North Laurel Residents to Fight Proposed Development

A group of North Laurel residents say they are maneuvering to stop a proposed housing development on a swath of land in their community.

The development, called Deer Springs, would be built along 40 acres of land at the intersection of Bryant Avenue and Old Scaggsville Road, and along High Ridge Road to the south. The plans call for as many as 140 homes, including 42 townhomes, to be built along the property.

The site does not currently have a developer. But preliminary plans for the site are expected to be submitted to the Howard County Planning and Zoning Department by June, said Joseph Rutter, hired by the owner to design a site plan for the property.

During a Thursday evening meeting at the , more than 50 residents from the High Ridge community told Rutter that the development was too dense for their community, it would harm the environment, and lacked the infrastructure needed to avoid overwhelming local roads and schools.

“It would look like a human zoo,” said Bibi Perrotte-Foston, president of the North Laurel Civic Association.

Perrotte-Foston said that residents would be maneuvering to reduce the size of the development because it is unlikely that they could stop it.

“We don’t have the infrastructure. It doesn’t warrant 140 homes,” she said. “It should be compatible with what we have.”

Some residents said they are still hopeful the project could be stopped entirely.

Resident Jacquie Sentell said a map of the preliminary plans showed a connector road being built in front of her home along High Ridge Road.

Saying that she worries that the increased traffic would pose a safety risk,  Sentell is pushing for sections of the development south of High Ridge Road to remain forested.

“People are coming straight at my house [if the road is built],” she said. “I feel like the lower half should be given to parks and recreation.”

Residents said they must organize and petition the county and planning board to see their concerns are addressed.

“We need to make sure the county does right by the citizens,” said resident Ken Yannacci.

Residents will be organizing a walk through the community with Howard County Councilmember Jen Terrasa on Tuesday, April 17, at 5:30 p.m. at the intersection of Old Scaggsville Road and High Ridge Road. Call 240-786-5747 for more information.