A recently published survey of the Freedom area in South Carroll showed its residents are affluent, educated and commuting to jobs outside the county.
Of the 1,790 residents who responded, 73 percent have household annual incomes greater than $50,000; 53 percent had completed college; and 80 percent work in Baltimore and the surrounding metropolitan counties.
And they are becoming more politically aware. More than 300 attended information sessions recently on the county's plan to guide growth in Freedom for the next two decades.
When the county began its revision of the Freedom Area Comprehensive Plan, the planning department mailed about 8,350 surveys to residents of the unincorporated area of 28,000 people. About 22 percent responded to the 15 questions on family background, lifestyle and the need for services.
"A 10 percent response is considered average by demographers," said Raj B. Williams, county planner. "Twenty-two percent is a great response."
Most said they had moved to Freedom for the affordable homes, open spaces and schools. And they decided to stay: The average duration of residence was 17 years.
About 72 percent of the land in the 47-square-mile area is privately owned and 80 percent of the residents live in single-family homes. Much of the public land is state-owned, including about 800 acres at the Springfield Hospital Center on Route 32.
For 21 years, the county has directed growth to its eight towns and Freedom. Growth in South Carroll was supposed to follow a 1977 plan. But roads, schools and other services have not kept pace as the population doubled.
Commercial development along Route 26 has created a string of traffic signals and nearly 100 points of access from Route 32 to the Baltimore County line. The intersection of routes 32 and 26, the heart of the community, is one of the worst for accidents and delays in the county.
"Basically, there was a lack of commitment to the plan," said Steve Horn, bureau chief of planning. "We have to get that commitment."
Most schools -- five elementaries, two middle schools and Liberty High School -- are surrounded by portable classrooms. The newest elementary opened at capacity in September.
The volunteer fire company is overburdened, particularly with the proliferation of senior housing in Freedom.
The survey asked residents to help create a vision for the future of their neighborhoods. It dealt with roads and schools as well as the more mundane aspects of daily life, such as the sidewalks and pedestrian corridors favored by nearly 40 percent.
The survey reflected dissatisfaction with what residents perceive inadequate school funding and police coverage, which is provided through the Maryland State Police resident trooper program. The replies called for expanded library services, better recreation facilities and more activities for youth.
When asked to rank their recreation preferences, residents listed tennis courts, golf courses and equestrian facilities.
Residents expressed a strong desire to preserve forested and agricultural areas, particularly the Liberty Reservoir watershed.
Almost 60 percent said preservation of the area's physical environment is more important than economic and industrial development. An equal number called agriculture a viable business that should be encouraged.
But many said they would like to work closer to home. Most have a 45-minute commute, with 30 percent traveling to Baltimore and 43 percent to other destinations, such as Columbia, Frederick and Washington. Less than 13 percent work in South Carroll.
The survey results are published in the Freedom Area Comprehensive Plan, which is available at county libraries and on the Internet at http: //www.carr.org/carroll/govt/depts/DPD/freedom/freemain.htm/.
Officials will use the results to "determine the types of facilities desired by the residents in the community and the needs of the population," the plan said.
Pub Date: 12/13/98
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