Residents press council to preserve rural character in Region 6 while some parcels reclassified
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Summary
A lengthy joint public hearing on Region 6 (Millersville and surrounding areas) produced strong resident opposition to multiple upzonings and adoption of several parcel‑specific amendments to retain existing lower‑density zoning; council deferred final actions to March 2, 2026 for additional work.
Dozens of residents, neighborhood groups and property‑owner representatives spoke during a marathon joint public hearing on Region 6 on Feb. 17. Testimony centered on preserving the plan’s rural character, protecting the Jabez branch watershed and public‑safety concerns at intersections proposed for higher‑intensity commercial zoning.
Multiple amendments were proposed. Council adopted paired amendments to Bill 1‑26 and Bill 2‑26 to preserve RLD (residential low density) planned land use and zoning for Parcel 357 (679 Maryland Route 3 North), after public speakers cited Plan 2040 goals, traffic safety concerns and watershed protection. Other parcel‑specific amendments to bring commercial uses into conformance also advanced after mixed advisory committee recommendations; one sponsor later withdrew a proposed zoning change to pursue further compromise with neighbors and staff.
Speakers included neighborhood association leaders and environmental advocates who emphasized long‑term investments in Jabez branch restoration and potential risks from added impervious surface and traffic. Property‑owner representatives and land‑use consultants argued that certain nonconforming commercial uses justified matching zoning to current use to enable investment and financing.
The council adopted several amendments on the floor and scheduled the bills for additional consideration on March 2, 2026 to allow time for follow‑up and cross‑parcel equity review. Sponsors and administration agreed to pursue negotiation between community and property owners to seek workable compromises.
