Quirk Declines Upzone of 45 Acre Keech Road Property

CATONSVILLE, MD (August 22, 2012) – Councilman Tom Quirk has declined to up-zone the property located at the end of Keech Road in the Relay area.

Gun Road Historical & Preservation Association President Paul Donoghue recalled that, “Mr. Mehta (the property owner) made a presentation to a well attended community association meeting in March.  The overwhelming majority of residents – all but 1 family – responded in a follow up survey that they preferred to keep the zoning as it is which is RC5.” Continuing, Mr. Donoghue added, “the tightly knit Gun Road neighborhood is pleased and grateful for all of the assistance and guidance which Councilman Quirk has provided.”

The property represents issue number 1-007 on the list of comprehensive zoning issues for the 2012 cycle. The almost 45 acre property off Rolling Road is currently zoned RC 5, a rural residential designation. CBM, LLC requested an up zone to DR1 for the purpose of constructing over 40 single-family homes on the property which is adjacent to Patapsco State Park. 

“Forty plus homes on Keech Road would have been disruptive to Keech and Gun Road, so I saw no reason to upzone such a large property on what feels like a rural neighborhood, ” said Councilman Quirk. “I think maintaining the current zoning protects the current owner’s investment and allows for modest, limited growth while maintaining the integrity of the neighborhood and the adjacent park.”

Comprehensive rezoning, known as CZMP, occurs once every four years. Any interested party can initiate the request including the property owner, community associations or the County. In the 1st council district there are 39 separate CZMP issues with a combined area of approximately 263 acres. The process takes approximately one year and includes public input meetings, planning board hearings and a final vote by the County Council. The vote is scheduled for August 28th.