Land Use and Responsible Growth
The single most important issue facing District C and Harford County is land use. I
oppose high-density development that is out of character with Harford County and
places unnecessary strain on our schools, roads, public safety services, and
infrastructure. Growth must be responsible, controlled, and consistent with the
communities we have worked hard to build.
Harford County’s Comprehensive Master Plan is the framework for our County’s future,
addressing land use, zoning, transportation, schools, parks, libraries, public safety,
housing, historic preservation, pedestrian and trail systems, and environmental
protection. The 2027 update, Harford Forward, must prioritize responsible growth,
infrastructure capacity, and the preservation of our communities’ character and quality
of life. I oppose expanding the development envelope in the 2027 Comprehensive
Master Plan because expanding it will directly encourage higher-density
development.
We are already seeing pressure from Annapolis to increase residential density,
regardless of whether it fits Harford County’s needs. Last session, legislation was
introduced that would have prohibited the County from requiring residential lots larger
than 5,000 square feet and would have allowed 10,000-square-foot lots to be
subdivided into two lots where public water and sewer were available. Although that
legislation failed, I expect similar proposals to return. Maintaining limits on water and
sewer expansion is one of the strongest tools we have to limit density and
preserve Harford County’s character, infrastructure, and quality of life.
Harford County also faces new development pressures from massive data centers,
industrial-scale solar projects, and battery energy storage facilities. We must carefully
consider the long-term impact of these projects and protect our farmland, agricultural
heritage, and established communities from incompatible development. I support the
County Executive’s ban on data centers in Harford County and will continue to
support policies that protect our communities from incompatible development.
My goal is straightforward: preserve what makes Harford County a great place to
live while allowing growth to occur responsibly with respect for the residents and
communities who call Harford County home.
Paula S. Etting
Republican Candidate
Harford County Council – District C
