The Baltimore County Council unanimously passed Bill 37-19 on Tuesday, which removes loopholes in Baltimore County’s open space law that have substantially reduced the amount of public open space that development projects Council Chair Tom Quirk and Councilman David Marks were co-sponsors of the bill.
“Proud to have cosponsored this bipartisan bill with Councilman Tom Quirk that eliminates loopholes and should lead to more open space,” Marks said in a social media post.
“The single amendment makes the bill prospective – but only for a small number of projects where a plan is under review. Some builders wanted it to go into effect as late as 2020.”
Barbara L. Hopkins, Executive Director of the non-profit group Neighborhood Open, was happy that the bill passed unanimously through the council.
“None of this was easy for anyone and I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to those who testified, submitted written testimony, emailed, called, donated, and offered advice, especially as summer vacations and the start of the school year demanded your attention. [H]istory dealt our County an open space hand that years ago created a huge open space deficit. That deficit has had an increasingly negative effect on the livability of our communities over time when it comes to things like places for kids to safely play, storm water management, and home values,” Hopkins said in a statement.
“These facts demand less confrontation and more collaboration among government, nonprofits, County residents, and members of the development community if we are serious about addressing the livability challenges that exist today in communities inside the URDL. I am hopeful that, tonight, we took a big step in that direction and, on behalf of our board of directors, thank you for your efforts on behalf of the bill and your continued support.”
