OCEAN CITY, MD - Gov. Martin O'Malley's broad strategy to revamp land development rules across Maryland met harsh criticism Friday, as local officials worried that the governor's proposal would interfere with their ability to plan and pay for schools, roads and housing.
In a discussion with local leaders at a Maryland Association of Counties conference, the Democratic governor sought to sell his new program, which has been in the works for three years. He said it would protect farms and woodlands, and would designate targeted growth areas — saving the state billions by concentrating development in areas already served by roads, sewers and other infrastructure. Localities that don't comply could lose crucial school construction, road and wastewater funding.
"This is not a straitjacket," O'Malley told reporters. "This is not a law that prohibits counties from making stupid decisions. But we're not going to subsidize it anymore."
But some local officials criticized the proposal in what was at times a testy exchange with the governor. They complained that the plan to link local aid to compliance with statewide goals would take authority away from localities, which typically control what can be built and what should be protected within their bounds.
8 comments:
If you control the money, you control the people. Socialism 101.
These land development rules take away property owners rights like communism rule.If I own a property along Rt 13 and because it has trees on it I cant develop it,that is no different than living in China.
What do I have to say about O'Malley's plan - HOGWASH
The biggest culprit in hording massive amounts of land, building new State facilities is the State itself.
Look around you folks - go over to SU and see the old Dresser building - Sold, look at Noland Supplies - Sold, Allenwood Shopping Center - Sold, University Square Dorms - Sold, Southland Freezer - Sold, Bateman Street - Sold, Tri-County Council Facilities, RT 50 & Walston Switch - Sold, I can go on and on.
When are the taxpayers going to wake-up and see who the real enemy is - its the government itself. They are now consuming anything and everything around!
Amen 9:09! Salisbury should de-annex the entire south end because SU has gobbled up everything. I pity those who still live there.
I went for a well permit in Wicomico county for my building and they told me it has to go to Annapolis for approval! Government in total control here!
Ya'll voted for him. You had a choice and this is what you got! It amazes me when politians tell you by word or deed what they will do, people vote for them, and the same people are dumb founded when they do what they said they would do! He's a Democrat Socialist - plain & simple.
Well O'Malley, you already took all the road money away. Money that is OURS. Liberals.
O'Malley is sweet!
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