I am working on a number of projects in the Perry Hall and Kingsville areas, such as new trails and sidewalks, creation of a dog park, and a long-term plan for the Perry Hall Mansion. Two priorities overshadow almost everything else: the rezoning process and the revitalization of Perry Hall’s downtown core. 

Zoning determines what can be built on a property, and the process of changing zoning throughout Baltimore County occurs every four years. It last happened in 2008. New developments such as Bishops Meadow next to the library are based on the 2008 zoning map, which was put in place before I was elected.

2012 is a rezoning year. Earlier this week, I announced a plan to review the zoning of nearly 480 acres of land in the Fifth District, most of which is in Perry Hall. In Perry Hall, I am proposing to immediately downzone 72 acres and potentially downzone another 209 acres in our community.

I have read comments on Patch about how not a single new house should be built in Perry Hall. That won’t happen. Every piece of property has some level of development potential, which is identified by its zoning classification. The government cannot and should not take away property rights. Plus, development expands our tax base and grows the economy, which is essential as we recover
from the national recession.

But I do think it is right to step back and consider what Perry Hall would look like at its current level of zoning. My plan would potentially limit development in an area more than five times the acreage of Perry Hall High School, which would greatly lighten the burden on our schools and roads. It is the most ambitious review of zoning in Perry Hall in 20 years.

My other major priority is the revitalization of Perry Hall’s downtown core. One of my first bills was to create a commercial revitalization district near the intersection of Belair, Joppa, and Ebenezer roads. The district has economic benefits for businesses in this area.

Good things are happening. As reported in Patch, Kimco Realty is finalizing plans for new tenants at the Perry Hall Square Shopping Center, including at the grocery store site. Everyone has a “wish list” for what should fill the shopping center, and I appreciate ideas on how we can diversify the shopping experience in Perry Hall. I am most concerned, however, about bringing new jobs to this community and filling vacant space.  

These issues, the rezoning of land and bringing more businesses into the heart of Perry Hall, will be my priorities in our community in 2012. Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a safe closure to 2011.