Members of the Baltimore County Council are considering expanding a Towson district with relaxed building height and setback requirements, a move they said would boost the county seat?s “downtown” appeal.
Councilman Vince Gardina is sponsoring legislation that would expand the Towson commercial core district to include an area bound by Joppa Road, First Street, Ware Avenue and Washington Avenue, allowing developers of property there to request exemptions to rules restricting building heights and distance to the street. The proposal is slated for discussion at the council?s work session this afternoon.
The proposal targets a 17-story condominium project at Washington and Susquehanna avenues, a redevelopment of now-empty buildings, said Gardina, D-5th District.
“It would help obtain setback variances, which are pretty difficult to get right now,” Gardina said. “It sets a more urban setback for downtown Towson, as opposed to a suburban setback, for a more downtown design.”
The council is also scheduled to discuss Gardina?s proposal to reduce a property tax credit for buildings meeting a federal criteria for energy efficiency. Lawmakers are cutting the tax credit from 10 years to five years and creating a percentage scale that awards more savings for more eco-friendly buildings.
Also on the table are proposals to fine dog owners who fail to register their pets $100, and fine store owners who sell tobacco products to minors $300 for a first offense, and $500 for subsequent violations.
The proposal would transfer enforcement from the police department to the county health department. County health officer Dr. Pierre Vigilance said logistical decisions would be made if and when the bill passes.
A vote on all four proposals is scheduled for Monday.
“We are pleased to see legislation introduced that will help limit youth access to tobacco as smoking cessation remains high on the list of public health priorities,” Vigilance said.
