Libby Bowerman, chief executive officer of Keswick Multi-Care Center, said the plan would leave 7 acres "untouched," while buildings would take up to 4 acres and paved areas would take about half an acre. She said the undeveloped 7 acres would remain "open and available," but because the plans aren't finished yet, she could not say how much the rest of the grounds would be open to the public.
Bowerman said Keswick intends to add gardens and courtyards, as well as plant more trees while not removing mature trees. She also said the plan went through "intense consideration" to ensure the development would become a part of the neighborhood, allowing residents to stay in Roland Park and the city as they grow older and need more assistance.
Construction could begin in 2010 if the sale goes forward and the city approves the plan.
Despite Keswick's stated plans to include green space and maintain a neighborhood feel, many residents say that's not enough.
Spevak said that because the land is "one of the last green spaces in Roland Park and in the city," future plans for the 17 acres is of "broader importance to the city." He suggested the development would conflict with the broader goal of Baltimore officials to create more parks and recreational areas within the city.
"No one has thought it's a good plan," said resident Ann Carroll Klassen. She urged the city to work with Keswick to find a neighborhood where there would be less of an impact on community green space.
However, Bowerman said that Keswick did search for other areas around the city and Baltimore County, but concluded that - given the preference to remain within the city limits - the Roland Park land from the country club was the only area that could accommodate the project.
Residents also question the assertion from Keswick officials that the retirement community would create less traffic than if the land were sold off for other commercial or residential uses.
While Spevak said residents aren't against a retirement community in the neighborhood, he said they would prefer to see the club's land transition to public recreational use instead of being developed.
Though the Country Club residents haven't voted yet to sell the land, already, Bowerman said there is already a waiting list of people interested in more information about the development.
The sale requires approval by two-thirds of the club's 2,000 voting members, with a vote set for July 15. The City Council would then need to take up the request to rezone the property to accommodate the retirement community.
jessica.anderson@baltsun.com
