Last week, I announced the creation of a task force to recommend improvements to the Herring Run green space in eastern Towson. The task force will be headed by David Riley, president of the Knollwood Association, and include representatives from neighborhoods closest to the watershed.

Herring Run is located due east of Towson High School, where there are paths and herringruncrossings that meander throughout the watershed. The most immediate neighbors include communities such as Knollwood, Overbrook, Idlewylde, and Wiltondale. I had the opportunity to help clean up this area in April with area residents and Towson University students.

The task force will evaluate ways to improve public access to the green space without compromising its environmental health or the privacy of neighborhoods. The group will also look at improvements to reduce pollution and stabilize and strengthen the health of this watershed.

During the 2016 rezoning cycle, the Baltimore County Council applied Neighborhood Commons zoning to much of the property. This open space designation prevents future development.

The Herring Run watershed is a treasure in eastern Towson, and I have always thought that we can improve public connections without compromising the watershed’s health. The task force will issue recommendations that will be presented to Baltimore County’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee and the incoming County Executive.