We, residents of Reisterstown and Baltimore County, Maryland are deeply concerned about the proposed Baltimore County zoning change Issue 4-017, at Berrymans Lane and Deer Park Road. The proposed change is for a change-of-use from Rural Conservation zoning to Business Major zoning to allow development of a Trucking Facility over the 4.5 acres. If the change goes through, the company could plan to spread their development onto the land under the power lines, possibly covering up to 10+ acres in this rural, protected zone. The change would allow for Business Major zoning in an area that is completely rural conservancy, disrupting the tranquility of our neighborhood and the environmental balance in this preservation area. This change absolutely defies all zoning standards of Baltimore County.

This proposed change is completely contrary to the Baltimore County Master Plan, recently ratified for 2030. The Baltimore County Master Plan provides definite delineation (URDL) which aims to protect and enhance rural areas while directing development into specified urban areas (source: Baltimore County Government). Not only is this zoning proposal outside of the URDL, but this area is also on well and septic, without any plans for city water or sewer. The roads are rural, narrow, without shoulders, curb, gutter or sidewalks. This area has been deemed NOT APPROPRIATE for large, commercial business development since the building of Liberty Reservoir and the adoption of present zoning classifications in the 1970s.

Business Major development has been diverted away from this rural area of Reisterstown, as it borders the Liberty Reservoir and Soldiers Delight Nature Preserve. Since 1990, business development has been redirected to the Owings Mills New Town area, serviced by I-795, Franklin Blvd, Red Run Blvd and Dolfield Blvd. The area where they propose to put a Trucking Facility is landlocked,and will require development of easements for ingress/egress, while still remaining several miles from a highway interchange and two miles from a street with even a shoulder.

The impact on local wildlife would be devastating if this zoning change was to happen. According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, such drastic changes could lead to habitat loss for various species (source: Maryland DNR). Headwaters of the Red Run Stream and natural wetlands are present in this area and would be ruined by new Business Major development. This land borders Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area, a serpentine barren, home to rare plants and animals. This area is prone to fires and was the site of a large forest fire just over a year ago. Allowing industrial development in this area seems irresponsible, destructive, and dangerous.

There would also be negative impacts to the existing homes and residents. This proposed Trucking Facility would bring large amounts of truck traffic with increased noise pollution and traffic congestion. These trucks, traveling day and night, along narrow, winding, rural roads would be extremely hazardous to joggers and bicyclists. The intersections required to access this area are not made to accommodate regular, large truck traffic, including the circle at Berrymans/Nicodemus; intersections of Berrymans/Church Roads and Berrymans/Deer Park Roads.  
We need your support now more than ever. Because we are in a “legislative” type of re-zoning process (once every four years) your vote is the deciding factor on the state of your neighborhood. By signing this petition, you are standing with us against this proposed zoning change that threatens our community's character and environmental integrity, and is the antithesis to the responsible, rural development of this area over the last 50+ years.

Let's make sure that our voices are heard loud and clear by Councilman Julian Jones and ALL of the Baltimore County Council that the PUBLIC is not in support of this change. We consider this an example of an IRRESPONSIBLE request without precedent, and without cause. 

THINGS TO DO:

1. Sign this petition

2. Attend County Council Public Hearing: Thursday June 6, 6:00pm, New Town High School. We need your presence!

3. Send emails to our ENTIRE County Council: (feel free to copy this text!)

**Julian Jones, District 4:  council4@baltimorecountymd.gov 

Pat Young, District 1:  council1@baltimorecountymd.gov 

Izzy Patoka, District 2: council2@baltimorecountymd.gov 

Wade Koch, District 3: council3@baltimorecountymd.gov 

David Marks, District 5: council5@baltimorecountymd.gov 

Mike Ertel, District 6: council6@baltimorecountymd.gov 

Todd Crandell, District 7: council7@baltimorecountymd.gov 

Thank you!! We hope to see you June 6th at the hearing!