Two properties continually came up during a public hearing Tuesday on Harford County’s proposed comprehensive rezoning map — the Harford County Airport and the Mitchell Farm.

More than 50 county residents spoke at the hearing, many about the proposed rezoning of the airport from agricultural and a general industrial district (AG/GI) to general industrial. Residents said they’re concerned that more activity at the airport will disrupt the the neighborhood and put residents’ lives, homes and land in danger.

Other residents voiced disapproval with the current zoning of the Mitchell Farm on the Perryman Peninsula near Aberdeen. Residents asked the council to rezone the farm from industrial to agricultural, which they said would help protect water and air quality while also providing green space for wildlife.

The county’s planning and zoning department recommended rezoning 27.3 acres on the west side of the airport property where hangars are located to general industrial, while other areas would remain agricultural.

“The area in question that we recommended rezoning for is the area really where those types of uses should be and are already located,” said Shane Grimm, the county’s director of planning and zoning. “Airports, central aviation airports, are special exceptions, whether it’s in the AG district or the GI district.”

Comprehensive rezoning is required by county code every eight years. The current rezoning process was initiated by County Executive Bob Cassilly last year when he submitted legislation to the County Council. Comprehensive rezoning allows property owners to adjust to changes in land use and the needs of the community.

Rezoning applications opened last year on June 3 and closed on Aug. 2. The Department of Planning and Zoning received 66 applications. All but two of the applications asked for permits to increase density and allow for a wider range of permitted land uses on their properties.

The County Council will decide on the next steps during a special legislative meeting on April 22 at 7:30 p.m.

Matt Hubbard contributed to this article.

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