The county's land use map, which shows residential density, and its zoning map don't always coincide, a member of the land preservation group Friends of Harford told members of the Abingdon Community Council at their meeting Monday night.
As the deadline for Harford County's master plan grows closer, Friends of Harford's Morita Bruce continued her explanation of what the plan means to Abingdon residents.
Bruce focused on the land use map that is part of the current master plan and a zoning map from 2009. The land use map, Bruce explained, shows where low, medium and high intensity residential areas are in the community. The zoning map also shows where these areas are, but in more detail. The two don't always coincide, Bruce said.
"There's a lot of fuzziness in here," she said when comparing the two. That could cause issues when planning for potential businesses, such as a possible Walmart at the intersection of Route 924 and Plumtree Road, when it comes to business zoning laws. "Right now, they don't match up too well, especially in residential [areas]," she added. Bruce said Friends of Harford is asking the county for a more detailed land use map, that includes street names, to lessen the confusion.
The Cedarday development and the county's plan to extend Cedarday Drive toward Route 136, a hot topic for residents, was brought up by Cedarday homeowners association president Gerry Mannel.
Mannel said the community didn't know what zoning change requests there have been on the road expansion. Bruce explained the community should watch what happens to the development envelope, the concentrated area of development from Forest Hill to Route 40. If the envelope is expanded, there will be a possibility of a more dense population. Mannel expressed his frustration with the county, saying Harford County Executive David Craig and other officials aren't interested in what the community has to say about the expansion.
Bruce stressed the importance of residents leaving their comments on the master plan, which can be viewed on the Harford County government website. She added that the deadline is Oct. 10 and comments can be left for 10 days prior to the deadline. Abingdon chairperson Cynthia Hergenhahn said a link to the plan would be posted on the council's Facebook page.
"We're all in this together and the plan should look at it like we're all in this together," Bruce said.
Denise Lynch, administrative specialist for the comprehensive planning division for the planning and zoning department, also continued her rounds to the community councils announcing a new county sign removal program that will go into effect Oct. 1 and asking for volunteers. (Please see a story about new state laws that includes a similar measure on Page A1).
Community council member Michael Galumbeck said the initiative is "a very positive move."
The program will have residents from various communities remove illegally placed signs, such as yard sale or parks and recreation signs that are along state and county roads and obstructing rights of way or on median strips.
Lynch had spoken about the program at the Bush River Community Council meeting Sept. 19 and the Darlington/Dublin Community Council meeting last Wednesday and also asked for volunteers. For more information on the program, contact the planning and zoning department at 410-638-3103.