Baltimore County executive to introduce legislation bypassing council approval for mixed-use developments

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. is expected to introduce legislation next week that would expand the county’s ability to approve multiple-use developments in certain areas without needing approval from the Baltimore County Council, according to a draft bill obtained by The Baltimore Sun. Olszewski’s bill would amend zoning codes to allow mixed-use projects in manufacturing or business districts that are within the Urban-Rural Demarcation Line and located in “node” areas targeted for redevelopment within the 2030 Master Plan, like aging shopping centers and malls. Nodes are areas close to transit access and major employers.