Rezoning: Residential or Commercial Near Amberfield?

Councilman Jerry Walker (R-Crofton) recently submitted amendments for Bill 44-11, addressing the Comprehensive Rezoning of Districts 6 and 7, to the County Council. These amendments largely addressed up-zoning of parcels.

Comprehensive rezoning differs from piecemeal rezoning in that it is a legislative rather than an administrative process. Neighbors are not notified of changes and the changes cannot be appealed. Zoning changes the County Council approves are final.

One change in Crofton would convert the wooded property on the corner of Martha Greenleaf Drive and Davidsonville Road from R5 to C3. Martha Greenleaf Drive is the only access road to the community of Amberfield, a small neighborhood of 44 town homes.

Chuck Shepherd of the Amberfield HOA said, “we are seeking an application to keep the land R5, or in the alternative, dedicate it as open space.” He went on to say, “We hope that Councilman Walker will submit our application for amendment, CC-15 written by residents on behalf of the Amberfield Homeowners Association.” The next County Council meeting is on July 18th. Any applications must be accepted before the Bill expires on August 18th.

Walker met with some of the residents of the Amberfield community. “They have complained that there would not be a buffer between their community and the potential commercial development and you can see from the aerial with the lot lines that there is in fact a buffer of fully mature trees that already exists between the parcel line and the community,” said the Gambrills resident, Walker.

“They also expressed grave concern over a commercial structure that will result in a dramatically larger volume of traffic. I believe the lot size totals 22,000 sq feet according to the for sale/lease sign on the corner. In my view the impact would be minimal and if it ends up being a dental office the traffic would be largely during Monday – Friday work hours. The theory that commercial development will trickle up Rt 424 is unlikely because most of the lots that are on 424 are the backs of neighborhoods and homes that are already developed--with the exception of a couple of lots immediately adjacent to this lot and those are not being considered in this bill,” Walker added.

Amberfield resident Tressa Ellis said, “This is a great community that will be negatively affected by the increased traffic congestion, noise and trash that a business will bring if the corner property is up-zoned. I'm also worried that our community will not be as safe for our kids to run around outside and play.”

Niki Lloyd, also an Amberfield resident expressed concern that more commercial property next to the small community will decrease the property values. “While commercialization of Crofton is seen by many as a shot in the arm for a struggling economy, developments in the wrong locations are likely to decrease property values of nearby homes.”

What do you think...

Will redrawing the lines impact public safety,  house values and traffic congestion?