Seven Courts Woods Proposed for Downzoning

A wooded property on in Perry Hall is being considered for downzoning—a move that would essentially prevent a housing development from taking its place.

announced on Monday his plan to downzone a 8.7-acre wooded property north of the from DR 3.5 to DR 1.

"At the present level of zoning, more than 25 homes could be built at the property, irrespective of environmental conditions," Marks wrote in an email to constituents. "I am proposing to downzone the land to DR 1, which is the lowest level permitted for residential development."

The property is owned by Baltimore County, and there are currently no plans to sell it for development, Marks stated.

"I am talking to the county administration about future options for this site, but for now, the zoning will give a peace of mind to Seven Courts residents who like this natural setting in their community," he added.

Nearly in Perry Hall is being considered for downzoning as part of the 2012 Comprehensive Zoning Map Process, which reexamines zoning designations every four years. Marks has also proposed about in Perry Hall, which virtually prevents any future development of those properties.

Previous efforts by Marks to have been met with resistance from the Baltimore County Office of Planning.

"It devalues the property," said Donnell Zeigler, the Fifth District's representative of the Office of Planning, adding that the county could potentially use the Seven Courts property in a future land swap.

"For the most part, the county rarely sells property. Even if it does, it must go through a long process with the county executive and County Council ... it's still protected," Zeigler said.

The volunteer citizen advisory , however, has given its approval to nearly all of Marks' recent downzoning proposals, according to county logs.

Community feedback, the Office of Planning, the Planning Board, Marks' stance and the opinions of other councilmembers are each factored into the CZMP. The County Council is scheduled to vote on the final zoning map by Sept. 16.

Community members with questions about proposed zoning changes are encouraged to contact Marks' office at dmarks@baltimorecountymd.gov or by calling 410-887-3384.