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Carrolltowne development plan heads to Annapolis

Friday, Feb. 24, 2006

The Maryland Court of Special Appeals in Annapolis is expected to hear a highly disputed land battle on Wednesday.

The court is scheduled to hear the case of Carrolltowne 4B and respond to the July 2005 decision of Carroll County Circuit Court Judge Michael M. Galloway that required approval of the housing complex.

The fate of the project still hangs in limbo after a decade of discussions and disputes between the developer, county planners and residents.

The most recent proposal by Security Development Corporation for the land along Md. Route 26, which backs to Kali Drive, calls for 254 back-to-back rental townhouses. Since proposed more than 10 years ago, county planners and residents have opposed the plan, citing limited water resources, overcrowded schools and congested roads.

However, on June 30, Carroll County Circuit Court Judge ordered the Carroll County Planning and Zoning Commission to approve the plan because of a Circuit Court order from 1999.

Since the July decision was made, a group of residents formed Carrolltowne United in an effort to reach an amicable solution for the developer. While they will not be permitted to plead their case at the hearing Wednesday, several members of the group plan to attend the hearing, according to president Michele Carroll.

Carroll County Attorney Kimberly Millender will face-off against Security’s team of attorneys before the Court of Special Appeals.

The public is permitted to attend the hearing, but will not be allowed to comment. Anyone wishing to attend must report to the Maryland Court of Special Appeals, 361 Rowe Blvd., Annapolis, by 9 a.m., Wednesday. For information, call the Court of Special Appeals, 410-260-1450.