Arnold Preservation Council Talks Rezoning

Adhering to one of its main goals on advocating responsible growth, the Arnold Preservation Council devoted its recent May meeting agenda to effectively addressing upcoming comprehensive rezoning changes for the local area.

A panel of local experts gathered to provide attendees the historical background needed to adequately monitor and advocate on local growth issues and make their opposition to rezoning proposals heard.

Al Johnston, representing the Greater Severna Park Council, has been involved with the county’s zoning and small area planning process for a long time.

“You need to be vigilant to see that any rezoning should be consistent with the General Development Plan and the Small Area Plans,” he explained.

According to the county website, the Anne Arundel County General Development Plan divides the County into 16 small planning areas and recommends that a separate, more detailed land-use plan be completed for each. These Small Area Plans serve as a guide for land use, zoning, transportation improvements, open space and other capital improvements and identify opportunities for commercial revitalization and, where appropriate, mixed-use development.

Patricia Lynch, representing the Broadneck Council of Communities, presented a list of 10 properties in the Rt. 50/St. Margaret's area that have applied for rezoning and informed meeting attendees the organization would favor only one and oppose five. 

Guest panel member Russ Stevenson, representing the Magothy River Association, talked about the effects of rezoning in the area of the Magothy River watershed. Stevenson said the MRA is strongly against any “rezoning to commercial” proposals.

For a listing of rezoning requests in the Broadneck area, click here.

The Planning and Zoning Office has reviewed all of the applications and will make them public as the County Council reviews requests for the Broadneck are starting in July.

The Planning and Zoning Office in conjunction with the County Executive generally proposes rezoning of certain parcels in each district that are included in a zoning bill. The current bill is #12-11. Following the introduction of a bill, any member of the County Council may introduce amendments to the bill for properties that were not reviewed by Planning & Zoning or properties that Planning & Zoning did not recommend.

“We have five of the seven current members of the County Council who are new to the Council and were not on the council when the SAPs or GDP were passed,” explained Ann Fligsten, Coordinator, Growth Action Network of Anne Arundel County.

“At the present time, the County Council does not appear to be taking the SAPS or GDP into consideration when considering amendments. They also have approved amendments that Planning & Zoning opposed.”

She added, “Rezoning is a political decision that should be guided by the SAPs and GDP. Unless you get involved, the decision may not be made with those in mind. The citizens have spoken in these plans and the citizens need to insure that all rezoning is consistent with these plans.”

• July 6 -Notification to applicants on recommendation of P&Z
• July 13 - Web posting of recommended rezonings
• July 27 - Review by Planning Advisory Board
• August 1 - Introduction of rezoning bill
• Sept. 6, 19, Oct. 3 and 17 - Public Hearings on the bill