Meet in middle on Lutherville Station

I am aware there are some community members upset with me that I am continuing to facilitate discussions between the developer who owns Lutherville Station and the leadership of various groups living in Lutherville-Timonium area regarding a proposed redevelopment there.

The developer, MLR Partners, wants to build roughly 400 apartments with one office building at Lutherville Station. In my experience with this issue, hearing from many constituents, the number of apartment units is unacceptable to most citizens of the area due to concerns over school overcrowding, traffic and water and sewer impacts.

I am concerned that simply saying no to the project without any further discussion may result in the developer seeking approval of this proposed development by other means, such as legislation on the state level or local legislation that strips me of my zoning authority at this parcel (“Baltimore County has a disease: It’s called ‘councilmanic courtesy,’ ” March 6). This is not idle speculation.

The new administration in Annapolis is very interested in expanding light rail service and transit-oriented development in the greater Baltimore area. This may very well be the last opportunity for the citizens of Lutherville to have a meaningful role in the Lutherville Station redevelopment. This is why I feel strongly that community groups and the developer must continue to work together on a consensus.

Large parts of the buildings currently on the site have sat vacant for over a decade, and it’s not a matter of if, but when it will be redeveloped. I am encouraging discussions between the various parties with the hope that what is built at Lutherville Station will be an asset to the community.

Under current law, the developer needs me to either introduce a planned unit development or rezone the property. The developer has recently filed a comprehensive rezoning issue asking for a zone that would allow mixed use residential.

No one else can do it — and I will not do it in the absence of meaningful community input. Now is the time that the Lutherville community can have a meaningful role in the development of Lutherville Station.

This is why I believe these discussions should continue to help insure that whatever is built there will be an asset to the community.

— Wade Kach, Cockeysville

The writer, a Republican, represents District 3 on the Baltimore County Council.

Maryland needs a ‘Sustainability Sultan’

The Baltimore Sun reports on a daily basis the stressors affecting Maryland and the planet that result from more people wanting to enjoy the fruits of a shrinking environment.

Whether it be rockfish trying to survive a warming Chesapeake Bay, Baltimoreans dealing with stadium traffic or our friends in the Middle East fighting over a small piece of land, there is no denying that societies focused on growth are creating problems for us and future generations (“Lutherville Station: How promoting transit around Baltimore is easier said than done,” Oct. 19)

There has been a call for Gov. Wes Moore to appoint a “Climate Czar,” but I would submit that a “Sustainability Sultan” may be more appropriate given our current disagreements with Russia and the challenges that extend beyond the climate crisis.

— Eric Greene, Annapolis

Crime keeps Baltimoreans off their bicycles

Letter writer D. Druckman’s suggestion to use alternative transportation, such as a bicycle, to a concert at CFG Bank Arena is a great one (“Don’t ban cars, make alternative modes better,” Oct. 17). Besides the environmental impact and ability to enjoy a THC gummy (as the writer pointed out), the saved stress and cost of not worrying about parking adds to the enjoyment of the show.

It was so exciting when the first round of CFG Bank Arena concerts were announced. Bruce Springsteen and The Eagles in one weekend, all within a 30-minute walk of our downtown home! However, when the shows came around, we decided to drive instead of walk.

The reason? Fear.

Until it’s safe to walk the streets of Baltimore, we will always lag behind other cities. Just about all of the city’s woes can be traced to out-of-control criminal behavior. Let’s make this problem and solution priority No. 1.

— Paul Winston, Baltimore