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Proposed development frustrates smart-growth advocates
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Related Topics: BALTIMORE
BALTIMORE (Map, News) - A group of urban planners, community activists and politicians met this week in Baltimore to brainstorm ways to halt a proposed 935-acre housing and retail development dubbed Terrapin Run.
The land is zoned for agriculture and conservation, but a special exception granting permission to developers was upheld by the Maryland Court of Appeals in March. Opponents questioned the point of counties having comprehensive plans for development if they are not followed.
Terrapin Run, near Flintstone in eastern Allegheny County, would include 4,300 homes and a 125,000 -square-foot shopping mall, but it has no water or sewer system.
“[Special exceptions] were intended to be a very limited tool. This is an example of a misuse of that tool,” said Fern Dannis, an urban planner and smart-growth activist present at the meeting. “It’s really a shame.”
Opponents argue that the area is in “the middle of nowhere” and far away from schools and jobs. Developers say it is marketed toward “active adults” commuting to jobs in Frederick or Gaithersburg — 70 and 90 miles away, respectively — and would bring much-needed growth to the economically depressed county.
“The property had been on the market for years, and when a developer proposed a rather large development, everybody went crazy,” said Robert Paye, an attorney for the developer, PDC Inc. of Columbia. “Well, it’s not [crazy].”
Those attending this week’s meeting, sponsored by advocacy group 1000 Friends of Maryland, have vowed to fight the development.
William C. Wantz, a lawyer representing locals in the development area, said the project was likely doomed.
“I don’t believe there’s a market for this special exception,” he said. “I imagine you could give this developer half of what he paid for it and he’d sell it to you. With this real estate economy and gas prices, failure looms large over this as a proposition.”
carrie.wells@baltimoreexaminer.com
