"We worked well together and compromised on many issues," said Marisa L. Willis, a Havre de Grace city planner and zoning group member. "For me, it was a real learning experience."
Her colleague on the panel, Frank Hertsch, president of an architectural company, said only about 10 percent of the document will be controversial.
"We had good guidance in our discussions, spent time on the substantive issues and engaged in debate," he said.
The draft deals with transfers of development rights from farm areas to the more populated centers in the county, an issue that is likely to generate strong debate. It deals with stream buffers, setbacks and reforestation, often focusing on minutiae the public find far too tedious, officials said.
Still, nearly 100 people, including Ratych, attended one of three public meetings on the proposal.
"They showed us pretty maps but did little to explain," Ratych said of the meetings. "No one learned from anyone else. This zoning code is for the citizens of Harford County, who, therefore, should have a significant role in its outcome."
The council plans at least two public hearings on the code next month, before voting on it in October.
"We want to work with community groups to incorporate what they want into this bill," said Councilman Chad Shrodes, who represents Harford's northern, mostly agricultural district. "We need to be progressive, but we also must protect our watersheds, preserve our ag land and heritage and grow in the right places."
mary.gail.hare@baltsun.com
