Havre de Grace hears calls for proactive gateway planning as council introduces two zoning ordinances

Havre de Grace residents pressed city leaders on Tuesday to take a proactive approach to development at the city’s scenic Route 155 gateway even as the mayor and city council moved forward with two new zoning measures.

At public comment, members of a newly formed Coalition for Sensible Development and other residents urged the council to form a study or planning committee to guide development at the I‑95/MD‑155 interchange and nearby Bulle Rock Parkway. Al Petaroff told the council the gateway’s panoramic views of the Susquehanna River and Upper Bay are a defining feature of the city and asked the council to “protect this amazing vista before it’s too late.” Carol Zimmerman and Tammy Coit urged collaborative, city‑led charrettes and early engagement with landowners rather than reacting to piecemeal proposals.

The council, responding to the public, introduced two ordinances on first reading that it said are intended to implement the city’s 2025 comprehensive plan. Ordinance 12‑17 would add Article 11A, titled “Silver Housing Communities,” to the zoning code to establish standards for age‑restricted (55+) housing. Council member Jones said the article “establishes zoning standards and a discretionary legal framework to facilitate the development of age‑restricted housing that meets the needs of senior residents while remaining compatible with the city’s historic code.” The ordinance passed introduction on a 6‑0 roll‑call vote; a public hearing is scheduled for Feb. 17 at 7 p.m.

Council members and residents raised specific questions about parking in the proposed silver housing rules. Council member Boyer noted the proposed requirement of 1.5 parking spaces per unit would be a reduction from the current three‑space standard and asked staff to solicit public comment and examples from existing senior housing projects.

The council also introduced Ordinance 12‑18 to add a new Article 14 authorizing development rights and responsibilities agreements — a tool staff described as voluntary agreements with developers that can allow flexibility in subdivision approvals in exchange for public benefits. City staff said the tool would provide the city a way to negotiate design, public spaces and other community benefits without circumventing normal approvals. Ordinance 12‑18 was introduced on first reading and carried 6‑0; its public hearing is also set for Feb. 17 at 7 p.m.

Mayor Martin thanked speakers and emphasized the administration’s willingness to work with residents and the planning commission on a collaborative approach. Planning staff and several council members urged residents to participate in upcoming planning meetings and the joint council–planning commission session to discuss the ordinances and related development proposals.

Next steps: both ordinances remain at first reading; public hearings and additional discussion are scheduled for the Feb. 17 council meeting and for a joint council–planning commission session on Feb. 4 where staff and developers will present details.