Search Results for: PlanMaryland

Sustainable Growth Commission Considers PlanMaryland Strategies, Growth Offsets & Smart Growth Indicators

Les Knapp Environment, Planning and Zoning

The Maryland Sustainable Growth Commission met on July 23 and received updates on State departmental strategies for implementing PlanMaryland, the State’s proposed growth offset policy for nitrogen, and new Smart Growth indicators.  All of these issues could have significant impacts on county planning and land use efforts.  The Maryland Department of Planning (MDP) regularly posts all Commission handouts and documents on … Continue reading Sustainable Growth Commission Considers PlanMaryland Strategies, Growth Offsets & Smart Growth Indicators

State Agencies Developing PlanMaryland Implementation Strategies

Les Knapp Planning and Zoning

A workgroup of the Maryland Sustainable Growth Commission met on July 12 to review proposed State Implementation Strategies for PlanMaryland.   MACo Associate Director Les Knapp is a member of the workgroup.  The implementation strategies will outline how various State agencies will implement policies and funding decisions consistent with the Plan.  The proposed implementation strategies are currently … Continue reading State Agencies Developing PlanMaryland Implementation Strategies

PlanMaryland Planning Area Guidelines Released

Les Knapp Planning and Zoning

The Maryland Department of Planning (MDP) continues to work with State agencies and local governments on the implementation process for PlanMaryland.  MDP has released guidelines, approved by the Smart Growth Subcabinet,  to help local governments designate each of the five Planning Areas and the five Preservation/Conservation Planning Areas.  The guideline sections that describe each Planning … Continue reading PlanMaryland Planning Area Guidelines Released

Southern Maryland Forum Discusses PlanMaryland Concerns

Les Knapp Planning and Zoning

An April 27 SoMdNews.com article reports on a forum where State and Calvert and Saint Mary’s County planning officials discussed the implementation of PlanMaryland.  The event  featured Maryland Department of  Planning Services Director Richard Josephson, Calvert County Director of planning and Zoning Chuck Johnston, and Saint Mary’s County Director of Land Use and Growth Management Phillip Shire.  Many counties have been … Continue reading Southern Maryland Forum Discusses PlanMaryland Concerns

MACo Joins Sprawl and PlanMaryland Debate on Marc Steiner Show

Les Knapp Environment, Planning and Zoning

On April 25, MACo Associate Director Les Knapp joined Maryland Secretary of Planning Richard Hall and University of Maryland Public Policy Professor and former state legislator Gerald Winegrad on the Marc Steiner radio show to discuss sprawl and land use planning in Maryland.  The discussion centered on a March 30 Urbanite Magazine article entitled “The Era of Suburban Sprawl Has to End.  So … Continue reading MACo Joins Sprawl and PlanMaryland Debate on Marc Steiner Show

MACo and MDP Agree on Amendments to PlanMaryland Bill

Les Knapp Planning and Zoning

MACo and the Maryland Department of Planning (MDP) reached an agreement on amendments to MACo’s bill (HB 1201 / SB 532) that would codify the scope of the State Development Plan (ie PlanMaryland).  MACo presented the amendments as part of its testimony before the House Environmental Matters Committee on March 8. As amended, the bills states that the Plan … Continue reading MACo and MDP Agree on Amendments to PlanMaryland Bill

Eastern Shore Delegation Considers PlanMaryland

Les Knapp Planning and Zoning

A January 13 Cecil Whig article summarizes portions of a presentation earlier that day by Maryland Secretary of Planning Richard Hall about PlanMaryland to the Eastern Shore delegation.  Friday, legislators said PlanMaryland should have been brought before the General Assembly instead of going straight to the governor. One of the biggest concerns was over a person’s ability to develop … Continue reading Eastern Shore Delegation Considers PlanMaryland

Presiding Officers Discuss the Gas Tax, Maintenance of Effort, Teacher Pensions and PlanMaryland

County Budgets, Finance and Procurement, Planning and Zoning

During an interview on the Mark Steiner show on WEAA-FM, Senate President Mike Miller and House Speaker Mike Busch highlighted a number of issues that will be discussed during the 90 day General Assembly Session.  Comments on issues of importance to counties are summarized below. Possibility of Increase in the Gas Tax President Miller stated … Continue reading Presiding Officers Discuss the Gas Tax, Maintenance of Effort, Teacher Pensions and PlanMaryland

Governor Comments on Budget Shortfalls, Maintenance of Effort, and PlanMaryland

County Budgets, Finance and Procurement, Planning and Zoning

During an interview on the Mark Steiner show on WEAA-FM, Governor O’Malley highlighted a number of issues that will be discussed during the 90 day General Assembly Session.  Comments on issues of importance to counties are summarized below. Three State Shortfalls and Possible Ways to Address Them The Governor states that the State is facing … Continue reading Governor Comments on Budget Shortfalls, Maintenance of Effort, and PlanMaryland

MACo Prepares Summary of Final Version of PlanMaryland

Les Knapp Planning and Zoning

As previously reported on Conduit Street, Governor Martin O’Malley has accepted the final version of PlanMaryland via Executive Order.  The final version of the Plan is 116 pages cover to cover.  MACo has prepared a 3-page summary of the Plan that provides an overview of each section of the Plan, including language and quotes that MACo believes are especially relevant to county officials.  Extra … Continue reading MACo Prepares Summary of Final Version of PlanMaryland