April 2017 Newsletter

Zoning Update and the Latest Happenings

Business Rural Crossroads, (BRX) A public Council hearing to repeal BRX will be held April 19 at 7:00. The DPZ, the Planning Board recommend repeal. Council Members Fox and Sigaty sponsored the bill. We expect approval. TestimonyBRX170419 sent to Council. We encourage you to email in support and attend the hearing if possible: 3430 Court House Drive
Ellicott City, MD 21043

DPZ announces Review of Zoning and Development Regulations

"Howard County Planning and Zoning (DPZ) has begun a Development Regulation Assessment, to include review of the zoning code, as well as regulations, policies and manuals related to land development.  The project will occur in two phases: phase I is an assessment of the development regulations and phase II is the drafting of a new unified development code or sets of codes. Clarion Associates, a national land use-consulting firm based in Denver, has been retained as the county’s consultant for phase I of this project. Clarion will evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the current regulations and provide an outline for new zoning, subdivision, and land development regulations based on public and stakeholder input, technical analysis, and national best practices."

GHCA leadership will be engaged in this process, and has already made contact with Don Elliot, Director of the project. It is expected that Phase 1 will take 12-14 months.

Pre-submission Meeting: April 24 at 6:00pm at River Hill Community Center, Clarksville. The sign appears to be at 12064 Hall Shop Rd. Proposed BR (Business Rural) zone by Mt. Airy Paving. Contact: Thomas Meachum, Atty. 410-740-4600. Contractor equipment and storage is a permitted use.

GHCA Picnic Mark your calendar!  Friday, July 28 is the date for this year’s concert at Schooley Mill Park and the GHCA barbecue picnic and pot-luck supper.  We look forward to seeing your families there for this evening of good food, great music and community fellowship.  Details will follow.

Membership Special Appeal: I ask every current member to bring at least one neighbor to our next meeting and to join; we need double our numbers and clout in 2017.  Please join or rejoin GHCA.   The Membership is $25 for the calendar year.  Now more than ever your participation and membership is needed to support the continued efforts of GHCA to represent your interests before Maryland/Howard County government, development interests, and community events.