What does open space look like?

Three areas in Perry Hall, representing a total of about 55 acres, are being reviewed for a new open space zoning classification that would prohibit nearly all future development. County Councilman David Marks announced each of the proposals this month.

See the above gallery for photos of the proposed spaces. Maps are also included above in PDF, showing the following issues:

Marks was the principal sponsor of a bill, passed by the County Council in March, that created the classification known as Neighborhood Commons. Previously, the lowest a potentially residential area could be downzoned was one house per acre, DR 1. Classification NC-DR 1, however, essentially leaves an area untouched by any construction.

Owners of the properties have not actively resisted the downzoning, while community organizations have shown their support, according to Marks.

The Perry Hall Improvement Association, Tremper Farms Homeowners Association, Northgate Hall Community Association, and Maryland State Fish and Game Protective Association have each publicly issued their support in favor of proposed open space related to issues 5-056 and 5-038.

Representatives of Chesapeake Realty Partners were not immediately available to comment on issue 5-038 when contacted by Patch.

Representatives of Perry Hall, LLP declined to comment on issue 5-044 when contacted by Patch. Marks said the company has been contacted by his office but received no response.

BGE was also not immediately available to comment on issue 5-044 when contacted by Patch.

Marks has been a proponent of downzoning in the Perry Hall area since taking office in 2010. He first announced plans to lower the development potential of nearly 300 acres of land in Perry Hall in December 2011.

The Baltimore County Office of Planning, however, has stated its opposition to nearly all of the downzoning proposals, claiming that they would needlessly devalue the land.

Marks' proposals and the Office of Planning's stance, as well as Planning Board recommendations and community feedback, will be factored into the county's 2012 Comprehensive Zoning Map Process, which reexamines zoning designations every four years. The County Council is scheduled to vote on the final zoning map by Sept. 16.

Does open space classification needlessly devalue land, or does it provide a worthwhile community benefit? Tell us in the comments.