Plans for a new school could have been thwarted because of poor communication between the Howard County Department of Planning and Zoning and the county School Board.
“There?s a disconnect here,” said School Board Member Courtney Watson during the quarterly meeting between the board and council Wednesday.
Watson said that two years ago, the school system tried to reserve land for a new school in the Turf Valley development through the county?s planning board; but the response was delayed because the letter was not sent to the department of planning and zoning.
Marcia McLaughlin, director of the planning and zoning department and executive secretary of the planning board, said that at the time of the School Board?s request, the planning board was revising its 10-year comprehensive plan, which guides growth in the county. She said the request got mixed up with the numerous e-mails and requests the board had received at the time.
“I?m sorry that there seems to be some misunderstanding,” she said. “We have worked with the [school system?s] staff.”
McLaughlin said the planning and zoning department has required the Turf Valley developer to set aside 15 to 25 acres for a new school to be built in anticipation of increased enrollment from new housing.
“We are requiring the developer to do it, and the school system needs to work with the developer to pick a spot” on the property, McLaughlin said.
Watson, who is running for county council, said the communication problem has been a long-standing issue ? one she hopes will change with the new county administration after the fall election.
“I think we?re all frustrated when it comes to land-use planning,” said Council Member Ken Ulman, D-District 4, who is running for county executive. Council Chairman Christopher Merdon, R-District 1, acknowledged the board?s complaint, but said the planning and zoning department reports to County Executive James Robey.
