Greater Parkville Community Council discusses zoning concerns

by Celeste H. Breitenbach

Neighborhood zoning concerns were discussed at the Greater Parkville Community Council meeting on Thursday, March 13.
“Zoning is the most powerful tool in protecting property values and the quality of our community. The purpose of zoning is to separate incompatible land-uses and guide various types of new development to locations where it will not create a negative impact on existing neighborhoods,” stated GPCC President Ruth Baisden.
Handouts distributed at the meeting showed that current rezoning issues, submitted by private citizens, near congested roads and traffic intersections are:
Rezoning Issue #5-003: Seeking to change office zoning to Business Local with Auto Services (BL-AS) which permits: fast food drive through restaurants, alcoholic beverage stores, billiard rooms, retail and drug stores, medical clincis, taverns, etc. and auto fuel service stations on a 3.8 acre site between Harford Rd. and Mason Ave. bordering backyards on Mason Ave., a stream south of the County Park N Ride, and Walgreens.
The traffic at the Joppa and Harford Rds. intersection is already rated “failing” by the State and “poor” by County standards.
Rezoning Issue #5-037: Seeking to change residential zoning to Business Local (BL listed above) at the northeast corner of Joppa and Magledt Rds.
Entry and exit of site would be difficult and residential streets such as Summit Ave. and Magledt Rd. would be impacted.
Rezoning Issue #5-016: Seeking to change current zonings of residential, office, and commercial on east side of Harford Rd. directly across from Cub Hill Rd. to Business Major with Auto Services (BM-AS) which permits any business under BL zoning in addition to night clubs, automobile sales, automobile service garages, warehouses, etc. and auto fuel service stations.
An initial public hearing was held at this paper’s deadline. Another public hearing for community input is scheduled June 2 at County Council Chambers in Towson. Sign-up to speak begins at 6 p.m.; hearings at 7 p.m. Concerned residents should contact Councilman Vincent Gardina at 410-887-3384. More information on the process and zoning maps can be found on Baltimore County’s website: www.baltimorecountymd.gov/go/czmp.
The next meeting of GPCC will be held at 7 p.m. on April 10 at Parkville Recreation and Senior Center, 8601 Harford Rd. Guest speaker will be Parkville High School Principal Steven A. Edgar.
For more information, contact GPCC President Ruth Baisden at ruthbaisden@yahoo.com.