Read more about the article Former Planning Secretary Criticizes “A Better Maryland”
Agriculture / Environment / Planning and Zoning
Former Planning Secretary Criticizes “A Better Maryland”

Former Maryland Secretary of Planning Richard Hall criticized the state's new development plan, A Better Maryland, and recent Smart Growth efforts in a Baltimore Sun op-ed (2019-09-09). Hall served as planning secretary under the Martin O'Malley Administration and created the state's first development plan, PlanMaryland. Hall offered his view on the differences between the two plans, claiming that A Better Maryland was as substantive as a "funnel cake on the Ocean City Boardwalk." From the op-ed: What is the…

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September 12, 2019
Read more about the article Baltimore County Refines Open Space Waiver Fee; Exempts Senior Housing From Impact Fees
County News / Housing and Community Development / Parks and Recreation / Planning and Zoning / Taxes and Revenues
Baltimore County Refines Open Space Waiver Fee; Exempts Senior Housing From Impact Fees

A Baltimore Sun article (2019-09-04) reported that the Baltimore County Council approved legislation that eliminates deductions from developer fees for building and maintaining small parks or open space. Under County law, new home developers must set aside 1,000 square feet of open space per dwelling unit or pay an "open-space waiver fee." Previously, developers could reduce the fee by providing certain amenities, such as rooftop pools. However, such reductions are eliminated for new housing projects starting after…

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September 6, 2019
Read more about the article Frederick Council Adopts “Livable Frederick” Comprehensive Plan, Moves Beyond Zoning Maps
Agriculture / County News / Housing and Community Development / Planning and Zoning
Frederick Council Adopts “Livable Frederick” Comprehensive Plan, Moves Beyond Zoning Maps

A Frederick News-Post article (2019-09-03) reported that the Frederick County Council approved the County's new comprehensive plan, dubbed "Livable Frederick." The new plan, which does not include zoning maps and instead takes a more "aspirational" approach to the County's land use goals, has been under development for nearly four years. The article stated that the Council passed the plan in a 6-1 vote. The sole opposition came from Council Member Phil Dacey, who expressed concern that…

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September 6, 2019
Read more about the article PIA Compliance Board Considers Expanding Scope; Seeks Public Comments
Government Liability and Courts / Public Information and Ethics
PIA Compliance Board Considers Expanding Scope; Seeks Public Comments

The Maryland Public Information Act Compliance Board (PIACB) and Public Access Ombudsman have issued a letter (2019-08-29) requesting public comment on the possible expansion of the PIACB's scope of duties. The PIACB is considering the expansion in response to .study request by the Maryland General Assembly in the General Assembly's 2019 Joint Chairmen's Report. Currently, the PIACB can decide whether a fee of $350 or more charged by a records custodian in response to  a…

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September 6, 2019
Read more about the article MPCA Hosting 36th Annual Conference “Meeting the Trends, Embracing the Future”
Planning and Zoning
MPCA Hosting 36th Annual Conference “Meeting the Trends, Embracing the Future”

The Maryland Planning Commissioners Association is holding its 36th annual conference on November 6 and 7 in Aberdeen, Maryland. The theme of the conference is "Meeting the Trends, Embracing the Future." From the conference website: The MPCA will host its 2019 conference on November 6 and 7, 2019, at the Holiday Inn Express Aberdeen. In addition to popular and traditional sessions such as the Planning Commissioner Education Course, Open Meetings Act Training, the Nuts and…

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September 4, 2019
Read more about the article Maryland Releases Finalized Phase III WIP
Agriculture / Environment
Maryland Releases Finalized Phase III WIP

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) posted the final version of the state's Phase III Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) on August 23, 2019. The WIP outlines Maryland's plan for reaching its final 2025 nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment reduction goals under the Chesapeake Bay Total Maximum Daily Load. From the Phase III WIP's Executive Summary: The Phase III WIP builds on lessons learned from Phases I and II and charts a course to 2025 that…

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August 30, 2019
Read more about the article MDE Denies Permits to Two Utility-Scale Solar Projects in Charles County
Agriculture / Environment / Planning and Zoning
MDE Denies Permits to Two Utility-Scale Solar Projects in Charles County

A Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) press release (2019-08-28) announced that MDE was denying permits to two proposed utility-scale solar developments in Charles County. The projects had been controversial due to their potential impacts on local streams, wetlands, and forests. The Shugart Valley project was proposed by Georgetown University while the Ripley Road project was proposed by the Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO). Both projects would have been developed by Orgis Energy. From the…

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August 30, 2019
Read more about the article Hogan Urges Pennsylvania & EPA Action on Bay Restoration Shortfalls
Agriculture / Environment
Hogan Urges Pennsylvania & EPA Action on Bay Restoration Shortfalls

A press release (2019-08-29) announced that Larry Hogan, in his capacity as Maryland's Governor and the Chair of the Chesapeake Executive Council, has sent a letter to Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf and United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler expressing concern over Pennsylvania's lack of progress in meeting it Chesapeake Bay restoration requirements. From the press release: “With the recent release of the final Watershed Implementation Plans (WIP) to restore the Chesapeake Bay…

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August 30, 2019
Read more about the article See Your County’s Latest “Open Space” Plan
Parks and Recreation
See Your County’s Latest “Open Space” Plan

As counties submit their annual Program Open Space (POS) land acquisition and facility development plans, they are posted on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website. Under state law, counties are required to submit their plans by July 1 to DNR and the Maryland Department of Planning for approval. To see your county's annual submission click here.    

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August 30, 2019
Read more about the article Bay Grasses Expected to Decline Due to 2018 Rainfall
Environment
Bay Grasses Expected to Decline Due to 2018 Rainfall

A Bay Journal article (2019-08-21) reported that sections of the Chesapeake Bay's aquatic grasses are expected to decrease this year in response to heavy rains that caused increased nutrient and sediment runoff in 2018. The article noted that initial reviews of the 2019 aerial Bay grass survey show "significant losses" of widgeon grasses in the Mid Bay region, which has the most underwater grass beds in the Bay. Eelgrass beds in the Lower Bay also appear to…

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August 23, 2019
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