It’s a hot topic for Baltimore County residents—the addition of a Royal Farms store and gas station at an intersection opponents of the project say is already congested.
The plan also includes two retail buildings on the site of what used to be a fire station at the intersection of Bosley Avenue and York Road.
County leaders think it could be an asset to the community, but people who live in the area don’t agree.
“It just feels like nobody is listening, politicians aren’t listening to what the community is actually asking for, “ Kara Levinson told ABC2.
It was standing room only at a public meeting to discuss the concept plan for the project. Most in attendance were vehemently against the plan.
“It’s in a part of Towson that has been recently mapped out for other high quality types of development,” said Rob Council. “It's going to create heavy, additional traffic in an already high traffic intersection and gas stations bring environmental issues."
But some think the development will be an asset to the community.
"It'd be great for the community and the business people," said Robert Latshaw of the Baltimore County Economic Development Commission.
Baltimore County Councilman David Marks introduced the planned unit development legislation which was necessary because current zoning laws don't allow for such a project in that area.
"We're going to ask some tough questions about the compatibility with the neighborhood and we're hoping that the developer and councilman Marks seriously consider pulling this development of the table," said Council.
The property is under contract to be purchased by Caves Valley Partners. The next steps are submission of the development plan to the county and several more public hearings.
