9/30 UPDATE Stop the Harford Rd Overlay (bill 25-0093)

Dear Neighbors and Supporters,

Every email, phone call, conversation, and signature matters. Thank you for your participation and signing our petition. Let's keep the momentum going. The next few weeks are critical!

Where We Stand: 
Last week, despite significant opposition, the Land Use & Transportation Committee voted to advance Overlay Bill 25-0093 to the full City Council. Several amendments were added the same day as the hearing. Although people did not get a chance to read the amendments, one change reduced the height limit from 6 stories to 4.

This week (September 28) the full Council also voted to move the bill forward for a final vote, which will take place in the coming weeks. However, one-third of the Council members (5 out of 15) DID NOT SUPPORT the measure (3 voted NO, 2 abstained, 1 absent). This demonstrates growing concern within the Council and our advocacy can make a difference.

What We Want
We support responsible investment and revitalization. What we oppose is moving forward without the information, planning, and community engagement needed to make informed decisions. We are calling for:

• Community Input: Meaningful engagement, real dialogue, and a voice in decisions that affect our neighborhoods and main streets.          
• Studies and Analysis: Updated Harford Road Corridor Study, with recommendations backed by data. A Comprehensive Impact Study evaluating how proposed zoning changes and new development will alter the infrastructure, environment, economy, and daily quality of life in our communities.        
• A Plan: A community-centered plan that provides a thoughtful and transparent path for implementing changes recommended by the studies. 

WHAT TO DO

Call or email City Council Members (Again) this week. Urge them to vote NO or Abstain on Overlay Bill 25-0093. Please thank the council members who voted no or abstained as they may help to swing the vote. We’re close and just need 8 members to vote against/abstain. 

•  Spread the Word. Share the petition and talk with neighbors, friends, and community organizations about what is at stake. We have almost 500 signatures and counting.                          
• Stay Engaged. Keep the pressure on. The coming weeks will be critical. The more residents who speak up, the harder it becomes to ignore our concerns.