SOME MEMBERS of the group putting together the Crownsville small area plan have a very clear idea of their area's future: They want it to remain much as it is. They want Crownsville to stay primarily a wooded residential and rural place, free of large commercial developments and new subdivisions.

Their desire is understandable. The Crownsville plan, part of a countywide review, covers the area roughly bounded by the majestic Severn River on the east, Route 32 and St. Stephens Church Road on the west and U.S. 50-301 on the south. It is a section that some would say is ideal for development because of its location near Annapolis and access to major roads, including Interstate 97.

Residents have seen development overwhelm similar communities, particularly in commercial Parole nearby. They also want to avoid the situation that exists to the south in Davidsonville, where residents believe sprawl from Crofton is headed their way and will eventually overwhelm the rural environment.

To maintain the status quo, the Crownsville small area committee wants Anne Arundel officials to strike language in the zoning code that allows for changing a property's zoning designation if the area around it has had a "change in character." For Crownsville, eliminating this rationale for rezoning a property would effectively thwart most future development. For the rest of the county, however, it would create a hurdle so high that officials would be unable to make rational land-use decisions.

The proposed plan contains some well-considered elements, such as creation of a South Shore hiker-biker trail and a "green cathedral" on the Severn, that have a good chance of making the the final plan. But residents should understand that blanket policies precluding rezoning are not likely to survive this review process, much less a legal challenge -- and don't deserve to.

Pub Date: 12/03/98