MDP News Clips

Maryland is making plans for future growth

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:12:32 -0500

Effort is aimed at helping localities guide development

State officials are launching this week a yearlong effort to write a statewide growth plan, hoping to forge a consensus on how Maryland can curb sprawl while accommodating 1 million more people in the next 20 years...

Baltimore Sun

Maryland growth plan forums kick off in Carroll Tuesday

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 09:01:08 -0500

The Maryland Department of Planning will hold the first of 13 public forums across the state to get public input for its growth plan, PlanMaryland, Tuesday at Carroll County Community College.

“The statewide plan will focus on how we can improve quality of life in the state,” said Rich Josephson, state director of planning services...

Carroll County Times

Rosewood Center property declared surplus

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 10:29:35 -0500

Stevenson University in talks for expanding Owings Mills school

The state Board of Public Works has declared the Rosewood Center in northwestern Baltimore County surplus and made the 178-acre property available to prospective buyers... (01/11/10)

Baltimore Sun

Governor Martin O'Malley Announces Plans for Sustainable Communities Tax Credit Program

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 09:07:54 -0500

Governor seeks $50 million, three-year program to create jobs, revitalize communities

Governor announced four project awards in Central Maryland under existing program set to expire... (01/08/10)

Governor's Press Release

Md.'s historic tax credit plan gains support

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 09:03:52 -0500

Gov. Martin O’Malley will push legislation in the upcoming General Assembly session extending the state’s tax credit program — used to recycle obsolete buildings like the Can Company in Canton — for three more years and fueling it with a total of $50 million... (01/08/10)

Baltimore Business Journal

O'Malley Proposes Renewal Of Heritage Tax Credit

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:51:58 -0500

Sometimes investing in the future means gambling on the past.

For more than a decade, Maryland has been doing just that. Alex DeMetrick reports the governor now wants to up the ante.

Roll through a bit of Maryland's past and much of it's empty now after 140-years, but the Union Mills in Woodberry is still standing... VIDEO (01/08/10)

WJZ TV 13 Baltimore

Md. Gov Proposes Renewal of Heritage Tax Credit

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:50:11 -0500

Gov. Martin O'Malley hopes to boost construction jobs by renewing Maryland's heritage tax credit, which is set to expire this year... (01/08/10)

New York Times

BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS APPROVES OVER $13 MILLION IN GRANTS FOR CLEAN WATER AND THE CHESAPEAKE BAY

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 07:09:48 -0500

Grants Will Reduce Nutrient Pollution in the Bay and Improve Drinking Water... (01/06/10)

Maryland Department of the Environment Press Release

What Planners Need to Know About Evaluating LEED

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 12:13:44 -0500

by Reid Ewing, professor of city and metropolitan planning at the University of Utah

At this point, there’s no one—at least no one in planning—who doesn’t know that the initials LEED stand for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The green building certification system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council has become a global phenomenon... (September 2009)

Planning Magazine (American Planning Association)

Press Release: State Launches Online Planning Education Course for Members of Local Boards

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 09:54:22 -0500

New Course a Requirement of the 2009 Smart, Green & Growing Planning Legislation

BALTIMORE (December 30, 2009) – The Maryland Department of Planning (MDP) today released its “Planning Commission, Planning Board and Board of Appeals Education Course,” required by “The Smart and Sustainable Growth Act of 2009... (12/30/09)

Maryland Department of Planning

Planners getting ‘smart’ training

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 09:52:54 -0500

Online course required by state

CUMBERLAND — Phil Hager thinks the three newest members to the Allegany County Planning and Zoning Commission have “mastered the learning curve... (01/03/10)

Cumberland Times-News

Smart Growth Interview

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:18:08 -0500

I especially liked the question on zoning and smart growth issues. I don't think most people realize that in many communities, much of their current buildings and neighborhoods would be illegal under current local zoning standards... (12/21/09)

Creating Communities Campaign blog

Proposed road extension nixed

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:16:19 -0500

UNION BRIDGE — The proposed extension of Shepherds Mill Road will officially be removed from the town’s comprehensive plan after the Union Bridge Town Council passed a resolution for the amendment at Monday night’s meeting... (12/22/09)

Carroll County Times

Andres Duany on Smart Growth

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:14:25 -0500

A founding father of the Congress for New Urbanism talks about zoning reform, climate change, and the fate of greenfield development... (12/17/09)

Builder magazine

Andrés Duany slams public participation in city making

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:11:19 -0500

American new urbanist Andrés Duany rarely pulls his punches. He has alienated some with the brashness of his message, but to me it's music to my ears. Recently Duany was interviewed by Builder magazine... (12/20/09)

CityCaucus.com blog

Affordable housing a tough buy in Carroll

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:09:57 -0500

Melissa and Lee Ferguson have been married and living in an apartment in Eldersburg for two years. But with the government offering an $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers, they decided this summer that they were ready to buy their first home... (12/21/09)

Carroll County Times

Census: Whites to be Minority by 2050

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:08:13 -0500

Whites will be a minority in the U.S. by 2050 if immigration rates continue to slow, according to new projections by the U.S. Census Bureau... (12/20/09)

Afro-American

Southern Maryland letters: No dense development near water

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:06:01 -0500

Don't allow dense development near water

Every six years, Maryland state law requires each county to review its comprehensive plan, which is a land-use planning document and a basis for zoning decisions... (12/20/09)

Washongton Post

Smart Growth Has to Be a Choice

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:03:17 -0500

In a recent article in Builder Magazine, the topic of Smart Growth was spotlighted... (12/19/09)

Charm City Real Estate blog

Thoughts on Blots. Could ‘New Suburbanism’ = ‘Smart Decline’?

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:01:18 -0500

Blots, or the New Suburbs, may not be part of smart growth, but they can serve as a valuable tool for “smart decline” as well as a way to combat urban sprawl. Setting aside certain neighborhoods with the best potential for successful... (12/20/09)

Shrinking Cities blog

Smart Zoning, Smart Growth

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:58:27 -0500

Many towns that want to embrace smart-growth policies have the same problem: dumb-growth zoning. Fortunately, this is beginning to change... (12/20/09)

Hartford Courant

Flashback, 1950: Suburbanizing New Orleans

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:53:13 -0500

It's hard to imagine this plan for wide-scale demolition getting much traction in other large cities, which in recent years have tended to embrace density and smart growth principles. Sure, older and historic buildings may be targeted ... (12/18/09)

PreservationNation blog

Transit Jobs Nearly Twice as Cheap to Create as Roads — By Congress’ Math

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:50:37 -0500

During the first stimulus debate, House Democrats and the White House famously sparred over how quickly infrastructure money could be spent -- with the data later proving that transit was just as "shovel-ready" as roads, if not more so... (12/17/09)

DC.STREETS.BLOG.org Capitol Hill

MD Dept. of Planning seeks input on “State Growth Plan”

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:47:41 -0500

The most recent offering in a series of surveys from the Mryland Department of Planning asks for stakeholder input on the notion of a State Growth Plan... (12/9/09)

Maryland Association of Counties blog

The first decade of the new millennium has been filled with much change — from the initial fear of a possible Y2K crisis, to terrorism on U.S. soil, to the rise of the housing bubble and its resulting burst, which took Wall Street along with it

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:42:34 -0500

Carroll's Complete Count Committee is being coordinated by the county's Department of Planning. The group met in November, and developed a plan to better ... (12/17/09)

Carroll County Times

Parking’s Not a Big Deal, Right?

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:39:42 -0500

An interesting article in the Hartford Courant addresses the parking debacle faced by the city of Hartford. Although, I’m sure people in Hartford would say that the problem goes way beyond parking at this point... (12/16/09)

Crossroads blog

The climate benefits of smart growth may be far greater than we have thought

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:37:31 -0500

Mike acknowledges, as do many of us, that smart growth substantially reduces vehicle emissions by shortening trip distances and facilitating more efficient modes of travel. But, writing in “The Urban Dimensions of Climate Change” on ... (12/16/09)

Sustainable Cities Collective blog

Allegany worst in state for sewer overflows

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:33:35 -0500

At the Celanese Wastewater Treatment Plant here on a snowy day in early December, giant open-air cisterns churn constantly, providing background sounds of quietly bubbling brown water and the hum of machinery... (12/20/09)

Cumberland Times-News

Local municipal leaders weigh water situations

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:31:44 -0500

From availability to cost and treatment, water continues to be an issue for some municipalities in Carroll County... (12/20/09)

Carroll County Times

Many in Carroll use more water than needed

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:28:37 -0500

County municipalities are urging residents to be smarter in their water usage, in some cases by enforcing water restrictions... (12/19/09)

Carroll County Times

Recent legislation addresses environmental issues

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:27:26 -0500

While environmental talk in Washington in the past year has centered mainly on global warming and alternative fuels, Maryland legislators passed bills on a variety of environmental issues... (12/19/09)

Carroll County Times

Filth still flowing into Chesapeake

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:24:55 -0500

A large and dirty problem continues to percolate underneath Maryland’s towns and cities, unseen and out of mind, flowing into the Chesapeake Bay: aging sewer systems... (12/20/09)

CNHI News Service/Cumberland Times-News

Annapolis expands 'green' initiative

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:23:49 -0500

Annapolis' environmental steward certification program is the latest in efforts from the city's "Sustainable Annapolis" initiative... (12/21/09)

Delmarva Daily Times

EASTON: Grant funds facility to clean Chesapeake Bay feeder

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:21:59 -0500

A federal grant will help support the restoration of the Bay Street Ponds in Easton... (12/21/09)

Delmarva Daily Times

Group calls for wind turbines off OC

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:19:47 -0500

Talk picks up on proposed offshore wind farm

Citing a pending statewide energy crisis, an environmental advocacy group is calling for wind turbines to be built off Maryland's coast by 2014... (12/22/09)

Delmarva Daily Times

Slots OK'd at Arundel Mills

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:18:24 -0500

Opponents say they'll keep fighting after council vote

The Anne Arundel County Council Monday night approved zoning to allow the state's largest slots parlor to be built at Arundel Mills... (12/22/09)

Baltimore Sun

Incinerator opponents go to court in Frederick

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:16:50 -0500

The filing comes a month after the planning commission reversed its earlier finding that the $500 million project was inconsistent with the county’s comprehensive plan... (12/22/09)

Hagerstown Herald Mail

Terrapin Run case going to trial

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 16:22:59 -0500

CUMBERLAND — The civil court case filed by Allegany County government and a private developer against two state agencies over a planned major subdivision near Green Ridge State Forest is headed to trial... (12/18/09)

Cumberland Times-News

Black leaders urge census to change how it counts inmates

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:15:14 -0500

A coalition of African American leaders concerned about minorities being undercounted in the 2010 Census called Wednesday for inmates at federal and state prisons to be tallied in their home communities instead of the towns where they are incarcerated... (12/17/09)

Washington Post

Bay foundation faces test in face of federal cleanup effort

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:13:10 -0500

At the podium, a political science professor was ripping into the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the well-funded granddaddy of bay area environmentalism. The Chesapeake's biggest fight in a generation is starting... (12/17/09)

Washington Post

Census office in Rockville to employ about 1,000 people

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:10:30 -0500

The U.S. Census Bureau has opened an office in Rockville before it starts gathering information on Montgomery County's population. Residents will begin receiving 2010 Census questionnaires in about three months... (12/17/09)

Washington Post

Appeal of county water, sewer sale moves to top state court

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:09:01 -0500

The Maryland Court of Appeals will hear arguments in a legal appeal that challenges the county commissioners’ right to sell county water and sewer facilities to Artesian Water of Maryland... (12/16/09)

Cecil Whig

Great Article - "NYT big idea: Ban cul-de-sacs"

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:03:58 -0500

Nothing divides suburban developers and "smart growth" advocates as much as the lowly cul-de-sac. The real estate community loves the meandering, dead-end streets; lots on them sell quickly and at a premium, thanks to their low traffic and perceived safety benefits. But critics complain that cul-de-sacs are a poor use of land; they funnel cars onto clogged arterial routes and restrict access to neighborhoods when emergency vehicles need to respond... (12/14/09)

Link direct to NY Times magazine artice

Sprawled Out: The Search for Community in the American Suburb blog

Board of Public Works Approves $600,000 Grant for Clean Water And The Chesapeake Bay

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:06:02 -0500

Grant Will Reduce Nutrient Pollution in the Bay

BALTIMORE, MD - The Maryland Board of Public Works approved a $600,000 grant to reduce pollution and improve water quality by upgrading wastewater collection... (1216/09)

MDE Press Release

Chesapeake Bay Trust Joins EPA Region III Administrator Shawn Garvin, MDE Secretary Shari Wilson, and Partners to Announce Recovery Act-Funded “Green Infrastructure” Projects

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:02:45 -0500

New "Green Infrastructure" projects funded by America Recovery and Reinvestment Act will control erosion and improve habitat in 6 Maryland communities.

ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Chesapeake Bay Trust joined EPA Region III Administrator Shawn Garvin, Maryland Department of Environment Secretary Shari Wilson and other federal, state, and local officials today for the ground-breaking of six new "green infrastructure" projects in Maryland. The projects, funded by the America Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will control erosion, improve habitat, and create jobs in Maryland... (12/16/09)

MDE Press Release

National award for Baltimore County

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:27:59 -0500

In its national awards, the American Planning Association recently gave its 2010 National Planning Landmark Award to Baltimore County's "Plan for the Valleys."

Here's the award summary from the APA... (12/16/09)

MDP's Smart Growth Maryland blog

33-story "iconic building" proposed for Hyattsville

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:23:47 -0500

Development

While LifeSci Village, Percontee's proposed community of homes, shops and research facilities in Calverton, waits for Montgomery County's approval, they are turning to Hyattsville, where they've envisioned one of the most ambitious urban redevelopment projects in the region... (12/14/09)

Greater Greater Washington blog

Census director: 2010 count on track for success

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:21:39 -0500

WASHINGTON — The head of the Census Bureau says with preparations for next year's count nearly complete, he's growing more hopeful the government can achieve a strong response rate similar to what was seen in 2000... (12/14/09)

Associated Press

Population decreasing in Allegany, Garrett

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:18:35 -0500

...since the beginning of the recession, this trend has reversed. As a lack of job security and the high costs of commuting drive workers closer to urban centers, Western Maryland... (12/15/09)

Cumberland News Times

Once-booming Western Maryland goes green to fight recession

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:15:41 -0500

WASHINGTON — Until a few years ago, things were looking up for Western Maryland. A sound national economy and a desire for country living brought workers from Baltimore and Washington to the fringes of the state... (12/15/09)

Delmarva Daily Times (Capital News Service)

AME church getting face-lift

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:13:15 -0500

CUMBERLAND — After serving the community for almost 120 years, the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church on Frederick and Decatur streets is getting a much-needed face-lift.

Partial funding for the renovation was obtained through a $50,000 grant from the Historical Trust of Maryland... (12/15/09)

Cumberland Times-News

Maryland projects get federal funding

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:54:22 -0500

Purple line, food bank and oral hygiene to benefit

Maryland projects will receive about $5.3 million from the federal government — with the bulk of the funds going to the Purple Line light rail project... (12/14/09)

The Gazette

A gateway to Frederick

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:52:21 -0500

The new interchange that will act as another gateway to Frederick officially opened Monday morning... (12/15/09)

The Frederick News-Post

Press Release: Governor Martin O'Malley Opens New $107 Million Gateway to Frederick

Hoyer Announces Federal Funding for Southern Maryland

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:47:37 -0500

Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) announced that the Fiscal Year 2010 Omnibus Appropriations bill approved today by the House of Representatives contains significant investments for projects and programs that will benefit Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s...

Military Construction...
Community Development...
Transportation...
Environmental Investment... (12/11/09)

Bay Net

Cordish, De Francis and sister among 6 bidders for tracks

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:46:15 -0500

Magna auctioning off Pimlico, Laurel, Preakness

The Cordish Cos., the prolific Baltimore developer that is trying to bring slot machines to Anne Arundel County, emerged Monday as one of six groups that want to buy Pimlico Race Course, Laurel Park and the Preakness from bankrupt Magna Entertainment Corp. in an auction next month... (12/14/09)

Baltimore Sun

Cordish, five other groups bid for Pimlico and Laurel tracks

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:44:34 -0500

Cordish Cos. is among six groups bidding to buy Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park from bankrupt Magna Entertainment Corp., according to the attorney handling the auction... (12/14/09)

Baltimore Business Journal

Snow Hill Woman Donates Land Development Rights

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:42:18 -0500

SNOW HILL, Md. ― A Snow Hill woman is donating the easement on 123 acres of land on the west side of the Pocomoke River... (12/14/09)

WJZ TV-13/Associated Press

Money still available for failed septic tanks

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:40:36 -0500

But state prioritizing cases as demand rises

The state believes it has enough money to continue to provide grants for failing septic systems in environmentally sensitive areas, but businesses are worried they won't get paid for the work until the government sends the money directly to them... (12/14/09)

Annapolis Capital

Commissioners Report- Dec. 15

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:37:17 -0500

The St. Mary's Board of County Commissioners worked their way through a lengthy agenda Tuesday, with a regularly scheduled meeting, a work session on the Draft Comprehensive Plan, and a public forum.

... a work session on the Draft Comprehensive Plan, and a Public Forum. ... The BOCC approved an inter-governmental agreement with the Md. Transit ...(12/16/09)

Bay Net - Lexington Park,MD

County breaks ground on $100 million sewer plant expansion

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:33:54 -0500

An expanded Frederick County sewage treatment plant will more than double capacity and dramatically reduce nitrogen and phosphorus discharges into the tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay... (12/16/09)

The Frederick News-Post

State's Septic Upgrade Program to Target Critical Clean Water Needs

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:32:47 -0500

Program to Upgrade Septic Systems in High Demand; Installed Systems Now Cutting Nitrogen Pollution by 25,000 Pounds per Year

BALTIMORE (December 15, 2009) – The Maryland Department of the Environment will now prioritize funding for septic system upgrades toward those systems that pose the greatest threat to clean waterways and drinking water. Effective January 1, 2010, MDE will... (12/15/09)

Southern Maryland Online

Md. awards $865,000 to colleges for BRAC jobs training

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:31:30 -0500

$865,000 in grants issued to help fill hiring demand

Eleven colleges and universities around Maryland will receive $865,000 in grants to help fill jobs created by the military base realignment and closure... (12/16/09)

Baltimore Sun

Press Release: Lt. Governor Brown Announces Recipients of 2010 BRAC Higher Education Fund Grants

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:22:57 -0500

Programs lauded as spark for job creation and development of Maryland’s first-class professional workforce

ANNAPOLIS, Md. Lt. Governor Brown announced today the recipients of the 2010 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Higher Education Fund grants. Brown, the Chair of the Governor’s Subcabinet on BRAC, revealed the 12 grants awarded to 11 two- and four-year colleges and universities across the state. The grants, which range in size from $44,000 to $93,000... (12/15/09)

Lt. Governor's Office

STATEMENT FROM LT. GOVERNOR ANTHONY G. BROWN APPLAUDING ‘TEAM MARYLAND’S’ STRENGTH TO SECURE FEDERAL FUNDING FOR BRAC INTERSECTION PROJECTS

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:18:45 -0500

ANNAPOLIS, MD (December 15, 2009) – Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown released the following statement today congratulating U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski and the entire Maryland Congressional Delegation on their shared efforts to pass the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations bill which includes funding for intersection improvements at four Maryland military installations:

“I applaud Sen. Mikulski and the rest of Team Maryland for standing strong and fighting to ensure the Federal Government gives Maryland all the tools we need to defend the nation’s security and make sure BRAC is successful. During this global economic recession, Governor O’Malley and I, as well as the members of Team Maryland, are focused on three priorities: Jobs. Jobs. Jobs. And in Maryland, BRAC means jobs – highly skilled jobs; high paying jobs; and jobs that will stay in Maryland for years to come.

“The funding in the THUD Appropriations bill, which is on its way to President Obama’s desk, goes a long way to keep Maryland’s BRAC preparations on course and will keep Marylanders moving on our roads near our installations. As the chair of the Governor’s BRAC Subcabinet, I sincerely thank Sen. Mikulski and all of Team Maryland for their work and their continued partnership that has put Maryland in a position to survive this recession and thrive for years to come.”

The bill includes funding for intersections at the following military installations:

Fort George G. Meade in Anne Arundel County - $2.75 million
Aberdeen Proving Ground in Harford County -$2.8 million
National Naval Medical Center in Montgomery County - $4.4 million
Andrews Air Force Base in Prince George’s County -$2.49 million

###

Michael Raia
Press Secretary
Office of Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown

Press release: Governor Martin O'Malley Opens New $107 Million Gateway to Frederick

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:31:12 -0500

New interchange at MD 85/East Street and I-70 provides direct access to downtown Frederick and MARC Train Station

FREDERICK, MD (December 14, 2009) –Governor Martin O’Malley today joined local and state elected officials and business leaders to celebrate the official opening of a new gateway to Frederick. The $107 million project consists of... (12/14/09)

Press Release from Office of Governor O'Malley

First phase of new Frederick gateway opens

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:29:56 -0500

The new interchange at Md. 85 (Buckeystown Pike)/East Street and I-70 is now open.

Gov. Martin O’Malley joined local and state elected officials today to celebrate the opening of the interchange and the East Street extension... (12/14/09)

Frederick News-Post

O'Malley attending opening of 'gateway'

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:28:48 -0500

FREDERICK, Md. (AP) - Gov. Martin O'Malley will be in Frederick on Monday for the opening of a new $107 million highway interchange... (12/14/09)

Herald Mail

Over 100 Respond to Survey on State Growth Plan

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:24:30 -0500

View report...

Majority strongly agree with 10 reasons to have a plan

The comments posted are intersting read. Moreso than the bar graphs!

Take the Survey...

Pedestrian-friendly plan for future nearing finish

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:19:06 -0500

Waldorf Urban Design Study gets commission OK

An urban design study that supporters say was created to transform Waldorf into a city with two- to 10-story buildings, lots of sidewalks and open space for parks where folks can easily walk to... (12/11/09)

The Independent

Planning board key to economic development

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:15:30 -0500

Opinion: Because of the sad loss of Jean Cryor, the Montgomery County Council must appoint a new member to the Planning Board early in 2010. Even more significantly, Planning Board Chairman Royce Hanson's term will expire in the summer of 2010 and the council will need to appoint a new chairman. Both of these decisions have critical implications for the county's future... (12/11/09)

The Gazette

Mount Airy center gets $1 million

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:13:33 -0500

U.S. Sens. Benjamin Cardin and Barbara Mikulski announced today that Congress approved $1 million for a health care training center in Mount Airy to be shared by Carroll, Frederick and Howard Community Colleges... (12/14/09)

Frederick News-Post

Snow Hill woman donates land to county

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:12:00 -0500

Commissioners to recognize Irma Lee Henshall for donation at Tuesday meeting

SNOW HILL -- A Snow Hill woman has donated the easement on 123 acres of land on the west side of the Pocomoke River to Worcester County, marking the first such gift of its kind on the shore... (12/14/09)

Delmarva Daily Times

Wicomico to vote on Civic Center lot purchase

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:10:04 -0500

Acres to expand Civic Center parking

SALISBURY -- The county is close to finalizing the purchase of five acres for overflow parking at the Wicomico County Youth & Civic Center, says the council president.

...crumbling parking lot at Glen Avenue, the parcel was part of the former Salisbury mall. Its owner, Salisbury Mall Associates LLC, plans to redevelop the 80 acres into The Villages at Salisbury Lake... (12/14/09)

Delmarva Daily Times

‘Upsides, downsides’ to downtown parking proposal

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:07:45 -0500

Commission considering feasibility of putting spaces on pedestrian mall

CUMBERLAND — The Downtown Development Commission has been considering the feasibility of opening up part of the downtown pedestrian mall to vehicle traffic and adding 24 parking spaces. While there aren’t yet any plans set in stone, citizens have already began... (12/13/09)

Cumberland News-Times

O’Malley: Md. needs more money for BRAC

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:06:16 -0500

Governor lobbies feds for more transportation funding

ABERDEEN -- Facing a massive shortfall in funding and looming gridlock, Gov. Martin O’Malley voiced strong support Friday for more federal dollars toward Base Realignment and Closure transportation projects in the state... (12/12/09)

Cecil Whig

Clearing the air on redevelopment

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:02:25 -0500

School officials uncertain how to plan for new students

Howard school officials have told the County Council that the plan to redevelop central Columbia could leave them without good ways to deal with unexpected school crowding once the work is in progress. Meanwhile, the council received assurances of cooperation on the plan to renovate Merriweather Post Pavilion and integrate it with Symphony Woods... (12/13/09)

The Baltimore Sun

O'Malley seeks more aid for BRAC transportation projects

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:52:08 -0500

ABERDEEN — - Facing a massive shortfall in funding and looming gridlock, Gov. Martin O'Malley voiced strong support Friday for more federal dollars toward Base Realignment and Closure transportation projects in the state.

At a news conference announcing that a highway project near Aberdeen Proving Ground was moving toward construction, O'Malley was confident... (12/13/09)

The Baltimore Sun

Progress on Silver Spring transit center not so sexy yet

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:48:26 -0500

More than meets the eye

More than a year into construction, the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit Center in Silver Spring remains a landscape of dirt, mud, pooled water and grass... (12/13/09)

Photo: The Sarbanes Transit Center in Silver Spring should be done in 2011. (Montgomery County Department Of Public Works & Transportation)

The Washington Post

Relationship between agriculture

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:44:13 -0500

More than 350 attendees at the Maryland Farm Bureau's Annual Convention heard Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance emphasize the relationship between farming and the Chesapeake Bay... (12/14/09)

The Frederick News-Post

Smith Island cake brings layer of jobs

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:39:11 -0500

In one corner of the bare-bones bakery, Louise Clayton, 62, hushed a visitor as she carefully counted out scoops of cocoa for the fudge icing she was making. Missy Tyler, 49, measured out batter and poured it into a cake tin. She did it nine more times before popping the 10 tins in the oven. Donna Smith, 45, placed one cooled thin layer before her and covered it with Clayton's icing. She added layers and icing nine more times until an authentic Smith Island cake sat in front of her... (12/14/09)

Delmarva Daily Times

Smart Growth Conference

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:36:43 -0500

With a goal to build safe, healthy and livable communities, the Local Government Commission and NLC will be co-sponsoring the 9th Annual New Partners for Smart Growth Conference, February 4-6 in Seattle... (12/14/09)

Nation Cities Weekly

County waits for the BRAC boom

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:35:21 -0500

Planning for the equivalent of four Pentagons on a shoestring budget

The job surge at Fort George G. Meade will turn the sprawling west county Army installation into one of the largest workplaces in the nation, making it well more than double the size of the Pentagon... (12/13/09)

Annapolis Capital

What's Going Where in Charles County

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:34:23 -0500

Ever wonder about what's being built or what a developer proposes to build on the vacant land around the corner? This feature is intended to provide an easy way for you to learn about planned development throughout Charles County... (12/13/09)

The Washington Post

Impact of Maryland’s 2010 SWM Regs on Smart Growth

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:12:15 -0500

The Maryland 2010 stormwater management regulations and design manual (effective in May, 2010) includes strict provisions on sites that are being redeveloped... (12/11/09)

Sustainable Sormwater Management blog

More Smiles, Less Miles

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:09:49 -0500

Transportation options have increased for everyone who lives in suburban and urban communities. Planners, government leaders, and engaged citizens can create vibrant and sustainable communities with intermodal transportation that includes... (12/14/09)

Clean Fleet Report

Urbanism Principles

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 09:06:54 -0500

PRINCIPLES OF URBANISM

The principles of urbanism can be applied increasingly to projects at the full range of scales from a single building to an entire community.

More income potential from higher density mixed-use projects due to more leasable square footage, more sales per square foot, and higher property values and selling prices; Faster approvals in communities that have adopted smart growth ... (12/14/09)

The Green Changemakers blog

Proposed plan benefits bankrupt corporation, not county citizens

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:21:12 -0500

The Howard County Council should discontinue consideration of the General Growth Properties plan (council bills 58 and 59) for rezoning downtown Columbia. Most of the vacant land in downtown Columbia is currently owned by GGP. But GGP is in bankruptcy... (12/10/09)

Columbia Flier

Train Gardens and Smart Growth

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:17:12 -0500

At the Holiday Open House that Gov. Martin O’Malley and First Lady Katie O’Malley held for state employees at Government House in Annapolis last evening was a splendid train garden set up by the Arbutus Volunteer Fire Company.

...it dawned on me how train gardens invariably show communities the way we wish they were... (12/11/09)

Smart Growth Maryland blog

DC-area utility launches big sewer rehab project

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:54:42 -0500

LAUREL, MD — The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) on December 7 kicked off a landmark sewer rehabilitation project, marking the first time the WSSC has been awarded federal funding for a reconstruction project through the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE)... (12/10/09)

Water Technology

Commissioners defend smart growth program

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:50:49 -0500

Bowen says study is misleading

The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners went to bat for the county's smart growth program in a response to a Nov. 2 Washington Post article, "Study Calls Maryland Smart Growth a Flop... (12/11/09)

The Recorder (Calvert County)

Guest Column: To save our waterways, the MDE must enforce the law

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:31:11 -0500

The West and Rhode rivers in southern Anne Arundel County are significantly influenced by the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay as a whole.

Of course, local land use, shoreline conditions and stormwater runoff are important to our rivers' health, but even if we address all of those issues... (12/10/09)

The Capital

If state can't clean up the bay, why not let the feds help?

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:29:37 -0500

I am confused by Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Shari T. Wilson's reasoning in her response to the Riverkeepers' petition for the federal government to take over enforcement of water pollution violations ("Environmental groups call Md. water regulators lax, will ask U.S. to step in," Dec. 7). She seems to be saying that Maryland doesn't have enough money to do this right... (12/10/09)

Baltimore Sun Readers Respond

Federal farm grant helps minority farmers through UMES

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:10:45 -0500

PRINCESS ANNE -- A federally funded program that provides outreach and technical assistance to minority farmers has been renewed for another three years at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

The $300,000 grant through the U.S. Department of Agriculture will fund... (12/11/09)

The Daily Times

Ocean Downs slots face delay; no chance seen for May opening

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:08:54 -0500

Steel beam, asbestos, lead paint construction issues will not allow May opening, owner says

BERLIN -- Memorial Day will come and go before quarters drop at Maryland's first video slots parlor.

Due to "unexpected site conditions," there will be a delay of the opening of the Ocean Downs video lottery facility, according to track owner William Rickman... (12/11/09)

The Daily Times

Unemployment call center may bring Salisbury jobs

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:07:34 -0500

Work continues on larger Salisbury facility for state unemployment claim handlers

SALISBURY -- A Maryland unemployment call center expected to open in Salisbury might create more than a dozen local jobs, says the director of the regional claims center... (12/11/09)

The Daily Times

Clarksburg developer threatened with fines

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:38:20 -0500

Montgomery planners say changes to plan are not authorized

Montgomery County's planning agency is threatening to fine Clarksburg developer Newland Communities for what it says are at least 400 unauthorized changes in new plans for the still-unbuilt town center... (12/11/09)

Washington Post

Montgomery calls for biotech tax credit

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:36:04 -0500

Accelerator plan also proposed in task force report

Montgomery County could soon have one of the first local biotechnology investment tax credits in the nation, officials said Thursday during a conference to unveil the recommendations of the county's Biosciences Task Force... (12/11/09)

The Gazette

BRAC -- Latest developments

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:32:06 -0500

County hopes for roads Imagine some morning in the future you are driving east on Route 22 from Route 543 near Bel Air to your job at Aberdeen Proving Ground.

You sail along past Harford Community College, with traffic flowing smoothly, on a four-lane, dual highway, with nary a hesitation except to briefly stop for the light in Churchville... (12/11/09)

The Aegis

Howard Street project criticized

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:29:20 -0500

Mixed-development plan termed too inward-oriented

A $65 million retail and housing development proposed to replace the Anderson Automotive dealership at Howard and 25th streets in Baltimore would benefit the surrounding area more if its design were not so inward-oriented, neighboring property owners told city planners Thursday... (12/11/09)

Baltimore Sun

$1M in federal funds targeted for 113

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:26:49 -0500

OCEAN CITY -- Nearly $1 million has been set aside in a federal spending bill to fund the continuing dualization of Route 113, ensuring design and engineering continues for the roadway's expansion... (12/11/09)

The Daily Times (DelMarVa)

Energy plant gets tentative permit approval

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:25:33 -0500

PRINCESS ANNE -- Chesapeake Renewable Energy LLC has won tentative state approval for an air quality control permit, a major hurdle passed in its bid to build a renewable energy plant near Pocomoke City, officials at the Maryland Department of the Environment confirmed this week... (12/11/09)

The Daily Times (Delmarva)

New rules mean poor will pay less to upgrade septic systems

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:24:19 -0500

More Cecil County homeowners will be eligible to receive financial assistance to upgrade their home septic systems next year... (12/10/09)

Cecil Whig

Ag Preservation Board rules business should move supplies from farm

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:22:35 -0500

A Marston business needs to move its equipment off the farm where it is based to be in compliance with state guidelines for agricultural easements, a county board ruled Thursday.

A state board will make the final decision in January, however... (12/11/09)

Carroll County Times

Maryland Comprehensive Plans Online

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:07:49 -0500

Don't forget that you can stay informed about growth in your county, town and community. Visit MDP's Comprehensive Plans Online service to view adopted and draft master plans for Maryland's local jurisdictions and the comments from State government.

Click here to open Comp Plans Online!

Gaithersburg West master plan criticized

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:04:18 -0500

Critics of a master plan that would guide development in Montgomery County's vast Gaithersburg West say a proposal by the Montgomery County Planning Board is misapplying "smart growth"... (12/11/09)

The Washington Times

Marsh presents draft bill to board banning school consolidation

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 09:00:43 -0500

CUMBERLAND — If Tom Marsh had his way, there would be a law against consolidating schools in Allegany County.

So he drafted one.

Marsh, who’s been a vocal, sometimes strident, critic of the Allegany County Board of Education for more than two decades, is asking local delegates to introduce a bill to the Maryland General Assembly this winter... (12/10/09)

Cumberland Times-News

Love your community? Your neighborhood? Your block? Let's hear it!

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:57:09 -0500

Those of us on the ground working to make better places often get so focused on the changes happening in our cities and communities that we may forget the things we most cherish about the places we call home... (12/10/09)

The SGA Newsletter

Public meetings will address city’s new comprehensive plan

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:55:56 -0500

CUMBERLAND — Beginning with the Rolling Mills neighborhood in January, the city will hold public meetings in each of the 10 neighborhoods that will be specifically addressed in its new comprehensive plan, targeted for completion in 2013... (12/10/09)

Cumberland Times-News

Pepco Energy Services Awarded Contract to Green Camden Yards, Oriole Park and M&T Bank Stadium

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:52:42 -0500

Project Will Save State of Maryland $16 Million In Energy And Water Costs Over 12 Years

ARLINGTON, Va. - Pepco Energy Services, a subsidiary of Pepco Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: POM) and a leader in energy savings performance contracting, announced today that it has been selected by the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) to implement a $9 million comprehensive energy efficiency contract at Camden Yards, Oriole Park and M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland... (12/10/09)

PR Newswire

Backers of slots parlor in city ask more time

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:51:33 -0500

Developers say project is still on track despite missing self-imposed deadlines

Developers angling to build a casino in downtown Baltimore assured the state slots commission Thursday that the project is still on track, even though they have yet to pay $19.5 million in required licensing fees or reveal their mystery investor... (12/11/09)

Baltimore Sun

BRAC -- $42.6 million road project to begin at APG

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 08:49:18 -0500

Despite a shortfall in transportation revenue, Maryland is about to launch a $42.6 million intersection improvement project near the Aberdeen Proving Ground - the first project to improve access to the base in preparation for... (12/11/09)

Baltimore Sun

Cardin proposes trading rights system

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:32:12 -0500

Goal is to reduce pollutants and save Chesapeake Bay

OCEAN CITY -- Last year, the Maryland Farm Bureau awarded Sen. Ben Cardin for being a "friend of the Farm Bureau." On Monday, he told the group that he hopes the honor wouldn't be taken away in light of his latest Chesapeake Bay restoration bill, one opposed by many farmers statewide... (12/10/09)

Daily Times (Delmarva)

Smart Growth initiative was ahead of its time

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:30:43 -0500

ANNAPOLIS — Standing in front of an audience of planners, elected officials and academics, former Gov. Parris Glendening reflected on 10 years of Smart Growth in Maryland.

“While people back then were starting to pick up on what sprawl looks like, fewer people were connecting the dots... (12/10/09)

Carroll County Times

Department of Environment Cites 3 Local Entities

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:28:41 -0500

BALTIMORE (Dec. 09, 2009) – The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) today announced 3 recent enforcement actions against entities in the tri-county area... (12/9/09)

Southern Maryland Online

MD on environment: tough cop, easy cop?

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:26:27 -0500

Maryland's top environmental official is defending the state's enforcement of pollution laws, while calling activists' complaints a distraction from the struggle to restore the Chesapeake Bay.

Shari T. Wilson, secretary of the environment, has written a letter to The Baltimore Sun in response to a petition filed by the Waterkeepers Chesapeake of Maryland asking... (12/9/09)

Baltimore Sun's B'more Green blog

Unlikely partners to fight Bay ills?

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 13:24:28 -0500

Symposium weighs simple question: Can commerce clean up the Chesapeake Bay?

It wasn't your typical gathering to find new ways to clean up the Chesapeake Bay.

That's because about a third of the 125 people who turned out yesterday for a symposium hosted by the Rappahannock River Basin Commission represented businesses... (12/10/09)

The Free Lance-Star, Fredericksburg

80 Respond to Growth Plan Survey in First Two Days

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:01:36 -0500

MDP's December online survey, "What Does a State Growth Plan Mean to You," sees heavy traffic. Eighty have weighed in on the 10 challenges to the future of growth and development in Maryland. Early results show strong agreement supporting these challenges. Good comments posted.

Click here to the up-to-date results. The survey will be active on Planning.Maryland.gov through December...

Va. recommends denial of PATH project

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:57:13 -0500

The Virginia State Corporation Commission staff is recommending denial of the PATH project in that state.

PATH is a nearly 300-mile, $1.8 billion electric transmission project covering three states and ending in a proposed new substation in southern Frederick County... (12/10/09)

Frederick News-Post

Maryland Department of Environment Issues 39 Enforcement Actions

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:54:30 -0500

Agency Seeks More Than $700,000 in Penalties for Alleged Violations of Water, Land, and Air Regulations

BALTIMORE, MD (December 9, 2009) – The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) today announced 39 recent enforcement actions seeking penalties totaling $758,710 for alleged violations of MDE requirements for water, land, and air and radiation management... (12/09/09)

MDE Press Release

MDE cites local projects for alleged violations

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:52:31 -0500

CUMBERLAND — Enforcement actions announced by the Maryland Department of the Environment on Wednesday for alleged violations of requirements for water, land and air and radiation management include the following area projects... (12/10/09)

Cumberland Times-News

State AG looks to clean up Suskie River

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:50:57 -0500

Manure was the hot topic during Maryland Attorney General Douglas Gansler’s visit to Cecil County on Wednesday... (12/9/09)

Cecil Whig

City considers zoning exception

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:49:35 -0500

TANEYTOWN — The City Council and mayor of Taneytown agreed to allow the city’s staff to move ahead on drafting a zoning amendment... (12/10/09)

Carroll County Times

Board to decide land easement issue

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:48:38 -0500

Members of the Carroll County Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board will decide today whether a Marston business fits with the property’s agricultural easement.

The board’s decision won’t be the final one, however, since the property in question is a state-held easement... (12/10/09)

Carroll County Times

New Market plans to annex 10-acre commercial property

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:46:12 -0500

The New Market Town Council was set to discuss on Wednesday after The Gazette's deadline plans to annex more than 10 acres on the town's eastern border with Md. Route 144... (12/10/09)

The Gazette

Cyclists get new paths, will peddle

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:44:40 -0500

Fourth and Fifth streets targeted for kickoff to city's master bike plan

The gears on Laurel's master bike plan could start turning as early as next spring with the addition of bike lanes and other markings on Fourth and Fifth streets... (12/10/09)

The Gazette

Hyattsville mulls bonds for projects

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:42:59 -0500

$4.26 million to be used for street rehab, sidewalk improvements

The Hyattsville City Council will vote Monday on whether to take out $4.26 million in bonds to pay for major road improvements and sidewalk projects throughout the city... (12/10/09)

The Gazette

Preserving county's ag history

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:41:12 -0500

Planners looking at farms in Etchison, Claggettsville; some owners uneasy

As the county prepares to designate some of its oldest farm properties historic, it will have to deal with owners who are wary of the honor... (12/09/09)

The Gazette

Developer selected for station project

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:39:08 -0500

Plans call for a transit-oriented, mixed-use project downtown

Plans to turn the Laurel MARC station into a mixed-used development moved forward last week when the Maryland Department of Transportation announced it had awarded exclusive negotiating rights to a Rockville developer... (12/10/09)

The Gazette

Petition hinders Chesapeake Bay cleanup efforts

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:36:50 -0500

MDE Secretary Wilson letter to the editor

Since 2007, the Department of the Environment has made enforcing environmental laws one of our top three priorities - along with increasing transparency and improving our fiscal structure. Progress includes enacting standard operating procedures to ... (12/10/09)

Baltimore Sun Opinion

School officials raise questions about Columbia redevelopment plan

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:34:56 -0500

Questions of options to combat school crowding raised at County Council meeting

Howard County school officials are worried that the plan to redevelop central Columbia could leave them without good options for coping with unexpected school crowding once work is well underway... (12/8/09)

Baltimore Sun

In Fallston; Developers outline plan for Rts. 1, 152

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:33:01 -0500

It’s arguably the last undeveloped quadrant of a major intersection in Harford County, though probably not much longer.

Even so, debate over what may be planned on the southwest corner of Route 152 and Route 1, in Fallston, was kindled yet again at Thursday night’s annual meeting of the Greater Fallston Association.

Tentative plans for the corner include standard commercial fare: bank, supermarket, pharmacy, fast food... (12/09/09)

The Aegis

School overcrowding eases - APFO

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:31:03 -0500

Changes to Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance a factor

Recent changes to a controversial Harford County law that ties new residential development to adequate school capacity are starting to have an impact.

Though five elementary schools in the Bel Air-Forest Hill-Fallston area remain overcrowded enough to continue home building moratoriums in their attendance areas, some other schools aren’t considered overcrowded anymore (12/09/09)

The Aegis

Stimulus funds to jump-start Arundel projects

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:28:48 -0500

County approves use of bonds for 4 developments; more than 1,700 jobs expected

Several new developments in Anne Arundel County will move forward thanks to federal stimulus financing, including a $68 million office, retail and housing project in Hanover and a $25 million headquarters for a splinting company in Pasadena that could bring in 600 jobs... (12/10/09)

Baltimore Sun

Census officials call strategy best ever

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:26:35 -0500

Only 10 questions, officer says at opening of Towson office

Officials opening the U.S. Census Bureau field office in Towson on Wednesday outlined strategies for counting an estimated 310 million Americans in what they called the best-planned and most-researched accounting undertaken since the count began in 1790... (12/10/09)

Baltimore Sun

Howard County may add 1,000 acres to preservation program

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:19:55 -0500

500 acres are part of Doughoregan Manor

Howard County is offering to add 1,000 acres of farmland to its Agricultural Land Preservation Program - including 500 acres on historic Doughoregan Manor, the nearly 300-year-old estate that belongs to descendants of Charles Carroll of Carrollton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence... (12/10/09)

Baltimore Sun

Book on Great Allegheny Passage is #5 on list of best-selling books about Maryland on Amazon.com

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:09:48 -0500

A book on the Great Allegheny Passage, a project MDP has played a lead role in developing since 1989, is #5 on Amazon.com's list ( as of this feed post) of 25 best-selling books either about Maryland, or in Maryland... (12/10/09)

Pedaling Toward National Bicycle Planning Guidelines

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:04:01 -0500

Last night in Washington, DC, the Brookings Institution and the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) kicked off Cities for Cycling, a new effort to catalog, promote and implement the world’s best bicycle transportation practices in American municipalities.. (12/10/2009)

The City Fix blog

Message From Copenhagen: Climate Plan Must Include Walkable Urbanism

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 09:00:56 -0500

At a panel discussion yesterday at the Copenhagen climate summit, American policymakers and transit experts delivered a clear message: Walkable urban development must be part of any effective plan to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions... (12/9/09)

DC.StreetsBlog.org

Spring Grove to be sold?

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 08:58:42 -0500

Not before a long process

For two decades, a large amount of brain power has been spent by area residents, county officials, institutional leaders, local legislators and area developers on two specific questions regarding Spring Grove Hospital Center... (12/9/09)

Catonsville Times

Restructuring Schools Under NCLB Found to Lag

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 10:54:41 -0500

A Washington research group is raising questions about the wisdom of the U.S. Department of Education’s favored strategies for turning around the lowest-performing schools with stimulus funding, saying that its research shows that similar federal school restructuring strategies have not been effective... (12/9/09)

Education Week

Gaithersburg notes growing need to keep growing green

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 10:50:22 -0500

First analysis of water resources shows more stormwater strategies needed

Gaithersburg needs more ‘green.'

So-called green streets, green roofs, green gardens, rain gardens and other natural stormwater management strategies are essential to reducing sediment pollution and nutrient growth in area waterways as population grows... (12/9/09)

The Gazette

Planned Md. casino gets state approval

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 10:47:39 -0500

ARUNDEL ZONING REQUIRED

Developers of Maryland's largest planned slots casino secured one of two key votes they were seeking Monday to move the controversial project forward: approval from the state... (12/8/09)

Washington Post

Businesses Raise Stink Over State's Septic System Upgrades

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 10:45:17 -0500

A state program that aims to upgrade septic systems throughout Maryland, reducing the amount of nitrogen that failing systems can discharge into the Chesapeake Bay, has been met with overwhelming public demand -- and unexpected conflict... (12/8/09)

Southern Maryland Online - Capital News Service

The Maryland State Clearinghouse is Now on Twitter

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 10:16:34 -0500

The Clearinghouse provides access to information regarding State, federal, and private financial assistance programs and grantsmanship and training resources. We are now "tweeting" on Twitter.com/MDClearinghouse to bring you latest information on state and federal funding opportunities, rule changes relating to federal funding and more...

Don’t know much about the State Clearinghouse? Increase your knowledge: http://bit.ly/7CuCcE

New Storm Water Rules Not Friendly for Homes or Environment, Says NAHB

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 10:11:12 -0500

The Environmental Protection Agency has announced new storm water management requirements for builders that don’t effectively address water quality and environmental issues – but do promise to place significant burdens on the home building industry and result in higher costs for home buyers... (12/8/09)

RealEstateRama

Take our survey, please

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 10:08:14 -0500

My colleague John Coleman reminded me to remind you to please take our survey about the need for a State Growth Plan. It probably would help first if you had an idea what a State Growth Plan is. These two handouts... (12/8/09)

MDP's Smart Growth Maryland blog

Tempers Flare at PHED Committee Meeting

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 10:06:25 -0500

...But none of that mattered yesterday, since the discussions were riveting. The Planning, Housing and Economic Development Committee was continuing its worksessions on the White Flint Sector Plan. Mostly the Plan is sailing through Committee... (12/8/09)

FLOG - the Friends of White Flint Blog

MD environmental enforcement called lax

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 09:55:52 -0500

Environmental groups have accused the Maryland Department of the Environment of going easy on water polluters and are calling on the federal government to take action... (12/7/09)

Baltimore Sun B'more Green blog

We should also take steps to preserve state’s small farms

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 09:53:18 -0500

To The Editor:

In response to Sen. Benjamin Cardin, Democrat of Maryland, where are your efforts with increased taxes (flush) and your Chesapeake Bay Watershed initiative helping the farmer?... (12/8/09)

Cumberland Times-News

State and local governments plan for development of most land vulnerable to rising sea level along the US Atlantic coast

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 09:49:25 -0500

A new paper in the journal Environmental Research Letters creates sea level rise planning maps that show the business as usual response to rising sea level, based on land use plans from 130 local government along the US Atlantic coast. About 60% of the land vulnerable to sea level rise is likely...

RisingSea.net

Future student population one of main pieces in study puzzle

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 09:46:36 -0500

Educational planning outfit

CUMBERLAND — A group of community members will take a hard look at enrollment trends in Allegany County public schools this winter as it begins the tedious process of helping determine the future for Cumberland’s aging secondary school buildings... (12/8/09)

Cumberland Times-News

Take the December Planning.Maryland.gov Survey

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:05:07 -0500

The current survey asks, "What Does a State Growth Plan Mean to You?"

Please take a few moments to share your opinions on 10 broad challenges concerning the future of growth and development in Maryland... (12/8/09)

Planning.Maryland.gov

Laurel considers new ways to manage effects of stormwater

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:00:17 -0500

Regulations could call for underground storage, other systems

As counties around Maryland continue forming their plans to comply with the Stormwater Management Act of 2007, Laurel is considering how new ways of handling rain runoff could improve the water quality... (12/8/09)

The Gazette (Prince George's)

City awarded close to $4.9 million in federal funds

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:59:12 -0500

Money will be used for infrastructure, environmental projects

Major infrastructure and environmental improvements can move forward in Rockville now that the city is the recipient of approximately $4.9 million in federal funds... (12/8/09)

The Gazette (Montgomery)

Teackle Mansion ready to go green

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:56:49 -0500

PRINCESS ANNE -- One of the oldest and best-known buildings in town is about to be upgraded with green technology in the first phase of a $1.5 million restoration plan... (12/8/09)

Daily Times (Delmarva)

Cardin touts Chesapeake Bay cleanup proposal

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:55:26 -0500

Farmers statewide oppose idea

OCEAN CITY -- The Maryland Farm Bureau last year awarded Sen. Ben Cardin for being a "friend of the Farm Bureau." On Monday, he told the group that he hopes the honor wouldn't be taken away in light of his latest Chesapeake Bay restoration bill... (12/8/09)

Daily Times (Delmarva)

Nearly 2,900 acres of Kent County farm protected by state

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:53:33 -0500

Easement will protect waterfront, farmlandand wooded areas

QUEENSTOWN -- Eastern Shore Land Conservancy has announced that nearly 2,900 acres of Kent County farmland and waterfront have been protected forever... (12/8/09)

Cecil Whig

Waterkeepers ask EPA to revoke Md. permit power

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:51:30 -0500

BALTIMORE (AP) – Environmental activists are asking the federal Environmental Protection Agency to take over permitting responsibilities from the state of Maryland for pollution discharges into the Chesapeake Bay... (12/8/09)

The Examiner - AP

New Windsor passes on historic property

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:50:02 -0500

Owners of the historic inn in downtown New Windsor are expecting offers from buyers interested in preserving the heritage of the building within the next few weeks.

The Dielman Inn, at the corner of High and Main streets in New Windsor... (12/8/09)

Carroll County Times

Judge awards land to Hampstead

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:49:03 -0500

A jury will decide how much the town of Hampstead will have to pay to acquire a 10-acre parcel of land from the Oakmont Green golf course after a judge ruled the town proved a need for the land and the irrigation well on it... (12/8/09)

Carroll County Times

Mount Airy mayor resigns

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:47:59 -0500

MOUNT AIRY — Dave Pyatt Monday resigned as mayor and council president during a council meeting, citing personnel issues as the reason. Peter Helt was named the new council president... (12/8/09)

Carroll County Times

Developer chosen for Parkway Theatre renovations

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:45:23 -0500

A development team headed by Seawall Development Company and Cormony Development has been selected to redevelop Baltimore's historic Parkway Theatre as a live entertainment venue... (12/8/09)

Baltimore Sun

EPA will review claims of leniency on water polluters

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:43:35 -0500

Federal officials said Monday that they plan to review claims by a coalition of Maryland environmental groups that the state is going easy on water polluters... (12/8/09)

Baltimore Sun

Mount Airy mayor quits amid staff, growth issues

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:41:53 -0500

The mayor of Mount Airy has resigned amid complaints from City Hall staff and Town Council members that he bullied people.

But David Pyatt told The Frederick News-Post before stepping down Monday night that he was being forced out by those who favor more rapid growth of the community of nearly 9,000 people... (12/8/09)

Baltimore Sun - AP

School officials raise questions about Columbia redevelopment plan

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:40:36 -0500

Questions of options to combat school crowding raised at County Council meeting

Baltimore Sun

Housing planned for homeless young people

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:32:28 -0500

Park Heights project to provide services as well as shelter

A Baltimore coalition of advocates for the homeless has been working for five years to raise money to provide a safe and stable place where the city's homeless youth can live... (12/8/09)

Baltimore Sun

Arundel delays slots decision

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:31:12 -0500

Md. grants license but County Council vote is delayed

State officials have granted a long-awaited license for a proposed 4,750-machine slots casino at Arundel Mills mall, but Maryland's premier gambling project still needs local approval that was delayed again on Monday... (12/8/09)

Baltimore Sun

Size of Eastport house being challenged

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:27:44 -0500

Arguments have to be reheard after recording snafu

A long, emotional and complex hearing before the city Board of Appeals last week about the size of a house in Eastport may have been for nothing... (12/7/09)

Annapolis Capital

MD Planning Roundtable on flickr

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:25:57 -0500

Jack Lenox of Wicomico County speaks on water resources...

New county plan aims to preserve rural character of Braddock Heights

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:21:58 -0500

BRADDOCK HEIGHTS -- The rural reaches of Braddock Heights would stay that way under a new comprehensive plan being considered by the Frederick County Commissioners... (12/6/09)

Frederick News-Post

Locals Delay Vote On Md.'s Largest Slots Parlor

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:17:54 -0500

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) ― A state commission approved a slot machine license for Maryland's largest slots parlor on Monday, but local officials delayed a vote on a zoning measure needed to make the proposal move forward... (12/8/09)

WJZ TV 13

Maryland commission approves slot machine license for Anne Arundel County site

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:16:48 -0500

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — A state commission approved a slots commission license for a site in Anne Arundel County on Monday, but the proposal that would be the state's largest slot machine facility still needs local zoning approval... (12/7/09)

Baltimore Sun

Federal officials tout latest bay-saving plan

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:15:18 -0500

SALISBURY -- President Obama's mandate to save one of the nation's "national treasures" brought an entourage of federal agents to Salisbury this week to hear from inhabitants along the base stretch of the great Chesapeake Bay... (12/5/09)

Daily Times (Delmarva)

County unveils plans for waterfront projects

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:47:30 -0500

Charles County officials have identified three waterfront sites in the county as the strongest possible candidates for capital improvements. In time, Potomac Crossing, Benedict and Marshall Hall could be home to... (12/4/09)

Southern Maryland Newspapers Online

Harder than rocket science

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:43:12 -0500

One of the loudest laugh lines at the presentation for the 2009 National Awards for Smart Growth Achievement in Washington earlier this week came from the contingent from Charlotte, N.C. One official related how designing streets to be more pedestrian and bicycle-friendly was not rocket science. His colleague, in reply, said that he actually has a degree in aerospace engineering and can attest that it is, in fact, harder than rocket science... (12/3/09)

Smart Growth Maryland blog

Frederick city grows by 436 acres after owners, residents vote

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:30:35 -0500

100 percent turnout, all voting yes, in special election on annexations held this week

The City of Frederick grew by 436 acres this week, as the seven residents and property owners of two highly contested farm annexations voted this week to uphold city leaders' decision to bring the properties into city limits... (12/4/09)

The Gazette (Frederick)

Hot-mix asphalt plant may soon be on the way

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:27:11 -0500

CUMBERLAND — Braddock Construction appears to be in the final stages of having its rezoning request granted by the Allegany County Board of Commissioners... (12/3/09)

Cumberland Times-News

Judge: State law trumps county law

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:25:32 -0500

A judge’s ruling announced this week nullifies four county zoning amendments adopted last year, saying state law takes precedent over county law regarding mining operations... (12/4/09)

Cecil Whig

Experts: Land loss would hurt Hampstead golf course

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:24:08 -0500

Lawyers for Oakmont Green Inc., a golf course in Hampstead, are scheduled to continue to call witnesses in a trial in Carroll County Circuit Court against the Town of Hampstead today... (12/4/09)

Carroll County Times

County buying land easements

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:23:17 -0500

Carroll County is spending $4.9 million to preserve 857 acres of farmland near Keymar, Sykesville, Westminster and Detour... (12/4/09)

Carroll County Times

O'Malley plans to limit oyster harvest

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:20:21 -0500

State would expand sanctuaries, promote aquaculture

To praise from environmentalists and complaints from watermen, Gov. Martin O'Malley outlined plans Thursday to restore the Chesapeake Bay's depleted oysters by prohibiting commercial harvests in large portions of the bay while leasing other areas for aquaculture... (12/4/09)

Baltimore Sun

Harford pulls plan to buy Prologis Park for incinerator access

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:18:33 -0500

Site was also considered for new energy facility

Facing opposition from Edgewood residents, Harford County Executive David R. Craig has pulled the bill to have the county purchase Prologis Park, a 113-acre lot in Edgewood... (12/4/09)

Baltimore Sun

Anne Arundel council might delay vote on slots zoning

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:17:15 -0500

The Anne Arundel County Council might postpone again a vote that would allow a proposed slot-machine casino in the county after one member abruptly recused himself from the contentious process that has dragged on for... (12/4/09)

Baltimore Sun

Smart Growth initiative was ahead of its time

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 13:13:03 -0500

ANNAPOLIS — Standing in front of an audience of planners, elected officials and academics, former Gov. Parris Glendening reflected on 10 years of Smart Growth in Maryland... (12/4/09)

Carroll County Times

Rockville firm wins right to develop Laurel project

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:20:43 -0500

Transit-oriented development at MARC station expected to contribute to Smart Growth

The Maryland Department of Transportation has awarded exclusive negotiating rights to a Rockville-based firm to formulate plans for a transit-oriented development project at the MARC... (12/4/09)

Baltimore Sun

Breakfast links: Cutting the bureaucracy

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:18:37 -0500

The state of sprawl: A stronger Smart Growth policy would save 500,000 rural acres from development in Maryland over the next 20 years, according to the Maryland Department of Planning. Under current policies, the population will grow 17.5% but the developed land area would increase 40% 54%. (TheCityFix DC) ... (12/4/09)

Greater Greater Washington blog

Maryland Department of Planning's photostream

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:15:13 -0500

flickr

Photos for National Awards for Smart Growth Achievement added

Congress considers Livable Communities Act

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:11:16 -0500

Legislation has been introduced in Congress that would provide federal funding for urban parks and recreation for the first time in eight years. The Urban Revitalization and Livable Communities Act (H.R. 3734), introduced by Rep. Albio Sires of New Jersey, reflects the current thinking that parks ... (12/4/09)

"Queens Crap" blog (an unfortunate name)

Clear and Obscure: Infrastructure

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:07:12 -0500

We hear the word "infrastructure" fairly frequently these days, often in combination with the word "crumbling". It's a disturbing trend, so today I'd like to explore a little about the meaning of the term and some of its implications within society.

... In 1997 Maryland's then-governor Paris Glendenning championed a statute in state law that he dubbed the "Smart Growth Initiative". It is supposed to mandate a more holistic approach to community development, but recent studies have ... (12/4/09)

Mark Pemburn's "Clear and Obscure" blog

Studies on Smart Growth

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 09:33:18 -0500

Two recently released studies analyze the benefits of creating compact, efficient neighborhoods. "Bay Area Burden" highlights the importance of “location efficiency”... (12/3/09)

San Francisco Housing Action Coalition

Planning the future

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 09:28:08 -0500

City planning has gone back to the future with concepts such as smart growth. Smart growth espouses principles such as providing a sense of place, ...

It’s been said that real estate is one thing they’re not making any more of. Yet even in the Cadillac area, there are signs of sprawl - examples of undeveloped plots of land near the city’s center standing empty as development presses on near the city’s edge...

Cadillacenews.com

4 Communities Win Smart Growth Awards

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 09:23:00 -0500

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson recognized four diverse communities that are models of how to grow in ways that protect our nation's air, land, and water; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; provide safe and affordable housing; and strengthen local economies.

"Every year the Smart Growth Achievement Award winners show us new and creative ways to bring environmental sustainability to our communities -- and this year is no exception," said EPA Administrator Jackson... (12/3/09)

EP News

Commercial Real Estate: Twinbrook plan makes room for Parklawn project

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 09:20:29 -0500

New urban design guidelines for Twinbrook in Rockville provide enough density for redevelopment of the massive federal Department of Health and Human Services Parklawn building as a mixed-use project whether the agency stays or leaves... (12/4/09)

Business Gazette

Another twist in Arundel Mills slots drama: Recusal expected

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:25:33 -0500

Anne Arundel County Council member C. Edward Middlebrooks (R-Severn) said Wednesday that he will recuse himself from voting on zoning legislation needed to build a proposed slots casino at Arundel Mills mall... (12/2/09)

Washington Post's "Maryland Politics"

Laurel considers new ways to manage effects of stormwater

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:23:23 -0500

Regulations could call for underground storage, other systems

The Gazette

Bay cleanup: 'More federal beef, heat needed'

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:22:06 -0500

Environmental activists and concerned citizens told federal officials last night that the Obama administration needs to beef up its draft strategy for jump-starting the Chesapeake Bay restoration, and put ''more heat'' on underperforming state governments to get tough on pollution, especially from farming and development... (12/3/09)

Baltimore Sun's "B'more Green" blog

Cutting edge moves to Charles

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:10:27 -0500

Solar project, green plans vault county to fore

In an effort to build a prototype community of the future that uses clean energy technology and recycled building materials, and promotes sustainable living, American Community Properties Trust announced Monday its "Green City" initiative to give St. Charles a major facelift... (12/2/09)

Southern Maryland Newspapers Online

Group seeks streetcars to help solve N.Va. transportation woes

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:09:20 -0500

A coalition aimed at building a streetcar network across Northern Virginia held its first meeting Nov. 18.

The group, the Northern Virginia Streetcar Coalition, is made up of present and former officials, developers and others. Its members say they hope that traveling across the region will become easier and transportation will be more accessible in the coming years... (12/3/09)

Washington Post

Final meeting agenda ties up loose ends for current leaders

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:06:31 -0500

Land Management Code dominates last order of business for Frederick's outgoing mayor, aldermen (also revisions to Historic District guidelines)

The final public meeting agenda for the City of Frederick's outgoing mayor and Board of Aldermen is tightly packed with loose ends, most notably with city code amendments and lingering quality of life ordinances... (12/3/09)

The Gazette (Frederick)

Four years later, Mayor Holtzinger gets his Monocacy Boulevard wish

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:05:04 -0500

Aldermen approve funding, contracts for road completion

Just in time for the holiday season and the end of his term, W. Jeff Holtzinger (R) finally got something on his mayoral wish list. City leaders have fulfilled the final requirement to complete the Monocacy Boulevard central section, a major road project that will create a bypass... (12/3/09)

The Gazette (Frederick)

Edmonston breaks ground on state's first ‘green street'

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:02:58 -0500

Construction has begun on million-dollar project

Construction has finally begun on Edmonston's long-awaited "green street" project, which will revamp Decatur Street with a slew of environmentally-friendly features... (12/3/09)

The Gazette (Prince George's)

Annexations put to referendum

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:00:53 -0500

A referendum with the potential to overturn the city's northern annexations wrapped up Wednesday with 100 percent turnout -- a first for Frederick... (12/3/09)

Frederick News-Post

Sold! Port Deposit deals water and sewer plants (with video)

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:56:25 -0500

Also approves rate changes

With the passage of three resolutions Tuesday night, Port Deposit surrendered its wastewater plant to Cecil County, sold the water treatment plant to Artesian Water Co. for $1.05 million and raised the rates... (12/2/09)

Cecil Whig

Hampstead rests in eminent domain trial

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:55:00 -0500

The lawyers for Oakmont Green Inc. will call their first witness today in a trial concerning whether the Town of Hampstead can acquire a 10-acre parcel of land that contains a well from the golf course through eminent domain... (12/3/09)

Carroll County Times

Despite economy, affordable-housing renovations go forward

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:49:22 -0500

Demand might be high for low-rent apartments, but building them is even more difficult than usual these days. Financiers have pulled back. The market for the Low Income Housing Tax Credit program -- an important source of money for affordable-housing developers -- is a shadow of its former self. And it's not as if local government agencies have extra dough to dish out... (12/3/09)

Baltimore Sun's "The Real Estate Wonk" blog

Secretary Hall's View: Heritage tax credits create jobs, help the environment (Letter)

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 12:41:50 -0500

We applaud your Nov. 30 editorial "Credits that work" about the need to extend the Maryland Heritage Structure Rehabilitation Tax Credit program before its expiration next year. Gov. Martin O'Malley is committed to authorizing an improved version of the program in the upcoming legislative session.

This stimulus has been a proven smart growth tool throughout the state... (12/3/09)

Baltimore Sun - Readers Respond

More road projects that are 'ready to go'

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:39:47 -0500

Md., Va., D.C. want $835 million if U.S. primes pump again

Transportation officials in Virginia, Maryland and the District have identified $835 million in highway projects that could be underway by spring if the federal government decides to fully fund another job-creation effort... (12/3/09)

Washington Post

Beach repairs cost doubles to $20M

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:38:16 -0500

OC emergency dune repair planned in next 30-60 days

OCEAN CITY -- Resort officials say shoreline damage caused by the mid-November nor'easter will double the estimated cost of Ocean City's 2010 beach replenishment effort from $10 million to about $20 million... (12/3/09)

Daily Times (Delmarva)

Lower Shore farmers skeptical of clean bay bill

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:36:44 -0500

Backers tout pollution credits, financial assistance

SNOW HILL -- Snow Hill farmer Virgil Shockley must buy fertilizer to spread on his fields, even though his chickenhouses produce enough manure to do the job... (12/3/09)

Daily Times (Delmarva)

Housing project breaks ground in Somerset

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:35:29 -0500

PRINCESS ANNE -- Construction started on a long-awaited apartment complex exclusively for working families, whose leasing eligibility will be based on income, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development announced Wednesday... (12/3/09)

Daily Times (Delmarva)

Open Space acquisitions will protect forest land

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:34:03 -0500

Board of Public Works also approves local parks,

CUMBERLAND — More than 300 acres in Western Maryland will be protected as a result of Program Open Space property acquisitions and a donation from The Nature Conservancy... (12/2/09)

Cumberland Times-News

Backbone wind project to be sold for $140 million

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:32:34 -0500

OAKLAND — The fully approved Criterion wind project on Backbone Mountain will be sold by Clipper Windpower Inc. to Constellation Energy Group Inc. for $140 million, the buyer reported this week... (12/2/09)

Cumberland Times-News

New EPA watershed rules likely to raise sewage rates significantly

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:24:55 -0500

BINGHAMTON -- Many people filling seats at the Broome County Public Library seemed to have the same thing on their mind: How can area residents afford to comply with upcoming federal water quality regulations?... (12/1/09)

Press & Sun-Bulletin

Towns at Odds, in Court Over Water Supply Dispute

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:23:52 -0500

FREDERICK COUNTY, MD - Two towns are at odds with one another over the issue of the water supply. Now the dispute has reached a boiling point, with Brunswick and Rosemont suing one another... (12/1/09)

WHAG-TV

Restricting Runoff in Greater Binghamton

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:21:43 -0500

The federal government wants to clean up the Chesapeake Bay. Multimedia Watch The Video And in order to do that, it has to do something about the rivers that run to it... (12/1/09)

WBNG TV

Charles County Gov. Announces New Neighborhood Conservation Program

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 11:19:28 -0500

LA PLATA, Md. (Dec. 1, 2009) -- Charles County has been awarded $1,100,000 for the Neighborhood Conservation Initiative (NCI) Down Payment Assistance Program. The NCI program works to encourage affordable housing in targeted neighborhoods... (12/1/09)

Southern Maryland Online

A little piece of a greener world

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:08:42 -0500

Rain gardens are planted at Habitat building site in D.C. to cut runoff pollution

Sarah Fulton once worked as a social worker, trying to help clients change their ways, but now that she's retired, she is trying to create tiny ecosystems that could help change the world... (12/2/09)

Washington Post

Hagerstown City Council considers museum project

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:51:19 -0500

HAGERSTOWN — Plans to enclose the interior courtyard at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts were presented Tuesday during the Hagerstown City Council meeting... (12/1/09)

Herald Mail (Hagerstown)

Developer must adhere to Planning Board conditions

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:47:21 -0500

Montgomery planners say latest proposal submitted by Newland Communities does not comply

The county Planning Board will not approve a new plan for Clarksburg Town Center, so the developer must conform to the guidelines the board set last December... (12/2/09)

The Gazette (Montgomery)

Former downtown auto parts store taken in new direction

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:45:08 -0500

Mullaney family puts more than $600,000 into five apartments, retail and office space

CUMBERLAND — While it’s unlikely anyone will be buying mufflers from Carney Auto Parts on North Mechanic Street anytime soon, the abandoned shop will still be doing its part to brighten the neighborhood... (12/2/09)

Cumberland Times-News

Hampstead official testifies in eminent domain trial

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:43:06 -0500

Hampstead’s town manager is expected to wrap up his testimony today in a trial over whether the town should be able to acquire a well and the land surrounding it that are part of a Hampstead golf course... (12/2/09)

Carroll County Times

Arundel delegate seeks to send slots 'message' to council

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:40:29 -0500

Adding another dimension to the slots debate days before the Anne Arundel County Council is set to vote on zoning for a casino at Arundel Mills mall, a state delegate has filed a bill that would restrict the location of video lottery terminals... (12/2/09)

Baltimore Sun

The Smart Growth Manual: An Interview with Mike Lydon

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:34:22 -0500

Mike Lydon, co-author of the new Smart Growth Manual, is a member of the Next American Vanguard, a group of 34 young advocates, planners and policymakers representing America’s next generation of urban leaders.

The Smart Growth Manual was originally conceived as the follow-up to the highly successful Suburban Nation, written by Andres Duany, Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, and Jeff Speck, published in 2000. Jeff set out to write the The Smart Growth Manual as a user-friendly guide to combating the problem of suburban sprawl... (12/1/09)

Next American City blog

EPA Recognizes Communities for Smart Growth Achievements

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:32:29 -0500

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson today recognized four diverse communities that are models of how to grow in ways that protect our nation’s air, land, and water; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; provide safe and affordable housing; and strengthen local economies... (12/1/09)

U.S. EPA.gov (press release)

Rail project hinges on tunnel, bridge work

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:27:44 -0500

Double-stack freight cars cannot squeeze through 61 stretches in state

Supporters of the $842 million National Gateway project to open the Port of Baltimore and Maryland's rail lines to more markets throughout the nation tout its economic and environmental benefits, but the project cannot proceed until the height of 61 tunnels and... (12/2/09)

The Gazette

So far, O'Malley's goals clear, modest for session

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:24:56 -0500

Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) appears to have modest goals for when the General Assembly reconvenes next month.

With the state facing an estimated $1.8 billion dollar shortfall, he wants bills to:

Force lenders to engage in mandatory mediation with homeowners facing foreclosure.
Fix state unemployment insurance rates, which are scheduled to triple next year for many Maryland businesses.
Try again to crack down on Medicaid fraud.
Extend a tax credit for rehabilitating historic buildings
And pass "some" sort of energy legislation... (12/1/09)

Washington Post

Edmonston, Maryland, Will Retrofit Street as ''Green'' Thoroughfare

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:12:52 -0500

The small Maryland community of Edmonston is 'greening' its main street, and at the same time serving as a role model regarding what actions Baltimore and other cities in the region could undertake to help save the Chesapeake Bay... (11/25/09)

Smart Growth Network

Big and getting bigger

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:34:16 -0500

Our view: Maryland's obesity epidemic calls for some thoughtful intervention

For those of us already feeling guilty about eating too much - and too richly - over the holidays, here's something else not to be thankful for: Maryland is fat and getting fatter.

...From taxing sugary soft drinks to encouraging "smart growth" and walkable communities, the state needs to both enable and encourage a healthier lifestyle... (12/1/09)

Baltimore Sun

Part of Clipper Mill project foreclosed

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:29:06 -0500

Trouble is latest for Struever Bros.

Part of the Clipper Mill development in North Baltimore will go to a foreclosure auction later this month, including more than two dozen partially built upscale homes - the first setback for a project that has transformed long-vacant factories into a mix of shops, offices and homes... (12/1/09)

Baltimore Sun

USDA celebrates 60 years of housing programs

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:27:18 -0500

Thurmont -- U.S. Rep. Roscoe Bartlett, R-6th, wants more Marylanders to take advantage of housing programs offered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture... (12/1/09)

Frederick News-Post

Thurmont moves closer to completed master plan

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:26:18 -0500

Thurmont -- The town's master plan and comprehensive rezoning dominated discussion at Monday night's public workshop... (12/1/09)

Frederick News-Post

Mount Airy considers annexation

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:23:19 -0500

MOUNT AIRY — Members of the Mount Airy Planning and Zoning Commission want more time to determine whether annexing 600 nearby acres of unincorporated land would be a cost benefit for the town... (12/1/09)

Carroll County Times

Hampstead eminent domain trial set to begin

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:22:35 -0500

Opening arguments in the trial between the Town of Hampstead and Oakmont Green Inc., a golf course in Hampstead, are scheduled to begin this morning in Carroll County Circuit Court... (12/1/09)

Carroll County Times

'Envision Prince George's' asks residents what they'd like to see

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:19:51 -0500

‘Faith without works is dead'

Residents share vision for county's future during forum, question how data will be used

Stacie Mills, who moved to Upper Marlboro five years ago, said she has always been impressed by ... in Prince George's County. But she is also disappointed... (12/1/09)

The Gazette (Prince George's)

Proposal for outdoor center at Rockwood Manor gets neighborhood opposition

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:18:16 -0500

At least one more public meeting to be held

Neighbors of a proposed outdoor center at Rockwood Manor are objecting to the project, saying it would draw traffic... (12/1/09)

The Gazette (Montgomery)

With $140M deal, Constellation turns to wind

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:16:43 -0500

Baltimore energy company to acquire proposed Western Maryland turbine project

Constellation Energy is expanding its renewable energy portfolio by acquiring its first wind project: a $140 million, 70-megwatt proposed wind turbine project in Western Maryland's Garrett County... (12/1/09)

The Gazette

Bay pollution figures revised / EPA cites new data, but critics say shifting numbers are faulty

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:12:07 -0500

The Environmental Protection Agency said in late summer that more pollution is going into the Chesapeake Bay than it previously estimated. For example, the federal agency raised its estimate of the nitrogen that flowed to the bay in 2008 from 258 million pounds to 283 million pounds... (12/1/09)

Water World

Salisbury plant lawsuit may move to federal court

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:10:10 -0500

Ireton says Salisbury's legal battle could continue for a year

SALISBURY -- The city's legal debacle with engineers of a failed wastewater treatment plant upgrade could be a long one, according to Mayor Jim Ireton... (12/1/09)

Daily Times (Delmarva)

Legislation with teeth offers hope for bay

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:08:59 -0500

By Parris N. Glendening

The Chesapeake Bay may be a beloved resource, but we have cruelly mistreated the object of our affections. After many years of knowing how urgently we must protect it, the bay is still far from the clean, vital, vibrant watershed it should be. Its poor health reflects a failure by all of us over decades... (12/1/09)

Baltimore Sun

Garrett, Charles to get wind, solar power plants

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 11:07:00 -0500

CEG and Silver Spring firm invest in renewable energy

Maryland's fledgling campaign to develop renewable power got a twin boost Monday, as Constellation Energy said it would take over construction of a 70-megawatt wind farm in Garrett County and another company unveiled plans for the state's largest solar array in Charles County... (12/1/09)

Baltimore Sun

Revived 'green city' in Charles County may also create 1,000 jobs

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:58:07 -0500

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley on Monday praised a Charles County developer's plan for a "green city" as a "model of a 21st-century city" that will create nearly 1,000 jobs in the short term... (12/1/09)

Washington Post

EPA to hold forums on Chesapeake Bay strategy

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:01:39 -0500

Advocates want stronger federal role in reducing runoff pollution

As the federal government continues to develop a plan for a Chesapeake Bay cleanup, the focus turns to the public this week at a series of forums throughout ... (11/30/09)

The Gazette

St. Charles to Become International Model Green City

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:59:59 -0500

ST. CHARLES, MD -- American Community Properties Trust (ACPT) (NYSE Amex: APO) launched an initiative today that will make St. Charles, Maryland, its flagship 9,100 acre planned community in Charles County, the most comprehensive smart green community development project in the United States... (11/30/09)

Southern Maryland Online

It Takes a Village 2: Walkable urbanism is good for seniors

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:02:31 -0500

Earlier this year, I wrote about how human-scale walkable urban places empower adolescents to experience the world without needing parental chauffeuring services. The same applies to seniors who have stopped driving for health or other reasons... (11/30/09)

Greater Greater Washington blog

Partnerships and Stewardship Media Alert (HQ): EPA Administrator Jackson to Recognize Communities for Smart Growth Achievement

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:00:56 -0500

WASHINGTON – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson will present the National Award for Smart Growth Achievement to four communities... (11/30/09)

EPA News Releases

Coastal Bays: Grow Berlin Green eyes community models

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:58:42 -0500

The public is invited to an informal work session in Berlin on Dec. 10 featuring guest speaker Briggs Cunningham, coordinator of the Chestertown Goes Green initiative.

The event is hosted by Grow Berlin Green, the campaign to establish Berlin as a model community for participatory environmental protection, conservation and smart growth policy and practice... (11/30/09)

Daily Times (Delmarva)

Credits that work

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:40:13 -0500

Our view: Historic rehab tax credit program too valuable to be allowed to die

What do you call an economic stimulus program that produces an $8.53 return on every dollar invested? A smashing success? The envy of the White House? The greatest idea government's had since the income tax refund? In Annapolis, they use quite a different title: Endangered... (11/30/09)

Baltimore Sun

Remaking St. Charles in a shade of green

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:36:00 -0500

Developer to test suburban Md. market for energy efficiency

First came the "green" jobs, green buildings and green energy.

Now Southern Maryland will get a green city, where residents will live in energy-saving homes, shop in energy-saving stores and walk under energy-saving streetlights as a new plant next door generates carbon-friendly solar power... 11/30/09)

Washington Post

Salisbury might spend $48M more on sewer plant

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:25:16 -0500

'Conservative estimate' quoted for upgrade of Salisbury's wastewater treatment facility

SALISBURY -- The city could spend an additional $48.9 million on the wastewater treatment plant upgrade after already investing $40 million of its own money into the failed project... (11/30/09)

Daily Times (Delmarva)

Landmark status argued for carriage house

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 09:07:46 -0500

19th-century building used as shed for Catonsville High

The 19th-century Farmlands Carriage House in Catonsville is at the center of a tug-of-war between pressing school needs and the wishes of preservationists... (11/30/09)

Baltimore Sun

Hampstead eminent domain trial starts Monday

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:22:29 -0500

HAMPSTEAD — Hampstead’s first challenge of eminent domain in 120 years will be resolved in a trial that starts Monday at the Circuit Court of Carroll County in Westminster... (11/29/09)

Carroll County Times

Revised Finksburg plan inches toward commission review

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:10:17 -0500

Scope of boulevard district to see tweaking

Plans for a business park or other commercial ventures beside Gerstell Academy, in Finksburg, will be a tough sell based on the latest incarnation of the Finksburg Corridor Plan... (11/29/09)

Carroll Eagle

Green street project aims to keep toxic water out of Chesapeake Bay

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 11:13:20 -0500

(CNN) -- A small town in Maryland is setting a precedent in eco-friendly road construction, breaking ground this week on one of the greenest streets in the nation.

The tiny port town of Edmonston in Prince George's County is billing the thoroughfare as the greenest... (11/28/09)

CNN

Getting to smart growth relies on common sense, while staying with stupid growth thinking allows us to remain foolish

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 08:55:07 -0500

While I mentioned this letter to the editor, "Smart Growth needs common sense,"from the Gazette in a blog entry yesterday, I was thinking about it more this morning.

For the most part, "growth" or new development, is going to happen--so long as it is supported by existing zoning--whether or not people want it... (11/28/09)

Rebuilding Place in the Urban Space blog

School redistricting on horizon; Overall enrollment down in Harford’s public schools

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 09:12:53 -0500

The comprehensive elementary redistricting initiative is under way for Harford County Public Schools, and issues of school capacity and class sizes will once again be addressed by school officials... (11/27/09)

The Aegis

Residents prioritize issues for new mayor, aldermen

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 09:33:14 -0500

Concerns, including cyclist safety, budget cuts to be incorporated into final transition team report for McClement

Frederick residents had the ears this week of a 16-person team that will present the city's next set of legislators with its most pressing issues and priorities... (11/26/09)

The Gazette (Frederick)

Funding key to extending Purple Line, officials say

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 09:31:50 -0500

Proposed light rail's reach to Landover still uncertain

Glenarden residents wanting the proposed Purple Line light rail to extend to Landover were told Monday the first hump is getting funding for the proposed line before anything else... (11/26/09)

The Gazette (Prince George's)

Berwyn Heights objects to change in ICC efforts

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 09:30:30 -0500

Landscaping to keep Indian Creek clean scrapped

At the Nov. 16 work session, the Berwyn Heights Town Council voted to object to plans that could pollute the water in Indian Creek... (11/26/09)

The Gazette (Prince George's)

Blue Ribbon Panel on Smart Growth and Rural development completes work, sends package to county planning board

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 08:51:51 -0500

A committee established 10 months ago in response to a controversial proposal dealing with rural development and smart growth has competed its task and submitted a package of recommendations to the Queen Anne’s County Planning Commission... (11/26/09)

Citizens For Greater Centreville blog

Eldersburg 2020 to Meet on Monday, November 30, 2009

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 08:49:02 -0500

Group will discuss detailed process for reviewing Freedom Plan

Eldersburg 2020, a local community group that meets to discuss current events and how they will impact the Eldersburg area in the long-term, will be meeting on Monday, November 30 at... (11/26/09)

Eldersburg.net

Eldersburg 2020 to meet Monday

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 08:47:06 -0500

Eldersburg 2020 will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Entrepreneur Factory at 1532 Liberty Road in Eldersburg... (11/26/09)

Carroll County Times

City Notes — The last growth spurt

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 08:46:06 -0500

Frederick will grow at least one last time before Mayor Jeff Holtzinger and the Board of Aldermen clean out their second-floor offices and take down their name placards at City Hall... (11/26/09)

Frederick News-Post

Remaking Main Street

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:13:29 -0500

A small Prince George's County town sets out to 'green' its thoroughfare and help out the bay

This little town in the paved-over heart of suburban Washington, where cows grazed long ago, is "greening" its main street — showing what Baltimore and other cities in the region may need to do to help save the Chesapeake Bay... (11/25/09)

Baltimore Sun

Developer will be required to conform to Planning Board conditions

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:28:50 -0500

Planners say latest plan submitted by Clarksburg Town Center developer does not comply

A planning official told area residents Monday night the Montgomery County Planning Board will not approve a new plan for Clarksburg Town Center because the developer must conform to the guidelines the board set last December... (11/25/09)

The Gazette (Montgomery)

Leggett taking more hands-on approach to growth policy

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:27:17 -0500

Council will wait on executive's recommendations

Frustration has turned to eager anticipation for some Montgomery County Council members who in September questioned County Executive Isiah Leggett's (D) decision to hire a consultant to review portions of the county's growth policy... (11/25/09)

The Gazette (Montgomery)

Smart Growth needs common sense

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:43:45 -0500

Review of planning fundamentals is properly following the report on the ineffectiveness of the Smart Growth policy. Part of that review must address misapplication of the policy... (11/25/09)

Business Gazette

'Green Street' To Sop Up Tiny Town's Flood Problem

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:18:14 -0500

EDMONSTON - This tiny town of 1,500, is soon to join the ranks of the country's environmentally elite -- towns like Seattle and Portland -- with the reconstruction of Decatur Street into a new green street... (11/24/09)

Capital News Service

COG 'Greater Washington 2050' Remains Subserviant to Anti Highway Doctrine;

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:41:12 -0500

continues subversion of inside the Beltway highway system

Greater Washington 2050 is a new regional initiative to improve the quality of life for Washington area residents in the next 50 years by fostering stronger regional awareness, leadership and action today and in the next few years. Led by COG and a coalition of public, business, civic and environmental stakeholders, Greater Washington 2050 will build on... (11/24/09)

A Trip Within the Beltway blog

EPA News Release: Administrator Jackson Tours Recovery Act-Funded “Green Street”

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:29:26 -0500

(WASHINGTON, Nov. 24, 2009) – EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson joined federal, state, and local officials today for the ground-breaking of the region’s ‘greenest’ street, a Recovery Act-funded project that’s transforming a Prince George’s County neighborhood and creating jobs.

The reconstruction of Decatur Street, in the Prince George’s County Town of Edmonston, will make it an environmentally-responsible... (11/24/09)

EPA News Releases

New partners

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:38:51 -0500

"Maryland" cited!

A federal sustainability agenda is truly taking shape in Washington, as agencies that for years have not talked to each other – HUD, EPA, and DOT – are integrating their efforts. Two senior officials delivered a clear message at... (11/23/09)

The weblog of the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy

EPA Press Release: Administrator Lisa Jackson to attend "Green Street" groundbreaking in Edmonston, Maryland

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:56:30 -0500

TUESDAY: Administrator Jackson to Attend Recovery Act “Green Street” Groundbreaking Event in Edmonston, Maryland: New environmentally responsible street will save energy, reduce water pollution to the Chesapeake... (11/23/09)

EPA Press Release

Westminster Main Street meetings fruitful

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:30:19 -0500

Business owners on the Main Street corridor in Westminster want a safer, nicer-looking and better-marketed area, Westminster’s mayor told the Common Council Monday night.

Mayor Kevin Utz said the proprietors passed along those tips after a series of roundtable discussions that took place in the last two months, during which time he met with about 35 business owners... (11/24/09)

Carroll County Times

Signs blaze trail to Emmitsburg

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:24:36 -0500

Woman spent year on Civil War project

Dora "Dee" Connolly works day and night to improve Emmitsburg 's business community.

"Dee is always working on something to better the community. She's the bomb," said Bob Hance, president of the Emmitsburg Business and Professional Association... (11/24/09)

Frederick News-Post

Union Bridge delays vote on plan

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:52:32 -0500

UNION BRIDGE — The Union Bridge Town Council decided Monday to wait until its December meeting to vote on a change to the town’s comprehensive plan.

The Union Bridge Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously Thursday to remove... (11/24/09)

Carroll County Times

St. Mary's River reported failing

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:55:21 -0500

Scientists, activists blame development

Water clarity and oxygen levels in the St. Mary's River in Southern Maryland are at failing levels, a condition activists and scientists attribute mainly to development... (11/23/09)

Baltimore Sun

What color is your street?

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:28:50 -0500

Decatur Street, the main residential street in Edmonston in Prince George's County, is being remade into an environmentally sensitive thoroughfare -- the first street project of its kind in Maryland. The project is using the best in sustainability practices, from the storm water system underground to more energy efficient street-lighting to better accommodattions for bikers and pedestrians... (11/23/09)

MDP's Smart Growth Maryland blog

Developer wants to delay Princess Anne project

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:01:21 -0500

Well plan is in exchange for proposed student apartment complex's water permit

PRINCESS ANNE -- Almost a year after a deal was struck to grant water permits to a developer promising to rehabilitate a well in exchange, the developer wants to delay by one year the $70,000 rehab project in the Princess Anne Industrial Park... (11/23/09)

Daily Times (Delmarva)

Balto. Co. to improve, manage Robert E. Lee Park

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:52:53 -0500

$6 million allotted for fixing up now-closed city property

Baltimore County will use $6 million in local and state funds to begin the first phase of improvements to Robert E. Lee Park in the Woodbrook area... (11/23/09)

Baltimore Sun

Parkville opens revitalized 'Main Street'Parkville opens revitalized 'Main Street'

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:51:21 -0500

Harford Road redone from city line to Joppa Road

A decade-old idea to turn a commercialized stretch of Harford Road in Baltimore County into a safer, more appealing and friendlier locale for pedestrians, shoppers and motorists has come to fruition with the $9 million Parkville streetscape... (11/23/09)

Baltimore Sun

Battle over truck terminal enters next phase

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:48:35 -0500

Halethorpe lot seems empty, but hearing Dec. 3 might change all that

The view from outside the New England Motor Freight lot in Halethorpe might suggest the local neighborhood association has won its years-long fight against the trucking company's expansion... (11/23/09)

Baltimore Sun

Group wants census count to exclude ECI inmates

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:45:22 -0500

PRINCESS ANNE -- A citizens task force advocating the placement of African-Americans in professional jobs and on boards in county government wants Somerset County Commissioners to push for the exclusion of the nonvoting inmate population at Eastern Correctional Institution... (11/23/09)

Daily Times (Delmarva)

Development endangers St. Mary's watershed

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 12:10:15 -0500

Water clarity, oxygen levels dropping

Water clarity and oxygen levels in the St. Mary's River are at failing levels, largely because of development... (11/22/09)

Washington Post

Howard land-use suit dismissed

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:57:42 -0500

Federal judge says lawsuit is repeat of one on appeal

A federal judge dismissed Thursday a second lawsuit against Howard County government and current and former county officials, which alleged improper decisions on land use in approving sites for two supermarkets - the Wegmans in Columbia and a Harris Teeter planned at Turf Valley... (11/22/09)

Baltimore Sun

New Carroll growth at a trickle

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:42:53 -0500

In recent memory, residential growth in Carroll County has hardly been slower.

Building permits for new homes are barely trickling out of the county offices as the recession has virtually closed off the faucet of growth... (11/22/09)

Carroll County Times

Middletown considers 'big-box' ordinance

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 11:23:02 -0500

Middletown -- Town officials are considering a proposed ordinance that would limit the size of a new "big-box" store within town boundaries... (11/22/09)

Frederick News-Post

Aldermen override mayor's veto of city comprehensive plan

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 11:39:09 -0500

Outgoing Mayor Jeff Holtzinger is worried the city's newly approved comprehensive plan could prove troublesome in the future. He objected Thursday to adding large parcels to the north and east of the city as potential future growth areas... (11/21/09)

Frederick News-Post

An upgrade for Bel Air’s Thomas St.?

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:56:19 -0500

The possibility of making Thomas Street in Bel Air more pedestrian friendly by adding amenities such as improved lighting, bike lanes and new landscaping, brought about 25 curious residents to a concept meeting Tuesday evening at town hall... (11/20/09)

The Aegis

New census center will begin hiring

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:40:36 -0500

Southern Marylanders seeking work can look to hundreds of federal jobs coming to La Plata — temporarily... (11/20/09)

Southern Maryland News (SoMdNews.com)

Lowe’s, shopping center planned for Charles Village site

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:36:29 -0500

Developer Rick Walker Wednesday night unveiled plans for the $65 million redevelopment of the 11-acre Anderson Automotive site in central Baltimore as a Lowe’s Home Center hardware store, a supermarket, a small shopping center, and about 60 units of housing... (11/19/09)

The Daily Record (Baltimore)

Union Bridge panel votes to nix road extension

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:34:59 -0500

UNION BRIDGE — The Union Bridge Planning and Zoning Commission voted Thursday night to remove a road extension in the Union Bridge Community Comprehensive Plan after a lawyer for the property owner said the road extension would be a major disruption... (11/20/09)

Carroll County Times

Port of Baltimore to get multi-million-dollar upgrade

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:31:35 -0500

Public-private partnership would prepare port for super-size ships once Panama Canal is widened

Gov. Martin O'Malley is expected to announce today that a company will invest hundreds of millions of dollars to upgrade the port of Baltimore... (11/20/09)

Baltimore Sun

Pocomoke ready to build wastewater plant

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 11:30:13 -0500

POCOMOKE CITY -- The Pocomoke mayor and Town Council is prepared to direct Bearing Construction Inc., to proceed with the construction of the $3.9 million upgrade of the city's wastewater treatment plant. This will bring the plant in compliance with the latest state regulations... (11/20/09)

Daily Times (Delmarva)

Bicyclists, pedestrians vent about using Md. 355/Md. 85 corridor

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:28:04 -0500

James Johnson bikes through the Md. 355/Md. 85 corridor every day and he is not happy about the level of safety.

"It's a cluster of horribleness," he said Wednesday at Winchester Hall.

About 30 people, including a handful of bicyclists and bike enthusiasts, turned out to discuss... (11/19/09)

Frederick News-Post

Our Columbia and its Missouri counterpart two different places

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:25:33 -0500

For the Howard County Times to headline Russ Swatek's letter, "Columbia, Mo., became bike-friendly without tall buildings" is a logical fallacy. You might as well say Columbia, Mo., became bike-friendly without palm trees... (11/19/09)

Columbia Flier

Census: Small US cities lose luster in downturn

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:00:50 -0500

Implications for the upcoming Census count ... and Smart Growth...

The Daily Record

The Suitland Files: Inside The Census Bureau (Part 2)

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:49:45 -0500

After making idle chit-chat about Europe, climate change, and Dr. Groves’ travel habits (like any good reporter, I try to extract information wherever possible) for more than half an hour with two private security guards inside their security booth on the perimeter of the Census Bureau’s fenced off headquarters...

MyTwoCensus.com blog

Getting it right on facilities ordinance

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:42:38 -0500

The Montgomery County Council is engaged in its biannual evaluation of the growth policy and the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance. The APFO determines if public facilities can handle new development — whether schools can handle more capacity or roads more traffic... (11/19/09)

The Gazette (Montgomery)

New Prince George's partnership designed to spur growth in Suitland

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:41:09 -0500

Suitland Federal Center targeted for revitalization by county, federal agency

Prince George's County Executive Jack B. Johnson (D) signed an agreement Monday with a federal agency to breathe new life into neighborhoods around the Suitland Federal Center... (11/19/09)

The Gazette (Prince George's)

Planning commission reverses course on incinerator

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:38:04 -0500

The Frederick County Planning Commission has backed away from a position that would have landed it in court.

On Wednesday, the commission voted 4-1 to reverse an earlier decision on the county's plans... (11/19/09)

Frederick News-Post

Historians go to court on Wilson project

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:05:47 -0500

Dispute is over rezoning and concept plans approved by city council Disputes over a redevelopment project slated for the Frederick Avenue Corridor have escalated to Montgomery County Circuit Court, where a historic preservation and advocacy group filed a petition against the City of Gaithersburg... (11/18/09)

The Gazette (Montgomery)

Master Plan for Solomons Town Center Wins Statewide Award

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:39:30 -0500

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. (November 17, 2009) - The Maryland Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA) has selected the Solomons Town Center Master Plan as co-winner of its Outstanding Plan Award. The Garrett County Master Plan shares the honor, which was presented at the... (11/18/09)

Southern Maryland Online

Purple Line phasing worries Chevy Chase

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:03:13 -0500

If funding runs short, light rail project could be built in stages, with Bethesda to Silver Spring portion first

This story was corrected on Nov. 19, 2009. An explanation follows the story.

The prospect that the Purple Line light rail project might be built in phases has raised concerns among Town of Chevy Chase officials... (11/18/09)

The Gazette (Montgomery)

County may halt capital project plans

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:28:13 -0500

To reconcile state cuts and falling revenue, Frederick County might freeze all planned capital projects.

Officials from the county's Finance Division made a presentation Tuesday to the Frederick County Commissioners... (11/18/09)

Frederick News-Post

Frederick commissioners tighten growth policy

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:24:19 -0500

Measure would limit new homes in municipalities that have overcrowded schools

Frederick County commissioners on Monday changed the county's growth-control policy to make it more difficult for some municipalities to approve new homes in areas that have overcrowded schools... (11/18/09)

The Gazette (Frederick)

Commissioners consider freezing projects

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:23:14 -0500

Move would help county bridge a projected $28 million budget gap for fiscal 2011

Frederick County commissioners are considering a yearlong freeze on construction projects to help bridge a projected $28 million shortfall next year... (11/18/09)

The Gazette (Frederick)

Under Fillmore deal, county would pay Lee to comply with regulations

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:21:21 -0500

Live Nation-operated music hall planned in Silver Spring hailed as economic boon

The agreement signed Thursday between Montgomery County and the Lee Development Group over the long-awaited Fillmore Music Hall in Silver Spring requires the county to pay the developers to comply with some county codes... (11/18/09)

The Gazette (Montgomery)

Worcester Route 589 plans spark concerns

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:19:50 -0500

BERLIN -- As many as five residential properties could be displaced when Route 589 is dualized, according to plans for the road recently released by the Maryland State Highway Administration... (11/18/09)

The Daily Times (Delmarva)

Bennett Middle School project survives by 1 vote

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:18:39 -0500

Council allows for start of phase 1

SALISBURY -- Wicomico County schools, counting on nearly $3 million to start designing a new Bennett Middle School, saw the plan pushed to the brink Tuesday... (11/18/09)

The Daily Times (Delmarva)

Carroll County’s draft Water Resource Element is closer to heading to a 60-day review period.

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:17:04 -0500

The Carroll County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously voted to send the plan through the review process Tuesday.

The WRE is required by state law. It details water issues such as available drinking water, wastewater capacity and... (11/18/09)

Carroll County Times

Baltimore spending panel to consider west-side property swap

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:12:04 -0500

$15 million deal is crucial step in stalled 'superblock' project

Baltimore's powerful spending panel is expected to rule Wednesday on a $15 million property swap that is key to a plan to transform Baltimore's old shopping hub into a bustling mix of apartments, offices and stores... (11/18/09)

Baltimore Sun

Anderson to sell dealership site to developer

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:10:38 -0500

Housing, shops would replace operation closed by GM

An eight-acre swath of Baltimore's Charles Village neighborhood would be transformed from a longtime auto dealership into a mix of housing and shops under preliminary plans from a developer buying the site... (11/18/09)

Baltimore Sun

Trail Signage

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:05:34 -0500

More signage news from around the world from Hants and Dorset Signs as visitors to Canal Place won’t have to worry about losing their way thanks to plans by the Maryland Department of Planning... (11/18/09)

The Importance Of Signage blog

Good news for loss of agricultural land in Maryland

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:44:19 -0500

Every year the Maryland Department of Planning receives a report on “acreage subject to agricultural land transfer tax,” which we use as a measure of farmland conversion. The figure for Fisal Year 2009 - 3,209 acres - was lower than 2008, which itself was by far the lowest since... (11/18/09)

MDP's Smart Growth Maryland blog

New Ruralism

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:07:25 -0500

There are communities all over the country dedicated to reincarnating the feel of a traditional neighborhood with mixed-used development, transit-served town centers and pedestrian-oriented infrastructure. However, New Urbanist developments typically require, well, some urbanism. This poses a problem in communities that lie on the edge of metropolitan boundaries, in rural towns where farmland still prevails over parking lots... (11/17/09)

Land Use Prof Blog

Complete Streets is Topic A in Meeting with Secretary LaHood

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:02:13 -0500

Several members of the National Complete Streets Coalition and Transportation for America participated in a meeting yesterday with Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood that centered on how Complete Streets can help create a safer environment for pedestrians and other road users... (11/17/09)

National Complete Streets Coalition

A Supreme "Court"

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:40:12 -0500

One very impressive project that upheld the mantle of "Smart Growth" was the recently opened Miller’s Court project in Baltimore's Charles Village. For roughly 50 years, a large industrial building once used to manufacture containers sat forlorn and abandoned at Howard and 26th streets... (11/17/09)

MDP's Smart Growth Maryland blog

New blogs tackle growth in Maryland

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:34:58 -0500

A couple new blogs about growth in "American in Miniatiure" have showed up in my emailbox lately.

One is "Smart Growth Maryland," written by members of the Maryland Department of Planning to offer insights and invite public dialogue... (11/17/09)

Baltimore Sun

Improved trail signage should help visitors

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:26:27 -0500

CUMBERLAND — Visitors to Canal Place won’t have to worry about losing their way thanks to plans by the Maryland Department of Planning to improve signage on the Great Allegheny Passage trail and other areas. Signs posted on the trails “don’t seem to work,” said Regional Planner Bill Atkinson... (11/17/09)

Cumberland Times-News

Planning classes now required for officials

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:23:28 -0500

A statewide effort to create a more informed base of local planners by requiring a basic “Planning 101” course is taking shape and should be rolling through Carroll municipalities shortly... (11/17/09)

Carroll County Times

Census: Small US cities lose luster in downturn

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:53:49 -0500

WASHINGTON — America's small cities are losing some of their traditional appeal to upwardly mobile families seeking wholesome neighborhoods, a stable economy and affordable living.

A review of newly released census data shows, for example, that cities of between 20,000 and 50,000 residents have lagged behind their larger counterparts... (11/16/09)

Associated Press

Georgetown, Tenleytown post offices good opportunities for Smart Growth

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:57:50 -0500

Re-use and Historic Rehabilitation

The Postal Service wants to convert a single-use post office into mixed-use development in Georgetown. They should extend that idea to their Tenleytown branch as well.

Our society has been shifting communication towards electronic media such as email, relying more on parcel services such as FedEx and UPS. That has created challenges for the Postal Service... (11/16/09)

Greater Greater Washington

Ad Shop Looks Beyond Census Numbers To Provide Online Multicultural Destination Site

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:52:09 -0500

Agency injects digital offering with new America perspective, elevates GetAdrenalina.com with Web 2.0 strategy, mounts micro site to expand momentum, conversation on emerging multicultural marketplace

NEW YORK, Nov. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Seeking to infuse its digital innovation strategy with a dose of real-world perspective, Adrenalina, a leading multicultural advertising and marketing agency that is part of the MDC Partners network... (11/16/09)

PR Newswire

Town Bypasses Normal Channels to Aid Major Development

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:28:37 -0500

State Officials Now Examining Dispute Between Trappe, Maryland, and Talbot County

Talbot County officials weren’t enamored of the town of Trappe’s desire to build a major housing development, so they twice turned down the Eastern Shore hamlet’s efforts to upgrade local sewer and water capacity, in 2004 and 2005. And theoretically, that should have been the end of it. But... (11/16/09)

The Center for Public Integrity's Land Use Accountability Project

No Time Like The Present

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:47:56 -0500

Five years after it became the nation's first state planning body, the Maryland State Planning Commission issued its first report in 1938. The commission's legendary chairman, Abel Wolman (right), who among other things helped develop the methods used to chlorinate Baltimore's drinking-water supply, wrote in that report, "with the lapse of five years ... the time has arrived for stocktaking." more... (11/16/09)

MDP's Smart Growth Maryland blog

Press Release: State Planning Unveils Blog on Growth, Preservation, Sustainability and Livable Communities

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:31:20 -0500

“Smart Growth Maryland” the Latest in Agency’s Emerging Social Media Portfolio

BALTIMORE, MD (November 16, 2009) – The Maryland Department of Planning (MDP) today announced a new blog called Smart Growth Maryland that will be featured on its redesigned website, Planning.Maryland.gov. Subtitled “Encouraging a smart, green and growing future for the Land of Pleasant Living,” the blog will feature... (11/16/09)

MDP Press Release

Your View: Smart growth policy has not served Maryland

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:29:59 -0500

RE: "Smart growth is good policy for Wicomico," Nov. 6; and "Clean up the bay for future generations," Oct. 28

Pollution problems in Maryland have always been placed on industry, farming and poultry growers. This is ludicrous... (11/16/09)

Daily Times (Delmarva)

New Windsor discusses fate of historic building

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:24:57 -0500

NEW WINDSOR — A historic building located on a prime corner in downtown New Windsor is up for sale, and residents and town officials are concerned about what could happen when the property is sold... (11/16/09)

Carroll County Times

Third mixed-use project sought along MARC line

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:19:20 -0500

Oxford Square would go on site intended for Coca-Cola plant

A developer is planning Howard County's third urban-style mixed-use development along the MARC rail commuter line near Elkridge, a site long expected to be used for a Coca-Cola bottling plant... (11/16/09)

Baltimore Sun

1852 house razed amid preservation talks

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:17:50 -0500

Cockeysville site leased by auto business owner who plans parking lot

Cockeysville has lost another facet of its history to the wrecking ball, despite the efforts of residents who were working to preserve elements of the 19th-century tenant house built by Judge Joshua Cockey II... (11/16/09)

Baltimore Sun

Scenic railroad looks to upgrade bicycle transport

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:27:49 -0500

Bikes have been damaged during treks to Frostburg

CUMBERLAND — Board members of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad are looking for ways to use the Great Allegheny Passage to its advantage by offering a better method to transport bicycles... (11/15/09)

Cumberland Times-News

Mount Airy mulls 600-acre annexation

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 10:26:05 -0500

Mount Airy officials are researching what annexing an extra 600 acres from a nearby unincorporated area would add to the town’s budget and responsibilities... (11/15/09)

Carroll County Times

Neighbors challenge 77-home project

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 10:10:01 -0500

Business Digest

GAMBRILLS - Narrow, historic Old Dairy Farm Road would suddenly turn into a daily thruway for hundreds of cars if the proposed 22-acre Highland Farm subdivision is built without... (11/14/09)

Maryland Gazette (Glen Burnie)

Guest Column: No easy fixes to Smart Growth

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 10:05:59 -0500

Reference is made in the editorial regarding the failure of Smart Growth policies on the state and county level (The Capital, Nov. 6).

The editor accurately notes the decrease in new home building within the Priority Funding Areas, which are relatively developed areas... (11/14/09)

The Capital (Annapolis)

Census NOT as easy as 1-2-3…

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 14:20:57 -0500

There has been much talk lately about how politics complicates the 2010 Census. (See this, this, and this.) Politics aside, it’s a daunting task to count each of the nearly 308 million residents of the United States once and only once. Some people are inevitably missed, while others are counted twice... (11/13/09)

The New republic blog

Bases brace for boom with BRAC

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:30:05 -0500

More jobs may come than initially expected from military expansion in state

Maryland's initially anticipated job gains of 45,000 to 60,000 in the next few years due to the Pentagon's Base Realignment and Closure program are "understated, perhaps significantly understated," a state official said... (11/13/09)

The Gazette

Regional leaders set vision for 2050

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:03:47 -0500

A group of some 30 regional leaders and planners is setting ambitious smart growth goals to accommodate the 2 million people expected to move to the Washington area by 2050... (11/13/09)

Washington Business Journal

Fillmore deal done, Montgomery officials say

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:46:49 -0500

After months of wrangling on the details, a deal has finally been reached on building a Fillmore Music Hall in downtown Silver Spring, Montgomery County officials said Thursday night... (11/13/09)

Washington Post

County seeks to control growth in towns, cities

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:42:15 -0500

Regulations aimed to help stop school overcrowding

Frederick County commissioners are getting closer to passing a proposal that would give the county greater growth control power over cities and towns... (11/12/09)

The Gazette

Officials: Transportation cuts will be noticeable

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:40:44 -0500

Reduction in county transportation funding outlined in annual meeting

Do not expect much in new roads or maintenance in the fiscal 2011 budget, state transportation officials told a group of Prince George's County leaders... (11/13/09)

The Gazette

Developer, Montgomery County ink land deal for music hall

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:38:46 -0500

Lee Development provides $3.5 million parcel so Fillmore Silver Spring can proceed

Montgomery County and the Lee Development Group signed a final agreement today that would allow a Fillmore Music Hall to proceed in downtown Silver Spring... (11/13/09)

The Gazette

Industrial park in Crisfield may attract jobs

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:37:16 -0500

CRISFIELD -- A plan to annex land for a new industrial park drew no comment from city residents during a public hearing this week, but elected officials said it is a way to attract and keep jobs in Crisfield... (11/13/09)

Daily Times (Delmarva)

EPA orders cleanups by Baltimore and Anne Arundel

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:30:49 -0500

Baltimore City and Anne Arundel County have been cited for water pollution violations in the wake of federal inspections that found spilled oil, trash and other debris in storm drains at local government facilities, the Environmental Protection Agency announced... (11/13/09)

Baltimore Sun

County streamlining services with HRDC [LEED Green Building]

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:08:48 -0500

Section 8 voucher and moderate rehabilitation programs moving

CUMBERLAND — Allegany County officials followed through on their pledge made a year ago to streamline services by moving the Section 8 voucher and moderate rehabilitation programs to the Human Resources Development Commission... (11/13/09)

Cumberland Times-News

[Carroll] County's water plan outlined

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:05:11 -0500

The county has enough water to grow, but wastewater discharge and capacity limitations will be significant hurdles to accommodating that growth over the next decade, according to the findings in the county's draft Water Resources Element... (11/13/09)

Carroll County Times

County wish list: budget help, school construction

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:03:00 -0500

Officials hope to avoid more cuts to state funding

Public safety and school construction also are top priorities, county officials say.

Montgomery County's priorities include $250 million for public school construction statewide — with the county requesting $139 million, according to the draft document. Those funds will pay for planning, construction and renovations for dozens of schools... (11/13/09)

The Gazette

NOW MARYLAND IS PLANNING SOMETHING NEW

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:54:16 -0500

MARYLAND IS PLANNING A NEW SETTLEMENT PATTERN STRATEGY -- OR NOT

The AntiSmart Growthers (those who have consistently supported Business-As-Usual / dumb growth) are turning hand-springs of joy over the ‘news’ that, in spite of best intentions, the much ballyhooed Maryland ‘Smart Growth’ program has not panned out... (11/12/09)

Bacon's Rebellion blog

Densification didn’t work in Maryland, won’t work here

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:52:26 -0500

Architect Newswire, an online architectural newsletter, has published an article entitled, “Maryland’s Smart Growth Policy is a Flop.” The article was by a Washington Post staff writer who had written about a study conducted by The University of Maryland. That study gauged... (11/12/09)

Tulsa Beacon

New Frederick Administration Aiming to Improve Golden Mile

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:51:56 -0500

FREDERICK, MD - Not everything that glitters is gold, but in Frederick, the Golden Mile is on the verge of a major renovation... (11/12/09)

your4state.com

Md. slots panel may OK Arundel site before council

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:50:39 -0500

ANNAPOLIS – The state panel tasked with approving sites for slots parlors signaled its intent Thursday to vote on the proposed 4,750-machine facility in Anne Arundel County before the County Council meets to potentially grant zoning approval to the project... (11/12/09)

The Daily Record

Farmland rezoned for prison use

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:45:12 -0500

PRINCESS ANNE -- A request to rezone farmland for a proposed federal prison facility was approved by the Somerset County Commissioners. T

he approval came four days away from a public hearing before the county's Board of Zoning Appeals, which will be asked to approve a Critical Area special exception and... (11/12/09)

Daily Times (Delmarva)

Census office to open in Easton

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:45:11 -0500

EASTON -- The U.S. Census Bureau will open an office in Easton, using it to serve as headquarters for the entire Eastern Shore... (11/12/09)

Daily Times (Delmarva)

Commissioners Report- Nov. 10

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:24:48 -0500

LEONARDTOWN, MD - The St. Mary's Board of County Commissioners made some big decisions during its meeting Tuesday morning. Real Property Manager Liz Passarelli and Dept. of Public Works and Transportation Director George Erichson asked the board to approve and authorize the purchase of the Turner Property at 21708 Great Mills Road and to demolish the building... (11/12/09)

BayNet.com

Stunted growth

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:23:05 -0500

With all the talk we've heard in the last decade promoting the concept of smart growth, a lot of people might assume that its principles are guiding growth and development here in Maryland. After all, Parris Glendening... (11/12/09)

Frederick News-Post Opinion

Report says feds behind in river pollution regs

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:17:08 -0500

SILVER SPRING, Md. (AP) — A new report says federal regulations are behind the times in dealing with chemicals making their way into the nation's rivers.

And that's important for the Washington area, which draws 90 percent of its drinking water from... (11/12/09)

The Capital (Annapolis)

State still committed to Smart Growth

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:54 -0500

Secretary Richard E. Hall, AICP writes

In response to the story "Smart Growth incentives fail to rein in suburban sprawl" (Nov. 3) there's no denying that sprawl continues to be a problem and... (11/11/09)

Baltimore Sun, Letters to the Editor

Rollin Stanley: Problem and Potential, Part Two

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:42:38 -0500

Rollin Stanley, Montgomery County’s star planning director, favors channeling growth to walkable downtowns, encouraging mixed-use development with significant density and even using congestion to force people onto transit. Furthermore, he is not a patient man when pursuing his goals. Both his philosophy and his tactics are drawing resistance. Few county residents will agree with Stanley’s statement that “congestion is a good thing.”... (11/11/09)

Maryland Politics Watch blog

Rockville votes for change: no change

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:41:02 -0500

While most of the attention leading up to last week's election focused on the Virginia governor's race, the elections in Rockville carried major repercussions for that city's growth. Or rather, the city's lack of growth... (11/11/09)

Greater Gretaer Washington blog

10 year update on smart growth: it doesn't work

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:39:31 -0500

Washington Policy blog

MoCo. Promotes Smart Growth, No-Car-Necessary Development Policy

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:37:19 -0500

A few weeks back, I blogged about car-free visions taking over suburbia: reduced parking requirements in Tyson’s Corner; Parking meters that could suddenly be adjusted up to exorbitant rates in Arlington and D.C. to discourage driving in the area. And today, the Washington Post reports on the latest move that smart growth proponents are likely cheering... (11/11/09)

Washington City Paper's Housing Complex blog

Gambrills project challenged

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:31:40 -0500

Residents fear subdivision would disturb historic road Narrow, historic Old Dairy Farm Road would suddenly turn into a daily thruway for hundreds of cars if the proposed 22-acre Highland Farm subdivision is built without roadway improvements, Gambrills residents said.

Arguments against the size and density of the proposed project - 27 single-family homes and 50 upscale townhomes - began... (11/11/09)

The Capital (Annapolis)

Montgomery draws a car-free blueprint for growth

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:32:54 -0500

Council backs plan that pushes development near transit stations

Montgomery County redefined the way it will grow in the next two decades when lawmakers endorsed a plan Tuesday that encourages development where residents can easily live a car-free lifestyle... (11/11/09)

Washington Post

Coastal Bays: Preservation vote applauded

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:28:52 -0500

The Coastal Bays Program and those who want to preserve our watershed for future generations are pleased with actions taken last week by the Worcester County Commissioners regarding rezoning, which we believe is pivotal to preserving and protecting our natural resources. Although initially concerned with parts of the proposal... (11/11/09)

Daily Times (Delmarve) Opinion

County looks for ways around planning commission decision

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 10:27:00 -0500

The Frederick County Commissioners plan to file a lawsuit this week against the county's planning commission... (11/11/09)

Frederick News-Post

Md. pedestrian death rate called higher than national average

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:37:11 -0500

State shortchanges walkers, bicyclists, study contends

Maryland, with a pedestrian death rate that is significantly higher than the national average, ranks second from the bottom nationally in its spending of federal transportation funds on resources for walkers and bicyclists, according to a study released Monday.

The national study, "Dangerous by Design," concludes that a disregard for the safety of people on foot in highway engineering is an important contributing factor... (11/10/09)

Baltimore Sun

County Government to Acquire Property in Lexington Park

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:33:18 -0500

The Board of County Commissioners for St. Mary’s County approved the purchase of a parcel on Great Mills Road, known as the Turner Property/Rose’s Place, at a meeting held Nov.10. They also approved funds for the demolition of the existing structure as soon as practicable after settlement. This acquisition was approved to allow for the construction of FDR Boulevard between Great Mills Road and S. Shangri-La Drive, to improve access... (11/10/09)

BayNet.com

The Unfulfilled Promise of Maryland's Smart Growth Policy

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 13:59:55 -0500

Providing Full Story
________________________________

In a revealing article that should be required reading for smart growth advocates everywhere, Gerrit-Jan Knaap, executive director of the National Center for Smart Growth Research and Education at the University of Maryland, offers a sobering appraisal of Maryland’s smart growth policy. Writing in the current issue of the Journal of the American Planning Association, he concludes that there is little evidence after a full decade, that Maryland's smart growth laws have had any effect on residential development patterns. Ironically, the Smart Growth Center, was founded by the University of Maryland (and supported by former Governor Parris N. Glendening) to advance research and spread awareness of the very same policy whose effectiveness the Center is now questioning.

In 1997, then-Governor Paris N. Glendening unveiled a statewide growth management policy. His initiative, which he called "smart growth," quickly gained national attention and was praised as "the most promising new tool for managing growth in a generation." The intent behind the policy was simple: prevent sprawl by directing development to already developed areas and thereby preventing or at least minimizing development outside those areas. Under the Smart Growth Areas Act, as the new law was named, counties were to submit plans showing where they want growth to occur. The designated "priority funding areas" (PFAs) would be eligible for infrastructure financial assistance. Projects that fell outside the boundaries of these areas would not qualify for state funding support. The policy was hailed as a landmark in enlightened planning and a national model for anti-sprawl legislation. But what looked good in concept proved to be a lot tougher in practice.

Over the years we have followed and chronicled the uncertain progress of that policy. In a 2003 NewsBrief, on the eve of Gov. Glendening’s departure from office, we wrote that "the kindest thing one could say about [his] Smart Growth policy is that it may be too early to judge its effectiveness since changes in land use and housing stock occur very slowly. However...given its demonstrable lack of support among local officials and the indifference of the public, Maryland’s Smart Growth policy is likely to fade out of view once its architect and principal cheerleader is gone." ("Maryland’s Smart Growth Policy – After Five Years Little to Show For," Innovation NewsBriefs, Jan/Feb ‘03).

We revisited the topic in a 2004 NewsBrief, quoting from a Washington Post investigative report that found no significant shifts in Maryland’s development patterns since the passage of the smart growth policy. We concluded that "while some of the program’s boosters still argue that it may be premature to declare Maryland’s smart-growth initiative a total failure, even former Maryland planning officials privately concede that, based on the experience of the past seven years, one would have to conclude that Glendening-type smart-growth policies have little power to channel metropolitan development or arrest suburban sprawl." ("The Twilight of Maryland’s Smart Growth Policy, NewsBriefs, Nov/Dec ‘04).

Maryland’s smart growth policy was examined in depth in a November 2005 study by John Frece, then Associate Director of the Center for Smart Growth Research. Frece had previously worked for seven years for former Governor Glendening and was considered as one of the architects of the Governor’s smart growth policy. He currently serves as Director of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Smart Growth Division. The unit offers technical assistance to state and local governments on growth management, sponsors and conducts smart growth research and supports a variety of outreach efforts.

In a detailed analysis, Frece concluded that the Smart Growth initiative’s national reputation "exceeded the actual results on the ground." The hard reality of Maryland's Priority Funding Areas, Frece wrote, is that they did not prevent growth outside the designated boundaries. The success of the state Smart Growth program, he observed, hinged largely on the actions of local government officials over which the state had little control ("Twenty Lessons from Maryland's Smart Growth Initiative," Vermont Journal of Environmental Law, Vol 6, 2004-5. Frece’s report was summarized in our NewsBrief of Nov/Dec 2005 entitled "What Went Wrong With Maryland’s ‘Smart Growth’ Policy").

Almost five years later, Frece’s sober assessment has now been reinforced by Gerrit-Jan Knaap. Comparing development trends before and after the enactment of Maryland’s smart growth laws, Knaap found that development trends have been moving opposite to the hoped-for direction. "In the period after the enactment of Maryland’s smart growth laws," he wrote, "the number of parcels developed for residential use inside PFAs fell while the number of parcels developed outside PFAs increased. ...If the intent of PFAs is to concentrate development and raise densities inside PFAs and to prevent development on large parcels outside PFAs, then all of these trends are going in the wrong direction," Knaap concluded. "It is not clear that limiting infrastructure expansion to targeted areas will contain urban growth and alter state growth patterns." (Note: the report was co-authored by Rebecca Lewis and Jungyul Sohn.)

Knaap’s conclusions were anticipated by Governor Martin O’Malley’s Task Force on the Future for Growth and Development in Maryland. In a December 1, 2008 letter to the Governor and legislative leaders the Task Force chairman, Jon M. Laria, acknowledged the unmet expectations of the Smart Growth program and its limited impact on housing patterns, transportation investments, school construction and land preservation. He wrote: "Smart Growth still faces significant challenges in stopping or slowing a trend toward sprawl development in the State. State incentives have proved to be insufficient to counteract tremendous pressures for growth and cost advantages for developers to build on undeveloped land. Lower-than-anticipated State funding for infrastructure and land preservation programs have hampered Smart Growth’s effectiveness..."

To be sure, Maryland’s approach of focusing state infrastructure spending within designated growth areas is not the only method of concentrating development and protecting open spaces. The city of Portland, Oregon has tried to prevent development from spilling over into the surrounding countryside by imposing an urban growth boundary. (The boundary is stretchable. The law requires its periodic readjustment in order to accommodate the city’s growth). Other jurisdictions have established "agricultural preserves" as a means of preserving open spaces. However, Maryland’s policy of eschewing regulatory land use controls in favor of economic incentives was embraced and widely imitated as the most enlightened model of growth management. The policy became the smart growth proponents’ biggest hope of providing an effective means of reducing sprawl and creating compact, "walkable" communities. Its failure to make any dent in arresting residential dispersal over a full decade of the law's existence suggests that "Smart Growth," like its cousin, "sustainable/livable communities," remains largely an abstraction, a well-intentioned planners’ vision rather than a practical reality. (11/10/09)

INNOVATION BRIEFS, www.innobriefs.com/

________________________________

Please feel free to forward or reprint this item with appropriate citation. All correspondence, including requests to subscribe and unsubscribe, should be addressed to: C. Kenneth Orski, Editor/Publisher; email: korski@verizon.net ; tel: 301.299.1996; fax: 301.299.4425. Please make sure that your email account is set up to accept incoming mail from korski@verizon.net

EPA may single out Md. poultry for regulation

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:38:07 -0500

ANNAPOLIS -- EPA Senior Adviser Chuck Fox said in two interviews last week that Maryland poultry farmers could face more stringent pollution regulations than those in other states, a stance that has drawn opposition from Gov. Martin O'Malley and the Maryland Farm Bureau... (11/10/09)

Daily Times (Delmarva) CNS

U.S. calls for more action to restore Chesapeake Bay

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:36:42 -0500

Plan pushes for stiffer controls on farm, urban runoff, partnership with states

The Obama administration unveiled a new strategy Monday for restoring the Chesapeake Bay that calls for stiffer controls on farm and urban runoff, but Republicans in Washington criticized legislation that would give the federal government more regulatory authority to clamp down on pollution... (11/10/09)

Baltimore Sun

BRAC fuels building boom in Harford

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:34:46 -0500

Just outside the main gate of Aberdeen Proving Ground, construction workers are finishing up a three-story building's brick exterior, preparing to install windows and divide the vast interior into offices. Nearby, a cleared parcel sits ready for a second building to start soon - even though the developer has yet to sign up a single tenant... (11/10/09)

Baltimore Sun

PATH power line developers plan to refile application in Md.

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:32:29 -0500

The developers of a multistate power line say they plan to file a new application in Maryland by Dec. 31... (11/10/09)

Herald Mail (Hagerstown) AP

EPA releases plan for cleanup of bay

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:27:54 -0500

BALTIMORE -- Critics of the federal government's draft plan to clean up the Chesapeake Bay said it lacked details, while federal officials emphasized they would let states continue successful programs to control pollution flowing into the watershed.

The draft released Monday includes expanded regulation of large-scale animal farms and urban-suburban stormwater runoff but... (11/10/09)

Daily Times (Delmarva) AP

Stimulus funds paying for resurfacing project on Canal towpath

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:26:05 -0500

Work on stretch between city, Hancock to begin in early 2010

CUMBERLAND — Tire-grabbing ruts and unofficial swimming holes along the C&O Canal towpath, made possible by heavy rains, will soon be as historical as the famous canal itself when a resurfacing project clears the pedestrian pathway next year... (11/10/09)

Cumberland Times-News

How do builders, Farm Bureau plan to save the Bay?

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:24:04 -0500

The Maryland Builders Association and the Farm Bureau are both grossly mischaracterizing the impacts of recent federal proposals to restore the Chesapeake Bay ("U.S. to tighten rules for bay clean-up," Nov. 9, and "New push planned in Congress to clean up bay," Oct. 20th).

Every summer a third of the bay is dead... (11/10/09)

Baltimore Sun (Letters)

Commissioner objects to closed session about developer lawsuit

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 10:10:19 -0500

Frederick County Commissioner John L. Thompson Jr. is objecting to a closed meeting about a developer's lawsuit.

The commissioners are scheduled to meet this morning to discuss "the possibility of settling... (11/10/09)

Frederick News-Post

Workshop set Nov. 10 on Bel Air zoning issue

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:21:50 -0500

Elimination of overlay districts part of plan

Residents, property owners and business representatives in Bel Air are being invited to a workshop Tuesday on how a new style of land use, "form-based" zoning, could work in the town's commercial districts (11/09/09)

The Aegis

John Frece, Director of EPA’s Smart Growth Division Coming to Campus

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:12:37 -0500

According to the 1000 Friends of Maryland, John Frece, former Associated Director of UMD’s National Center for Smart Growth and current Director of EPA’s Smart Growth Division is coming to McKeldin Library Tuesday at 4:30. He’ll be talking about his recent book: Sprawl and Politics,... (11/09/09)

Rethink College Park blog

Location Tax Incentives:The Best of Times, The Worst of Times

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:40:00 -0500

Periods of economic crisis are the worst of times and the best of times for state and local business location tax incentives. These tax expenditures, like all expenditures, face an uphill battle when revenues have collapsed and the number of needy residents requiring assistance has increased.

This can be a prescription for sprawl and an impediment to smart growth. Moreover, the very low and in some cases negligible valuations assigned to ... (11/09/09)

From Site Selection magazine, November 2009

'Smart growth': A start or a failure?

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:06:41 -0500

The Nov. 2 Metro article "Study calls Md. smart growth a flop" leads to an inescapable conclusion: We in Maryland need to do more... (11/08/09)

Parris N. Glendening, Annapolis - The writer, the president of the Smart Growth Leadership Institute, was governor of Maryland from 1995 to 2003.

Washington Post (Letters to the the Editor)

'Smart growth': A start or a failure? (2)

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:00:26 -0500

The headline "Study calls Md. smart growth a flop" may lead readers to believe that Maryland's smart-growth policies are not working. This is not the case... (11/08/09)

Richard Eberhart Hall, Baltimore - The writer is the Maryland secretary of planning.

Washington Post (Letters to the Editor)

'Smart growth': A start or a failure? (3)

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 09:09:54 -0500

Clustering development near transit stations sounds great in theory, but smart growth has not worked in reality... Brian Gnatt, Rockville Professor

Gerrit Knaap of the University of Maryland's National Center for Smart Growth Research and Education is to be commended for his integrity and intellectual honesty in coming to the conclusion that little has been accomplished. While Maryland is rightly considered an environmental leader... John N. Bambacus, Frostburg (11/08/09)

Washington Post (Letters to the Editor)

Allegany County wants to join Garrett in natural gas revenue

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:22:57 -0500

Road to production tax begins in Annapolis

Growth Task Force cited

CUMBERLAND — What’s good for Garrett County is good for Allegany. At least, it could be. So said the Allegany County commissioners, who requested Friday that the county’s delegation to Annapolis introduce legislation that would force producers of natural gas to pay... (11/08/09)

Cumberland Times-News

Community activist wins city planning, design award

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:14:47 -0500

A longtime civic activist in Baltimore has been selected to receive the annual Larry Reich Award during a ceremony Nov. 11 at the Creative Alliance... (11/07/09)

Baltimore Sun

Our Say: So far, Smart Growth having too little impact

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:16:57 -0500

Gandhi, when asked what he thought of Western civilization, wryly remarked, "I think it would be a good idea." In Maryland, you can say just about the same thing about Smart Growth... (11/06/09)

Annapolis Capital

Not-so_smart growth?