In response to concerns raised over recently promulgated stormwater management regulations, the Task Force on the Future of Growth and Development in Maryland held a forum at the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) on Friday, January 15. MDE discussed the regulatory changes, which requires adoption of environmental site design techniques, such as vegetated swales, green roofs, rain gardens, pervious surfaces, and rain barrels to treat stormwater runoff. The Maryland Association of Counties (MACo), the Maryland Municipal League, and representatives of the building community presented their concerns. Environmental groups defended the regulations.
The MACo panelists stated they had two concerns with the regulations: (1) the need to grandfather long-term staged projects; and (2) the requirements for redevelopment may make revitalization and Smart Growth projects unfeasible. The testimony lasted over three hours and the MDE conference room was packed with over 200 people, including House Environmental Matters Committee Chair Maggie McIntosh and members of the Environmental Matters Committee.
These new regulations are the latest attempt by state officials to kill growth and development in Maryland.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
There needs to be a moratorium set for new residential developments and landlord licensing in all municipalities to improve the conditions of existing housing units. Improved affordable housing for working families is desperately needed in our area but better control of growth is also needed. If the towns cannot afford to improve existing streets and infrastructure, they should not allow more growth to occur....period!
ReplyDelete"These new regulations are the latest attempt by state officials to kill growth and development in Maryland."
ReplyDeleteYou mean the kind of "growth" that has destroyed the Chesapeake Bay in less than 50 years?
Here we go again , they develop these rules and laws and have never enforce any of them.
ReplyDeleteBunch of wacko's thinking they know what's best. The day of the pond is gone and the day of the bio-retention area here. Bio-retention is nothing but a bog/marshy area. Hello skeeters.
ReplyDelete