Smart, fair and flexible growth bill passes House

Leaders in the environment, housing and faith-based communities today hailed House passage of legislation to better manage runaway development in the state, calling it a foothold for meaningful smart growth in Maryland. 

The bill, introduced by Governor Martin O’Malley, and amended in committee, would give specific inducements and goals to local governments to concentrate development efficiently in areas that have existing roads and other infrastructure, and then would hold them accountable for making at least incremental progress. All counties and towns in Maryland have been committed at least on paper to exactly such growth for more than a decade, but many have made little progress in controlling sprawl. 

“The people of Maryland want healthy communities and a restored environment. They want the choice to live closer to work, to stores, and to enjoy nature. They want more of a say whether Maryland will be paved over, or preserved, whether we’ll grow smart or end up wasting tax dollars to mop up after sprawl. This bill gives us a means to make actual progress,” said Kim Coble, Maryland executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.   

The bill set a goal for local governments to concentrate 80 percent of their future development inside Priority Funding Areas. Localities have designated those areas for concentrated growth since 1997, but existing law provides no accountability. Many counties have made little or no actual progress, and some actually approve far more growth in farmland and forest areas.

The bill would give localities three years and maximum flexibility in deciding how best to set goals and succeed. Then it would give priority funding for growth-related projects to those localities that make significant progress. The Maryland Department of the Environment also would be required to deny or modify permits for development projects outside Priority Funding Areas in those towns and counties that continue to make no progress. 

Maryland has attempted to move the state toward smarter and more efficient growth for 20 years, focusing development in urban areas, and protecting natural resources. 

“Today the House voted to bring needed accountability to decisions about growth and development,” said Dru Schmidt-Perkins, executive director of 1000 Friends of Maryland. “It’s time to set and enforce clear standards, and that’s what this bill does.” 

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The Joint Campaign for Smart and Fair Growth is a coalition of environmental, housing and faith-based leaders that supports new policies that will allow communities to make growth decisions that are right for their situation and needs, and that will protect and enhance community assets. Members include:

1000 Friends of Maryland

Baltimore Regional Initiative for Developing Genuine Equality (BRIDGE)

Chesapeake Bay Foundation

Citizens’ Planning and Housing Association

Coalition for Smarter Growth

Environment Maryland

Sierra Club – Maryland Chapter