"A mix of housing and commercial, which is where we think the future is going in Baltimore County. We need to be creative and thoughtful about creating new opportunities to create housing, but also invigorate and reinvest in our existing neighborhoods," Olszewski said.
November 14, 2023
The fight over potential development near the Lutherville light rail stop continued Tuesday, but plans have stalled.
The redevelopment is supposed to take place on an empty parcel of land off Ridgely Road. Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski wants to move things ahead.
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"A mix of housing and commercial, which is where we think the future is going in Baltimore County. We're largely built out. We're up against our developed land. We need to be creative and thoughtful about creating new opportunities to create housing, but also invigorate and reinvest in our existing neighborhoods," Olszewski said.
The Maryland Transit Administration plans to expand mass transit options in the area, but nothing can happen without proper zoning, and that's before any permits can be issued.
"Right now, it's in the process of asking for zoning relief through the comprehensive zoning map process. That's the route at which the developer and council decide to move forward," Baltimore County Councilman Julian Jones said.
Lutherville residents have mixed views about the development.
"I think that's going to bring a lot of congestion to the area unnecessarily. It's going to impact the school system, the traffic, all of it. I think a lot more thought needs to go into it before they put it up," resident Kate Johnston said.
"People need places to live and they need to be able to get around. I don't think it's a bad thing to have more transportation," resident Kelly Ford-Brill said.
Whatever happens, it will take time. Jones said the zoning map process will not be complete until September 2024.
Read the article on WBALTV.