Comprehensive Plan Update

CREDITS

City Council:

Douglas S. Wilson, Mayor
Myra A. Fender, Council President
Franklin M. Bradley
Jerry K. Hansen
Macon L. Tucker, Jr.

Planning Commission:

Joe Swisher, Chairman
John Milton
William Braerman
Sandra Landbeck
Richard Craig
Nancy Kosko
Edward Budnick, Aberdeen Fire Department
Cpl. Henry Gordon, Aberdeen Police Department

City Manager: Peter A. Dacey

City Attorney: Gregory A. Rapisarda

Director of Public Works: Randolph C. Robertson

Director of Planning and Community Development: Phyllis G. Grover

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Maryland Planning Legislation

History of Planning in Aberdeen

Use of Comprehensive Plan

Chapter 2 -Goals and Objectives

Goals-Directed Planning Approach

Goals and Objectives

Chapter 3 - The Plan

Overview of Planning Process

Comprehensive Plan Land Use Categories

Planning Approach

Beyond the Corporate Limits

Extending the Corporate Limits of Aberdeen

Planning Area Analysis and Recommendations

Planning Areas

Chapter 4 - Public Utilities

Introduction

Basis for Utilities Planning

Water Service Demands

Wastewater System

Stormwater Management

Chapter 5 - Transportation Plan

Overview

Thoroughfare Plan

Other Transportation Systems

Administration of the Major Thoroughfare Plan

Chapter 6 - Community Facilities

Overview

Open Space

Parks and Recreation

Public Buildings

Schools

Health Services

Community Assets

Chapter 7 - Mineral Resources

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 8 - Solid Waste

The City's Recycling Program

Chapter 9 - Sensitive Areas

Overview

Soils

Hydrology
The Importance of Buffers

Geology

Topography

Forest

Habitats of Threatened and Endangered Species

Development Suitability
Hydrogeology
Historical Sites

Chapter 10 - Implementation

Implementing the Comprehensive Plan

Public/Private Partnerships

Implementation Authority

Design Performance Guidelines

Capital Improvement Program

Smart Growth

APPENDIX A: Background

City Location

City History

APPENDIX B: Existing Land Use

Existing and Developing Land Use Patterns

Land Use Inventory

Stable Areas

APPENDIX C: Population

Introduction: Trends and Projections

Historic Demographic Trends and Current

Population Projections

APPENDIX D: Households

Household Trends and Projections

Household Size

Household Income
Homeownership Data

APPENDIX E: Master Plan Document

Chapter 1 - INTRODUCTION

MARYLAND PLANNING LEGISIATION

Aberdeen is one of many municipalities in the State of Maryland that has been delegated basic planning and land use regulatory powers under Article 66B (Zoning and Planning) of the Annotated Code of Maryland. Article 66B authorizes local jurisdictions to prepare comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances, and subdivision regulations. At least once every six years, the plan must be reviewed by the local Planning Commission to determine whether it is advisable to amend the plan.

The following excerpts from the Annotated Code of Maryland (Article 66B, Zoning and Planning) outline the purpose of a comprehensive plan, surveys, and studies which should be made, and perhaps most importantly, the legal status of the plan.

The plan shall serve as a guide to public and private actions and decisions to insure the development of public and private property in appropriate relationships and which shall include any areas outside of the boundaries which, in the Planning Commission's judgement, bear relation to the planning responsibilities of the commission.

The elements of the plan may be expressed in words, graphics, or any other appropriate form. They shall be interrelated and each element shall describe how it relates to each of the other elements and to the statement of objectives, principles, policies and standards.

The plan shall contain at a minimum the following elements:

A statement of goals and objectives, principles, policies and standards, which shall serve as a guide for the development, economic and social well being of the local jurisdiction;
A land use plan element, which shall show proposals for the most appropriate and desirable patterns for the general location, character, extent and interrelationship of the manner in which the community should use its public and private land at specified times as far into the future as is reasonable. Such land use may include, without being limited to, public and private, residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and recreational land uses;
A transportation plan element which shall show proposals for the most appropriate and desirable patterns for the general location, character, and extent, and interrelationship of the manner in which the community should use its public and private land at specified times as far into the future as is reasonable. The transportation plan element shall also provide for bicycle and pedestrian access and travelways. An estimate of the probable utilization of any proposed improvement shall also be included.
A community facilities plan element, which shall show proposals for the most appropriate and desirable patterns for the general location, character, and extent of public and semipublic buildings, land and facilities and any future plans for facilities. Such facilities may include parks and recreation areas, schools and other educational and cultural facilities, libraries, churches, hospitals, social welfare and medical facilities, institutions, fire stations, police stations, jails or other public office or administrative facilities.
A mineral resource plan element containing current geological information, if available.
An element which shall contain the Planning Commission's recommendation for land development regulations to implement the plan and which encourages the following:

Streamlined review of applications for development, including permit review and subdivision plat review within the areas designated for growth in the plan;
The use of flexible development regulations to promote innovative and cost-saving site design and protect the environment; and
Economic development in areas designated for growth in the plan through the use of innovating techniques.

A sensitive area element that contains goals, objectives, principles, policies and standards designed to protect, from the adverse effects of development, sensitive areas, including the following:

Streams and their buffers;
100-year floodplains;
Habitats for threatened and endangered species; and
Steep slopes.

In preparing a plan, the commission shall carefully and comprehensively survey and study present conditions, projections of future growth of the local jurisdiction; and the relation of the local jurisdiction to neighboring jurisdictions. The commission shall make the plan with the general purpose of guiding and accomplishing the coordinated, adjusted, and harmonious development of the local jurisdiction and its environs. The plan shall promote, in accordance with present and future needs the health, safety, morals, order, convenience, prosperity, and the general welfare of the local jurisdiction; and efficiency and economy in the development process. The plan shall provide for transportation needs; the promotion of public safety; the conservation of natural resources; the prevention of environmental pollution; the promotion of good civic design and arrangement; the wise and efficient expenditure of public funds; adequate public utilities; and an adequate supply of other public requirements.

The 2000 Session of the Maryland General Assembly passed six amendments to Article 66B. Article 66B was recodified and a new Vision statement was added. In addition to the requirements of this section, the Commission shall implement the following visions through the plan:

1. Development is concentrated in suitable areas;

2. Sensitive areas are protected;

3. In rural areas, growth is directed to exiting population centers and resource areas are protected;

4. Stewardship of the Chesapeake Bay and the land is a universal ethic;

5. Conservation of resources, including a reduction in resource consumption, is practiced.

6. To assure the achievement of 1 through 5 above, economic growth is encouraged and regulatory mechanisms are streamlined; and

7. Adequate public facilities and infrastructure under the control of the County or Municipal Corporation are available or planned in areas where growth is to occur; and

8. Funding mechanisms are addressed to achieve these Visions.

HISTORY OF PLANNING IN ABERDEEN

The City of Aberdeen adopted its first full scale zoning ordinance in 1957 and its first comprehensive plan in 1969. In 1994, the City developed a totally new comprehensive plan to be in compliance with the emerging State legislation entitled, Maryland Economic Growth, Resource Protection and Planning Act of 1992. The City updated the 1994 plan in 2002 to be in compliance with the revised State Article 66B and the expanded Smart Growth Neighborhood Conservation Act.

In 1988, the Department of Planning and Community Development was created to further the planning and development efforts of the City. This was followed by an expansion of the Planning and Zoning Commission from five members to seven in 1990. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the City of Aberdeen has prepared numerous special purpose studies related to the downtown and economic development City-wide.

USE OF A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

The purpose of a comprehensive plan is to give direction to both public and private decisions so that the most beneficial arrangement of land uses can be recognized, as well as the orderly and economic provisions of public services for present and future residents.

A comprehensive plan provides a basis for intelligent discussions by the public and its elected representatives on the future development of their community. It also coordinates decision-making within and between public and private activity in the endeavor to achieve a healthful and balanced environment.

An adopted comprehensive plan will represent a basis for decision-making in the City of Aberdeen. The comprehensive plan is intended to be the guide for the day-to-day decisions regarding development and growth. To be used, the plan must be accepted, understood, and supported by the elected officials who are charged with the responsibility of decision-making. The plan should also be supported by the citizens who recognize the benefits which can result from wise foresight

To be effective, the plan must be geared toward the social, economic, and environmental' provisions that prevail today, yet it must promote the balanced services and facilities required by the populace of the future. By adopting such a plan, decisions will be made, funds will be allocated, and programs will be initiated and accomplished.

The following statements address more specifically the various uses of the comprehensive plan:

An economical healthy balance of land uses is represented in a comprehensive plan which provides a framework for consideration of rezoning applications.

Subdivision plats, site plans, and general development proposals can be reviewed within a more comprehensive frame of reference and not be approached on a piecemeal basis.

Improvements to the City's transportation network can be coordinated to provide a more integrated and serviceable system.

Programs for the improvement and/or expansion of public utility systems can be undertaken in a more judicious manner.

Public services and facilities can be provided in a more economical and efficient manner, and also available for future development.

A comprehensive plan will promote an awareness of social values which should lead to the accommodation of a wide variety of housing types, densities, and price ranges to accommodate the demand of all income levels.

Once officially recognized, natural resources, scenic vistas, features of historical and architectural significance, and areas of natural beauty can be more effectively preserved, protected and integrated into an orderly pattern of City development.

The interrelation of land use and transportation.

Annexation of areas adjacent to the City boundaries.

CHAPTER 2. - GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

GOALS DIRECTED PLANNING APPROACH

The Aberdeen Comprehensive Plan is designed to be a guide for the physical development of Aberdeen during the next several decades and beyond. The principle behind the “goals-direct” planning approach is preparing a comprehensive plan that is integrally tied to its precedent goals, objectives, and planning policies. A comprehensive plan should be structured with the direction of the community's vision for its future. The goals-directed planning process specifically focuses on those issues deemed critical by Aberdeen's citizens. These issues are also those upon which the City can have a positive impact.

The overriding purpose of the Plan is to encourage development of a safe, healthy, and distinctive living environment while maintaining the “small town” atmosphere.

The formulation process used and exercised in the Aberdeen 1994 Comprehensive Plan included three critical steps:

1) Defining future goals;
2) Translating these goals into objectives by which they will be realized, and
3) Establishing policies and strategies by which these goals can be implemented for the betterment of the community.

Accomplishments made as a result of the 1994 Comprehensive Plan Goals and Objectives are as follows:

1. Environment and Open Space

Accomplishment: The City completed the update and adopted amendments to the Floodplain Management Ordinance which included revised Flood Insurance Rate Maps dated January 7, 2000.

Accomplishments: The City completed the update and adopted the State of Maryland's Stormwater Management Ordinance on August 13, 2001.

Accomplishment: The City is in the process of constructing a Minor League Baseball Stadium to be located off of I-95, Rt. 22 and Gilbert Road. To compliment the minor league baseball stadium, Cal Ripken, Jr. will be constructing a Junior League Baseball Academy adjacent to the stadium site. Proposed opening date of the stadium is June, 2002.

Accomplishment: The City, Harford County Department of Parks and Recreation and a private developer have completed the improvements to North Deen Park into a multi-purpose facility, which includes a skateboard park, in-line hockey, soccer field, baseball/softball field and additional parking areas.

Accomplishment: A baseball field was constructed with private funding at the Aberdeen High School site.

Accomplishment: The City purchased two residential lots in the Maxa Woods Subdivision in order to preserve two historic oak trees for which the subdivision was named, Twin Oaks. These two lots will be utilized by the community for outdoor recreational activities.

Accomplishment: The City recommended adequate landscaping buffers between the North Deen residential community and an industrial development located off of Old Post Road. The developer proposed a landscaped buffer in accordance with the Aberdeen Zoning Code requirements.

2. Transportation

Accomplishment: The City and the State Highway Administration are partnering in an overall streetscape project for U.S. 40 and MD 132A (West Bel Air Avenue). The projects will include street overlay, curb and gutter improvements and landscaping.

Accomplishment: The City adopted the Harford County Road Code Standards with amendments to improve the street design standards and create a uniformity between City and County streets.

Accomplishment: The City has required developers to submit Traffic Impact Analysis for residential, commercial and industrial projects that impact City, County and State roads.

Accomplishment: The City adopts a Capital Improvement Plan every fiscal year that includes street overlay and improvements. The Aberdeen Department of Public Works maintains a current five year resurfacing street plan.

Accomplishment: The City and State Highway Administration completed a signalized intersection project at West Bel Air Avenue and Beards Hill Road. In addition, the intersecting Bush Chapel Road was widened and improved with sidewalks.

Accomplishment: The Aberdeen Planning Commission and staff make recommendations to the City Council to insure that proposed developments provide adequate right-of-way for streets to be in compliance with the Transportation Element.

Accomplishment: The City adopted a policy to require sidewalks on one side of the street in residential, commercial and industrial developments and when necessary, sidewalks will be constructed on both sides of the street.

Accomplishment: The Harford County Doodlebug shuttle provides adequate and accessible transportation for residents who need services in and around the County at an affordable price.

Accomplishment: In May 1996, the City developed the Transportation Element of the 1994 Comprehensive Plan and updated the 1987 Major Thoroughfare Plan.

3. Housing

Accomplishment: The Bush Chapel Road Planning Area incorporated a variety of housing types with Woodland Green Townhouses and Chapel Glen single family dwellings.

Accomplishment: The City amended the Zoning Code to remove certain residential uses in the B-3 General Commercial District.

Accomplishment: The City staff worked with the developers of the Fairbrooke Senior Housing project. This offers an affordable, high-quality senior apartment complex.

4. Land Use

Accomplishment: The City staff has worked with developers to secure properties along the Rt. 40 corridor for commercial redevelopment. Examples include: WaWa, Inc., Pat's Pizzeria, Auto Zone, Inc., Mobil Gas Station, 7-11 Stores, Inc., and Aberdeen Mini Storage.

Accomplishment: An available land inventory has been identified and a listing prepared for future annexations in each Planning area.

5. Public Facilities and Services

Accomplishment: The City has entered into an agreement with the Federal Government to operate and maintain all of the water and wastewater facilities that supply Aberdeen Proving Ground. In addition, this provides the City with an available water source which the City will be relying on for additional water capacity for existing and future needs.

6. Economic Development

Accomplishment: A partnership was formed in 1996 with Harford County Government, Aberdeen, Havre de Grace and Aberdeen Proving Ground for the creation of the Greater Aberdeen-Havre de Grace Enterprise Zone which is a stated designated enterprise zone encompassing 7,500 acres. Economic incentives are made available to new and existing businesses that expand through capital investment and/or job creation.

Accomplishment: The Aberdeen Economic Development Commission completed a Trailblazing Sign System for the City. In addition, three new brick entrance signs were constructed and placed at US 40 and Rt 22.

Accomplishment: The City developed the Aberdeen Community Legacy Area and submitted an application for State funding of the initiatives.

7. Urban Design

Accomplishment: The City updated the Sign Code in 1995 to preserve and enhance natural scenic beauty; and to protect property values and the character of the various neighborhoods.

8. Historical and Cultural Resources

Accomplishment: The City adopted Ordinance No. 512-98 in March, 1998 establishing the Heritage Trust. The purpose of the Heritage Trust is to preserve and enhance the quality of life and to safeguard the historical and cultural heritage of Aberdeen by preserving sites and structures. The City Council appointed a Heritage Trust Committee to organize these efforts.

9. Implementation

Accomplishment: The City adopted a five year Capital Improvement Program which has become a part of the annual fiscal budget process.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The 2002 goals and objectives have not changed substantially, however, a strategic planning process was performed; the Master Plan document was created and is the guiding policy for the City. For the purpose of organization of the planning process, the City identified the following nine general categories:

(1) Environment and Open Space
(2) Transportation
(3) Housing
(4) Land Use
(5) Adequate Public Facilities and Services
(6) Economic Development
(7) Urban Design
(8) Historical and Cultural Resources
(9) Implementation

Within each of these particular categories, the following statements of goals and objectives have been developed for the purpose of developing the quality, scale, theme and timing of future development within the City. These adopted goals and objectives set the physical, social, economic, and cultural framework around which the Aberdeen Comprehensive Plan is designed.

Definitions

Goal: An end toward which efforts are directed but may or may not be attainable; a basic area concern which is broad in nature.

Objective: An end which is a measurable component of a goal and which is foreseeably attainable; accomplishment of an objective achieves some fraction of a goal.

1. Environment and Open Space

A. Goal: Conserve the City's sensitive areas and the balance of its natural ecology. This includes wetlands, 100 year floodplains, streams and stream buffers, steep slopes, and habitats of threatened and endangered species.

Objective A: Identify critical conservation areas.

Objective B: Preserve non-tidal wetlands; limiting the use of this valuable natural resource to open space uses to the extent feasible.

Objective C: Conserve stream valleys and their buffers and established drainage ways.

Objective D: Conserve sensitive slopes and soils from urban development.
Objective E: Minimize siltation and erosion impacts from all land uses, both urban and agricultural.

B. Goal: Define and implement procedures which incorporate both design sensitivity and sensitive area preservation or conservation criteria on a site-specific scale.

Objective A: Identify sensitive areas for both existing and undeveloped properties within the City.

Objective B: Require new developments to provide for sufficient recreational and open space improvements to serve the needs of community residents.

Objective C: Implement urban design and environment design criteria into the zoning and subdivision standards.

C. Goal: Fully coordinate sensitive area conservation and preservation objectives at the local, regional, and State level.

Objective A: Identify environmental concerns which require a regional and joint jurisdictional approach.

Objective B: Maintain an active liaison with regional and State agencies in ensuring that future development proposals fully respond to appropriate guidelines.

D. Goal: Develop design standards for development in and surrounding sensitive areas, incorporating contemporary techniques and current State and Federal policies and practices.

Objective A: Set standards for open space reservations and increased landscaping and buffering standards for urban development on private lands which have frontage on major existing or planned public roads.

Objective B: If annexation is appropriate between existing City boundaries and the Lower
Susquehanna Heritage Greenway area, efforts should be made to connect the
greenway with City open space including pedestrian trails and linkages.

Objective C: Develop standards to minimize the environmental and economic impact.

E. Goal: Establish plans and programs for City recreation, parks, open space management, and urban street landscaping.

Objective A: Increase or enlarge the existing public park and recreation opportunities.

Objective B: Create a street landscaping program to address the planting and maintenance of street trees and plantings in Aberdeen.

Objective C: Assume a stronger role in coordinating the use of Aberdeen School facilities for appropriate non-school related and public recreational uses.

Objective D: Create open space opportunities for the City youth.

Objective E: Consider use of existing City owned land for recreation, parks, or open space.

F. Goal: Conserve remaining wooded areas in the City and encourage new plantings in order to enhance community appearance.

Objective A: Provide adequate buffers to protect adjacent properties from adverse effects of incompatible uses.

Objective B: Acquire and retain forested land for a variety of outdoor recreational activities (public use).

Objective C: Conserve forest lands in planning areas and adjoining areas.

2. Transportation

A. Goal: The transportation element and major thoroughfare plan shall be compatible with Aberdeen's adopted Comprehensive Plan and consistent with the Harford County Transportation Plan as outlined in the Harford County Master Plan.

Objective A: Maintain a working relationship with the Harford County Government and the State Highway Administration for improvements to county and state owned roads.

Objective B: Develop and implement road and street design standards which are of appropriate scale and capacity to serve long-range traffic demands.

Objective C: Review the 1996 Transportation Element of the 1994 Comprehensive Plan and update, if necessary, to be compatible with the 2002 Comprehensive Plan.

B. Goal: The transportation element shall ensure that road and street design accommodate planned community development while promoting traffic patterns to be serviced in an efficient manner. The location, timing, and scheduling of these public improvements shall be coordinated with the future land use plan.

Objective A: Private development proposals should include traffic impact analyses which identify the nature of future traffic conditions and analyze the degree of traffic generated by any given proposal. Traffic impact evaluations shall ensure compatibility with the transportation plan for the City of Aberdeen.

Objective B: Upgrade existing substandard streets and intersections.

C. Goal: The transportation element shall establish and reserve the proper locations, alignments, and rights-of-way for future roads and streets to ensure that these improvements can be implemented with the least public cost.

Objective A: All future roads and improvements to existing roads shall be in accordance and compatible with the adopted transportation element for the City of Aberdeen.

Objective B: All public and private land development proposals shall incorporate the recommendations of the transportation master plan, including the reservation of future rights-of-way and the construction of related road improvements.

D. Goal: Establish properly planned access points to undeveloped properties; in particular those situated within the undeveloped sections of the City and future annexation areas subject to the most intense urban development pressures.

Objective A: Require the reservation of proper access points to existing and proposed transportation facilities via the zoning and subdivision process.

Objective B: Require Traffic Impact Analysis from developer/property owner via the initiation of an annexation request and development plan.

E. Goal: Improve the ability of residents, tourists, and visitors to find and identify local businesses, historical and cultural sites, and the MARC and Amtrak Stations without adding to the visual clutter of the existing street system.

Objective A: Encourage joint public and private coordination in the design and implementation of an attractive and comprehensive street sign system to guide tourists and visitors.

Objective B: Cooperate with the State Highway Administration in creating the most appropriate and desirable transportation design standards and controls for the City's entry corridors.

F. Goal: Provide a uniform and integrated approach for pedestrian movement in the City, addressing walkways and bikeways.

Objective A: Develop and encourage the use of informal pedestrian ways, including City owned property and nearby schools.

Objective B: Develop bike and pedestrian pathways.

Objective C: Encourage the development of pedestrian and bicycle access that would provide non-motorized connections to transit, both local and regional.

G. Goal: Consider compact, mixed use design to improve access to daily destinations for people who cannot or do not wish to drive.

Objective A: Develop land uses and zoning that supports mixed use design in the downtown area.

H. Goal: Continue to evaluate and plan for the mobility needs of all residents and define the role of multi-modal transportation within the City and as part of the County system.

Objective A: Encourage adequate and accessible transportation for all residents who are
physically and transportationally disadvantaged.

Objective B: Complete project improvements for the revitalization of the Aberdeen Train
Station into a multi-modal transportation hub for Harford County. Support MTA officials in the project improvements.

Objective C: Assist commuters by encouraging the development of parking lots, public
information services, and commuter service programs.

3. Housing

A. Goal: Provide a suitable living environment for the present and future population of the City of Aberdeen that is compatible with the City's “small town atmosphere.”

Objective A: Provide opportunities for adequate, safe, and sanitary housing for all citizens.

Objective B: Emphasize quality site planning and suitable architectural design in areas of future development for all levels and types of housing products.

Objective C: Provide for planned open space.

B. Goal: Support the State's Smart Neighborhoods policy.

Objective A: Develop a Smart Neighborhood Ordinance to facilitate the development of flexible use regulations and design guidelines, and a streamlined development review process.

Objective B: Provide for integrated mixed uses, including residential, commercial, employment/office, civic and open space.

Objective C: Develop land use and Smart Neighborhood plans for the City and potential annexation areas which establish boundaries, provide for the efficient use of infrastructure and efficient use of land.

Objective D: Encourage development that enhances and complements existing communities.

C. Goal: Housing and related land uses should be developed in a fashion compatible with
the City of Aberdeen's “small town scale” and ambience.

Objective A: Maintain housing opportunities for all ages and income groups that are compatible with other planning goals and objectives.

Objective B: Avoid concentrations of low income housing in Aberdeen and ensure that low income housing meets the local need as opposed to the County and regional need.

D. Goal: Encourage developers to utilize rich and thoughtful architectural design and site planning in all levels and types of housing.

Objective A: Prepare design guidelines and incentives for new construction, additions, and rehabilitation for residential uses City-wide.

Objective B: Establish land use planning, site planning, and facility standards for ail new housing developments. Encourage the use of good design and the building of pedestrian, recreation and service amenities.

E. Goal: The City Department of Planning and Community Development shall identify substandard dwellings and adopt an active housing support program in an attempt to upgrade the housing with an emphasis on the encouragement of exterior maintenance.

Objective A: Review all housing controls for the possibilities of modifying regulations.

Objective B: Promote the Homeownership Initiative in the Swan Meadows community.

Objective C: Consider adoption of the International Property Maintenance Code.

Objective D: Adopt more stringent livability code requirements and increase enforcement.

F. Goal: Protect existing and proposed residential areas from conflicting nonresidential land uses, while providing for compatible and functional development.

Objective A: Preserve and improve the stability of existing single-family residential neighborhoods by prohibiting encroachment of incompatible land uses into established single-family neighborhoods.

Objective B: Require commercial uses to provide measures designed to reduce impacts and nuisances to abutting residential areas.

Objective C: Establish a process by which a range of housing types, neighborhood support services and local businesses can be integrated into established communities.

G. Goal: Establish balanced residential development with the provision of adequate employment and service facilities.

Objective A: Determine the location, population size, kinds of public facilities and utilities, and character of development to be maintained for City development where growth is to be encouraged.

Objective B: Encourage the use of Planned Unit Development (PUD) concepts.

4. Land Use

Goal: The future land use plan shall reflect the optimal land uses for the City of Aberdeen at its long-range, full development scenario. Decisions regarding future land use must respect the future land use plan. This plan represents the graphic expression of the physical implementation of the adopted goals, objectives, and growth management policies of the City of Aberdeen.

Goal: The future land use plan should provide for an integrated mix of residential, commercial, and employment uses in the City which will accommodate adequate housing and economic development opportunities for present and future residents.

Downtown Area

Objective A: Support the Aberdeen Transportation Center with complimentary uses and design standards for the downtown area.

Objective B: Adopt design guidelines within the downtown revitalization overlay area.

Objective C: Enact historic district design criteria in Aberdeen focusing on historic preservation, rehabilitation, and buffer issues.

Objective D: Promote the State of Maryland's Designation for downtown as a Neighborhood Business Development Program initiative. Utilize State funding opportunities.

Objective E: Promote the benefits of the Greater Aberdeen-Havre de Grace Enterprise Zone.

Infill and Redevelopment

Objective A: Identify infill and redevelopment opportunities within the City for the proper development of these properties.

Objective B: Review and make amendments to the Aberdeen Zoning Code, if necessary, so that the City may encourage infill on certain vacant, abandoned, or underutilized parcels of land and no conflicts arise through redevelopment.

Objective C: Support infill and redevelopment efforts that enhance the character, viability and function of our existing communities.

Objective D: Encourage connectivity between the infill site and existing communities. Provide public access points and sidewalks where necessary.

I-95 Interchange Area

Objective A: Adopt design guidelines and development standards by creating an I-95 Overlay
District and amend the Aberdeen Zoning Code where necessary.

Objective B: Encourage development proposals that are compatible with the Minor League
Baseball Stadium, the future Baseball Academy and Planning Area 11:
Long/HEAT.

Land Development

Objective A: Inventory and assess land development constraints and assets for all City properties and areas within a one mile radius of the City Limits.

Objective B: The guiding criteria for the selection of future land uses for the planning areas within the community along with their densities and intensities should be based on a synthesis of (1) the physical land form, ecology, infrastructure, and economic determinants inherent to the planning area, and (2) application of the relevant City goals, objectives, and planning policies adopted herein.

Objective C: Development proposals shall be prepared in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Code and Subdivision Regulations.

Objective D: Discourage warehouse/distribution uses that excessively develops land, creates little employment opportunity and imposes burdens on the City's roadways.

5. Public Facilities and Services

Goal: Guide the location, form, and size of new development by providing public facilities and utilities in a cost-effective manner.

Goal: The planning and programming of all City services, utilities, and facilities shall be compatible with the adopted Comprehensive Plan.

Goal: Plan and provide for an adequate level of public services, utilities, and facilities to all current and future residents within the City and recognize the interagency aspects of programming the future development and expansion of certain facilities and services.

Goal: The nature, scale, timing, and implementation of all private development proposals shall include the provision of adequate public facilities. Private developments shall provide all on-site public facilities, utilities, and infrastructure necessary to accommodate the requirements of the given development, and the Comprehensive Plan recommendations for adequate public facilities within the planning area which circumscribes the given project.

Objective A: WATER: Maintain a strong role in supporting, planning, and implementing programs for water supply sources, treatment facilities, and service for the long-range municipal water supply and fire protection requirements for the City. Place proper emphasis on adequate fire protection standards for new development within Aberdeen and areas suitable for annexation.

Objective B: SEWER: Coordinate future sewer demands and system requirements with a long-term capital improvements program which responds to the Comprehensive Plan.

Objective C: OTHER FACILITIES: Prepare regional and/or interjurisdictionally supported plans, engineering studies, and implementation strategies for stormwater management to serve the needs of Aberdeen and the areas suitable for annexation. Coordinate and assist in ensuring the most effective planning, timing, and routing of public-related facilities and utilities which are outside the City limits.

Objective D: PARKS & RECREATION: Plan for adequately sized neighborhood parks and support existing park lands as new residential development occurs.

6. Economic Development

A. Goal: Support the existing economic base in the Aberdeen Planning Area while exploring other compatible economic opportunities for the expansion of employment and tax-revenues.

Objective A: Maintain the Downtown as a viable center for tourism and museum uses, customer service uses, offices and governmental functions.

Objective B: Establish standards for all economic development related land uses, including site buffers, landscaping, design guidelines, open space requirements, and adequate public facilities.

Objective C: Support the tourism efforts of the City. Market the Ripken Stadium and Youth Baseball Academy, Ripken Museum and Aberdeen Room Archives and Museum.

B. Goal: Allow expansion of existing industries as well as location of new industries in keeping with the City's desire to provide jobs for existing and future residents.

Objective A: Identify the land necessary to accommodate the type of industry desired.

Objective B: Encourage educational programs to promote awareness of jobs available and skills needed.

Objective C: Discourage warehouse/distribution uses.

Objective D: Encourage high tech industry and seek skilled employment type uses.

C. Goal: Establish conveniently accessible and attractive commercial concentrations in a variety of locations where the road network is not impaired nor safety hazards created.

Objective A: Encourage moderate levels of infill retail and service development in the downtown as the principle means of expanding the local retail economic base.

D. Goal: Continue to support the efforts of the Aberdeen Proving Ground for Military and Civilian Resources recognizing the beneficial economic impacts to the City.

Objective A: Support tourism efforts of Aberdeen Proving Ground. Market the ordinance museum and joint Armed Forces Day celebrations.

E. Goal: Continue to support the Higher Education and Applied Technology (HEAT)
Center.

Objective A: Encourage development proposals in the I-95 Interchange Area that are
compatible with the HEAT Center.

7. Urban Design

A. Goal: Enhance the visual quality, design excellence, and the image of the City to ensure that land development and accommodation of demographic growth are in keeping with the character of Aberdeen and the community's vision for its future.

Objective A: Adopt Smart Codes and International Property Maintenance Codes standards.

Objective B: Investigate the use of design review processes and standards to encourage quality design in the areas of new construction, additions, rehabilitation, signs, streetscapes, and landscaping.

Objective C: Investigate the use of design guidelines and architectural review guidelines for new development in order to ensure compatibility with the prevailing architectural scale and themes in designated areas of the City.

Objective D: Initiate and encourage joint public/private efforts to improve community appearance and property maintenance in industrial, commercial, and residential areas.

B. Goal: Seek the highest quality of development and design for future development within the Downtown Revitalization Overlay District.

Objective A: Facilitate the efficient transition of land use in the downtown to ensure compatibility with adjacent developments.

Objective B: Provide for and encourage the use of new and innovative design techniques for controlled flexibility that will allow new development to work cohesively with existing features.

Objective C: Encourage pedestrian linkages between the Aberdeen Transportation Center and the downtown commercial area to the adjacent residential communities.

Objective D: Encourage businesses to remove architectural barriers to the handicapped and elderly.

Objective E: Work with property owners and businesses in the downtown area to revitalize and improve the appearance and economic vitality of the downtown.

8. Historical and Cultural Resources

A. Goal: Respect historic values, including preservation of historic sites and buildings representing period architecture.

Objective A: Protect sites and structures of historical and cultural importance.

Objective B: Encourage the adaptive use of historically significant and sound buildings and structures.

Objective C: Identify and survey buildings and sites of historic architectural value.

Objective D: Establish a program for encouraging or assisting owners of historical landmarks to submit applications to the Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties.

Objective E: Support the efforts of the Aberdeen Heritage Trust Committee.

Objective F: Implement historic district and design review guidelines within the City. Coordinate these efforts with the Aberdeen Heritage Trust Committee.

Objective G: Encourage the study of archeologically significant sites in and around the City limits (examples: Old Baltimore, Perryman, Aberdeen Proving Ground).

9. Implementation

A. Goal: The Aberdeen Comprehensive Plan shall be implemented via the growth management tools--Zoning Code, site plan controls, Subdivision Regulations, and other environmental and urban design standards-which are incorporated into this land use planning process.

Objective A: The guiding instrument for the development within the City and its planning sub-areas is the adopted Comprehensive Plan.

Objective B: Decisions regarding the location, nature, type, and intensity of future land development shall be based on the adopted Comprehensive Plan. However, the Comprehensive Plan does not specifically address the phasing of growth or the staging of adequate public facilities by the public and private sector.

Objective C: Amendments to the zoning of any properties within the City and any areas suitable for annexation shall be compatible with the Comprehensive Plan. Deviations from the Aberdeen Comprehensive Plan shall require a revision to and update of the Comprehensive Plan prior to the consideration of any zoning amendment.

Objective D: Zoning amendment proposals which are not compatible in use and intensity with the Comprehensive Plan shall be recommended for denial.

Objective E: The City shall prepare and adopt amendments to the Zoning Code, Subdivision Regulations, Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance and any other design standards which are required to implement the Comprehensive Plan.

Objective F: Support the Aberdeen Economic Development Commission with their responsibilities to identify and promote economic development for the City.

This is a critical stage in the planning process. The goals and objectives, adopted by the City Council, were used and will be used to develop the land use recommendations and development strategies of the Comprehensive Plan. This ensures that the Comprehensive Plan has been constructed on a firm social, economic, moral, and legal foundation.

CHAPTER 3. - THE PLAN

- THE PLAN

OVERVIEW OF PLANNING PROCESS

The Comprehensive Plan is organized, designed, and implemented so as to orchestrate growth in the City in terms of (a) future land uses, (b) scale and intensity of land uses (c) phasing of land uses, (d) phasing of support infrastructure, and (e) promulgation of development strategies which maintain and enhance the quality of life of current and future residents.

In conjunction with the update of the Aberdeen Comprehensive Plan, the City's Master Plan document was developed as part a strategic planning effort. This effort involved City employees, Mayor and City Council, and a focus group of community leaders. The Master Plan document, adopted by the City Council on February 26, 2001, is the foundation used for the planning process. The Master Plan document is located in Appendix E.

This 2002 Comprehensive Plan update:

1. Addresses the City's planning goals and objectives.

2. Follows the spirit of the Master Plan document.

3. Is capable of implementation within the context of satisfying both (a) the marketplace demands, and (b) the ability of the local government to supply adequate municipal services and infrastructure; and

4. Provides positive community-wide benefits with the least negative impact on the values making up the existing physical, social, political and economic environment.

In the 1994 Comprehensive Plan, all necessary data and background information were collected and analyzed to create a descriptive model of the existing City and the areas to be studied for possible annexation. These were recorded in a series of graphic reference exhibits that address the historic, physical, cultural, residential, commercial, and infrastructure characteristics of the area. These exhibits and support documentation are maintained and periodically updated in the City Planning Office, for the following data:

1. Soils

2. Hydrology

3. Geology

4. Drainage patterns

5. Forested and open space areas

6. Slopes and contours

Existing land use
Urban facilities and infrastructure

9. Demographic and economic environment

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN LAND USE CATEGORIES

Land Use Categories

Four major land use categories--Residential, Commercial, Industrial, and Planned Unit Development--accommodate a general range of land uses. These four land use categories are described below.

Residential Land Use

Three residential land uses have been identified for the land use plan, each with dominant housing type selected and defined, based on its suitability for future housing needs of the City of Aberdeen: Low-Density Residential, Medium-Density Residential, and High-Density Residential. The following table summarizes the three residential land uses.

Residential Density

1. Low-Density Residential 2-4 Dwelling Units per Acre

(Single family detached)

2. Medium-Density Residential 5-7 Dwelling Units per Acre

(Single family detached and attached)

3. High-Density Residential 8-17 Dwelling Units per Acre

(Single family attached

and garden apartment/

condominium units)

The Smart Growth Areas legislation requires that the threshold density is 3.5 units per acre to become a Priority Funding Area (this would be a consideration for all future residential annexations).

The Low-Density Residential land use is to provide for single family residential development of spacious character, together with public buildings, schools, churches, public recreational facilities and accessory uses, as may be necessary or are compatible with residential surroundings. Housing in this land-use orientation will be developed at a maximum density of four units per acre.

The Medium-Density Residential land use is to provide for single family and two family residential developments of city-scale character, together with such public buildings, schools, churches, public recreational facilities and accessory uses, as may be necessary or which are normally compatible with residential surroundings. The application of this residential orientation is targeted for (1) infill residential lots which have been previously zoned, approved, and platted, (2) previously zoned, approved, and platted subdivision lots on large tracts situated within the City, and/or (3) presently undeveloped planning areas. The maximum recommended residential density for the Medium-Density Residential land use is seven units per acre, with the base density established at five units per acre.

The High-Density Residential land use is to provide for single-family detached and attached, garden style apartments/condominium units, and/or senior rental housing units together with such public buildings, schools, churches, public recreational facilities, and accessory uses, as may be necessary or are normally compatible with residential surroundings. The basic intent of this housing orientation is to provide appropriately located opportunities for (1) selected areas with attributes conducive to single-family attached development patterns, and (2) mid-rise, multi-family designs at a density of 17 units per acre. With the base density pegged at eight units per acre, if the higher end of the range is to be achieved for any given site, any development proposal must present master planning, phasing concepts, and a public facilities program that includes infrastructure needs, analysis, and implementation schedule for the necessary improvements. .

Commercial Land Use

The Comprehensive Plan has been designed to accommodate three distinct commercial land uses: Downtown Commercial, Neighborhood Commercial, and Commercial. Historically, the City's center of commerce has been the Downtown Business District and it is the subject of continued redevelopment efforts by the City. The Comprehensive Plan's retail and business goals emphasize the community's desire and commitment for the existing Downtown to serve as a location for carefully selected new retail shopping, cafés and restaurants, tourism activities, multi-modal transportation hub and service-oriented businesses. The Rt.22/Beards Hill Road area will continue to be the major shopping area for Aberdeen.

The Commercial land uses are as described below.

Downtown Commercial applies to all retail/business land uses situated within the Downtown area. In keeping with the envisioned Comprehensive Plan goals for this area, land uses within the Downtown Commercial category are to be compatible with the scale and character of the existing downtown.

The Downtown Commercial land use recognizes the unique characteristics of providing essential public services and infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of the Downtown. Development intensities can span a wide range in floor area ratios depending on the particular venture's intended land use, physical characteristics, access and parking requirements, and other infrastructure demands.

This land use recognizes special opportunities for mixed-use projects as well as downtown housing. Specific urban design strategies and planning recommendations for the Downtown Commercial area should be developed upon adoption of the Comprehensive Plan. Implementation should be orchestrated employing new downtown overlay zoning district standards and architectural/urban design review guidelines. These efforts should include the designation of a Community Legacy Area.

The Neighborhood Commercial land use is intended to address peripheral business-related land uses lying outside the Downtown Commercial boundaries. Neighborhood Commercial is intended to address new and existing retail/service development of low intensity in carefully chosen locations within Aberdeen and the proposed study areas.

The Neighborhood Commercial land use designation should not encourage or provide for conventional shopping centers or large-scale freestanding retailing establishments. To the extent achievable, via zoning district and design controls, the Neighborhood Commercial environment is to be compatible in physical scale and architectural themes with surrounding residential neighborhoods. Neighborhood Commercial uses include small retail, office, restaurants, and convenience goods and personal services for the day to-day living needs of the immediate neighborhood.

The Commercial land use is intended to define and better control the development of attached retail center land uses, sports/recreational complexes, and restaurants. This land use includes complimentary, support retail, such as freestanding banks, restaurants, fast-food establishments, recreational entertainment, and other uses which frequently locate on planned shopping center sites. This district recognizes centers serving primarily community level shopping demands.

Industrial Land Use

The Industrial land use is organized into two categories to guide light industrial-related land use activities and major employment within the City: Light Industrial and Mixed Use-Planned Employment Center. The Master Plan document adopted by the City of Aberdeen discourages warehouse distribution and heavy industry, promotes development of research and development facilities, high tech businesses, corporate centers, training centers, and business offices.

The intent of the Comprehensive Plan is to define land uses to promote employment and research and development uses in a "campus-like" setting, with site plans emphasizing landscaping and stringent performance standards for air and noise quality. Any proposed industrial land uses should be buffered from residential areas by landscaped setbacks and transitional uses (i.e., high-density residential, business office, or public use) where possible.

Given the potential close proximity of certain Light Industrial areas to existing, Residential land uses, certain employment-related use proposals should be subject to site plan review, with rigorous standards applied to external site uses (such as storage), sensitive lighting and signs, buffering (fencing and landscape materials), and other matters which could adversely impact the environment. The goals of this plan explicitly support the existing economic base in Aberdeen and encourage economic expansion in campus-like settings. The goals also recommend the establishment of site design standards for all Industrial land uses. Land use proposals within this category should include analyses that address traffic, noise, air quality, smoke, odor/fumes, point and non-point pollution, and other environmental considerations relevant to the given land use.

The Mixed Use-Planned Employment Center land use provides for a variety of commercial and employment uses:

1. Restaurant

2. Office/Research/Institutional

Hotel/Motel
Conference Centers
Technical and Specialty Schools
Technology based industries and Corporate Centers

Planned Unit Development Land Use

A Planned Unit Development (PUD) land use is primarily a residential land use intended to control the placement, design, use, and density of residential developments, with incidental commercial development intended for the use of the residents and open space/recreational areas for the common use of occupants. A PUD offers a variety of building types and a more efficient overall use of the land. It permits the optimum amount of freedom and diversity in the design and management of different types of residential structures, including one and two family detached houses, attached townhouses, and garden apartments. A PUD may include recreational buildings, public buildings and accessory buildings. Commercial establishments are an integral part of a PUD and must be included in any development proposal. Commercial elements should be of a small neighborhood convenience type and may include laundry and dry cleaning establishments, barber and beauty shops, and small retail grocery or delicatessens. Any proposed development must provide for service by public water and sewer disposal systems.

PLANNING APPROACH

The 2002 Comprehensive Plan incorporates an approach to urban planning which emphasizes the critical importance of both (1) conserving the City's resources, and (2) incorporating the State of Maryland's Smart Growth principles.

The planning process has been organized into seventeen individual Planning Areas, each having a set of unique geographic and physical characteristics that separate it as a discrete land-planning area. Recommended land uses for areas within the existing corporate limits are separately addressed in this document. Detailed environmental analysis was developed for each planning area to determine both its overall physical development attributes and environmental limitations for urban land uses in the 1994 Comprehensive Plan.

It is important to keep in mind that the planning areas have been identified to include the "prime developable land," thereby excluding the "less developable" or Sensitive Environmental Areas (sensitive soils, steep slopes, wetlands, and floodplains). By emphasizing the planning strategy of assigning future land uses to only the "prime developable areas," the 2002 Comprehensive Plan maintains compatibility with its adopted goal of protecting critical environmental resources while allocating growth to land possessing attributes most conducive to urban uses. Clustering of future development within the planning areas and conservation of sensitive land units are addressed in this plan.

The Comprehensive Plan represents the vision for the City of Aberdeen and an orderly and desirable growth program. Changes to the Plan may be initiated via private application and/or the normal process of updating the Comprehensive Plan by the local government every six years.

This plan and related growth management strategy translates the future land use plan into a sequenced allocation of future land uses which will achieve the State of Maryland's goal for Smart Growth. The objective of the plan is to provide the City with a framework for deciding on both the appropriateness and timeliness of private development proposals within the context of the adopted goals, objectives, and policies for growth.

BEYOND THE CORPORATE LIMITS

In the 1960 Comprehensive Plan , a survey of the existing land use revealed that almost 50% of the land area in the City was vacant. In 1994, a little over 10% of the gross land area within the City remained vacant. Most of the vacant land was impacted by wetlands, bedrock, floodplains, and hydric soils. In 2002, 5% of the gross land area is undeveloped.

The State of Maryland's Economic Growth, Resource Protection, and Planning policy speaks directly to the future of Aberdeen and how the State will call upon the City to accommodate future growth and to direct where this growth will occur. The eight visions in the policy are:

1. Development shall be concentrated in suitable areas.

Sensitive areas shall be protected.
In rural areas, growth shall be directed to existing population centers and resource areas shall be protected.
Stewardship of the Chesapeake Bay and the land shall be a universal ethic.
Conservation of resources, including a reduction in resource consumption, shall be practiced.
Economic growth shall be encouraged and regulatory mechanisms shall be streamlined.
Adequate public facilities and infrastructure under the control of the municipal corporation are available or planned in areas where growth is to occur.
Funding mechanisms shall be addressed to achieve this policy.

In order to adequately plan for growth, the City of Aberdeen has conducted extensive land use studies on all of the land within a one-mile radius of the existing City boundaries. Furthermore, the City has analyzed the City's capability to provide services in those areas within one mile of the corporate limits. As it becomes more difficult to develop in the rural areas of Harford County, growth demands will be experienced in Aberdeen, Havre de Grace, and Bel Air. Aberdeen has a significant advantage over the other two municipalities because the City has adequate capacity for growth in the elementary and secondary schools. A new high school is built with planned construction completion in 2003.

While the City plans for an adequate supply of housing to meet existing and future demand, Aberdeen must also plan and provide for economic development to broaden and to ensure individual and family quality of life is maintained. Aberdeen should consider developing its "urban village" concept where people work, shop, and live. Aberdeen should also continue its efforts in seeking high quality jobs to locate within the corporate limits. This means annexing those properties around the existing corporate limits that would be attractive to such a user. Residential properties that can be adequately serviced by public facilities and utilities must also be annexed to provide quality high-end housing.

EXTENDING THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF ABERDEEN

Three principles of the Comprehensive Plan that should guide any large-scale annexation:

1. The comprehensive plan must be flexible.

2. The comprehensive plan must create value.

3. The comprehensive plan must work financially.

The City should plan for a variety of land uses throughout the areas planned for annexation to permit flexibility in accommodating the changing market forces.

In addition to being flexible, the comprehensive plan must create value. The comprehensive plan must define a new place where people and investment will be attracted. The large sizes of the parcels located adjacent to the corporate limits of Aberdeen, the proximity of these parcels to existing facilities that can support growth in the early stages of the development process, and the fact that the vast majority of the parcels contain very little housing from which residents have to relocate, are all pluses.

The City must create value in the areas targeted for annexation. Creating value includes planning for mixed-use residential in underutilized areas, targeting areas for redevelopment and annexation near commercial centers and places of employment. It is consistent with Smart Growth principles that development is concentrated in suitable areas and support new housing opportunities near the workplace.

The third consideration, which should guide any large-scale annexation undertaking, is that the comprehensive plan must work financially. Project density must reflect land values. Uses must be mixed in each phase so the danger of overwhelming the market for any single land use segment is averted.

PLANNING AREA ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

For the purpose of making the most informed land use decisions, the growth boundary extending one mile around the City (referred to as the Annexation Study Area), which is the major focus of the Aberdeen Comprehensive Plan, has been divided into seventeen planning areas. Each planning area is comprised of an area of land that circumscribes a unique set of interrelated physical, topographic, and cultural characteristics that gives the area its special identity.

In the process of designing a preferred land use plan for the Aberdeen Area, each area becomes a decision unit around which (a) concepts are evaluated, (b) alternative land uses are modeled and (c) compatibility with community planning goals are tested. The following narratives summarize the planning analysis for each of the seventeen planning areas. These narratives identify the key area characteristics, including (a) area boundary delineations and land area, (b) existing land use and zoning, (c) hydrology and geology, (d) topography and natural features, and (e) cultural and historical aspects. As related to the planning process, these factors and their interrelationships combine to have a direct bearing upon the process of structuring the optimal future land use(s) for any given area. For example, key topographic features, such as major ridges or drainage swales, will suggest some land use patterns and discourage others. Similarly, existing highways and railroads constitute established man-made systems that must be incorporated into this planning process.

The Comprehensive Plan encapsulates the long-range vision for development within each Planning Area. The underlying growth management process assumes the continued and coordinated process of guidance, control, and implementation by and between the City and County.

The stated land uses are allocated on a sub-area-by-sub-area basis. In some instances, one or more planning areas may be combined in order that future land uses and/or infrastructure systems may be uniquely combined and applied. In other cases, more than one land use designation may be allocated to a given area in order to efficiently articulate land uses and growth management stipulations.

PLANNING AREA 1: SWAN CREEK

Description:

Planning Area 1, Swan Creek contains approximately 454 acres and is located east of the City. Beginning at the Route 22 gate to Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), the boundary line follows Route 22 northeast to the City line, which is a large storm water drainage course. Following the City borderline northeast, the planning area boundary intersects with the Swan Creek shoreline to the intersection of the APG northern boundary. From this point the planning area boundary follows the APG borderline back to the starting point. This is the planning area's southern boundary. The Harford County zoning is R1 and CI along Route 22.

The land is moderately sloped with stands of forested areas along Swan Creek. This planning area is located within the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area. This area is also a priority area for connection with the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway.

Recommendations:

This area is planned for low-density residential uses. Land use proposals should incorporate the development of appropriate neighborhood open spaces and a landscaped, passive park internal to the development.

PLANNING AREA 2: MULLINS

Description:

Planning Area 2, Mullins, contains approximately 300 acres and is located east of the City. For the most part, this planning area contains the Mullins landfill, which is owned by Harford County Government. The eastern boundary begins at the intersection of Old Post Road and Oakington Road and follows Oakington Road to Gashey's Creek. It follows Gashey's Creed in a generally southerly direction to its intersection with Swan Creek. The southern and western boundaries are formed by Swan Creek to the point it meets the City boundary. The northern boundary is created by the City boundary, then Old Post Road back to the intersection with Oakington Road.

The site contains numerous environmental constraints including hydric soils, wetlands, Chesapeake Bay Critical Area, large stands of forests associated with wetlands, and a high water table. This area is also a priority area for connection with the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway.

Recommendation:

This area is planned for low-density development because of existing uses and environmental constraints.

PLANNING AREA 3: OAKINGTON

Description:

Planning Area 3, Oakington, contains approximately 906 acres and is located about one-half mile east of the City. Beginning at the junction of Oakington Road and Gashey's Creek, the northern boundary follows the southern borderline of Swan Harbor Farm Park to the Chesapeake Bay. The Bay's shoreline south to Swan Creek Point is the area's eastern boundary. The planning area's western boundary is Swan Creek, then Gashey's Creek to the starting point.

Recommendation:

This area is planned for low-density residential uses consistent with the existing educational and recreational uses. This area is also a priority area for connection to the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway.

PLANNING AREA 4: PULASKI

Description:

Planning Area 4, Pulaski, has approximately 398 acres and east of the City in the Route 40 corridor between Aberdeen and Havre de Grace. Beginning at the intersection of the City's eastern boundary and the CSX rail line, the northeastern boundary of this planning area is the CSX rail line and extends northerly to the north end of the vacant shopping center. Turning to the southeast along the shopping center boundary, the planning area's boundary crosses Route 40 and the AMTRAK rail line to intersect the eastern boundary of Swan Harbor Farm. From this point the eastern boundary coincides with the Swan Harbor Farm western boundary south to Oakington Road. The planning area's boundary then goes west then north along Oakington Road to the intersection of Old Post Road. Following Old Post Road southwesterly to the City's line designates the southern boundary of the planning area. Harford County zoning in the corridor is predominantly GI (General Industrial).

Recommendation:

The majority of the Pulaski Planning Area is designated mixed-use commercial and light industrial to complimentthe existing uses on the Route 40 corridor. This is also a possible area for connection with the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway.

PLANNING AREA 5: BARKESS

Description:

Planning Area 5, Barkess, contains approximately 647 acres and is northeast of the City. Its southeast boundary is the CSX rail line and the southwest boundary is the City border from the CSX rail line northerly to Swan Creek. The northern boundary extends easterly along Swan Creek for about one-half mile to the bend in the Creek. The northern boundary continues easterly to Robinhood Road. The eastern boundary is Robinhood Road south to Palomino Ranch Road. The planning area's next northern boundary follows the Palomino Ranch Road-Titan Terrace-Bulle Rock Golf Course border northeasterly to Gashey's Creek, which is another eastern boundary south to the CSX rail line. The Harford County zoning in the area west of Robinhood Road is R1, R2 and R4.

The tracts of land comprising this planning area are gently to moderately sloping. Several areas in the northern portion of the planning unit, along Swan Creek and Robinhood road, have severely sloping topography. The land in the area is generally undeveloped with the exception of several scattered single-family detached residences and a mobile home park. The western half of the planning area contains substantial tree cover.

RECOMMENDATION:

The Barkess Planning Area is planned for a mix of land uses. Low-density Residential uses are planned for approximately 110 acres along the eastern portion of the planning area. A small piece of land (approximately seven acres), located north of the Barchowsky Property (the Barchowsky Property is approximately eighty-three acres and located in an environmental trust easement) and north of the CSX Railroad, is currently zoned for industrial uses. It is recommended that this land remain industrial and should accommodate light industrial uses in the future. A buffer area should be provided as a transition between the industrial zoned land and the planned residential uses to the west.

Development in the sub-area should respect the established residential communities to the west, the planned residential community to the east, and the CSX Railroad to the south. Site planning should emphasize clustering within the sub-area to provide the opportunity to reserve and protect sufficient buffer/screening strips and sensitive environmental areas.

PLANNING AREA 6: TITAN TERRACE

Description:

Planning Area 6,Titan Terrace, contains approximately 317 acres and is an established residential community located northeast of the City's boundary. Using the intersection of Robinhood Road and Oak street from Swan Harbor Dell Trailer Park as the starting point, the western boundary of the planning area goes north along Robinhood Road about one-quarter mile to a short unnamed road north of Sherwood Lane. The boundary then turns eastward to the western edge of Bulle Rock Golf Course, forming the northern boundary of the planning area. The eastern boundary follows the edge of Bulle Rock Golf Course southward to the northern edge of the commercially zoned property adjacent to the CSX rail line. Following the commercially zoned property line in a southwesterly direction to the starting point forms the southern boundary of the planning area. The Harford County zoning for Titan Terrace is Rl. The community has private well and septic service. Lot sizes average one-third to one-half an acre. Titan Terrace will be considered for annexation as public water and sewer lines become available for connections.

Recommendation:

This area is planned for low-density residential use to be consistent with existing residential subdivisions. We would also recommend conceptual site plan joint reviews with Harford County for this planning area to preserve the existing residential subdivisions and allow for adequate street types and layout, uses, building design, public spaces, natural areas, etc. This area is also a possible area for connection with the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway.

PLANNING AREA 7: OLD ROBINHOOD

Description:

Planning Area 7, Old Robinhood, contains approximately 580 acres and is located north-northwest of the City. Beginning at the Aberdeen Family Swim Center on Old Robinhood Road, the western boundary runs north along Swan Creek to the outer limits of the planning area. The boundary then angles southeast to Gashey's Creek and follows the creek to a point where the northern boundary of Titan Terrace meets the Bulle Rock Golf Course. The boundary then goes west along the northern boundary of Titan Terrace to Robinhood Road. The boundary goes south along Robinhood Road to the northern edge of Swan Harbor Dell Trailer Park, then westward to Swan Creek. The area boundary follows Swan Creek in a northeasterly direction back to the Swim Center to establish the southern boundary. Harford County zoning for the entire area is Agricultural. Low density residential development is also permitted.

Recommendation:

Old Robinhood is planned for low and medium density residential and commercial uses. Development strategies include a straightforward combination of land and transportation planning, a variety of housing types and densities and neighborhood commercial uses. By introducing this mixed-use development strategy immediately east of the existing City limits, isolation and newness of the planning area is avoided.

Examination of development options for this planning area reveals the need to plan for a large community park and possibly a fire and police station to service north Aberdeen. This area is also a possible area for connection with the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway.

PLANNING AREA 8: PARADISE

Description:

Planning Area 8, Paradise, contains approximately 275 acres and is located north of the City. Beginning at the intersection of Old Robinhood Road and Paradise Road, part of the southern boundary goes northwest along Old Robinhood Road to I-95, then heads northeast along I-95 about one mile to form the area's western boundary. The boundary line then turns southeast and continues to an unnamed creek that forms the western boundary of Planning Area 7, Old Robinhood. The creek forms the planning area's eastern boundary and goes south to Old Robinhood Road where it turns west again to the starting point to form the remainder of the southern boundary. The Harford County zoning for Planning Area 8 currently is Agricultural. This zoning classification permits approximately one dwelling per ten acres. A master plan for the overall planning area should be considered prior to any specific land use approval and annexation.

Recommendation:

The land use designation for Paradise is consistent with the City's vision to provide for a mix of low and medium density residential uses . The low-density residential use policy establishes the desired single-family detached residential character of the sub-area east of Paradise Road. Given the visibility of this sub-area from 1-95, clustering is encouraged to maximize setbacks from the Interstate. The open space systems resulting from clustering can protect the floodplains, wetlands, and other sensitive natural zones.

Examination of development options for Paradise, relative to its proximity to neighboring residential land uses (both existing and planned), may reveal the need for a neighborhood commercial use. Any commercial use recommended for this planning area should be residential in scale and in harmony with the surrounding residential uses.

PLANNING AREA 9: ALDINO-STEPNEY

Description:

Planning Area 9, Aldino-Stepney, contains approximately 667 acres and is located north of the City. Beginning at the intersection of Maxa Road and I-95, the western boundary is formed by Maxa Road and then Gilbert Road, which is also the northern boundary after it turns in a westerly direction to a creek that is opposite of the entrance to Locksley Manor. At this point the planning area is one mile from the City boundary. Following the creek northwesterly to a farm road and then north to another unnamed creek denotes the western boundary. Going easterly to I-95 establishes the northern boundary. Following I-95 back to the starting point forms the eastern boundary. The Harford County zoning classification for the entire planning area is Agricultural.

Recommendation:

Aldino-Stepney is planned for a mix of residential uses.. Development strategies include a straightforward combination of land and transportation planning.. As property owners make requests for annexation and private investments are made, rights-of-way will be dedicated and public connector roads will be developed to fully integrate Aldino-Stepney into the City of Aberdeen.

Due to the sites strategic location immediately adjacent to the City Limits the City should encourage development of low and medium density residential uses.. A planned unit development would be consistent with the Aberdeen Zoning Code and would provide more housing near Aberdeen's urban core. Future zoning decisions for Planning Area 9 should be subject to the stipulation that development proposals present a workable transportation solution and adequate public street linkages to surrounding planning areas.

PLANNING AREA 10: ADAMS HEIGHTS

Description:

Planning Area 10, Adams Heights, contains approximately 619 acres and is located north of the City limit. Beginning at the intersection of Maxa Road and I-95, the eastern boundary is formed by Maxa Road and then Gilbert Road. Gilbert Road is also the northern boundary after it turns in a westerly direction to intersect with Aldino-Stepney Road. From this intersection the western boundary of the area is formed by Aldino-Stepney Road going south to Carsins Run. The southern boundary is the southeasterly course of Carsins Run until it intersects with I-95. .

The Adams Heights community is zoned Rural Residential (RR) under the Harford County Zoning Ordinance and has been developed accordingly. The Rural Residential zoning classification permits residential development at a density of one unit per two acres. The balance of the planning area is zoned Agricultural. Residential development is permitted in Agricultural zoned areas at a density of approximately one unit per ten acres. This planning area draws its name from the existing single-family detached residential development located between Gilbert Road and I-95, and Maxa Road and Carsins Run. The existing residential community of Adams Heights constitutes approximately 116 acres of the 520 acres in the planning area. The Adams Heights community is serviced by private well and septic.

Recommendation:

The area is planned for low density residential uses. This use encourages single-family detached residential neighborhoods compatible with the Adams Heights community and the Wetlands Golf Course. Transportation planning should provide for well-organized interior neighborhood streets along with minor community level collectors to properly serve Planning Area 9 and Planning Area 11.

PLANNING AREA 11: LONG/HEAT

Description:

Planning Area 11, Long/Heat, comprises 620 acres and is northwest of the City. This area contains what is generally referred to as the northern and western quadrants of the I-95 and Route 22 interchange. From the intersection of Carsins Run and I-95 heading southwest, the southeastern boundary extends to Cranberry Run. Cranberry Run northward to Aldino-Stepney Road is party of the western boundary. Aldino-Stepney Road up to Carsins Run is the remainder of the western boundary. The northern boundary is Carsins Run going southeast to the starting point at I-95.

The planning area is currently zoned Agricultural and Light Industrial District (LI) under the Harford County zoning classifications. One hundred and twenty acres are located in Planning Area 11 southwest of Churchville Road on what is referred to as the HEAT site. The Higher Education and Applied Technology (HEAT) Center is a partnership between local government, academia and industry. The HEAT Center offers upper level baccalaureate and graduate programs. In addition, high technology and science firms are located at the site.

Recommendation:

Planning Area 11 is recommended for a planned unit development of upscale residential character, additional office, research and educational uses in a campus like setting and commercial/recreational uses. More specifically, the mix of uses planned for this area between I-95 and Stepney Road, and, Cranberry Run and Carsins Run are residential and a combination of high technology businesses, commercial and recreational uses. The Ripken Stadium and Ripken International Baseball Academy are planned on 50 acres adjacent to I-95 and off of Technology Drive extended. The Ripken Stadium is proposed to open in summer, 2002. Low and medium density residential uses are recommended as a transitional use between the existing Adams Heights community and the planned commercial and recreational uses located in the northeastern quadrant of the I-95 interchange. Motel/conference center and support tourism uses are also encouraged in this area due to the sites location and high visibility from 1-95.

PLANNING AREA 12: GRAYS

Description:

Planning Area 12, Grays, contains approximately 695 acres and is west of the City. Starting at the intersection of Cranberry Run and I-95, the southeastern boundary of the planning area is I-95 going southwest to Grays Run. The most of the western boundary then goes north along Grays Run until it intersects Carsins Run Road, where it turns northeast and follows Carsins Run Road to Stepney Road. This is the rest of the western boundary. A line that goes east from the Carsins Run Road-Stepney Road intersection until it intersects Cranberry Run denotes the northern boundary. The eastern boundary is Cranberry Run southward to I-95. The Harford County zoning for this planning area is Agricultural. The Agricultural zoning classification also permits low-density residential development at a density of approximately one unit per ten acres.

Recommendation:

Planning Area 12 is planned for a mix of uses. Office, research and educational uses, which are consistent with the HEAT Center, are planned for the area bordering Stepney Road. A combination of open space, medium and low-density residential uses are planned for the properties bordering Grays Run and Stepney Road.

PLANNING AREA 13: BUSH CHAPEL

Description:

Planning Area 13, Bush Chapel, contains approximately 508 acres and is located immediately south of the City. The northern and eastern boundaries of the planning area generally follow the southwestern boundary of the City that lies between I-95 and Route 40. The southeastern boundary is formed from the intersection of the City's boundary with Route 40 going southwest to the intersection of Route 40 and Cranberry Run. Cranberry Run northward to I-95 is a portion of the western boundary and I-95 back to the City's border line is the rest of the boundary for this planning area. Harford County zoning classifications for this planning area are R1 or R2.

Recommendation:

The low and medium density residential designation is applied to the planning area recognizing the (1) preservation of environmentally sensitive areas and, (2) the clustering of future development in order to preserve environmentally sensitive areas.

Site planning should incorporate the clustering of buildings in order to preserve natural drainage ways, floodplains, wetlands, and troublesome physical and geologic features. Preservation of established tree cover is required as additional screening and buffer planting surrounding the existing residential neighborhoods.

In addition, a planned unit development proposal may be considered for review to include neighborhood commercial uses.

PLANNING AREA 14: RIPKEN

Description:

Planning Area 14, Ripken, contains approximately 812 acres and is located southwest of the City. From the intersection of Cranberry Run and I-95, the eastern boundary of this planning area is Cranberry Run going south to the CSX rail line. The CSX rail line going southwest to Route 7 forms the southeastern boundary. The southern boundary is from the intersection of the CSX rail line and Route 7 to the intersection of Route 7 and Grays Run. From this intersection north to I-95 is the western boundary. I-95 from Grays Run to Cranberry Run forms the northwestern boundary.

The planning area contains properties of various zoning classifications. Those classifications include R1, R2, B1, GI, and AG. The R1 and R2 classifications are intended to accommodate urban residential needs on half-acre lots and quarter acre lots, respectively. The BI (Business District) zoning classification designated on properties at the intersection of Stepney Road and Old Philadelphia Road is intended to provide limited retail and service facilities convenient to residential neighborhoods. The GI (General Industrial District) zoning classification is intended for industrial uses of a large scale. The Beech Tree Golf Course is located on a portion of this planning area. The AG (Agricultural) zoning district supports agriculture as a primary use as well as permits low-density residential development at a density of approximately one unit per ten acres.

Recommendation:

Flat topography, close proximity to corporate boundaries, and good highway and rail access indicate that Planning Area 14 is most favorably situated for light industrial/planned employment growth. Planning Area 14 is ideally located within the main transportation corridor of the region.

PLANNING AREA 15: OLD PHILADELPHILA

Description:

Planning Area 15, Old Philadelphia, contains approximately 982 acres and is located southwest of the City. Route 7 from Stepney Road to the City limits at Cranberry Run Business Park is the Planning Area's northern boundary. Cranberry Run Business Park delineates a northeast boundary and then a northwest boundary up to the Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) border. The eastern boundary is the APG western boundary line from the Short Lane southward to an extension of the Perryman Industrial Park's northeast boundary to the APG boundary. The Planning Area's southwestern boundary follows this extended line plus the northern boundaries of the Industrial Park around to the edge of the Aberdeen House 4 Fire Station adjacent to the Industrial Park. The southern boundary of the planning area goes to the west from the fire station to intersect with Cranberry Run and then along this creek to its juncture with Ernest Lane. From this point the boundary line turns north to form the western boundary until it intersects with Stepney Road. It then follows Stepney Road up to Route 7 to the beginning point. The Harford County zoning districts represented in the planning area include R1, R2, R3, GI, CI and B1. The majority of this planning area is serviced by the Harford County wastewater system.

Recommendation:

The existing residential, commercial, and institutional uses in the planning area are viewed as conforming uses in the planning area, yet, a higher and better use is envisioned. This area is planned for commercial and industrial expansion.

PLANNING AREA 16: ABERDEEN

Description:

Planning Area 16, Aberdeen, consists of all land within the corporate limits of Aberdeen.

The Comprehensive Plan strives to protect the existing environment by implementing planning strategies aimed at preserving the current positive conditions and encouraging compatible land uses within the Aberdeen area.

All properties located within the City limits have a zoning designation and are periodically reviewed for new trends in zoning and land use decisions.

Summary of Community and Economic Development Initiatives:

Economic Development Projects:

The core of Aberdeen's downtown has been plagued with long term vacancy problems, absentee landlords and associated lack of building maintenance. Attracting private investment and interest has been extremely difficult. East of the downtown lies the Hot Spot community that relies heavily on pedestrian travel modes to access the downtown area. To get to downtown, residents must traverse the concrete pedestrian bridge or the tunnel, and safe passage is always in the back of their mind. Linkage is disengaged due to real and perceived safety concerns, physical barriers, and an unwelcoming environmental setting - all located in and around the Aberdeen Train Station. The answer to deterioration and linkage is the creation of a transit oriented environment in which a multi-modal transit center will serve as a focal point for redevelopment and downtown revitalization. A plan of action to create a multi-modal transportation facility in a safe, attractive environment is underway; however, the final piece is missing. Founded upon transportation, the city's seal is "Transportation and Technology." The opportunity to transform the existing Aberdeen Train Station into the downtown anchor is but a heartbeat away.

West of downtown lies the Historic CSX Train depot- a historical treasure that has been neglected by its owners. The train depot serves as the gateway entrance into downtown; however, the gateway is a rusted and deteriorated eyesore. One of our goals is to secure the property and transform this 4 acre parcel into a Historical Village that will preserve the transportation, historical and cultural legacy of the City of Aberdeen. A public/private venture has plans to develop a cultural, business and recreational center dedicated to preserving the historical train depot and Aberdeen's community legacy.

A healthy downtown core is attainable with a multi-pronged approach. The City would like to implement a plan for integrating adjacent neighborhoods into the downtown core via pedestrian and bicycles access routes.

In addition to the above, Route 40 has a negative perception from other parts of Harford County. The bridge and pedestrian overpass is also an obstacle to improvement. The bridge was built to safely span the Amtrak rail line, but this huge concrete and steel monstrosity became a wall. Physically, it connects East Aberdeen to West Aberdeen; symbolically, it has divided us all. Ironically, this short stretch of elevated road has become the catalyst for the redevelopment of the Aberdeen Train Station. The Aberdeen Train Station is located behind part of the bridge structure. A revitalization plan has been prepared by the City and MTA to improve the appearance, safety and accessibility into the site. Phase I of the plan will be completed by the fall of 2002.

The State designated 7,500 acres as the Greater Aberdeen-Havre de Grace Enterprise Zone and authorized its designation for a ten year period. The City has successfully administered this program since 1996 and has experienced redevelopment in the enterprise zone area. The portion of the City located within the Aberdeen-Havre de Grace Enterprise Zone includes Route 40 and West and East Bel Air Avenue. The enterprise zone was designated due to high unemployment and concentration of low and moderate income families. Since its inception, 25 businesses have expanded or constructed new facilities within the area. Those businesses have made capital investments of $78,788,498, and 694 full time and 35 part time jobs have been created. The City will continue to pursue infill and redevelopment of commercial sites within the enterprise zone area.

The Aberdeen Revolving Loan Fund was established from the Community Development Block Grant Program in an effort to assist downtown business owners needing gap financing in order to renovate or purchase businesses. The City has administered this program since 1990 and a total of 12 loans have been made in the amount of $575,000. The City will continue to utilize these funds to loan to commercial businesses for the revitalization of the downtown core area.

Community Development Projects:

The Aberdeen Community Hot Spot Initiative is in its third year. The Hot Spot Community includes the area on the east side of the Train Station, adjacent to the Town Center. This program involves such diverse issues as crime prevention through environmental design, youth prevention, housing and business revitalization, nuisance abatement, community policing, and community mobilization. It is a statewide initiative to systematically assist high-crime and at-risk neighborhoods in reclaiming their streets from crime, violence, drugs and fear. Youth prevention has developed a series of programs in and out of the school system in an effort to educate children on the perils of drug abuse, and help increase their awareness, self-esteem, and sense of self worth. Community activities in the Hot Spot area have created a sense of pride and improved the quality of life.

The All-America City designation awarded by the National League of Cities in 1997 was the culmination of efforts by the local government and community in tackling challenges that separated the community and by recognizing its cultural diversity and working within that diversity to solve its problems. Aberdeen was honored largely for three programs —the creation and building of a Boys and Girls Club in the east side of the city; the opening of a Higher Education and Applied Technology Center (HEAT) to foster high-technology business and education; and a mentoring program for unwed teenage mothers and fathers.

In February, 2001, the State of Maryland awarded the Hot Spot Homeownership Initiative - $1,000,000 for permanent mortgages to attract homebuyers to the Swan Meadows community, previously a rental housing community. This initiative has resulted in 7 out of 25 contracts of sale being written in four months. This initiative is continuing with other State mortgage funding programs.

The Community Development Block Grant Program has enabled the City of Aberdeen to construct capital projects such as the Aberdeen Senior Center, Boys and Girls Club, Bush Chapel Road Improvement Project, and Baker Street Stormdrain Project, fund the Aberdeen Downtown Revolving Loan Fund to aid businesses, and demolish the aging Aberdeen Senior Center to prepare for the new Aberdeen Municipal Complex. The City will continue its community development efforts to improve the conditions of the low and moderate income people residing in Aberdeen.

Community Policing — this initiative began two years ago to compliment the efforts of the designated Hot Spot community, however, it has become a citywide endeavor. The initiative includes pro-active methods of engaging the community in problem solving issues as well as officers being indoctrinated on the "Seven Core Virtues of Policing." The Aberdeen Police Department continues to be committed to providing professional police services to the citizens of the City in a manner that will promote integrity and trust as common denominators.

Housing Projects:

Baldwin Manor, Inc. is the owner of the rental housing project which is being converted to private home ownership. The Swan Meadows subdivision is a neighborhood community comprised of 298 semi-detached and single family homes. Originally owned and built by the Federal Government during World War II, it was later sold to Baldwin Manor, Inc., and has served as rental housing ever since. The neighborhood is an economically depressed area, and has been targeted for the Hot Spot Homeownership Initiative 2000.

Education Projects:

Aberdeen High School — the Harford County Board of Education is constructing a new high school facility incorporating the magnet school concept. The new high school is targeted for completion in 2003.

HEAT Center — The Higher Education and Applied Technology Center was designed to train citizens for better jobs, re-train citizens for new careers, and establish a campus-like setting for education and a corporate technology center. The HEAT Center was a joint effort of the State of Maryland, Aberdeen Proving Ground, City of Aberdeen, Harford County Government, and Harford and Cecil Community Colleges. It is located on state owned land. HEAT was a significant factor in decisions to bring the Army Research Laboratory, Materials Laboratory and the Northeastern Regional Civilian Personnel Operations Center to APG. The HEAT Center brought fifteen colleges and universities to Harford County. The Battelle Memorial Institute recently purchased the remaining lands adjacent to the HEAT Center and is constructing a 70,000 sq ft. building for research and development, and will employ 150 people.

Historic Preservation Projects:

Aberdeen Heritage Trust Committee was formed in 1998 and is a volunteer based group funded partly by the City of Aberdeen. The Aberdeen Heritage Trust's mission is to safeguard the heritage of the City by preserving sites, structures and districts that have historical significance. The Heritage Trust promotes preservation and appreciation of historical sites, structures, and districts for the betterment of our community. The trust committee recently held its third annual Aberdeen Heritage Day, which has been a community success, and will continue to host similar community events.

The Aberdeen Room Archives and Museum is a non-profit organization which maintains all of the City's historical and cultural archives and serves as a museum for visitors and tourists. The museum is located in the downtown and has been recently moved and renovated by the City. A group of volunteers operates the museum through the week.

Infrastructure Projects:

Baker Street Storm Drain Improvements — this project was funded in part by the Community Development Block Grant funds and City capital project funding. The project involved construction and installation of storm drain piping to eliminate a flooding condition. Completed in 2001.

Bush Chapel Road Improvements — Phase I of this project was funded in part by the City capital projects funding, Community Development Block Grant funds, and the State Highway Administration. The project involved construction and installation of a traffic signal, road widening, sidewalk installation and roadway overlays. It benefited a low and moderate housing area, as well as the business district. Completed in 2001. Phase II of this project may be completed in 2003.

West Bel Air Avenue — this project will be funded in part by the City capital projects funding and the State Highway Administration. The project involves streetscaping, relocation of fire hydrants and water meters, new sidewalks with stamped concrete, and roadway reconstruction. This project is targeted to begin the spring of 2002 and provide the downtown with much needed infrastructure improvements.

Recommendation:

The City will continue to support the above community and economic development initiatives. In addition, the City is actively pursuing areas for infill and redevelopment within the corporate boundaries and annexation to target new high-end residential development and high-tech industrial users.

The Master Plan Document adopted by the City provides the vision for the future growth and development of Aberdeen.

PLANNING AREA 17: Aberdeen Proving Ground

Description:

Aberdeen Proving Ground comprises 72,518 acres, including the Edgewood Area. In 1996, the State of Maryland designated the Greater Aberdeen Havre de Grace Enterprise Zone, which includes a portion of Aberdeen Proving Ground. A total of 1,324 acres are included in this area. The Enterprise Zone designation provides income tax credits and real property tax credits for capital investment improvements to all qualifying properties. The City currently provides water and wastewater services to the developed area of Aberdeen Proving Ground.

Recommendation:

Annexation of Aberdeen Proving Ground land in the Enterprise Zone currently is not under consideration. However, the City of Aberdeen recognizes the potential for development of Aberdeen Proving Ground acreage in the Enterprise Zone and the need to plan for distribution of water and wastewater to this area. The City of Aberdeen, in cooperation with Harford County and the State of Maryland, is working with Aberdeen Proving Ground officials on future development and is promoting utilization of the Aberdeen Proving Ground assets in a positive manner for the Army and for the economic strength of this Planning Area.

CHAPTER 4. - PUBLIC UTILITIES

INTRODUCTION

The provision of an adequate water supply and distribution system, together with facilities for collecting and removing wastes, is a primary factor in the future development of the City of Aberdeen. The location, capacity and design of water and sewer systems will determine, to a large extent, the City's direction, size, and rate of growth. The disposal of wastes and control of storm water runoff is necessary to maintain the health, safety and welfare of the Aberdeen area. The following sections describe Aberdeen's existing systems and future considerations for the provision of the water service, sanitary sewer service, and storm water management

BASIS FOR UTILITIES PLANNING

Planning Process

The design, construction, and operation of water, wastewater, and storm water utilities are interdependent with existing and projected land uses and population within the designated service area. Facilities must be planned well in advance in order to assure that adequate systems are in place to handle the demands without adverse effects to the environment.

For the purpose of this study, three planning periods will be evaluated to determine potential problem areas and opportunities for integrated and coordinated solutions. These planning periods are defined as follows:

1. Present

The present period considers existing population and the facilities currently in place and operational.

2. Future (near term)

The future period takes into amount population projections through an approximate ten-year growth period, to the year 2010.

3. Future (long-term)

The facilities associated with ultimate demands will serve the full build-out of the Comprehensive Plan for land use and population.

Planning Area

The limits of the designated Planning Area for utilities are shown on Figure IV-1. Present facilities are generally limited to the incorporated area of the City, with minor exceptions. The existing service area has been divided into sub-areas to facilitate evaluation of required systems.

The designated planning sub-areas correspond to those used in earlier chapters of this Plan to develop land use and population projections. It should be noted that Planning Areas 2, 3, 6, and 15 have been determined to be unpractical for future development or annexation. The areas are not considered for utility services.

Design Criteria

The Comprehensive Plan presents a range of build-out unit densities for residential and commercial development. For the purposes of estimating utilities system demands, the median value of these ranges will be used.

Population density for residential development in the Aberdeen area has been established at 2.6 persons per dwelling unit. Using an allowance of 100 gallons of water per person per day for design purposes, the unit flow rate calculates to 260 gallons per dwelling unit.

For commercial flows, an allowance of 0.15 gallons per day per square foot of developed building area will be used. These residential and commercial unit flow values are consistent with the design guidelines published by the Maryland Department of the Environment for water and wastewater facilities

The Aberdeen Area of the Aberdeen Proving Ground (AA/APG) has been included in the City of Aberdeen service area since December of 2000. The current resident population on the AA/APG is approximately . The nonresident workforce is approximately 6700. AA/APG also has a significant industrial water usage.

Existing annual average demand figures are based on actual daily water production records for the City's water treatment plant and purchase volumes. AA/APG figures are based on the daily production records for the Chapel Hill water treatment plant. Maximum day demand is calculated as 150% of the average annual demand.

FIGURE IV - 1 GENERAL PLAN MAP

Water Service Demands

1. Present

The current population of the City of Aberdeen is approximately 14,000 persons. The existing annual average water demand is approximately 1.71 million gallons per day (MGD), with a maximum day demand of MGD, including both commercial and residential flows. The most significant industrial user is the FritoLay manufacturing facility located in Hickory Ridge Industrial area. Daily demand at the Frito Lay facility is in the neighborhood of 800,000 to 900,000 gallons per day. Commercial usage is dominated by the restaurant and hotel businesses located in the western portion of the City in the vicinity of Interstate 95 and MD Rt. 22. Existing demand from the AA/APG is 1.35 MGD annual average and 2.03 MGD maximum day demand. Demand on the Aberdeen Area/APG is divided into residential, commercial/industrial and military. Military population is approximately 2800, family residential is approximately 1800 and civilian population is approximately 6500. Aberdeen area demand includes the irrigation of both Ruggles and Plum Point golf courses.

2. Future (near-term)

The population projection for the year 2010 indicates growth up to 6150 dwelling units and 16,000 persons. The associated annual average water demand at that time is expected to increase to an estimated 2.03 MGD with a maximum day demand of MGD. AA/APG population projects reflect no significant growth for the foreseeable future however some additional demand was anticipated raising the demands to 1.77 MGD annual average and MGD maximum day demand.

Total near-term future demand for the service area is 3.80 MGD annual average and 5.71 MGD maximum day demand.

3. Future (long-term)

Ultimate build-out of the entire Comprehensive Plan area would generate a total of 7,318 dwelling units and a population of approximately 19,000 persons, which will require facilities to provide 2.50 MGD annual average demand and MGD maximum day demand. No long-term analysis is available for AA/APG. Continuing the trend based on the near-term growth of water demand on the post, an increase of approximately 27% from 2010 to 2020 would yield an annual average of 2.25 MGD and a maximum day demand of .

Total long-term future demand for the service area is MGD annual average and MGD maximum day demand.

Water Supply Facilities

General

The City of Aberdeen provides water service to its population through a network of mains, pumps, tanks, and treatment systems. Individual users are connected to the system with flow meters which are used for billing purposes. Water supplies must be provided to meet the immediate and long term needs of the community. Adequate distribution and storage facilities must be constructed and maintained to provide required water pressure and flows for domestic use. Reserves for fire fighting capability must be built into the system for the protection of property.

The City owns and operates the water system supplying the AA/APG. The garrison contracts for water service through an annual Cost of Service agreement with the City. The existing facilities are in poor condition and will be upgraded and modernized in accordance with a multi-year capital improvement plan developed by DPW and approved by the AA/APG.

The following sections describe Aberdeen's existing and future water capacity sources.

Present

The City of Aberdeen's water supply needs are currently met by their existing well fields along the western boundary of the AA/APG. The system of wells, pumps, and the associated treatment plant has a safe yield of MGD of potable water, assuming one well is out of service. The system's maximum supply capacity is 1.98 MGD. The system operates essentially at capacity during peak demand days. The well field is comprised of ten deep well turbine pumps, averaging approximately 125 gallons per minute. The treatment plant equipment includes degasifiers, pH control, fluoridation, and chlorination to provide potable water to the City system.

The water system for AA/APG was constructed in the ‘40s and was transferred to City ownership in December of 1999. Water for the Aberdeen Area is provided by a withdrawal point located on Deer Creek permitted by MDE for 3.5 MGD average demand and 6.0 maximum demand. The withdrawal point is located approximately 3.5 miles upstream from the point where Deer Creek empties into the Susquehanna River. Raw water is pumped from Deer Creek pumping station via a 20 inch transmission main to the Chapel Hill water treatment plant located along Paradise Road approximately one mile outside the City lim

User login

Comprehensive Plan Update

CREDITS

City Council:

Planning Commission:

City Manager: Peter A. Dacey

City Attorney: Gregory A. Rapisarda

Director of Public Works: Randolph C. Robertson

Director of Planning and Community Development: Phyllis G. Grover

CHAPTER 2. - GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

GOALS DIRECTED PLANNING APPROACH

CHAPTER 3. - THE PLAN