Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Baltimore Planning Commission approved a citywide ban on private detention centers (Bill 26-0157) and amendments to building height measurement methodology for gambrel roofs (Bill 26-0153). The commission also approved a major subdivision for 52 townhomes at 700 W North Ave (Reservoir Square Parcel C) and recommended rezoning of 205-209 E Cold Spring Ln from R1C to EC2 for Loyola University parking, with encouragement for the university and community to finalize an MOU. A rezoning request for 2441 W Baltimore St was deferred at the applicant's request.
Key Decisions (7)
Citywide Ban on Private Detention Centers
City Council Bill 26-0157 prohibits private detention centers citywide by adding them to the list of prohibited uses in Section 1-209 of the zoning code and adding a definition excluding them from government facility and residential care facility classifications. Sponsored by Council President Zeke Cohen and Council members Ramos, Parker, and Gray.
Building Height Measurement for Gambrel Roofs
City Council Bill 26-0153 amends Section 15-301 of the zoning code to add specific measurement methodology for gambrel roofs (measured from lowest point of highest sloped portion to peak) and amends pitched roof measurement to use top of highest wall plate instead of eaves. Introduced by Councilmember Parker.
Major Subdivision - Reservoir Square Parcel C
Approved major subdivision for 700 W North Ave to create 60 parcels for 52 rear-loaded townhomes at corner of North Ave and Park Avenues. Developer is Joshua Sharon Morris and Richie Associates Incorporated. Owner is Reservoir Square Parcel C, LLC. Four-story homes facing North Ave, three and four stories elsewhere, with rear garages accessed from alleys.
Rezoning 205-209 E Cold Spring Ln for Loyola University
City Council Bill 26-0148 rezones two triangular lots from R1C to EC2 (Educational Campus 2) for Loyola University Maryland. Property owned by Loyola since 1968, currently used as informal parking lot. Proposed use is 146-space surface parking lot with landscaping. Staff found mistake in 2017 Transform Baltimore rezoning for not including university-owned parcels in EC2 zone.
Rezoning 2441 W Baltimore St
Rezoning request from I-1 to C-2 (staff recommended IMU as alternative) deferred at applicant's request. Applicant MegaCare LSC (mental health treatment clinic) requested postponement to meet with community leaders.
CIP Transfers
Approved capital improvement program transfers including DHCD transfer for Superblock fire demolition reimbursement and DOT transfers to ensure ARPA funds are expended before year-end deadline. Transfers three and four related to job order contracting for East Side, moving $2.7 million in ARPA funds and backfilling with highway user revenue.
Consent Agenda - PUD 135 Chime School and Sanitary Sewer Franchise
Approved minor amendment and revised final design for PUD Development 135, Chime School at 4814 Seaton Drive, and City Council Bill 26-0155 for franchise installation of private 1.5-inch diameter sanitary sewer in South Newkirk St.
Zoning Changes (2)
205-209 E Cold Spring Ln
Loyola University Maryland
2441 W Baltimore St
MegaCare LSC
Development Activity (2)
Reservoir Square Parcel C
52 rear-loaded townhomes on 60 parcels. Four-story homes facing North Ave, mix of three and four stories elsewhere. All homes have rear garages accessed from three connected alleys. Three pedestrian access points from North Ave including central mews with benches. Three elevation types with partial brick or full brick options.
Loyola University Parking Lot
146-space surface parking lot with extensive landscaping on triangular parcels. Shielded light poles, trees, bushes and grasses planned. Subject to future Site Plan Review Committee approval.
Market Signals (4)
Housing Demand
Reservoir Square development continuing with final residential phase of 52 townhomes, indicating sustained demand for new construction in Western Planning District.
Sentiment
City taking proactive stance against private detention facilities, with council citing need to preserve finite land for equitable economic development rather than detention uses.
Infrastructure
City invested significantly in Guilford Reservoir landscaping improvements, creating pressure for adjacent properties to match aesthetic standards.
Other
DHCD and Planning Department exploring strategic alignment and potential combination into single department under mayor's direction.