Project Description

UPDATE

The first three days of hearings before the Administrative Law Judge were held in September. Testimony from County employees was heard regarding traffic and sewer issues. Further hearings were held October 27 and 28, and November 1, during which the developer finished presenting its case. Protestants opened their case with testimony from community members and presented information regarding the impact of traffic on the adjoining neighborhoods and other concerns on December 5 and 7. Additional testimony was presented January 10 and February 10, 2023. The final day of hearings should be March 27.

The Valleys Planning Council is assisting several neighborhoods near the proposed development to present information showing why the site is not appropriate for 60 additional homes. Nearly 200 residents and other concerned parties have signed our petition opposing this development; this petition was presented as evidence of community sentiment.

Please make a tax-deductible contribution to fund expenses related to legal representation and expert witness. Send a check to VPC, PO Box 5402, Towson, MD 21285 and add “Greenspring Station” in the memo line, or click the “Make a Contribution Online” button, below, to pay with credit/debit card.

BACKGROUND

Greenspring Manor is a 61-home development planned by Atapco Properties for 2310 West Joppa Road, next to Greenspring Station on the Lankford property. Impact is anticipated on neighborhoods including Heatherfield, The Meadows, Boxwood, and Seminary Ridge.

The property is zoned for the intended use. VPC is opposing the development because of traffic, sewer, and potential environmental issues.

The Falls Road/Joppa Road intersection is failing. Based on that, the county is precluded from allowing the development. Atapco has shown plans to improve the intersection. It claims that even with increased traffic resulting from the development, the intersection would no longer be rated F. It is unclear what effect the improvements will have on two other failing intersections, Falls/Greenspring Valley and Falls/West Seminary.

Atapco’s plans show Mays Chapel Road to be blocked off by removable bollards. It is unclear if or for how long that road would remain blocked. Keeping it blocked would increase traffic for some neighborhoods and decrease it for others.

Atapco also has plans to replace two failing sections of sewer, upgrading from 8” lines to 12” lines. Six more sections of sewer were supposed to be replaced several years ago. It is not clear if and when, or by whom, those sections will be replaced and upgraded, or if that will entirely eliminate the sewer issues.

VPC has been following the county’s hearings on this development and is prepared to challenge decisions made that violate established development standards.

Make a tax-deductible contribution to VPC to help offset expenses related to this special project. VPC has retained an attorney and expert witnesses as appropriate. All contributions fund legal expenses and expert witnesses.

Please send a check to VPC, PO Box 5402, Towson, MD 21285 and add Greenspring Station in the memo line, or click “Make a Contribution Online” to pay with credit/debit card.