Quirk Opposes Belle Grove Road Zone Change
Councilman Tom Quirk said Thursday that he is opposed to upgrading the zoning at 11 South Belle Grove Road, but hasn't made a decision on if development should be allowed on the property.
A property owner will not get the zoning he wanted for a controversial proposed townhome development on a 3-acre parcel in the Catonsville community of Paradise.
Councilman Tom Quirk said he is rejecting a request by Carl Kozoil to rezone the property at 11 South Belle Grove Road to allow more than 10 homes per acre. The current zoning allows for about 3 homes per acre.
Quirk told Patch Thursday that he hasn't decided about what the zoning classification should be changed to, however.
"It's important to maintain the character of the neighborhood," he said, but added that the land is zoning for some type of development.
Paradise Community Association President Stuart Merenbloom told Patch Thursday that the association is opposed to all development of the three acres.
"We don't want anything on that historic property," he said.
The proposed townhomes were to be built on the historic caretaker's home.
The change is part of the Comprehensive Zoning Map Process, which occurs every four years. Property owners can request changes to zoning. The zoning changes are first reviewed by the Baltimore County Planning Board and then the Baltimore County Council.
At several community meetings this spring and summer, a majority of residents in Paradise have spoken out against the zoning change.
At a planning board hearing in March, Paradise resident Jimmy Laughlin said the higher level of density would negatively impact the community. A portion of the 3 acres is not developed and is one of the few open spaces in the area, he said.
Laughlin and his partner Brad Sweet purchased the historic Belle Grove Estate in 2011, which abuts the property and was built in 1871.
The Baltimore County Council is scheduled to vote on 39 separate zoning issues that amount to 263 acres in the first council district on Aug. 27. In zoning votes, the council's recommendations are almost always what is approved by the entire council.
OpenEyes
8:38 pm on Thursday, July 12, 2012
I applaud Quirks decision in this particular zoning matter. I'm wondering, however, is it accurate to characterize Mr. Kozoil as a "developer"? Checking the campaign fianance database, it appears that he doesn't fit the developer profile of a prolific donor. Does he hire the land use attorneys that fund raise for council members? How will Quirk fare with requests by major developer player St. John's Properties or Elizabeth Parahm's request (who has given Quirk $4000) who is being represented by Gildea Schmidt (who raised thousands for the councilperson). Even Whalen Properties is requesting a zoning change for land he doesn't even own. One good decision won't excuse other bad decisions that have been made or might be made later.
Penny Riordan
11:37 pm on Thursday, July 12, 2012
OpenEyes, thanks, the story was changed and now says property owner.
Arbutus Town Crier
9:58 am on Friday, July 13, 2012
I'm still waiting for some action in 21229 I don't know whats going on in our little area? I heard he was in this area, but for what? I haven't seen any changes I will have to get the information. I'm wondering what hes doing with slumlords in 21229.A slumlord is an unscrupulous landlord who milks a property without concern for tenants, neighborhoods or their own long term interests. Slumlords overcharge for property in poor neighborhoods that is kept in poor repair and allowed to deteriorate. Some indicators of property run by a slumlord include number of police calls, and city and county code violations on the properties.
The following is an example of a state statute defining slumlord property:
that are a danger to the health or safety of the public. The rumor that tenets call police 3 times there evicted may have some truth, Plus the buildings have never been upgraded since they been built and would never pass codes http://definitions.uslegal.com/s/slumlord/ I will find out what Quirk does about them. I don't have to name the place EVERYONE KNOWS! or if anyone want guess the names of the Apartments ur welcome to post your guess!
RARE MARYLAND INDEPENDENT
8:11 pm on Saturday, July 14, 2012
Nothing that can't be solved by a contribution to "Friends of Tom Quirk" or the opening of a nice investment account.