My home, and the homes of my long-established neighbors and surrounding communities, border the beautiful expanse of the longstanding community staple of Wagner's Farm - a 76.11-acre plot currently under threat of rezoning. As residents of Harford County, its transformation from an exquisite farmland to a crammed residential neighborhood brings with it more than just a change in scenery. The owner of Wagner's Farm, currently zoned as Agricultural land, is requesting rezoning to R1, which could yield up to 200 single-family homes, smearing the landscape with 15,000-20,000 square foot lots.

The incumbents of this cherished land are not just humans, but an incredible array of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, a bustling bald eagle population, red foxes, great northern harriers, and great horned owls. Development in this manner will rob them of their sanctuary, making them collateral damage in a tale of unnecessary rezoning. As we strive towards preserving and conserving our environment, it is of utmost importance we ensure that rural pockets such as Wagner's Farm do not face the pitfalls of excessive urbanization.

Oppose Rezoning: Protect Our Community, Schools, and Environment

The proposed housing development on this property poses significant harm to the quality of life for our neighbors, local wildlife, and the surrounding community. It should not be considered for the following reasons:

Overburdened Schools: Harford County’s 2023 Annual Growth Report indicates that Prospect Mill Elementary could reach at least 96% capacity under this proposal, with projections likely exceeding this once the 2024 pupil yield study accounts for nearby developments. Overcrowded schools strain infrastructure and resources, forcing teachers to manage unmanageable class sizes, to the detriment of educational quality.

Neglecting Land Use Policies: According to Harford County’s Transfer of Development Rights program, agricultural properties over 20 acres are limited to 1 residential lot per 10 acres, allowing for only 7 residential lots on this property. This land lies outside Harford County’s designated "development envelope" and should not be prioritized for community development. The landowner’s desire for greater profit does not justify ignoring these guidelines.

Active Agricultural Use: This is not vacant land—it has been actively farmed for decades, most recently producing corn and soybeans. The soil is rich and fertile, providing valuable agricultural benefits that should be preserved for farming rather than replaced with housing developments.

Environmental Concerns: A watershed cuts through this property, yet no environmental studies have been presented, leaving the community in the dark about potential ecological impacts. This lack of due diligence underscores the disregard for environmental and community well-being.

Utility Burdens on Surrounding Neighborhoods: The surrounding communities rely on wells and septic systems. Introducing public water and sewer for the new development would force nearby residents to connect to these utilities at great personal expense. Additionally, residents would face ongoing regulated utility fees, exacerbating the rising cost of living.

Traffic and Infrastructure Strain: This property is bordered by Churchville Road (Route 22) and Prospect Mill Road, both of which are already burdened by significant traffic and well-documented infrastructure limitations. Adding over 200 homes to this area would further strain these roads, creating severe safety and congestion issues.

Moreover, such a development raises the alarming potential for nearby residents to face eminent domain, where their own land could be seized to accommodate unnecessary road expansions and infrastructure upgrades. This unjust encroachment on private property rights further underscores why this rezoning and development should not proceed.

This proposal not only threatens our schools, environment, and agricultural heritage but also imposes financial burdens on existing residents. We urge decision-makers to reject this rezoning request and protect the integrity of our community.

Rezoning Wagner's Farm would set a dangerous precedent, sacrificing the values of conservation, community, and responsible development that Harford County should uphold. It would replace thriving farmland and essential wildlife habitats with overcrowded neighborhoods, jeopardizing the character of our community, our environment, and the well-being of our neighbors. We cannot allow short-term profit for a few to outweigh the long-term benefits of preserving this land for agriculture, wildlife, and the generations of families who call this area home.

We stand united in opposition to this rezoning request, joined by all who value responsible land use and the preservation of our community’s heritage. We urge decision-makers to prioritize responsible land use, protect our schools and infrastructure, and preserve the rural beauty and environmental integrity of our county. This farmland deserves to remain a cornerstone of our agricultural heritage—not a casualty of unnecessary and detrimental development.

Please sign this petition in support of opposing zoning request E-009 for Harford County Maryland’s 2024/2025 Comprehensive Zoning Review.