An Update on Rezoning

Since June, I have been announcing my recommendations on the 59 rezoning issues in the Fifth District.   Zoning determines the type and intensity of development on any property in Baltimore County.   Community organizations and private propertyowners are very interested in the rezoning process, which is why I waited until after the two public hearings to begin announcing my recommendations.

I have announced recommendations for 19 issues encompassing some of the largest acreage involved in the rezoning process in the Fifth District.  

I will support downzoning 237 acres in the Fifth District, 158 acres of which would receive open space zoning.   Since open space zoning was created by the County Council earlier this year, this will be the first time it has been applied during the rezoning process.

67 of the acres are in Towson and Loch Raven.  I believe this is the largest such downzoning ever proposed in this area by a County Councilmember.  The downzoned areas would include the Mount Pleasant Golf Course, community areas in Southland Hills and Burkleigh Square, and city-owned properties closer to Downtown Towson. 

69 acres would be in the Parkville area, mostly in the Cromwell Valley.

101 acres are located in Perry Hall, including the wooded area north of Seven Oaks Elementary School, the undeveloped property west of Perryvale Road, and common areas along Honeygo Boulevard.

I have not proposed any increase in residential density.   I will release my remaining recommendations over the next two weeks. 

We live in a system of private property rights.  People have the right to make a profit off their land, and a certain degree of development is needed to grow our economy and produce jobs.  At the same time, I believe we can preserve open space and lighten the impact of growth on our schools and roads with the right zoning decisions.

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.

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.