Archdiocese Seeks Rezoning of 240 Acres in Sparks

The Archdiocese of Baltimore filed a request with Baltimore County to rezone its 240-acre property in Sparks to build a cemetery.

The 54 cemeteries owned by the Archdiocese are approximately 93 percent full, said Sean Caine, communications director for the Catholic non-profit organization.

"Most available lots are west of Frederick," Caine said. "So there's little room to bury Catholics on the east side."

Caine added that the land, located on Belfast Road, is ideal for a cemetery. However, the Archdiocese plans to use only 40 to 60 acres for the initiative.

"It would take 50 to 100 years to fully develop," he said.

The Archdiocese also plans to sell three lots on the property to accommodate the costs of construction. At this time, Caine said it hasn't been determined how many acres in total would be sold.

Representatives from the organization met with committee members from the Sparks-Glencoe Planning Council last week to discuss the proposal. The planning council is a group that advocates for the preservation of the rural character of Northern Baltimore County.

"It was a great meeting," Caine said. "We explored a lot of options."

Caine said committee members asked if it was possible for the Archdiocese to only request rezoning for the amount of property needed to construct the cemetery. The representatives agreed to look into the option.

Phone calls seeking comment from the planning council weren't returned.

Are you concerned about the development of the cemetery? Do you think it'll hurt the rural character of the area? Tell us in comments.