History Becomes Hot Issue in Town Planning

Odenton’s past will likely play a bigger role in the development of at least one new project in town, after recent meetings involving planners, developers and historic preservationists.

The (OHS) earlier this month met with members of the to provide an overview of how the town’s historic district should guide new development in town.

The came after members of the heritage society to build on a plot of land near North Patuxent Road and Becknel Avenue According to the society, there are provisions in the Odenton Town Center Master Plan that have been overlooked for too long.

“This meeting was intended to let the OHS speak about the importance of preserving the historic district and to fill in background information that the committee needs to know in order to apply the special provisions in the master plan,” society chairman Roger White said in an email.

The town center historic district includes several blocks in the area of Odenton Road and North Patuxent Road, plus several side streets in the area of the MARC station.

White presented a series of maps, museum displays and photographs to help the committee understand what is significant about the historic district. Committee chairman Don Price said members learned more about some of the historic buildings in the area and the role the district could play in guiding development.

“I think we better understand the concept behind the desire to preserve that area, and what it means to being an integral part of the development of the Odenton Town Center,” committee chairman Donald Price said.

The committee did not discuss The Hogan Cos.’ plans for development during its meeting with the heritage society.

However, Price did meet separately with Hogan officials and county planners last week to discuss the historic district and its role in the project.

“I think [the county is] being fair,” Price said after the meeting, which included a historian from the county. “They are looking at it from the literal perspective of what the plan says, but also looking at it from the same perspective as the committee, which is that you have to have some flexibility.”

The Hogan Cos. has twice presented plans to the town center committee for homes at the North Patuxent site, but has not received final approval for any project. Executive Vice President Tim Hogan said things are only in the concept stage.

Both the heritage society and the Hogan Cos. are scheduled to appear before the town center committee at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 29 at the in Odenton.

“There’s got to be compromise on everyone’s part, and I’ve asked them to work to that end,” Price said.