From The Banner · Céilí Doyle · · 1m 50s
Lutherville Station redevelopment nears crucial county vote
After seven years of debate, a 325-unit apartment complex near a light rail stop could get state support if the county council approves.
In brief
After seven years of debate, a 325-unit apartment complex near a light rail stop could get state support if the county council approves. Transit-oriented development status would unlock state funding for the 325-unit Lutherville Station project, but it still needs county zoning approval before construction can begin…
Seven years in the making
Developer Mark Renbaum wants to turn a decaying Timonium shopping center into a 325-unit apartment complex with retail next to a light rail station.
What's at stake Tuesday
The Baltimore County Council will vote on granting the project transit-oriented development status. That would unlock state grants, loans and tax credits.
Residents push back hard
Lutherville-Timonium residents worry the development will attract crime, overcrowd local schools and change their community. They say the process moved too fast.
“The term I've been using is 'premature.'”
Developer defends the timeline
Zoning attorney David Karceski says the project followed every required step, including a two-hour community meeting in July where all questions were answered.
“Every detail of that process was followed.”
This vote isn't final approval
Council member Nino Mangione stressed that transit-oriented status doesn't mean construction starts. The project still needs county zoning reviews and public hearings.
“Passing this resolution does not mean that construction begins.”
What transit-oriented means
Maryland created the program to encourage walkable, transit-friendly projects. Lutherville Station would be Baltimore County's second after Metro Centre at Owings Mills.
County needs more housing
Baltimore County residents struggle to afford rent more than many other Maryland tenants. The county is short at least 19,000 homes for low-income families.
“It's an undeniable, logical location for housing.”
Crime fears dominate debate
Resident Patricia Wynn Ferguson cited fights at Towson and White Marsh malls near transit. She worries Lutherville Station will become an unsafe hangout spot.
“They're gonna come up there and they're gonna cause all kinds of trouble ... it's not going to be a safe place to go.”
The architect weighs in
Klaus Philipsen, who designed Central Light Rail in the 1980s, says he actually designed Lutherville Station. He calls the designation 36 years overdue.
“It is wasteful to have a light rail train stopping next to a defunct shopping center and there is no riders.”
What matters most
Transit-oriented development status would unlock state funding for the 325-unit Lutherville Station project, but it still needs county zoning approval before construction can begin.
