By Caitlyn Freeman
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
Baltimore County residents from the 2nd council district used a town hall meeting Monday to ask County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Jr. to increase funding for land preservation, parks and recreational activities.
Residents tuned in virtually as Olszewski, alongside Councilman Israel Patoka, D-2nd District, answered questions and listened to public comments regarding his upcoming Fiscal Year 2022 budget. The budget is set to be announced in April and voted on by the council in May.
Several residents requested that the county address land preservation, with 30 people submitting questions and comments regarding the possible acquisition of Pahl’s Farm at 4223 Bedford Road in Pikesville.
They requested that the farm be added to the Program Open Space, a state program that helps local jurisdictions purchase land for recreational use.
Residents said they were concerned with overdevelopment in the area and its impact on air quality.
In response, Olszewski said that Patoka has “impressed upon (him) the importance of open space across District 2” and that he is “…fully committed to finding ways forward to invest.”
County Director of Parks and Recreation Roslyn Johnson said the county is looking into the possibility of acquiring the farm under Program Open Space. She said the county has about $12 million of unspent funds from the program that could be used for the acquisition of properties throughout the county.
“We are looking at (Pahl’s Farm) to see if that would be a viable option for us,” Johnson said.
Also, several requests were made regarding parks and trails within the county.
The NCR trail in Hunt Valley, Lake Roland Park and the Franklin Woodland Trail Project were among several parks and trails that were mentioned by attendees. Some asked for them to be expanded, while others asked for maintenance funding.
“I think it reinforces just how much people cherish our rec and parks resources and facilities, and that’s why we have to invest more in them,” Olszewski said.
The second council district covers a swath of the county just northwest of Baltimore. It includes Pikesville in the south and Reisterstown in the north.
Olszewski will host another town hall on Thursday with Councilman Tom Quirk for 1st District residents to ask questions about the upcoming budget proposal.