The following article has been submitted by 5th District Councilman David Marks about his support of a bill to protect scenic byways
Baltimore County Councilman David Marks has voted in favor of a bill sponsored by Councilman Izzy Patoka which will prohibit warehouses in the Business Major Zone along designated Maryland Scenic Byways.
This bill will protect Scenic Byways by preventing the construction of new warehouses and self-storage facilities.
Currently, warehouses and self-storage facilities are generally permitted in the B.M. Zone.
The new bill will prohibit these uses along the following designated Maryland Scenic Byways in Baltimore County:
· The Star-Spangled Banner Byway, along MD 295 in Halethorpe and continuing through Baltimore City to North Point Road in Dundalk;
· The Historic National Road, along Frederick Road in Catonsville;
· The Falls Road Byway, along Falls Road from the City-County line to the Carroll County-Baltimore County line;
· The Horses and Hounds Byway, along several roads in northern Baltimore County;
· The Mason and Dixon Byway, along several roads in northern Baltimore County; and
· The Baltimore Historic Charles Street, along Charles Street in Towson.
“I thank Councilman Marks for his support of this bill,” stated Councilman Izzy Patoka, sponsor of the legislation.
The entire Council supported the bill, with Councilmen Patoka, Marks, Mike Ertel, and Todd Crandell supporting a key amendment.
“In northeastern Baltimore County, we have several routes renowned for their beauty,” commented Councilman Marks. “I will do all I can to support their preservation.”
Councilman Marks has consistently supported protecting the county’s natural beauty. He has also sponsored Question A, an upcoming charter change that will make it more difficult to build in rural communities.