1000 Friends of Maryland has released a report critiquing Baltimore County’s planning and zoning efforts.  The report looks at how the County’s 2020 master plan will protect drinking water, create jobs, and protect environmental resources.  From the report’s executive summary:

Baltimore County has always been a leader in investing in its urban areas and preserving rural areas, and the County’s Master Plan 2020 provides a framework to continue these efforts. The plan, which is updated every ten years, is the comprehensive vision for Baltimore County that citizens called for, that staff recommended, and that economic and environmental analysis supported.  …

Because of Baltimore County’s history as a leader in smart growth, 1000 Friends was interested in seeing how well the County has continued those policies.  …

We’ve noted opportunities for the County to better protect drinking water, natural resources, and valuable rural lands. We’ve also identified CZMP sites targeted for quality mixed-use and transit-oriented redevelopment in the Master Plan. We are eager to see the County’s recent successes in achieving compact, well-designed redevelopment in Towson replicated in other communities.