County Council Approves Zoning Changes, Grant for Training Program

Despite claims that many of the zoning changes are poor planning and not in line with the county’s vision, the Anne Arundel County County passed all zoning proposals for Districts 6 and 7 by unanimous vote on Tuesday.

The council reviewed the latest round of the revised comprehensive zoning plan. Councilman Jerry Walker (R-District 7) alone proposed 11 amendments to zoning changes, while Councilman Chris Trumbauer (D-District 6) had only two. Walker was advocating for more dense commercial zoning in several areas of his district.

All 13 proposals, with amendments included, passed. Walker said additional amendments should be expected before a final vote in August.

Loosened Pier Docking Laws Rejected

The council rejected a bill proposed by Walker that would have loosened the rules for docked boats on private piers.

Similar to his zoning amendments, Walker couldn’t win support with the Anne Arundel County Planning and Zoning office.

Walker’s legislation had proposed to remove a 30-day limit for guests of a private pier owner to dock their boats. He said he was primarily making the change because there’s a lack of access to waterways for boats. The days of ample public boat ramps are long gone, he indicated.

Planning and Zoning Officer Larry Tom criticized Walker’s proposal, calling it bad legislation. He said the change would have created a field day for nuisance makers at piers, making the jobs of code enforcers much more difficult.

 “With the passage of this bill you’re taking away all restrictions on these private piers, so that we have no ability to respond to any complaints should we get them,” Tom said.

Walker shot back that Tom was incorrect, and that his bill did restrict the number of boats and their length.

Trumbauer suggested that Walker meet with planning officials and work out an agreement so that both sides could have their concerns addressed. But Walker said he’d already met with them, but couldn’t come to any agreement.

In the end, the council struck down the legislation by a vote of 2-5, with only Walker and Councilman Daryl Jones (D-District 1) voting in favor of it.

Grant for Training Program Approved

The county’s Office of Emergency Management wants to apply for a $10,000 grant through the Department of Homeland Security to provide more equipment to its Citizen Corps program.

The program launched in the wake of 9/11 and helps to train and coordinate locals in the event of an emergency. Whether it’s a snowstorm, search and rescue operation, or a hurricane, these citizens are prepared to lend a hand.

Capt. Eric Hodge, of the Office of Emergency Management, said the $10,357 being applied for will go toward training and equipment for the program. He estimates up to 500 residents have gone through the program since its inception, and it has proved useful in coordinating help among the community in disaster events such as Hurricane Isabel.

Corps members ultimately answer to the Office of Emergency Management in the event of a disaster.

The council gave its support to the grant pursuit by a unanimous vote.

The next council meeting is scheduled for July 18 at 7 p.m.