Pet Cemetery, like human graveyards, is supposed to be a place of serenity and beauty.   I believe we owe it to pet lovers and the surrounding neighborhood to clean up the cemetery and place limitations on future uses.

The Magnet Policy Review: A Good First Move by Dr. Dance

On Tuesday, July 10, I joined parents from Cromwell Valley Elementary School who testified before the Baltimore County Board of Education about changes to the county's magnet school policy.  It was the first meeting for Dr. S. Dallas Dance, our new School Superintendent.

Cromwell Valley Elementary School.

Two days later, Dr. Dance had announced a review of the policy. 

What a refreshing move from the new School Superintendent--and a great way to start his tenure as head of our public school system.  Dr. Dance showed the open-mindedness needed for anyone who has just taken the helm of one of the largest and most diverse school systems in the country.

The magnet policy was changed during the final year of Dr. Dance's predecessor, with little input from the community.   There are two changes.   One change affects the priority for siblings of students already enrolled in a magnet school.  Another change would end the priority for those students who are within walking distance, which means that a student who lives across the street from Cromwell Valley Elementary School could very well be bused to another school.

I have written to Dr. Dance suggesting that the priority for walkers at Cromwell Valley Elementary School be codified, and that the sibling priority either be extended to 2018-2019 to accommodate current students or grandfathered to families with students who enrolled under the original policy.    I understand that there are issues of countywide fairness and equity, but believe there must be a way to find a sensible middle ground. 

I look forward to learning of the review and hopefully changes to the rule.  Either way, I thank Dr. Dance for listening to the parents of Cromwell Valley Elementary School.