There are no condos in Bowleys Quarters.
But some residents worry that the eastern Baltimore County peninsula could eventually be overrun with them.
One marina owner's plan to build condos in the waterfront community has sparked a fierce debate. And other marina owners are seeking zoning designations that would allow them to develop homes.
FOR THE RECORD - An article in yesterday's Maryland section about proposed Baltimore County legislation on marina development in the Bowleys Quarters area and changes to development plans gave incorrect dates for council action. The bills will be discussed at the council's April 29 work session and voted on at the May 5 legislative meeting.
THE SUN REGRETS THE ERROR
To prevent more residential development, Councilman Joseph Bartenfelder has introduced a measure to remove residential zoning from properties that are designated in the future as marinas or boatyards in the Bowleys Quarters and Lower Back River Neck areas.
Bartenfelder says the legislation would also block residential components in planned unit developments - or PUDs - on properties rezoned for marinas or boatyards in those areas.
The proposal will be discussed tomorrow during the council's work session.
Regulations allow up to 5.5 residential units an acre on land zoned for boatyards or marinas.
"By taking [away] the residential component, it gets rid of the concern that development is spreading," said Bartenfelder, an Overlea-Fullerton Democrat.
Bill Lagna, president of the Bowleys Quarters Community Association, says residents were worried that Bartenfelder's proposal might have unintended consequences for future PUD development.
"We don't care if an owner of a marina lives on the property," Lagna said. "What we are care about is the ability to develop high-density housing in an area primarily zoned for low density and rural conservation."
The bill would limit the use of properties designated as marinas or boatyards after August. But it doesn't specifically address what is allowed on those properties if owners seek PUD designations. Some county officials say Bartenfelder's legislation, if enacted, would trump the PUD regulations because it's newer.
Boatyard or marina designations are being sought on five properties in the Bowleys Quarters or Back River Neck areas as part of the comprehensive zoning map process under way in the county.
Those property owners have said they don't intend to build houses, Bartenfelder said. The proposed zoning change would ensure they could not, he said.
The proposed measure would not apply to existing boatyards and marinas, including Galloway Creek Marina, where the owner is planning to build a 36-unit condo development.
The project was approved last year by the council as a planned unit development.
