New changes to a Middle River development proposal have eased fears that the plan would turn parts of the Baltimore County community into a congested nightmare.
Essex-Middle River Civic Council President Rocky Jones said new amendments to the Middle River Area Comprehensive Zoning Plan by Councilman Joe Bartenfelder will make the plan “easier to swallow.”
Bartenfelder intends to amend the plan?s guidelines to preserve about 300 acres of land designated for “rural conservation” when the council votes on the plan tonight.
“I just want to make sure [improvements] are carried out before we overextend ourselves,” Bartenfelder said.
The plan covers a five-square-mile parcel in a community that already has 1,000 new homes planned, and includes zoning changes to permit more than 500 additional homes than regulations allow.
The plan ? which covers an area bounded by Route 40, Ebenezer Road, Windlass Run, Bengies Road and Martin Boulevard ? would make future residential development contingent on the completion of five capital projects, including two new pumping stations and a new bridgeon Ebenezer Road over Windlass Run.
County officials said they expect the federal military base consolidation and recent 3.8-mile extension of White Marsh boulevard to bring 3,600 households to the area, creating an “even greater sense of urgency” to complete infrastructure investments, according to the plan.
Randy Cogar, a Middle River resident and former member of the county?s planning board, said longtime homeowners are hesitant to see change, but could be pleasantly surprised.
IF YOU GO
The council is to vote on the plan at a meeting at 7 tonight on the second floor of the county government building at 400 Washington Ave., Towson.
