Special Projects
Special Projects are initiatives selected by the VPC board as key issues or concerns to be addressed. They may involve a special study, such as the Rural Road Design Standards study, or they may involve coordinating support or opposition to a specific policy, development, zoning change, or special exception request. Each special project must have a board sponsor who accepts responsibility for coordination of the effort and fundraising.
Special Projects do not utilize general operating funds, rather, any funding required is raised from members and other residents with the most direct concerns. Funds are often needed for consultants, expert witnesses, and/or legal counsel. Expenditures range from $500 to over $100,000 depending on the scope and complexity of the project. In cases where a legal process is involved, special projects can take a year or more to resolve. While sometimes time-consuming and expensive, special projects often set helpful precedents and avoid setting harmful precedents. The VPC has had many successes that have helped maintain our influence and reinforced our presence as a knowledgeable and engaged force in the county.
Rural Road Design Standards Study
In October 2008, the Baltimore County Council adopted Rural Road Design Standards. The new standards stemmed from a report and recommendations by the Valleys Planning Council and are now part of the Department of Public Works Design Manual.
Learn more.BGE Substation
Residents of Kemp Road and the surrounding area received shocking news in late 2010 when they discovered that the 90-acre Camp Holiday property had been sold to BGE. BGE plans to build a very large regional substation, called the Emory Grove Substation, that will have both a 500kV yard and a 230 kV yard and connect to the existing power line that cuts through this area and is adjacent to the former Camp Holiday property.
Learn more.Pleasant Grove Subdivision
The owner of the former Caples property on Pleasant Grove Road has a development plan for a major subdivision. The property contains several parcels and is located within the Piney Run Rural Legacy Area. The number of actual density units and buildable lots is the subject of discussions among the owner, concerned neighbors, and the VPC staff.
Learn more.Rainbow Hall
Earlier this year, the VPC filed a petition requesting a special hearing to challenge the use of a property zoned RC2 for apartment rentals. The property, Rainbow Hall (aka Rainbow Hill), is located at 10729 Park Heights Ave., in Owings Mills. The site features a historic 1917 mansion, two ranchers, and a cottage.
Learn more.Stream Buffer Participation
The VPC is working with the Soil Conservation District, Prettyboy Watershed Alliance, Sparks-Glencoe Community Planning Council and other groups to evaluate why land owners are reluctant to take advantage of free or subsidized buffer planting programs.
Learn more.
