Zoning Unlocked

Longtime Upper Duke of Gloucester resident urged the council to preserve the historic district's residential core, sequence housing and short-term rental decisions before zoning changes, and not shortchange enforcement resources.

Ward 1 Residents Association president pushed back on the 'residents always say no' narrative and asked why the city keeps calling major zoning changes minor despite 120 residents showing up in August.

The Planning Commission chair welcomed code simplification and supported the C-1A/C-1 merger and more housing types, citing the commission's report.

Read the Ward 1 Residents Association's formal position opposing the rezoning proposals and calling for more study, especially on C-1A protections and Duke of Gloucester/Conduit Street changes.

Historic Annapolis president urged protecting the city's heritage character, opposed removing the Duke of Gloucester transition zone, and asked for a pause until STR rules are done.

Said historic Annapolis streets can't handle more traffic — she's been hit by cars twice at a stop sign — and questioned sewage capacity.

Lifelong resident warned that adding density downtown is a 'ticking time bomb' for public safety given only three roads out of the city.

A new downtown resident who loves the city and asked that changes not be rushed, wanting to stay a good neighbor to current residents.

Argued zoning, STR rules, ADU law, and O-11-26 must be evaluated together for cumulative impact, and that no data justifies removing C-1A protections.

Called the proposals ill-advised, said carving homes into four units makes no sense with inadequate parking, and predicted investor purchases will change neighborhood character.

Called public engagement 'performative' and handed the mayor a city walking-tour document she said reveals a density agenda targeting single-family homes on Franklin Street.

An attorney who argued the proposal violates the 2040 long-range plan and Maryland land-use law because it doesn't serve affordable/workforce housing goals in the historic district.

Questioned the staff's parking-impact data and said removing C-1A protections without STR caps first makes homes prime investor targets.