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You are here: Home » Take Action » Planning and Zoning » Statment before AELR: Emergency Stormwater Regulations

Statment before AELR: Emergency Stormwater Regulations

Statment before AELR
Emergency Stormwater Regulations
April 6, 2010
Dru Schmidt-Perkins
 
Position:   Support the agreement on the amended regulations

1000 Friends of Maryland is an organization working full time on smart growth.  Our mission seeks to figure out how Maryland can prosper Economically, Environmentally and Socially.

We do not pit one of these goals against the other.  We look to find where all three thrive.  This was very important to the stormwater discussion.  How can we make sure that well designed development is located were it does the maximum good with minimum harm?  This can get complicated fast but that is why it is known as Smart Growth!

The original stormwater regulations met our smart growth test.  They provided flexibility, and a easier to achieve standard for infill smart growth areas where development is already complicated and expensive up front.  However confusion over what development required the new standards and what the old standards abounded. Where confusion reigns results are poor.  Confusion hurts enforcement and permitting.

Suddenly the entire development community seemed to be concerned about smart growth! This is how we ended up at the table to review and negotiate amendments.  While we loved all these new spokespersons we were concerned that recommendations from this sector did not pass our smart growth test.  Many favored development at any cost. Some in the environmental community felt that any amendments would result in more pollution.

Our job was to make sure that a smart growth intersection could be found.  The amendments forged to the regulations do that. Specifically:

  • Much needed clarity was achieved.
  • Ensured that infill development and redevelopment would not be hampered
  • Add important definitions to terms such as preliminary approval, final approval, and finally
  • Added a key date for ending grandfathering

In closing 1000 Friends will be watching the implementation of these regulations closely.  If the environment is not protected or if redevelopment and smart development is hampered we will  be back asking for fixes.

Thank you.

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