BALTIMORE LAND USE/DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Summary of Plan Components

  1. GROWTH PROGRAMMING AND MANAGEMENT

    Most communities take a reactive, rather than proactive stance toward growth and development. This means tgat the primary efforts involve responding to development proposals, rather than actively directing such growth. Under this approach, the major growth decisions in the community are really made by speculators and developers. One of the basic assumptions of planning is that a community can have a considerable degree of control over its development pattern. This Plan Component consists of the following elements:
    1.1Establish a Reasonable GROWTH TARGET

    Based on the first phases of the planning process, it is proposed that the Village of Baltimore establish an optimal growth target of not more than 4,200 population in the year 2015. Based on a current population estimate of 2,900, this growth target scenario calls for an overall population increase of about 1,300 persons. If a future persons-per-household figure of 2.35 is used, this growth scenario equates to approximately 550 new dwelling units over the eleven year period, or 50 dwelling units per year.

    1.2Identify PRIMARY GROWTH AREAS and OVERALL DENSITY TARGETS

    These are the areas where approximately 75-80% of the future residential growth (say 425 units) would be accomodated. Three (3) PRIMARY GROWTH TARGETS are identified.

    • BALTIMORE SOUTH (200 UNITS)

      This area is bounded by Holder Road on the east, the "land lab" on the south, SR 158 on the west, and the existing Village park on the north.

    • BASIL WEST SOUTH (125 UNITS)

      The north, east, and south boundaries of this area are formed by the intersection of SR 256 and Basil-Western Road.

    • BALTIMORE NORTH (100 UNITS)

      The concept for this PRIMARY GROWTH AREA is based on an open space residential development around expansion of the Village wellfield.

    Residential density in the PRIMARY GROWTH AREAS would be structured so that a variety of housing types and densities could be accomodated on a single site.

    1.3Use of Planned Unit Development Approach to Zoning

    Using a PUD process gives the Village maximum leverage in evaluating development proposals.

    1.4Planning for Future Access

    Development plans for PRIMARY GROWTH AREAS should incorporate roadways connecting major thoroughfares.

    1.5Development Policies

    Development Policies are simply statements that express how the Village intends to address specific planning issues. These policies can be part of the basis for zoning and variance decisions made by the public sector, especially if they are adopted as part of a comprehensive plan.

    1.6Annexation

    Generally, proposed annexations should be evaluated according to a cost-benfit analysis. Industrial or commercial lands usually represent the highest revenue-to-cost ratio. Over the next five years, the principal annexation opportunity for Baltimore is toward the east, along SR 256.

  2. STRATEGIC INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVE (SI3)

    Infrastructure Improvements were identified during the planning process as critical for Baltimore's future. The simple truth is that, without extensive improvements in both water and sewer systems, the future economic viability of the Village is questionable. The STRATEGIC INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVE, or SI3, is a comprehensive approach to resolving water and sewer issues in Baltimore. The components of SI3 are as follows:
    2.1Formation of SI3 Board

    The SI3 Board would be an ad hoc group established by Council specifically focused on water and sewer issues. The responsibilities of the Board would include:

    • identification of prioritized infrastructure projects
    • recommendations to Village Council on how to implement them, and
    • general oversight over infrastructure topics.
    2.2Complete Programmed Sewer Improvements

    Completion of these projects on schedule is a top priority.

    2.3Construct Five Year Program of Water System Improvements /
    Capital Improvement Program (CIP)

    The formulation of this program should be the first project for the SI3 Board (see above). The program should address improvements in three (3) areas:

    • the existing wellfield and wellfield protection
    • the water treatment plant
    • "weak links" in the distribution system (upgrading of remaining 2" and 4" lines, "looping" in growth areas, and monitoring of asbestos cement pipe)

    This program should be the initial step in the formulation of a complete Capital Improvements Program for the Village.

    2.4Tie Cost-Effective Water and Sewer Provision to Approval of Development Proposals

    The capacity to provide such services should be at the "front end" of the development approval process, i.e., rezoning of property, preliminary plat approval, etc.

    2.5Establish New Revenue Sources for Water Improvements
    • increase systems capacity ("tap-in") fees
    • evaluate water costs to Thurston

    Cost sharing for off-site improvements should be an integral part of the development process.

    2.6Establish a Policy for Water and Sewer Extensions / Determine Areas for Expansion

    Until initial sewer and water projects are completed, no commitments to extend service to new areas should be made. In the longer term, a policy should be formulated.

    2.7Maintain Access to Water/Sewer as Annexation Tool

    Access to public water and sewer is the principal benefit the Village can offer to new lands.

  3. EXISTING NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION

    The overall image of any community is formed not only by the new development that occurs, but also by the condition of its existing neighborhoods. Generally, it will be more difficult to attract a higer caliber of new development if there is evidence that reinvestment is not occurring in existing areas.

    This component of the BALTIMORE LAND USE/DEVELOPMENT PLAN proposes a strategy for the continued preservation, maintenance, and revitilization of Baltimore's existing neighborhoods.
    3.1Review "Old Town" Residential Development Standards

    The primary objective of zoning policies in an older area is to encourage rehabilitation to occur and to protect the economic investment such activity represents.

    3.2Construct a Systematic Target Area Approach to Neighborhood Standards

    Most successful strategies for neighborhood rehabilitation "take it one step at a time."
    Target areas are locations where concentrated public actions would promote revitilization activity.

    3.3Use of Local and Non-Local Housing Assistance Programs

    The private costs associated with housing rehabilitation can be reduced by one of several programs.

    3.4Focus Capital Improvements in Target Areas

    In any older neighborhood, the potential for private reinvestment can usually be enhanced by infrastructure improvements.

    3.5Property Maintenance Code

    Enactment of a basic property maintenance code is the most direct way to impact neighborhood renewal.

  4. IDENTIFY/PROMOTE SITES FOR FUTURE BUSINESS ACTIVITY

    A community's business development efforts merge with land use planning when the discussion ultimately centers on specific sites. The characteristics of the site will determine what businesses might choose to locate — or whether they will at all.

    The final component of the BALTIMORE LAND USE/DEVELOPMENT PLAN presents basic development concepts for each of the areas identified for potential business development in Baltimore.
    4.1Site Control

    There are various methods by which a community can promote business development on a specific site.

    4.2"Old Basil" and "Old Baltimore" Town Centers

    The town centers must be positioned as desirable business locations.

    4.3Baltimore Shopping Center

    The site is currently under-utilized, but can be made more viable.

    4.4"Baltimore East" Annexation Area

    This is Baltimore's "best chance" for greenfield business/industrial sites.