Residents will fight proposed school in Mays Chapel North

Baltimore County Council members have finally approved legislation to require the county to post preliminary plans for "Planned Unit Developments" online ("Balto. Co. Council OKs PUD reform" Feb. 22).

It's about time. Such projects allow developers to get around certain zoning restrictions by offering defined benefits to the community.

In the matter of Mays Chapel Park, the council has decided to usurp the dedicated Recreation and Parks property for the construction of an elementary school without the opportunity for public comment.

Homeowners in the community of Mays Chapel North are up in arms about this one-sided decision. There are other, more appropriate alternatives to address the shortage of classroom space in the York Road corridor. Their right to the quiet enjoyment of one of the last open spaces provided by the park should not be put in jeopardy.

The bucolic setting of Mays Chapel North is largely a community of senior citizens, and they have vowed not to allow the park to be taken over without a fight.

William J. Vitale, Lutherville