Councilman Marks: 'Rezoning process nears conclusion'

On June 27th, hundreds of residents packed Vincent Farm Elementary School in White Marsh to offer opinions on the future of eastern Baltimore County.

We are nearing the conclusion of the Comprehensive Zoning Map Process, the year-long effort by the planning board and county council to review the development potential of land throughout Baltimore County.

The CZMP will have a profound impact on the future of eastern Baltimore County.

Every parcel of land in Baltimore County has a zoning designation that determines its development potential.

Last summer and fall, every property owner in Baltimore County had the ability to file a request to change the zoning. Community associations, the planning board and the county council also had this opportunity.

During this rezoning process, I initiated dozens of rezoning issues to preserve green space and ensure that development was compatible with existing neighborhoods. Altogether, more than 5,000 acres of land is under consideration.

One of my top priorities has been preserving green space. That is why I am considering Neighborhood Commons zoning for public property and other places that deserve protection. Since my legislation created Neighborhood Commons in 2012, it has been applied to more than 4,000 acres of land.

I will be announcing my recommendations over the next month.

My decisions will be based on several factors.

First, our country is based on a system of private property rights. I will always attempt to honor the wishes of private property owners.

Second, where future development would be allowed, my goal will be to try to ensure that such growth is compatible with existing communities. I am particularly frustrated, for example, by the prospect of more development along Philadelphia Road when we lack an eastbound connection to White Marsh Boulevard, a situation that ensnarls traffic every day.

Finally, I will consider the recommendations of the Master Plan and community plans adopted by Baltimore County.

Thank you to all who have been involved in the 2024 rezoning process.