Arnold Preservation Group To Host Forum on Rezoning

When it comes to the march of development, Arnold Preservation Council believes in the old adage “forewarned is forearmed.”

With Anne Arundel County’s once-a-decade comprehensive rezoning process now underway, the group that keeps tabs on the growth effect on local communities and the environment is throwing open the doors at its May membership meeting for the public to discuss how proposed zoning changes could affect the character of the community in the future.

“Rezoning in Arnold, Severna Park and Broadneck – What Does that Mean for You?” is the title of the rezoning workshop that will be held from 7:30 to 9 p.m. tonight [May 9] at Chesapeake Academy, 1185 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd.

The free event will include presentations by the Arnold Preservation Council, the Broadneck Council of Communities, the Greater Severna Park Council and the Magothy River Association.

Arnold was once a sleepy farming village before Ritchie Highway was built and residential and commercial growth brought increased traffic and congestion to the area.

Of the 50 rezoning applications received by the county Office of Planning and Zoning for District 5, 17 are for properties along Ritchie Highway. Most applicants are seeking to have their properties “upzoned” to allow for higher-density development.

“The highway is so crowded, if you put more commercial on it’s going to draw more traffic,” said APC President Lucy Iliff.

Of the remaining rezoning requests, 19 are in the Broadneck area and 14 are in Severna Park. Perhaps none has been discussed more than the Jordan property, just north of Arnold Station. It is currently zoned R1 and owners have applied for commercial C3 zoning.

Other properties in the hopper for a potential zoning change include the Forthofer property, where Honeysuckle Quality Consignment is located, the Severna Park Golf Center, and a two-acre parcel next to Arnold Veterinary Hospital, all on Ritchie Higway, and the Cross Rhythm Church property on East College Parkway.

While all those properties have gone through the necessary steps in the rezoning process, Arnold resident Ann Fligsten is also concerned about changes that may come in at the last minute as amendments to the rezoning bills. 

“How do you get mobilized in two weeks? That’s where we’re going to put our emphasis with the new council people,” said Fligsten, coordinator of the Growth Action Network.

The County Council is currently deliberating on rezoning requests for properties in districts 1 and 4, in the northern and western parts of the county. Officials are expected to turn their attention to District 5 in July.

The Planning Advisory Board will hold a public hearing on July 27 and the actual bill will be introduced to the County Council on Aug. 1.  The council will have a work session to discuss the bill on Aug. 8 and public hearings will begin Sept. 6 and should conclude by the end of October.

In the meantime, citizens can find out more about the rezoning process and particular properties through this link: http://www.aacounty.org/PlanZone/LongRange/CompZone.cfm.

For more information about tonight’s rezoning workshop, visit the APC web site at www.preservearnold.org or call Lucy Iliff at 410-647–2466.