The Baltimore County Department of Planning has launched what it calls an innovative, hyperlocal planning process ensuring the input of residents will help shape future of their communities, county officials announced Tuesday morning.
The department of planning’s comprehensive community engagement process for developing “Small Area Plans” across the county is fashioned to support sustainable growth and enhance the quality of life for all residents.
“We remain focused on building more equitable, more sustainable communities across Baltimore County and this new small area planning process is an innovative and targeted approach that will help ensure we leverage the knowledge, experiences, and passions of community members in shaping the future of their neighborhoods,” Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski said.
“I encourage our neighbors to get involved so that their voices can be heard during this critical process.”
The county will be divided into 12 distinct geographical areas under the new initiative — each of which receiving a tailored Small Area Plan that reflects the unique needs and aspirations of local residents.
Using Baltimore County’s approved Master Plan 2030 as a guide, the plan will provide area-specific recommendations for achieving and refining the goals of the Master Plan. The plan will include a concept vision and recommended actions that address key issues and concerns.
The development of Small Area Plans will be informed by existing countywide plans, including but not limited to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, Water Supply and Sewerage Master Plan, and the Baltimore County Climate Action Plan.
“This integrated approach ensures that the recommendations within the Small Area Plans are aligned with broader countywide systems and various agency goals and programs,” county officials said in a statement.
“The planning department will work with community members, stakeholders, and other partners to create Small Area Plans that support sustainable growth and enhance the quality of life for all residents.”
Out of the 12 geographical areas, the Middle River Small Area Plan is the only one in progress at the moment. Its boundaries focus on the Essex, Bowleys Quarters, Middle River, Rossville and White Marsh communities.
In collaboration with Baltimore-based design firm Ayers Saint Gross, the department of planning will organize a series of community engagement events to foster open dialogue and gather insight from residents in the Middle River area beginning this fall, according to county officials.
Essex-Middle River-White Marsh area residents can join the Middle River Small Area Plan effort right now by visiting https://small-area-plans-bc-gis.hub.arcgis.com/. Scroll down to the portion of the webpage that says “Middle River Small Area Plan” and click on the link. From there, a “join” button will appear in the middle of the webpage.
By signing up for this initiative, residents will receive email updates about the Middle River Small Area Plan and be notified of engagement opportunities.
Additional community engagement events will be announced in the coming weeks, and residents are encouraged to participate.
The Small Area Plans initiative, coordinated in partnership with Ayers Saint Gross, marks a significant step toward implementing Master Plan 2030 objectives through more specific recommendations at the community level.
“We are excited to be working closely with the County on these Small Area Plans and engaging with a broad cross section of local residents,” said Amber Wendland, associate principal of Ayers Saint Gross.
For more information about Small Area Plans and upcoming engagement for the other areas, county government officials advise residents to visit https://small-area-plans-bc-gis.hub.arcgis.com/.
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