December 15, 2003
Dear Citizens,
From the moment I took office last year, my administration has been focused on the Renaissance of Baltimore County. I have proposed new legislation designed to advance that Renaissance, legislation that is still in the early stages of development. It is imperfect, but with your help we can design a plan that best serves the needs of our communities.
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County Executive
James T. Smith, Jr. |
The role of government is to protect the individual character of our neighborhoods, and safeguard our resources and adjust to the changing development needs of our communities. Our many community associations have been trusted to protect that individuality, and we want them as stakeholders in the process. The Dundalk Renaissance Corporation has every right to influence Renaissance projects in Dundalk.
I believe the Renaissance Neighborhood Redevelopment Pilot Program - and it is only a pilot - is the first step down our road to Renaissance. This legislation will create a new kind of community plan. When developments are proposed, community input will be a priority in the planning process. The needs of individual neighborhoods will be central to the rules that govern construction, and the input of community members will guide the future of our county.
I want to make it clear that this is not a plan I am trying to push through, it is an idea, a new vision for building communities. The legislation we will ultimately submit to the County Council cannot come from me alone, it must come through an open and honest discussion involving the entire community. Nothing like this has ever been done in Baltimore County, input from citizens and community groups is essential to crafting the best legislation we can. Like the communities that will result from this plan, I am determined that this legislation be a collaborative process, and reflect the needs of every community.
As we select sites for the pilot program, we want to make the most informed decision possible. No one understands the needs a community better than its members, and we want your ideas. Before this legislation goes before the County Council, we will post it here, on the Internet. It is here not only for you to see, but for your contributions as well. As many public meetings as we need to have, we will. As many times as we have to revise, we will. I believe this is an important issue - a priority - but I will not sacrifice quality for speed.
The future of this County depends on the decisions we make today. Please, look over the Renaissance Regulations, and tell me what you think. Send an email, or submit your ideas in writing to the Office of Planning.
Sincerely,
James T. Smith, Jr.
Baltimore County Executive
draftpilot@baltimorecountymd.gov
Revised January 25, 2007
Courthouse 