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Proposed Law Will Save Baltimore County Open Spaces From Development

BALTIMORE COUNTY, Md. (WJZ)—In urban areas, open space sooner or later becomes developed.

But Alex DeMetrick reports in Baltimore County, some of those little pockets of green may soon be put off limits.

An urban setting like Towson wouldn't be urban without concrete and asphalt. And while neighborhoods might have room for yards, a little community open space is often harder to come by and sometimes harder to hold on to.

"Every property in Baltimore County has some sort of development potential, and what we're saying is there should be some properties that have no development potential," said Councilman David Marks.

Marks is among those proposing a law that would preserve the small open spaces in Baltimore County neighborhoods.

Often homeowner associations care for those properties, and in places like the Rodgers Forge Tot Lot, they develop over time into community parks.

On a day warm enough for a picnic, it's more than convenient.

"It's very important.  We come here often, and they get to run and play and get their energy out," said Anne Thompson, Rodgers Forge resident.

But to meet the demands of growth in a limited space, change is possible.

"A lot of people look at a park or open space and they think it's protected from development, and it's not necessarily.  This gives some peace of mind to people who live in the urban part of Baltimore County," Marks said.

The proposed legislation is not expected to draw much opposition, especially at the neighborhood level.

"I think it's a tremendous idea. It's something we need for our kids, in order to insure they have an active lifestyle," said Nicole Schuster, Rodgers Forge resident.

About 90 percent of Baltimore County's population lives within an area designated as urban.

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