Council Eyeing Preservation Of 24 Acres Of Green Space In Baltimore County

PERRY HALL, MD — In an ongoing effort to preserve green spaces within the county, the Baltimore County Council could soon purchase the development rights to 24 acres of land located along New Cut Road.

Baltimore County Council Member David Marks (R-Upper Falls) said the land is located near Sunshine Avenue and adjacent to existing preserved property. By purchasing development rights, Marks said the county would essentially prohibit future growth on the land.

"Private property owners agree to participate in the program. No one forces a sale," Marks told Patch. "I will continue to support preserving farms and other green space throughout Baltimore County."

The council will vote on the county's share of development rights at its meeting on Monday, Dec. 15. The county's share of the easement is estimated at $309,400, Marks said.

Marks has been an ongoing proponent of limiting development and preserving rural areas in parts of Baltimore County.

In September, Marks blocked a residential development that would have brought 30 single-family homes to Chapel Road near Perry Hall Boulevard.

"I grew up near Chapel Road and traveled it nearly every day with my parents," Marks said in a press release. "As a community leader and County Councilman, I have worked to preserve the rural character of this corridor, blocking plans to expand the route."

Earlier this year, Marks also requested that the Baltimore County budget include $4 million to finish a 22-acre park on Gerst Road.

Initial ideas for the park included a multi-purpose field, a 90-foot baseball diamond and four pickleball courts. Active recreation no longer seems to be the preferred route.

In 2024, Marks also recommended that the council move to preserve 400 acres of green space in various locations throughout the county.

"We are working hard to prioritize development in the right places and reduce sediment pollution," Marks previously said.