Bevins: Job Creation, Zoning Issues to Dominate 2012

County Councilwoman Cathy Bevins has been in office a little more than a year. During that time, the Oliver Beach Democrat has dealt with a wide range of issues including , and the future of the Middle River Depot.

Bevins recently spoke with Patch on those issues and more as she reflects on her first year and looks ahead to what to expect in 2012.

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What is the biggest issue facing the district this year?

Much of this year centers around the [Comprehensive Zoning Map Process]. There are 43 properties requesting rezoning in the district. The decisions we make on those properties will help shape the district over the next four years.

We have walked through 20 of the properties so far with plans of going through every property to make sure we are educated on each of them so we can make the right recommendations moving forward.

Among those properties is the . What are your hopes for that property adjacent to Route 43?

Right now, we only know that they are requesting business major zoning from its current manufacturing zoning. This property will be an economic engine for Middle River. 

There is an opportunity to create professional jobs for the district and we are going to do what we can to ensure those jobs come here as we continue this economic recovery. Obviously a lot has changed since this property was bought in 2006 and progress has been slowed but the investment opportunities remain.

What can be done to address the concerns over , including , which has a supporter in Comptroller Peter Franchot?

This is a huge issue but one that could be difficult for the County Council to address as we can only cut from the school board’s budget. We need to find a way for all students to have air conditioning, but there’s just no money.

We’ve been meeting with all of the people involved, including those at Middleborough, and getting them air is the right thing to do. We will continue to work with everyone to find a solution to this problem.

How are you addressing the issue of the , which county officials have expressed interest in taking over in order to plant trees and address other environmental issues?

Losing the skypark would be a great loss if that happens and I don’t want to see that. The county executive has asked me to coordinate a meeting between those with the skypark and senior county officials. He seems willing to listen to all sides of this issue and we are working on several ideas, which we hope to advance to make everyone happy.

Do you have a set agenda for 2012?

My agenda is set by my constituents. I was elected to continue my work of constituent services. Since taking office, we’ve responded to more than 700 issues brought to our attention by residents in the district.

This includes everything from zoning concerns, potholes, crime and school issues. This is why I supported speed cameras because we had so many people express to us their concerns over speeding and children safety in school zones.

Among my biggest concerns is making sure we continue to find ways of investing in the district. Whether it is the continued development of Route 43, making Harford Road more pedestrian friendly or examining ways of improving Belair Road, community investment is the key to job creation.

What issues are most important to you for the Essex-Middle River area in 2012? Tell us in the comments section below.