Residents, officials concerned about Riverdale project plan

BALTIMORE (Map, News) - A proposed 260-unit development in Columbia would create dangerous traffic conditions near Cedar Lane and damage an environmentally sensitive area, opponents said.

“It shouldn’t be touched,” said Bridget Mugane, president of the Howard County Citizen’s Association, referring to the land at Cedar Lane and Route 32.

Residents and elected officials are opposing the proposed Riverdale project, saying the development is too large for the 29-acre site, and Dale Thompson Builders’ plans for modifying the roads are inadequate.

Developers proposed adding a traffic light for cars exiting westbound on Route 32 onto northbound Cedar Lane, officials said. The double lane of traffic exits now without stopping, and community leaders said a change would lead to hazardous driving conditions.

“Requiring all traffic exiting MD 32 to proceed to a traffic signal, stop and then turn right onto Cedar Lane will likely back vehicles most or all the way up the ramp onto the highway,” wrote Hickory Ridge Village Board Chairman Gregg Schwind in a letter to county planners.

County planners are reviewing the proposal, which was submitted late last year, and making comments and seeking revisions where necessary, said Kim Flowers, deputy director for the Department of Planning and Zoning.

The State Highway Administration also is reviewing the plans as Route 32 is a state road.

“The county and SHA are in agreement that the development access at this intersection is problematic, and that is why the developer’s changes have not been approved,” said county spokesman Kevin Enright.

The project could also cause stormwater management problems and damage the landscape, which rises 40-feet above Cedar Lane and descends to the Middle Patuxent River, Mugane said.

Several members of the Howard delegation also opposed the project.

Del. Elizabeth Bobo, D-District 12B, said she was “very troubled” about the effect on traffic and the environment.

In a letter to County Executive Ken Ulman, Bobo and Sen. Edward Kasemeyer, D-District 12, urged county officials to re-evaluate the developer’s traffic study.

Dale Thompson Builders could not be reached for comment.

smichael@baltimoreexaminer.com

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