Linthicum Infill Design Guidelines
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In 2006 the Linthicum-Shipley Improvement Association (LSIA) in Anne Arundel County contacted the Neighborhood Design Center for assistance in developing a plan that would protect their unique older, established neighborhoods in the face of future development.  NDC was also asked to help develop a set community design standards (recommended in the Linthicum/BWI Small Area Plan) that would ensure new infill development is harmonious with the surrounding properties and community.

The NDC team was headed by architect Peter Notari of Notari Associates and town planning consultant Stu Sirota of TND Planning Group.  They were assisted by Michele Jones of MTA, Ryan Jordan (at Ayers Saint Gross at the time), and Phil Jones of Cho Benn Holback.  The team researched, photographed the community, and analyzed zoning, land use, and existing dwellings to help differentiate the distinct attributes of the traditional inner core of Linthicum from surrounding development after the mid-1950s.

The volunteers created a series of illustrations to help community members understand how site layout and configuration affected the built environment.  The graphics also depicted the effects of different building types, form, and scale, and of the addition of ancillary buildings (below).  This engendered a community conversation about what aspects of the historic built environment can be reinforced through design guidelines, helping to preserve the best character of the community

Also, opportunities for enhancement of the area around the light rail stop along Camp Meade Road were explored.  It was noted that over time, this area central to Linthicum could be transformed into a vibrant village heart containing civic, open space, and commercial amenities (below).

Together, the Linthicum-Shipley Improvement Association and the NDC volunteers took a balanced, proactive approach that recognized Smart Growth as well as development and revitalization within the context of the County's general Development plans.  Education about how design guidelines that can preserve and protect will help LSIA as they work with the County to modify existing zoning and development standards - and may serve as a model for other older, unique, or historic areas in the surrounding Counties.

Project Completion: June 2009
Project Location: Linthicum, MD 20712
Volunteers: Peter Notari, Notari Associates; Stuart Sirota, TND Planning Group; Michele Jones, MTA; Phil Jones, Cho Benn Holback + Assocites; Ryan Jordan