In 2020, CEDS assisted Pikesville, MD residents with concerns regarding a request to rezone a convenience store to allow for the addition of gas pumps. This was one of 28 rezoning requests that would have allowed new gas stations throughout Baltimore County, MD. Through mobilizing voter support and providing the County Council with science documenting the adverse health effects of gas station emissions, CEDS helped Pikesville residents prevent the rezoning. Also, of the 28 gas station rezoning requests, 17 were denied. The County Council decision to deny 61% of the gas station rezonings may have been due to the fact that 20 citizen groups signed onto a letter of concern about gas station proliferation. In the letter CEDS also showed that denying rezonings for new gas stations too close to homes would not preclude these businesses at other locations. Instead, a precedent would be set that could guide new gas stations to sites where the benefits could be enjoyed without jeopardizing the health of Baltimore County citizens.

For further detail on how CEDS can help visit the How To Stop Poorly-Planned Gas Stations & Convenience Stores webpage or contact us at 410-654-3021 or help@ceds.org.