Zoning Enforcement

Anne Arundel County and Maryland officials have joined forces with an automobile dealers group to crack down on illegal used-car lots, creating a task force to devise strategies for use across the state.The fledgling panel, which began forming in recent weeks, is targeting Anne Arundel County for immediate enforcement, with plans to use whatever combination of police and zoning action, and consumer education works to close the makeshift auto dealerships.Law enforcement officials say this method of selling used cars, known as curb- stoning, is on the rise.

Brooklyn Heights has spent years battling crime, litter and unkempt rental properties.Now, Anne Arundel County wants the neighborhood just south of the Baltimore City line to become a "HotSpot," eligible for extra state money for law enforcement and new community programs.County officials say that a "HotSpot" designation will complement improvement efforts under way in the area. They include an overhaul of an aging water system, more aggressive zoning enforcement and a project to transform the old Brooklyn Park High School into a new middle school, community arts center and senior nutrition site.

Rudolph Hernandez looks forward to spring at his Bartholow Road home in Sykesville. It's not so much the warm weather he craves, but the leaves that fill in the bare trees, blocking his view of the neighborhood eyesore, McQuay's Auto Supply.The auto repair and recycling business has been taken to court seven times since 1992 for zoning violations. The most common infraction is parked cars -- many untagged and broken down -- on its front lawn.When cars began appearing again two months ago, Hernandez called the Carroll County zoning administrator's office for help.

IN GLEN BURNIE, the Rev. Jamie Harrison has started a church in his home. A sign identifying the Glen Burnie Evangelical Methodist Church sits in the front yard of his duplex. Each Sunday, his little congregation gathers in his living room.There is a problem with this: It's illegal. Under Anne Arundel County's zoning code, you can't operate a church in a house that sits on less than 2 acres, a restriction designed to protect communities from excess traffic and noise.A neighbor complained, and inspectors sent a letter directing Mr. Harrison to comply or be subject to enforcement action.

Police, neighbors and businesses really do careI am a retired attorney, a senior citizen living in northern Anne Arundel County. Recently, my home was burglarized. While out, someone or several persons forced open my front door, despite a dead bolt and knob lock. They ransacked the house, taking money and stereo equipment, VCR, etc.I called 911. The first advice given was to leave the house immediately if I heard any noise. Excellent advice. Not hearing noises, I waited for the police. Within 10 minutes, Officer R. A. Schinzel arrived.

The Northern District Police Community Relations Council will meet at 7:30 p.m. today at the Northern District Police Station, 939 Hammonds Lane.Kathy Shatt of the Department of Zoning Enforcement unit will be the guest speaker. Acting Capt. Dennis Wheeler will report on the activities at Northern District.Information: 789-5160

Along with Brooklyn Park, we mourn the loss of the Ritchie Car Wash gorilla, a victim of Anne Arundel County's crackdown on illegal signs.It's too bad he has to go. He's one of those quirky landmarks everybody looks for, and somehow he fits in with the phantasmagoria that is Ritchie Highway. Alas, the 6-foot mechanical ape, which for years has stood on the sidewalk waving to potential customers, is classified as a "portable sign," illegal under the Anne Arundel County zoning code. By today, his owner must take him off the street or face stiff fines and criminal prosecution.

In one of the biggest zoning enforcement sweeps in county history, 16 Benfield corridor businesses were cited last week and given until Tuesday to get rid of their illegal banners and signs.The businessowners, however, complained that the sweep through their region was unfair because it places them at a disadvantage to their non-Benfieldarea competitors."My problem is not with enforcement of the sign code," said Severna Park Inn Discount Liquors owner Bob Cancelliere. "I live here, andI agree that we have to beautify the road.

A County Circuit judge Friday denied a request by a Linthicum massage parlor, shut down last month for violating county zoning laws, to reopen its doors.The hearing came moments after the owner of V.I.P. Health Center, 500 Camp Meade Road, filed suit against the county alleging discrimination.Circuit Court Judge Eugene Lerner, in denying the request to reopen, set a Sept. 13 hearing date for the case."I don't know how I can issue an injunction if it's illegal on its face," Lerner said, referring to zoning regulations that prohibit massage parlors where thespa is located.

More than 1,000 times a year, government service takes on a whole new meaning in Carroll County.Faced with unpaid taxes, flagrant zoning violations or liquor law challenges, the county government finds itself in the process of serving -- court papers, that is.And, to a lesser degree, Carroll residents are serving the countywith subpoenas, complaints and lawsuits.While far from a full-fledged litigation machine, the six lawyers in the County Attorney's Office are juggling more than 5,000 open cases, 1,200 of which developed in the last year or so.County government, with its 800 or so employees, touches almost every aspect of a resident's life, from inspecting electrical wiring in a new house to collecting property taxes to providing water and sewer service.