The community remains divided on the merits of the Promenade, a proposed mixed-use development in Catonsville more than a decade in the works, according to public comments at a zoning hearing June 16.
If the County Council approves a proposed rezoning of 14.75 acres of land on West Kenwood Avenue, it could pave the way for the development to become a reality.
The change from residential and residential/office land to "business major," which is being proposed by developer Whalen Properties, would pave the way for the Promenade, as the developer can combine the land with a piece of "business major" zoned land it already owns, developer Steve Whalen said in a previous interview.
But as far as what this rezoning could bring, there was much disagreement.
The hearing last week in front of the County Council was the second chance the public had to speak on proposed zoning changes in Baltimore County's first district. In March, the public was able to speak in front of the county's planning board, which recommended the change.
The rezoning is part of the Comprehensive Zoning Map Process, which occurs every four years and allows any citizen to request a zoning change.
Supporters of the proposal said it could bring jobs, a needed millennial presence and increased business to the area.
Several business community members from past and present spoke in support of the project, which included a letter of support from the Greater Catonsville Chamber of Commerce.
The former members of the Catonsville business community said they had growing businesses in Catonsville but ultimately moved elsewhere because the area could not attract a larger, younger workforce, particularly those of the age who wanted to start families.
Scott Westcoat, owner of The Hub/C'ville Bikes shop on Frederick Road, said he'd consider opening a location in the Promenade to support his own business.
He believes the Promenade can bring in new life and energy into the community.
"Millennials these days all want something different, just as Frederick Road was something different back when it first (opened)," Westcoat said.
Catonsville resident Paul Dongarra said he did not oppose the idea of the Promenade, but he was against the rezoning because it could lead to a slippery slope.
"The problem is, once this property is upzoned, as you all well know, (Whalen Properties) can take the plan … and go into Spring Grove (Hospital Center)," he said.
Since 2004, Whalen Properties has been planning the mixed-use development next to the University of Baltimore County campus and had considered using state-owned land at Spring Grove. In March, Whalen said the Promenade could be a "viable development project" without the Spring Grove land.
Dongarra believes if that happens, the county would have to front as much as $22 million of taxpayer money to develop the property, which would be repaid in lieu of property taxes.
"We will not see one penny of property taxes (from the Promenade) for 30 years," he said.
Others who opposed the rezoning, such as Catonsville resident Brian Wagner, said the mixed-use development was not needed.
Within a 15-mile radius of the proposed location are three malls, five movie theaters, nine gourmet grocery stores, 102 hotels and an abundance of office space and housing, he said.
He believed the rezoning would limit opportunities for a quality medical facility, as well as parks and recreation land. He added that he thought it would attract and bring in more crime and be a burden on existing infrastructure.
"Why do we need one more mixed-use development?" he asked.
The County Council is expected to review applications before voting on them by Sept. 16. New maps will be produced in November.
Reporter Rachael Pacella contributed to this story.
This story has been corrected to update the number of hotels cited by Brian Wagner, who testified at the hearing.