|
HVBF Monthly Meeting - Facilities,
Security, Transportation Roundtable Host: Loyola College in Maryland Attending: Doug Bareis, Broadmead, Inc. John Gontrum of member Whiteford, Taylor & Preston, L.L.P. led our discussion on zoning in the Hunt Valley area. The focus was on the nature and the effects on businesses in the area. Since the last re-zoning many issues that were on the table died and new issues have developed. Businesses do not have to wait for the four year cycle to file requests for zoning changes. The process has been altered to permit changes within the four-year cycle. There is a trend to go back to a previous zoning process that would allow residences to be developed in close proximity to office space. This allowance would encourage living close to work. This would favorably impact the transportation dilemma we see every day as workers drive considerable distances to get to work. A good example of this trend is Highview at Hunt Valley. A discussion with Diane Leach and Barbara Stockton at Highview reveals that many of their buyers work in the immediate area and are very happy with the opportunity. This is certainly a practical example of the value of a well-designed zoning process that leads to solutions of current issues. Thanks to John for an excellent discussion of a timely matter. Lt. Marty Lurz gave us our monthly public safety report. The good news is that burglaries in Hunt Valley are down. Marty attributes some of this due to the education and attention paid to the subject by the Forum. We attribute it to an outstanding precinct that really appreciates the value of business cooperation. This results in the lower crime rate. Marty reminds us to exercise locked door policies. Keep aware of the periodic incidents of indecent exposure in the vicinity of our schools. Suspicious individuals should be reported on 911, that’s what it’s for. Better to take action before an incident than report the results of inaction. Randall Scott of SHA gave the monthly road report. Randy always has handy the latest maps and information on road construction and traffic hints. Please visit www.mdroads.com for information on coming highway construction projects. Frances Flanagan talked to us about the Baltimore County Small Watershed Action Plan and the work of the Department of Environmental Protection and Resource Management. Management of run off in commercial areas will affect the water quality in Chesapeake Bay. If you are interested in supporting this program or in just getting more information, please contact Frances at frances.flanigan@verizon.net. |