Maryland Planning Today News Feed This feed contains planning news that the Maryland Department of Planning wants to share with other planners and the citizens of Maryland. Links to articles posted in this feed are the property of the media providers hosting them. The views expressed in these articles are not necessarily those of MDP or the State of Maryland. (c) 2011 dotFeedLib http://planning.maryland.gov/images/icons/Planning_Today_30_1.jpg2012-05-16T09:28:43-04:00 Housing’s Future: Renting and Downsizing (05/15/12) Wall Street Journal Be it ever so humble, there’s no place like a rented apartment.

Bloomberg NewsThat may be the mantra of U.S. households for the next three years, according to a new study released Tuesday by the Demand Institute division of the U.S. Conference Board.
 

]]> Be it ever so humble, there’s no place like a rented apartment.

Bloomberg NewsThat may be the mantra of U.S. households for the next three years, according to a new study released Tuesday by the Demand Institute division of the U.S. Conference Board.
 

]]> 2012-05-16T09:28:42-04:00 Potomac Named America's Most Endangered River (05/15/12) Baltimore Sun The Potomac River, which flows between Maryland and Virginia, was named the nation's "most endangered" waterway today by a Washington-based environmental group.

]]> The Potomac River, which flows between Maryland and Virginia, was named the nation's "most endangered" waterway today by a Washington-based environmental group.

]]> 2012-05-15T14:26:25-04:00 Why Does This Minneapolis Bench Need an Instruction Sign? (05/14/12) The Atlantic Lately it would seem that someone inside the Minneapolis public works department has gone off the OCD deep end, sticking everyday street objects with labels expressing taxonomy and proper "care."

]]> Lately it would seem that someone inside the Minneapolis public works department has gone off the OCD deep end, sticking everyday street objects with labels expressing taxonomy and proper "care."

]]> 2012-05-15T14:23:22-04:00 Senators criticize septics regulation proposal (05/15/12) Assoicated Press ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Maryland senators are criticizing regulations proposed by the Maryland Department of the Environment that would require the use of best available technology for nitrogen removal septic systems in new construction near the Chesapeake Bay or Atlantic Coastal Bays watershed.

]]> ANNAPOLIS (AP) — Maryland senators are criticizing regulations proposed by the Maryland Department of the Environment that would require the use of best available technology for nitrogen removal septic systems in new construction near the Chesapeake Bay or Atlantic Coastal Bays watershed.

]]> 2012-05-15T14:24:55-04:00 In D.C., Baseball-Oriented Development Seems, at Last, to be Working (05/14/12) The Atlantic The neighborhood near Nationals Park, the baseball stadium in southeastern Washington, D.C., is undergoing an amazing transformation. A decade ago, the federal Department of Transportation had made a hopeful commitment to the area with plans for a new headquarters, but by and large this part of town remained a sketchy no-man’s-land of outmoded and abandoned warehouses, industrial facilities and military properties. There were a small number of well-tended, older row houses, but much of the area wouldn’t have looked out of place in a nighttime scene from The Wire or The Sopranos.

]]> The neighborhood near Nationals Park, the baseball stadium in southeastern Washington, D.C., is undergoing an amazing transformation. A decade ago, the federal Department of Transportation had made a hopeful commitment to the area with plans for a new headquarters, but by and large this part of town remained a sketchy no-man’s-land of outmoded and abandoned warehouses, industrial facilities and military properties. There were a small number of well-tended, older row houses, but much of the area wouldn’t have looked out of place in a nighttime scene from The Wire or The Sopranos.

]]> 2012-05-14T16:13:32-04:00 CBO: The Collision Course of Fuel Efficiency Standards and Transportation Revenue (05/14/12) Planetizen While a House/Senate conference committee has convened to reauthorize the bill that will fund the federal transportation program, the Congressional Budget Office examines a problem the committee has already encountered: declining fuel tax receipts that are projected to decline even further in the future. New federal fuel efficiency standards, intended to go into effect in 2017 may save motorists $68 billion in fuel costs by 2030, but may cost the government $57 billion in deprived revenue to the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) between 2012 and 2022.  The latter is one of the findings of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) in a report released May 2 entitled "How Would Proposed Fuel Economy Standards Affect the Highway Trust Fund?" 

]]> While a House/Senate conference committee has convened to reauthorize the bill that will fund the federal transportation program, the Congressional Budget Office examines a problem the committee has already encountered: declining fuel tax receipts that are projected to decline even further in the future. New federal fuel efficiency standards, intended to go into effect in 2017 may save motorists $68 billion in fuel costs by 2030, but may cost the government $57 billion in deprived revenue to the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) between 2012 and 2022.  The latter is one of the findings of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) in a report released May 2 entitled "How Would Proposed Fuel Economy Standards Affect the Highway Trust Fund?" 

]]> 2012-05-14T15:53:32-04:00 Walk Score Launches Bike Score (05/14/12) The Atlantic Walk Score recently added a Transit Score to specifically rate transit access in 25 U.S. cities. And today, acknowledging the growing importance of biking as a means of transportation (and perfectly timed for National Bike Month and the various Bike to Work Days being celebrated all over the country this week), they launched a beta version of Bike Score.

]]> Walk Score recently added a Transit Score to specifically rate transit access in 25 U.S. cities. And today, acknowledging the growing importance of biking as a means of transportation (and perfectly timed for National Bike Month and the various Bike to Work Days being celebrated all over the country this week), they launched a beta version of Bike Score.

]]> 2012-05-14T11:19:59-04:00 Four new schools needed in next decade (05/11/12) SoMdNews.com St. Mary’s will need three new elementary schools and a new high school within the next decade to address an influx of new students to the public school system, school officials said Wednesday

]]> St. Mary’s will need three new elementary schools and a new high school within the next decade to address an influx of new students to the public school system, school officials said Wednesday

]]> 2012-05-14T11:18:56-04:00 Governor supports buses for Montgomery County transit route (05/11/12) The Gazette The proposed Corridor Cities Transitway will use dedicated bus lanes instead of light rail, Gov. Martin O'Malley announced Friday.

]]> The proposed Corridor Cities Transitway will use dedicated bus lanes instead of light rail, Gov. Martin O'Malley announced Friday.

]]> 2012-05-14T09:58:47-04:00 What Killing the American Community Survey Would Actually Mean (05/11/12) The Atlantic While the elimination of the ACS would take a slight nibble out of the roughly $3.8 trillion in government expenditures proposed in the 2013 federal budget, its negative impacts could be much greater – affecting the government's ability to fund a wide variety of services and programs, from education to housing to transportation.

]]> While the elimination of the ACS would take a slight nibble out of the roughly $3.8 trillion in government expenditures proposed in the 2013 federal budget, its negative impacts could be much greater – affecting the government's ability to fund a wide variety of services and programs, from education to housing to transportation.

]]> 2012-05-14T09:57:32-04:00 Potential developers should proceed with percolation tests pronto (05/13/12) Cumberland Times-News Recently passed legislation limiting septic systems for housing projects in Maryland contains grandfathering provisions, and Garrett County leaders have suggested that property advantage of them. Time is running out for potential developers

]]> Recently passed legislation limiting septic systems for housing projects in Maryland contains grandfathering provisions, and Garrett County leaders have suggested that property advantage of them. Time is running out for potential developers

]]> 2012-05-14T09:56:39-04:00 Planmaryland a good thing and not the ‘bogeyman’ (05/12/12) Cumberland Times-News To the Editor: I am writing in response to the article in the Cumberland Times-news about lobbyists hired to defeat Planmaryland (“Lobbyist: Rural coalition has made a strong statement,” May 5).  ~ Secretary Richard E. Hall

]]> To the Editor: I am writing in response to the article in the Cumberland Times-news about lobbyists hired to defeat Planmaryland (“Lobbyist: Rural coalition has made a strong statement,” May 5).  ~ Secretary Richard E. Hall

]]> 2012-05-14T09:55:12-04:00 "LIke" the MPCA Facebook page today About MPCA: Maryland Planning Commissioners Association (MPCA) members work to improve the quality of life for all Marylanders through planning, environmental protection, historic preservation, and growth management.

]]> About MPCA: Maryland Planning Commissioners Association (MPCA) members work to improve the quality of life for all Marylanders through planning, environmental protection, historic preservation, and growth management.

]]> 2012-05-11T17:18:15-04:00 OPINION: A Plan for comprehensive failure (05/11/12) SoMdNews.com Maryland requires that every county revise its comprehensive plan every six years. The Charles County Planning Commission and county staff have been engaged in this effort for more than a year. There have been numerous public meetings and other outreach efforts to gain input from the public and experts. All of which has been wasted because the majority of the planning commission has decided that the 2006 comprehensive plan was a success

]]> Maryland requires that every county revise its comprehensive plan every six years. The Charles County Planning Commission and county staff have been engaged in this effort for more than a year. There have been numerous public meetings and other outreach efforts to gain input from the public and experts. All of which has been wasted because the majority of the planning commission has decided that the 2006 comprehensive plan was a success

]]> 2012-05-11T17:15:56-04:00 Deadline Dates For "Grandfathering" Private Septic Systems Approaching (05/09/12) The Republican The Board of Garrett County Commissioners has announced important deadline dates and explained some provisions of a new Maryland law, effective July 1, that will affect land development with on-site sewage disposal or septic systems throughout the state, including Garrett County.

]]> The Board of Garrett County Commissioners has announced important deadline dates and explained some provisions of a new Maryland law, effective July 1, that will affect land development with on-site sewage disposal or septic systems throughout the state, including Garrett County.

]]> 2012-05-11T08:57:06-04:00 Committee seeks state grant to help create Towson 'Bike Beltway' (05/09/12) Baltimore Sun A panel of bicycle and pedestrian advocates have submitted a grant proposal to the state for a "Bike Beltway" around downtown Towson — a collaborative proposal from the panel, the county's Department of Public Works and members County Executive Kevin Kamenetz's staff.

]]> A panel of bicycle and pedestrian advocates have submitted a grant proposal to the state for a "Bike Beltway" around downtown Towson — a collaborative proposal from the panel, the county's Department of Public Works and members County Executive Kevin Kamenetz's staff.

]]> 2012-05-11T08:55:48-04:00 House Votes To Cut Census Survey Done Since Thomas Jefferson (05/10/12) Huffington Post The House voted Wednesday to eliminate the detailed surveys of America that have been conducted by the Census Bureau since the nation’s earliest days. House Republicans, increasingly suspicious of the census generally, advanced a measure to cut the American Community Survey. It passed 232 to 190.

]]> The House voted Wednesday to eliminate the detailed surveys of America that have been conducted by the Census Bureau since the nation’s earliest days. House Republicans, increasingly suspicious of the census generally, advanced a measure to cut the American Community Survey. It passed 232 to 190.

]]> 2012-05-11T08:50:42-04:00 A Bad Day in the House for the Census (05/09/12) APA Policy News Last night the U.S. House of Representatives took the extraordinary step of voting to completely eliminate the American Community Survey (ACS).

]]> Last night the U.S. House of Representatives took the extraordinary step of voting to completely eliminate the American Community Survey (ACS).

]]> 2012-05-11T08:48:35-04:00 Climate change affects us all. Want to know how can you help? MDE is holding a series of public meetings during the comment period for the Climate Change Plan. May 15th, May 24th, May 31st and June 5th. Please see the MDP events calendar for more information.

May 15th, May 24th, May 31st and June 5th.  Go to MDP events calendar and select the category "Public Forums Hosted by State Agencies" for locations and times.

]]> MDE is holding a series of public meetings during the comment period for the Climate Change Plan. May 15th, May 24th, May 31st and June 5th. Please see the MDP events calendar for more information.

May 15th, May 24th, May 31st and June 5th.  Go to MDP events calendar and select the category "Public Forums Hosted by State Agencies" for locations and times.

]]> 2012-05-10T10:26:39-04:00 Maryland Environmental Trust to host 2012 statewide land conservation conference SAVING LAND - SAVING THE CHESAPEAKE * Maryland’s annual conference and training workshop for land trusts and others interested in land conservation will be hosted by the Maryland Environmental Trust. Conference being held in Columbia, MD

]]> SAVING LAND - SAVING THE CHESAPEAKE * Maryland’s annual conference and training workshop for land trusts and others interested in land conservation will be hosted by the Maryland Environmental Trust. Conference being held in Columbia, MD

]]> 2012-05-10T10:00:04-04:00 Montgomery will miss Rollin Stanley, flawed but visionary planner (05/09/12) The Washington Post It’s unfortunate that Rollin Stanley, the brash bad boy of Washington regional planning, will inevitably be remembered here mostly for one repugnant comment in a magazine interview.

Stanley, who is moving to a bigger job in Calgary after four years as Montgomery County’s planning director, derided opponents of his ambitious vision for the future as “rich white women” who were “spreading fear.”

Stanley was wrong to say it, obviously. He must have set a record for efficiency by needing just four syllables to offend on grounds of class, race and gender.
Nevertheless, Montgomery — and the rest of the region – will miss Stanley because he was so effective at selling a “post-sprawl” model for development that’s vital to improving our quality of life.

Stanley was the rare county bureaucrat widely described as charismatic. Fans and detractors alike said the wavy-haired Stanley, 53, was exceptional at wowing audiences with dynamic presentations at community meetings and walking tours.

]]> It’s unfortunate that Rollin Stanley, the brash bad boy of Washington regional planning, will inevitably be remembered here mostly for one repugnant comment in a magazine interview.

Stanley, who is moving to a bigger job in Calgary after four years as Montgomery County’s planning director, derided opponents of his ambitious vision for the future as “rich white women” who were “spreading fear.”

Stanley was wrong to say it, obviously. He must have set a record for efficiency by needing just four syllables to offend on grounds of class, race and gender.
Nevertheless, Montgomery — and the rest of the region – will miss Stanley because he was so effective at selling a “post-sprawl” model for development that’s vital to improving our quality of life.

Stanley was the rare county bureaucrat widely described as charismatic. Fans and detractors alike said the wavy-haired Stanley, 53, was exceptional at wowing audiences with dynamic presentations at community meetings and walking tours.

]]> 2012-05-10T09:41:59-04:00 The State of American Infrastructure (05/09/12) The Atlantic Cities Connecting infrastructure and land use: Failing to connect land use and infrastructure was never a good idea, but in an age of scarce resources it looks more foolish than ever. More and more metropolitan regions are taking a hard look at not just what infrastructure to build, but where to build it. And land use is itself being looked to as an infrastructure solution.

]]> Connecting infrastructure and land use: Failing to connect land use and infrastructure was never a good idea, but in an age of scarce resources it looks more foolish than ever. More and more metropolitan regions are taking a hard look at not just what infrastructure to build, but where to build it. And land use is itself being looked to as an infrastructure solution.

]]> 2012-05-10T09:40:10-04:00 At the 20th Congress for the New Urbanism, a Movement Feels its Age (05/10/12) The Atlantic Cities They used to be radicals, now they’re establishment. Has it changed their approach to development?

]]> They used to be radicals, now they’re establishment. Has it changed their approach to development?

]]> 2012-05-10T09:39:14-04:00 Burtonsville plan seeks to create main street, develop struggling shopping center (05/09/12) The Gazette Planning Board approves draft for June 7 public hearing

]]> Planning Board approves draft for June 7 public hearing

]]> 2012-05-09T11:09:07-04:00 Chestertown historic district guidelines detail rehabilitation, maintenance rules (05/03/12) MyEasternShore.com Rules and guidelines for historic properties.

]]> Rules and guidelines for historic properties.

]]> 2012-05-09T11:07:28-04:00 Leading the Way: In Baltimore, the effort is already underway to increase access to healthy food in food deserts (05/01/12) Urbanite Baltimore was one of the first cities to hire a food policy director, Holly Freishtat, who oversees the Baltimore Food Policy Initative (BFPI) and its various projects. It is Freishtat's full-time job to see that Baltimore gets healthier. In March, the city launched Get Fresh Lexington, the first of a plan to make healthier choices available at the city's six public markets. Five farmers markets in Baltimore City already accept EBT (food stamps)—in June the Jones Falls Expressway market will do the same.

]]> Baltimore was one of the first cities to hire a food policy director, Holly Freishtat, who oversees the Baltimore Food Policy Initative (BFPI) and its various projects. It is Freishtat's full-time job to see that Baltimore gets healthier. In March, the city launched Get Fresh Lexington, the first of a plan to make healthier choices available at the city's six public markets. Five farmers markets in Baltimore City already accept EBT (food stamps)—in June the Jones Falls Expressway market will do the same.

]]> 2012-05-09T11:05:58-04:00 Infographic: Burbs Going Bust (04/30/12) arch daily For decades the suburbs and the American Dream went hand-in-hand: a house with a yard and a white picket fence. It was the alternative to the hustle and bustle of urban living, a peaceful place to raise a family. Instead of letting the suburbs dwindle away, resulting in unkempt ghost towns, we should begin thinking about how to retrofit the suburbs for the needs of our changing culture, reinventing Suburbia as a sustainable alternative to urban life.

]]> For decades the suburbs and the American Dream went hand-in-hand: a house with a yard and a white picket fence. It was the alternative to the hustle and bustle of urban living, a peaceful place to raise a family. Instead of letting the suburbs dwindle away, resulting in unkempt ghost towns, we should begin thinking about how to retrofit the suburbs for the needs of our changing culture, reinventing Suburbia as a sustainable alternative to urban life.

]]> 2012-05-09T09:23:58-04:00 Drought Watch in Effect for Western, Central and Eastern Maryland (05/08/12) MDE Press Release The Maryland Department of the Environment issued the following Press Release:

Southern Maryland, areas served by Baltimore City and Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission public water remain in normal status

BALTIMORE, MD (May 8, 2012) – The Maryland Department of the Environment announced today that a drought “watch” is in effect for the Western and Central regions of Maryland. The previously announced drought watch for the Eastern region of Maryland also remains in effect.

]]> The Maryland Department of the Environment issued the following Press Release:

Southern Maryland, areas served by Baltimore City and Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission public water remain in normal status

BALTIMORE, MD (May 8, 2012) – The Maryland Department of the Environment announced today that a drought “watch” is in effect for the Western and Central regions of Maryland. The previously announced drought watch for the Eastern region of Maryland also remains in effect.

]]> 2012-05-09T09:16:06-04:00 New Allegany architects: Tear it down — all of it (05/09/12) Cumberland Times-News Renovating buildings at the former Sacred Heart Hospital campus to create a modern school would be too expensive and too complicated — and might not even be possible, school officials learned Tuesday night.

]]> Renovating buildings at the former Sacred Heart Hospital campus to create a modern school would be too expensive and too complicated — and might not even be possible, school officials learned Tuesday night.

]]> 2012-05-09T09:13:12-04:00 Animation Revelation (05/08/12) Smart Growth Maryland That’s why I was excited when a colleague forwarded me a link to Saga City, a video produced by a Quebec firm called Vivre en Ville. It depicts — in cartoon form, of all things — how suburban sprawl occurs, why it hastens climate change and why planning is crucial to confront that challenge.

]]> That’s why I was excited when a colleague forwarded me a link to Saga City, a video produced by a Quebec firm called Vivre en Ville. It depicts — in cartoon form, of all things — how suburban sprawl occurs, why it hastens climate change and why planning is crucial to confront that challenge.

]]> 2012-05-08T16:07:22-04:00 Bromo Tower arts and entertainment district proposal moves forward (05/06/12) Baltimore Sun Arts district for downtown's west side would join others in Baltimore's Station North and Highlandtown areas.

]]> Arts district for downtown's west side would join others in Baltimore's Station North and Highlandtown areas.

]]> 2012-05-08T09:31:43-04:00 State shale commission returning to Garrett for its next meeting (05/08/12) Cumberland Times-News The next meeting of Gov. Martin O’malley’s Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission is returning to Garrett County after a hiatus when several meetings occurred in Annapolis and Hagerstown. Allegany and Garrett counties are the only areas in...

]]> The next meeting of Gov. Martin O’malley’s Marcellus Shale Advisory Commission is returning to Garrett County after a hiatus when several meetings occurred in Annapolis and Hagerstown. Allegany and Garrett counties are the only areas in...

]]> 2012-05-08T09:27:59-04:00 Maryland grants more than $1 million to Montgomery Bikeshare (05/07/12) The Gazette The state of Maryland will be paying about half the cost of a bicycle sharing program in Montgomery County.

]]> The state of Maryland will be paying about half the cost of a bicycle sharing program in Montgomery County.

]]> 2012-05-08T09:25:40-04:00 Road Traffic 'Single Biggest Source of Fatality' for Young People Worldwide (05/03/12) The Atlantic Cities When you think of how to achieve public-health progress in the developing world, you might think of engineering clean water sources and sanitation to prevent water-borne diseases. You might think of implementing measures to stop the spread of malaria, like mosquito nets. You might think of distributing vaccines, or designing education programs about HIV/AIDS.

What you probably wouldn’t think of is figuring out how to keep people safe from traffic.

And yet it’s road traffic – itself a marker of progress and prosperity in emerging economies – that in 2004 killed more children around the world between the ages of 5 and 14 than malaria, HIV/AIDS, or diarrhea (that’s the most recent year for which we have full data). According to “Safe and Sustainable Roads: An Agenda for Rio+20,” a new report from the Campaign for Global Road Safety, road traffic is the leading cause of death globally for young people between the ages of 10 and 24.

]]> When you think of how to achieve public-health progress in the developing world, you might think of engineering clean water sources and sanitation to prevent water-borne diseases. You might think of implementing measures to stop the spread of malaria, like mosquito nets. You might think of distributing vaccines, or designing education programs about HIV/AIDS.

What you probably wouldn’t think of is figuring out how to keep people safe from traffic.

And yet it’s road traffic – itself a marker of progress and prosperity in emerging economies – that in 2004 killed more children around the world between the ages of 5 and 14 than malaria, HIV/AIDS, or diarrhea (that’s the most recent year for which we have full data). According to “Safe and Sustainable Roads: An Agenda for Rio+20,” a new report from the Campaign for Global Road Safety, road traffic is the leading cause of death globally for young people between the ages of 10 and 24.

]]> 2012-05-08T09:24:09-04:00 Joppa residents, supporters seek to remove transfer station from budget (05/03/12) The Aegis The waste transfer station proposed for Joppa was a hot topic, yet again, at the Harford County Council's first budget hearing Wednesday night.

]]> The waste transfer station proposed for Joppa was a hot topic, yet again, at the Harford County Council's first budget hearing Wednesday night.

]]> 2012-05-08T09:22:28-04:00 Developer floats ideas for Dundalk commercial, office project (05/02/12)Baltimore Sun No one makes whiskey any longer on Sollers Point Road in Dundalk, where the old distillery stands empty, the weeds poke through the paving and graffiti marks the brick walls

]]> No one makes whiskey any longer on Sollers Point Road in Dundalk, where the old distillery stands empty, the weeds poke through the paving and graffiti marks the brick walls

]]> 2012-05-08T09:21:24-04:00 County questions prospective spur trail (05/06/12) Cumberland Times-News County officials last week questioned plans to use a county-owned railroad bridge as a spur trail into Cumberland’s North Side. The plan, proposed by Mountain Maryland Trails, would convert the bridge into a bicycle/pedestrian bridge...

]]> County officials last week questioned plans to use a county-owned railroad bridge as a spur trail into Cumberland’s North Side. The plan, proposed by Mountain Maryland Trails, would convert the bridge into a bicycle/pedestrian bridge...

]]> 2012-05-07T09:27:51-04:00 Salisbury Bike Lane Initiative Gains Traction (05/05/2012) Salisbury Daily Times A growing number of utility cyclists in Salisbury say a recent initiative to build bike paths could mean big improvements for the city.

]]> A growing number of utility cyclists in Salisbury say a recent initiative to build bike paths could mean big improvements for the city.

]]> 2012-05-07T09:25:15-04:00 Building From Strength: Creating Opportunity in Greater Baltimore's Next Economy (04/26/12) Brookings According to many broad economic indicators, the Baltimore metropolitan area is doing better than fine. In 2010, the median household income for the region was nearly $15,000 higher than for the country at large, and over the 10 years prior, real incomes rose in the metro, if slowly, even while incomes nationally shrank by more than 7 percent. [video and report downloads]

]]> According to many broad economic indicators, the Baltimore metropolitan area is doing better than fine. In 2010, the median household income for the region was nearly $15,000 higher than for the country at large, and over the 10 years prior, real incomes rose in the metro, if slowly, even while incomes nationally shrank by more than 7 percent. [video and report downloads]

]]> 2012-05-04T14:41:55-04:00 O’Malley signs flush tax, septic regulation bills, OK’s Phylicia’s Law (05/02/12) Associated Press (Washington Post) Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley has put his signature on 294 bills passed by the legislature this year.

O’Malley signed the bills, which included his initiatives to increase the state’s so-called flush tax and limit where new septic systems can be placed, during more than two-hour long ceremony Wednesday afternoon.

]]> Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley has put his signature on 294 bills passed by the legislature this year.

O’Malley signed the bills, which included his initiatives to increase the state’s so-called flush tax and limit where new septic systems can be placed, during more than two-hour long ceremony Wednesday afternoon.

]]> 2012-05-04T13:46:39-04:00 Environmental, health insurance bills become Md. law (05/02/12) Washington Times Gov. Martin O'Malley signed bills into law on Wednesday, including legislation that will limit use of septic systems and double the state’s so-called “flush tax.”

]]> Gov. Martin O'Malley signed bills into law on Wednesday, including legislation that will limit use of septic systems and double the state’s so-called “flush tax.”

]]> 2012-05-04T13:45:34-04:00 O'Malley signs environment, social media bills (05/02/12) Baltimore Sun Legislation was approved during 90-day Assembly session

]]> Legislation was approved during 90-day Assembly session

]]> 2012-05-04T13:44:32-04:00 Gov. O’Malley, Senate President Miller, Speaker Busch Hold Bill Signing Focused On More Sustainable Future for Maryland (05/02/12) WaterWorld Gov. Martin O'Malley, D-Md., issued the following news release:

Gov. Martin O'Malley today joined Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr., House Speaker Michael E. Busch, and Lieutenant Gov. Anthony G. Brown to sign legislation to protect Maryland's environment and the health and prosperity of the Chesapeake Bay.

"This session, we made some important choices to further our progress on protecting our land, water and air," said Governor O'Malley. "Progress is not inevitable; it is the product of the good choices we make together so our children will inherit a better, more sustainable future. We've had one of the more successful sessions in recent memory for the Bay and our environment because we choose together to create a Maryland that is Smart, Green and Growing."

]]> Gov. Martin O'Malley, D-Md., issued the following news release:

Gov. Martin O'Malley today joined Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr., House Speaker Michael E. Busch, and Lieutenant Gov. Anthony G. Brown to sign legislation to protect Maryland's environment and the health and prosperity of the Chesapeake Bay.

"This session, we made some important choices to further our progress on protecting our land, water and air," said Governor O'Malley. "Progress is not inevitable; it is the product of the good choices we make together so our children will inherit a better, more sustainable future. We've had one of the more successful sessions in recent memory for the Bay and our environment because we choose together to create a Maryland that is Smart, Green and Growing."

]]> 2012-05-04T13:43:40-04:00 New Deal planned community celebrates 75 years (04/17/12) Greater Greater Washington blog Greenbelt, Maryland is a product of President Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal. His administration planned and built the town hoping that it would become a prototype for countless similar garden suburbs across the nation.

]]> Greenbelt, Maryland is a product of President Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal. His administration planned and built the town hoping that it would become a prototype for countless similar garden suburbs across the nation.

]]> 2012-04-18T16:00:53-04:00 Salisbury Engineer Leads Drive for Bike Paths (04/18/2012) Salisbury Daily Times Salisbury may soon have bike lanes connecting the downtown area with the Salisbury University campus.

]]> Salisbury may soon have bike lanes connecting the downtown area with the Salisbury University campus.

]]> 2012-04-18T15:58:00-04:00 Traffic Explained in Less Than 4 Minutes (04/17/12) The Atlantic This great little video, produced by ITDP Mexico, simplifies and explains induced travel demand about as well as I've ever seen. Fast moving and fun.

]]> This great little video, produced by ITDP Mexico, simplifies and explains induced travel demand about as well as I've ever seen. Fast moving and fun.

]]> 2012-04-18T15:47:00-04:00 Making a Game Out of Town Hall Meetings (04/17/12) The Atlantic For a generation raised on games, anything can be made compelling, assuming points will be awarded. To that end, the site MindMixer has for the last year been dedicated to making a game out of that most dreaded of civic experiences: the town hall meeting.

]]> For a generation raised on games, anything can be made compelling, assuming points will be awarded. To that end, the site MindMixer has for the last year been dedicated to making a game out of that most dreaded of civic experiences: the town hall meeting.

]]> 2012-04-18T15:46:13-04:00 The Distinctive City (04/04/12) Urban Land Planners spend most of their time focusing on numbers – the number of units per acre, the number of cars per hour, the number of floors per building. In the future, they will need to spend more time thinking about the values, customs, characteristics and quirks that make a place worth caring about. Unfortunately, many communities are suffering the social and economic consequences of losing their distinctiveness.

]]> Planners spend most of their time focusing on numbers – the number of units per acre, the number of cars per hour, the number of floors per building. In the future, they will need to spend more time thinking about the values, customs, characteristics and quirks that make a place worth caring about. Unfortunately, many communities are suffering the social and economic consequences of losing their distinctiveness.

]]> 2012-04-17T11:13:08-04:00 The Highway Bill—Compromise or Stalemate? (04/10/12) Innovation NewsBriefs Congress voted a  90-day “clean” extension of the current highway program. When Congress gets back in session on April 16, the House will have 20 legislative days in which to pass a new highway bill and convene in a joint House-Senate conference to reconcile it with the previously approved Senate bill (S. 1813). 

]]> Congress voted a  90-day “clean” extension of the current highway program. When Congress gets back in session on April 16, the House will have 20 legislative days in which to pass a new highway bill and convene in a joint House-Senate conference to reconcile it with the previously approved Senate bill (S. 1813). 

]]> 2012-04-17T11:03:41-04:00 Want more bikers? Build more bike lanes (04/16/12) The Washington Post Is there anything cities can do to encourage cycling? Portland, for instance, has twice as many bike commuters per 1,000 people as Washington. But maybe that’s just because Portland has nicer weather or more young people. It’s not clear that there’s an actual policy issue here.

]]> Is there anything cities can do to encourage cycling? Portland, for instance, has twice as many bike commuters per 1,000 people as Washington. But maybe that’s just because Portland has nicer weather or more young people. It’s not clear that there’s an actual policy issue here.

]]> 2012-04-17T10:22:54-04:00 Secretary Richard Hall named in national blog among planners "changing the game" (04/16/12) DC.StreetsBlog.Org Politically, you can’t give enough credit to Governor Martin O’Malley for Maryland’s new state-level smart growth plan, PlanMaryland... But you also can’t separate the governor’s successes from the man behind the scenes, turning policy positions into reality: [Secretary] Richard Hall.

]]> Politically, you can’t give enough credit to Governor Martin O’Malley for Maryland’s new state-level smart growth plan, PlanMaryland... But you also can’t separate the governor’s successes from the man behind the scenes, turning policy positions into reality: [Secretary] Richard Hall.

]]> 2012-04-16T16:34:06-04:00 Governor O’Malley receives national award for planning leadership (04/16/12) Press Release Recognition for Chesapeake Bay focus, transit-oriented development, PlanMaryland

]]> Recognition for Chesapeake Bay focus, transit-oriented development, PlanMaryland

]]> 2012-04-16T14:43:02-04:00 EDITORIAL: Bay restoration: One thing Marylanders agree on (04/16/12) Baltimore Sun Our view: The Chesapeake Bay was the surprise winner of the recent legislative session — a lesson in its continuing appeal and the art of political compromise

]]> Our view: The Chesapeake Bay was the surprise winner of the recent legislative session — a lesson in its continuing appeal and the art of political compromise

]]> 2012-04-16T13:07:54-04:00 PlanMaryland gets a lukewarm response from Friends of Harford (04/15/12) exploreHarford.com (Aegis) Harford is one of Maryland's fastest-developing counties, but the possibility of a statewide plan to better coordinate growth drew a mixed response at a community meeting Sunday.

]]> Harford is one of Maryland's fastest-developing counties, but the possibility of a statewide plan to better coordinate growth drew a mixed response at a community meeting Sunday.

]]> 2012-04-16T11:47:18-04:00 O'Malley gets deserved recognition for Md.'s smart land use policies (04/16/12) Baltimore Sun "I'll be honored today to accept a national planning award on behalf of Gov.Martin O'Malleyat the national conference of the American Planning Association, the largest professional planning organization in the country, representing 40,000 members." ~ Secretary Richard E. Hall, AICP

]]> "I'll be honored today to accept a national planning award on behalf of Gov.Martin O'Malleyat the national conference of the American Planning Association, the largest professional planning organization in the country, representing 40,000 members." ~ Secretary Richard E. Hall, AICP

]]> 2012-04-16T10:38:05-04:00 North Laurel Residents to Fight Proposed Development (04/13/12) LaurelPatch A group of North Laurel residents say they are maneuvering to stop a proposed housing development on a swath of land in their community.

]]> A group of North Laurel residents say they are maneuvering to stop a proposed housing development on a swath of land in their community.

]]> 2012-04-16T09:47:47-04:00 Jones questions name change (04/13/12) SoMdNews.com Housing authority cleared to comply with new terminology

]]> Housing authority cleared to comply with new terminology

]]> 2012-04-16T09:45:44-04:00 Capital Bikeshare to sell helmets to members (04/13/12) The Washington Post The bright red bicycles of Capital Bikeshare are steadily rolling into the suburbs around Washington, but one key element has been missing from the process: helmets.

That changed Friday as Bikeshare announced that monthly and annual members can buy helmets online for $16. The red helmets, branded with the same yellow “Capital Bikeshare” found on the bikes, are only available when you buy or renew a membership.

]]> The bright red bicycles of Capital Bikeshare are steadily rolling into the suburbs around Washington, but one key element has been missing from the process: helmets.

That changed Friday as Bikeshare announced that monthly and annual members can buy helmets online for $16. The red helmets, branded with the same yellow “Capital Bikeshare” found on the bikes, are only available when you buy or renew a membership.

]]> 2012-04-16T09:44:32-04:00 Some Concerned About Crisfield Turbine Plan (04/14/2012) Somerset Herald A plan to build a 750-kilowatt wind turbine next to Crisfield’s sewage treatment plant drew concern from residents about possible health effects, and seafood dealers worried pressure and noise could hurt soft crabs in nearby shedding operations.

]]> A plan to build a 750-kilowatt wind turbine next to Crisfield’s sewage treatment plant drew concern from residents about possible health effects, and seafood dealers worried pressure and noise could hurt soft crabs in nearby shedding operations.

]]> 2012-04-16T09:43:24-04:00 The Cecil County Book of Lists (2012) Cecil Whig Special to the Cecil Whig - Assorted statistics on Cecil County.

]]> Special to the Cecil Whig - Assorted statistics on Cecil County.

]]> 2012-04-13T10:57:32-04:00 Cardin speaks on North/south highway (04/13/12) Cumberland Times-News CUMBERLAND — U.S. Sen. Benjamin Cardin spoke to The Greater Cumberland Committee on Thursday, stressing the importance of a transportation bill — a bill that passed the U.S. Senate — to the North/south Appalachian Highway.

]]> CUMBERLAND — U.S. Sen. Benjamin Cardin spoke to The Greater Cumberland Committee on Thursday, stressing the importance of a transportation bill — a bill that passed the U.S. Senate — to the North/south Appalachian Highway.

]]> 2012-04-13T09:27:07-04:00 Feds fund plant production on old mine land (04/13/12) Cumberland Times-News FROSTBURG (AP) — A Western Maryland mountaintop once strip-mined for coal will produce tree seedlings to reforest eroding stream banks across the region under a federally funded project announced Thursday by the U.S. EPA

]]> FROSTBURG (AP) — A Western Maryland mountaintop once strip-mined for coal will produce tree seedlings to reforest eroding stream banks across the region under a federally funded project announced Thursday by the U.S. EPA

]]> 2012-04-13T09:26:10-04:00 Our Legacy: Remembering Crownsville State Hospital (04/12/12) The Capital There are over 1,500 stones placed on gravesites of former patients of Crownsville State Hospital. Perhaps, due to the location of the Crownsville Hospital Cemetery, no one ever considered that anyone would ever visit this place established during a shameful period. Would come looking for the remains of someone left to the State of Maryland for years? Who would honor those who the state would not even dignify in death?

]]> There are over 1,500 stones placed on gravesites of former patients of Crownsville State Hospital. Perhaps, due to the location of the Crownsville Hospital Cemetery, no one ever considered that anyone would ever visit this place established during a shameful period. Would come looking for the remains of someone left to the State of Maryland for years? Who would honor those who the state would not even dignify in death?

]]> 2012-04-13T09:17:02-04:00 Interest Growing In Garrett County's Land Use Management Document (04/12/12) The Republican The Garrett County commissioners held their third administrative session Tuesday morning to draft a county land use management ordinance. Interest in the countywide zoning  proposal appears to be growing, as the number of local residents attending the commissioners' work sessions has progressively increased.

]]> The Garrett County commissioners held their third administrative session Tuesday morning to draft a county land use management ordinance. Interest in the countywide zoning  proposal appears to be growing, as the number of local residents attending the commissioners' work sessions has progressively increased.

]]> 2012-04-12T16:55:31-04:00 Historical markers help tell story of QA's County (04/12/12) Star Democrat CENTREVILLE There are two new roadside historical markers in Queen Anne's County one that's brand new and the other that's a replacement for one damaged in a traffic accident. Both markers were installed by the Maryland Historical Trust at the end of March.

]]> CENTREVILLE There are two new roadside historical markers in Queen Anne's County one that's brand new and the other that's a replacement for one damaged in a traffic accident. Both markers were installed by the Maryland Historical Trust at the end of March.

]]> 2012-04-12T13:59:34-04:00 Maryland Takes the Lead for Sustainable Growth Planning (Spring 2012) Regional & Intergovernmental e-Journal of the American Planning Association It’s rare when several Maryland governors join for a ceremony, but that was the scene at the Maryland State House on Dec. 19, 2011 when Governor Martin O’Malley was joined by former Governors Harry Hughes and Parris Glendening to receive PlanMaryland, the state’s first sustainable growth plan.

]]> It’s rare when several Maryland governors join for a ceremony, but that was the scene at the Maryland State House on Dec. 19, 2011 when Governor Martin O’Malley was joined by former Governors Harry Hughes and Parris Glendening to receive PlanMaryland, the state’s first sustainable growth plan.

]]> 2012-04-12T12:22:24-04:00 Planet Carroll Gears Up for Week of Earth Day Education (04/12/12) Westminster Patch A group of students and citizens in Carroll County have created an organization dedicated to education and the environment.

]]> A group of students and citizens in Carroll County have created an organization dedicated to education and the environment.

]]> 2012-04-12T11:47:00-04:00 Comptroller hopes upcoming summit will educate decision makers about importance of coal (04/12/12) Cumberland Times-News CUMBERLAND — Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot said Wednesday that he hopes a Coal Summit planned for June 7 in Allegany County will have the same positive impact that a similar summit had for the poultry industry.

]]> CUMBERLAND — Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot said Wednesday that he hopes a Coal Summit planned for June 7 in Allegany County will have the same positive impact that a similar summit had for the poultry industry.

]]> 2012-04-12T10:59:12-04:00 Comprehensive Plan update looks a lot like 2006 (04/11/12) SoMdNews.com Commission stays with policies from old edition

]]> Commission stays with policies from old edition

]]> 2012-04-12T10:58:01-04:00 Montgomery County Council: MARC is not Metro (04/10/12) The Gazette MARC is not as useful as Metro was the message of a County Council hearing Tuesday.

Developers who want to build high density projects in Commercial Residential, and Commercial Residential Town zones must provide public benefits, said Josh Sloan, a Montgomery County planner. Among those benefits, which are measured in points, is building near a transit station.

]]> MARC is not as useful as Metro was the message of a County Council hearing Tuesday.

Developers who want to build high density projects in Commercial Residential, and Commercial Residential Town zones must provide public benefits, said Josh Sloan, a Montgomery County planner. Among those benefits, which are measured in points, is building near a transit station.

]]> 2012-04-11T11:01:23-04:00 Montgomery County approves Wheaton redevelopment plan (04/11/12) Baltimore Business Journal The Montgomery County Council on Tuesday approved plans to build a new headquarters for the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission in downtown Wheaton, part of a larger effort to jump-start the area's revitalization, The Washington Post reported.

]]> The Montgomery County Council on Tuesday approved plans to build a new headquarters for the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission in downtown Wheaton, part of a larger effort to jump-start the area's revitalization, The Washington Post reported.

]]> 2012-04-11T10:44:20-04:00 New Life for Parkway Theatre (04/11/12) Baltimore Sun Closed venue could be used for film, video and live productions

]]> Closed venue could be used for film, video and live productions

]]> 2012-04-11T10:43:42-04:00 Designing Regional Urban Retail Centers: Lessons from the Mall and Beyond (04/05/12) Place Shakers As many of us are actively trying to reform car-focused retail into dynamic mixed-use, walkable urban centers, we are quick to point at the mall as the poster child for everything we are trying to reform. But as the heyday of last-century’s drive-to mall fades into the past, there are many things that the mall excelled at.

]]> As many of us are actively trying to reform car-focused retail into dynamic mixed-use, walkable urban centers, we are quick to point at the mall as the poster child for everything we are trying to reform. But as the heyday of last-century’s drive-to mall fades into the past, there are many things that the mall excelled at.

]]> 2012-04-11T10:41:47-04:00 More Development May Be in Store for Route 1 (04/10/12) Laurel Patch Planners are eyeing established communities for development in Howard County's general plan.

]]> Planners are eyeing established communities for development in Howard County's general plan.

]]> 2012-04-11T10:40:20-04:00 PlanHoward 2030 is an update of the 2000 Howard County General Plan (04/11/12) Howard County The release of the preliminary draft follows several months of Task Force discussion of planning topics that are critical to the County's future. The plan is available for public comment and will be presented to the Planning Board on Thursday, April 18, 2012

]]> The release of the preliminary draft follows several months of Task Force discussion of planning topics that are critical to the County's future. The plan is available for public comment and will be presented to the Planning Board on Thursday, April 18, 2012

]]> 2012-04-11T10:39:36-04:00 In New Census Data, An Improved Outlook For Core Counties (04/08/12) The Transport Politic On April 5, the U.S. Census Bureau released growth data from April 2010 to July 2011 showing that for the first time in 20 years, urban growth surpassed exurban growth.

]]> On April 5, the U.S. Census Bureau released growth data from April 2010 to July 2011 showing that for the first time in 20 years, urban growth surpassed exurban growth.

]]> 2012-04-11T10:38:24-04:00 The Greenest Building May Actually Be a Neighborhood (04/10/12) The Atlantic Green building might be little more than a fringe hippie idea if not for certification. The medals and honors now available through rating systems have enabled a good and altruistic effort to become a highly marketable quality.

]]> Green building might be little more than a fringe hippie idea if not for certification. The medals and honors now available through rating systems have enabled a good and altruistic effort to become a highly marketable quality.

]]> 2012-04-11T10:35:54-04:00 Need More Office Space? Just Stick Some in the Alley (04/10/12) The Atlantic In the future, commercial real estate in a severely built-up city might not move outward or upward – but in between, or all around.

That's the idea behind these unconventional designs for urban offices, meant to survive in an expensive marketplace by exploiting unoccupied nooks and crannies in the urban environment.
 

]]> In the future, commercial real estate in a severely built-up city might not move outward or upward – but in between, or all around.

That's the idea behind these unconventional designs for urban offices, meant to survive in an expensive marketplace by exploiting unoccupied nooks and crannies in the urban environment.
 

]]> 2012-04-11T10:35:03-04:00 Planners Spar Over Priority Preservation Area Vote (04/10/12) The Baynet.com The Charles County Planning Commission voted 4-3 not to amend a Priority Preservation Area (PPA) element to the 2006 Charles County Comprehensive Plan on Monday night. Planning Commission Vice Chairman Joe Richard said the vote, along with a previous vote disapproving the PPA in the 2012 Comprehensive Plan, has resolved the issue.

]]> The Charles County Planning Commission voted 4-3 not to amend a Priority Preservation Area (PPA) element to the 2006 Charles County Comprehensive Plan on Monday night. Planning Commission Vice Chairman Joe Richard said the vote, along with a previous vote disapproving the PPA in the 2012 Comprehensive Plan, has resolved the issue.

]]> 2012-04-11T10:31:36-04:00 La Plata's Tornado – Part 2: Turning adversity into opportunity (04/11/12) Smart Growth Maryland blog From a planning perspective, the small bronze plaque on the front of the new town hall in La Plata says it well: “This building is dedicated to all of the people of La Plata who have always been able to turn adversity into opportunity.”

]]> From a planning perspective, the small bronze plaque on the front of the new town hall in La Plata says it well: “This building is dedicated to all of the people of La Plata who have always been able to turn adversity into opportunity.”

]]> 2012-04-11T10:44:50-04:00 La Plata’s tornado – Part 1: Testament to planning (04/10/12) Smart Growth Maryland blog William F. Eckman remembers the late afternoon of April 28, 2002 as bright and sunny in his yard in La Plata. Forecasts on radio and TV described a storm moving through but predicted it farther north in Charles County.

]]> William F. Eckman remembers the late afternoon of April 28, 2002 as bright and sunny in his yard in La Plata. Forecasts on radio and TV described a storm moving through but predicted it farther north in Charles County.

]]> 2012-04-11T10:45:01-04:00 Howard hopes to use suburban advantages to draw tourists (04/04/12) Baltimore Sun Howard County doesn't have the sailing tradition of Annapolis, the boardwalk of Ocean City or the storied battlefields of Gettysburg. But it does have a prime spot between two big cities, a historic downtown, miles of mountain biking trails and plenty of money to lure tourists.

]]> Howard County doesn't have the sailing tradition of Annapolis, the boardwalk of Ocean City or the storied battlefields of Gettysburg. But it does have a prime spot between two big cities, a historic downtown, miles of mountain biking trails and plenty of money to lure tourists.

]]> 2012-04-10T14:15:57-04:00 America's romance with sprawl may be over (04/05/12) USA Today America's romance with sprawl may not be completely over, but it's definitely on the rocks.

Almost three years after the official end of a recession that kept people from moving and devastated new suburban subdivisions, people continue to avoid counties on the farthest edge of metropolitan areas, according to Census estimates out today.

]]> America's romance with sprawl may not be completely over, but it's definitely on the rocks.

Almost three years after the official end of a recession that kept people from moving and devastated new suburban subdivisions, people continue to avoid counties on the farthest edge of metropolitan areas, according to Census estimates out today.

]]> 2012-04-10T14:15:03-04:00 Garrett residents ask for wind ordinances, setbacks (04/07/12) Cumberland Times-News FROSTBURG — A petition signed by 39 residents asks Garrett County commissioners to impose realistic setbacks or ordinances that would protect families and homes from a proposed wind farm on Four Mile Ridge and part of Big Savage Mountain.

]]> FROSTBURG — A petition signed by 39 residents asks Garrett County commissioners to impose realistic setbacks or ordinances that would protect families and homes from a proposed wind farm on Four Mile Ridge and part of Big Savage Mountain.

]]> 2012-04-10T14:14:11-04:00 Queenstown streetscape back on track (04/5/12) The Kent County News A streetscape project in Queenstown that was put on hold in 2009 now is back on track.

]]> A streetscape project in Queenstown that was put on hold in 2009 now is back on track.

]]> 2012-04-10T14:13:11-04:00 Millington councilman takes seat (04/8/12) The Kent County News David Rice was sworn in as the council's newest member at the organizational meeting Monday night.

]]> David Rice was sworn in as the council's newest member at the organizational meeting Monday night.

]]> 2012-04-10T14:12:32-04:00 Targeting Spending for Land Conservation: An Evaluation of Maryland's Rural Legacy Program (02/09/12) Journal of the American Planning Association Problem: In 1997, Maryland burst into the national spotlight with a package of legislation collectively referred to as smart growth.

]]> Problem: In 1997, Maryland burst into the national spotlight with a package of legislation collectively referred to as smart growth.

]]> 2012-04-10T14:11:16-04:00 Farmland holds value (04/10/12) Salisbury Daily Times Unlike residential property, ag land affected by products' price and more

]]> Unlike residential property, ag land affected by products' price and more

]]> 2012-04-10T14:06:50-04:00 Reading Across Maryland (03/29/12) Smart Growth Maryland blog The Maryland Department of Planning celebrated “Read Across Maryland” as Assistant Secretary Linda C. Janey read “Dear Children of the Earth – A letter from Home” by Schim Schimmel to the preK4class at the Empowerment Academy Charter School in Baltimore on March 27.

]]> The Maryland Department of Planning celebrated “Read Across Maryland” as Assistant Secretary Linda C. Janey read “Dear Children of the Earth – A letter from Home” by Schim Schimmel to the preK4class at the Empowerment Academy Charter School in Baltimore on March 27.

]]> 2012-03-29T14:44:19-04:00 The Humanities Create a Space for Dialogue about Land and Water Use on the Eastern Shore (03/2012) Maryland Humanities Council The Maryland Humanities Council's Practicing Democracy program: Seeking Common Ground on Maryland's Eastern Shore

In 2012, Practicing Democracy will focus efforts on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, with particular attention in four Chesapeake Bay watersheds, spanning six counties; Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot and Wicomico counties.  MHC will act as a neutral convener of individuals and organizations who disagree over land use and water quality issues that have arisen during the process of developing county Watershed Implementation Plans (WIPs), and utilize the humanities to jumpstart conversation and find common ground.

]]> The Maryland Humanities Council's Practicing Democracy program: Seeking Common Ground on Maryland's Eastern Shore

In 2012, Practicing Democracy will focus efforts on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, with particular attention in four Chesapeake Bay watersheds, spanning six counties; Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Talbot and Wicomico counties.  MHC will act as a neutral convener of individuals and organizations who disagree over land use and water quality issues that have arisen during the process of developing county Watershed Implementation Plans (WIPs), and utilize the humanities to jumpstart conversation and find common ground.

]]> 2012-03-09T12:11:13-05:00 Harriet Tregoning and the ‘fly-by-our-pants city of doom’ (03/08/12) Washington Post There’s a lot of reasons you should give a close read to Washington City Paper’s profile of city planning director Harriet Tregoning, published today. Reporter Lydia DePillis goes into details about Tregoning’s conversion to, zeal for and prominent role in the ascendant smart growth philosophy.

]]> There’s a lot of reasons you should give a close read to Washington City Paper’s profile of city planning director Harriet Tregoning, published today. Reporter Lydia DePillis goes into details about Tregoning’s conversion to, zeal for and prominent role in the ascendant smart growth philosophy.

]]> 2012-03-08T14:51:48-05:00 Urbanista!Inside Harriet Tregoning's Push to Reshape D.C.(03/09/12) Washington City Paper When it comes to cars, Harriet Tregoning is a bit like a 17-year-old. She likes to give rides, but the driving part is a little dicey.

]]> When it comes to cars, Harriet Tregoning is a bit like a 17-year-old. She likes to give rides, but the driving part is a little dicey.

]]> 2012-03-08T14:50:37-05:00 Harford council continues debating master plan amendments (03/01/12) exploreharford.com The Harford County Council continued sifting through the proposed 2012 master plan last week, approving amendments that would set aesthetic guidelines for commercial projects, encourage redevelopment and protect specific watersheds, among other issues.

]]> The Harford County Council continued sifting through the proposed 2012 master plan last week, approving amendments that would set aesthetic guidelines for commercial projects, encourage redevelopment and protect specific watersheds, among other issues.

]]> 2012-03-02T11:52:23-05:00 Study: Gas wells could produce $200M in revenue (03/02/12) Cumberland Times-News Associated Press — A new study released by the Maryland Petroleum Council says Western Maryland could be home to about 365 natural gas wells employing more than 1,800. The study released Thursday by the industry group estimates the wells would produce...

]]> Associated Press — A new study released by the Maryland Petroleum Council says Western Maryland could be home to about 365 natural gas wells employing more than 1,800. The study released Thursday by the industry group estimates the wells would produce...

]]> 2012-03-02T10:44:33-05:00 NEW VIDEO: Maryland Goal: Restore the Health of the Chesapeake Bay (02/29/12) Governor Martin O'Malley Governor Martin O’Malley released the first two in a series of videos focused on the 15 Strategic Goals for Maryland.  The videos demonstrate the Administration’s commitment to tracking progress and delivering results for Marylanders. The first of two new videos focuses on the Governor’s goal to restore the health of the Bay by 2025. Governor O’Malley also launched an official “Pinterest” account with a board focused on the strategic goals. 

]]> Governor Martin O’Malley released the first two in a series of videos focused on the 15 Strategic Goals for Maryland.  The videos demonstrate the Administration’s commitment to tracking progress and delivering results for Marylanders. The first of two new videos focuses on the Governor’s goal to restore the health of the Bay by 2025. Governor O’Malley also launched an official “Pinterest” account with a board focused on the strategic goals. 

]]> 2012-03-01T15:23:42-05:00 Downtown disconnect - Frustration mounts with county's new 16-step development process (02/28/12) explorehoward.com Ever since Jim Rouse and company decided to meticulously build Columbia from scratch in the 1960s, grand, detailed plans and the processes behind them have been an inextricable part of the community's identity and how it is shaped.

]]> Ever since Jim Rouse and company decided to meticulously build Columbia from scratch in the 1960s, grand, detailed plans and the processes behind them have been an inextricable part of the community's identity and how it is shaped.

]]> 2012-03-01T14:53:13-05:00 How To Protect America's Countryside from Sprawl (03/01/12) The Atlantic Cities The emergence of smaller towns on the sustainability radar screen is a welcome development, but what of the working landscapes in between them? In an article on Maryland’s still mostly rural Eastern Shore, for example, we wrote that the continuing viability of the Shore

]]> The emergence of smaller towns on the sustainability radar screen is a welcome development, but what of the working landscapes in between them? In an article on Maryland’s still mostly rural Eastern Shore, for example, we wrote that the continuing viability of the Shore

]]> 2012-03-01T14:51:53-05:00 Activists push for fees to help the bay (03/01/12) The Capital Activists pitched lawmakers yesterday on two new fees to help the Chesapeake Bay.

]]> Activists pitched lawmakers yesterday on two new fees to help the Chesapeake Bay.

]]> 2012-03-01T15:16:53-05:00 Commissioners Cite 'Inequity' in WIP Protest Letter (03/01/12) The Baynet The Calvert County Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday, Feb. 28 to send a letter to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) criticizing the Maryland Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) Phase II.

]]> The Calvert County Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday, Feb. 28 to send a letter to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) criticizing the Maryland Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) Phase II.

]]> 2012-03-01T15:16:58-05:00 The City That Works (Even Better!): Emanuel's Strategy for Chicago Growth (03/01/12) The Atlantic To thrive, a city needs to collaborate with its suburbs. But bringing together the 14 counties surrounding Chicago will be a challenge -- even for someone as persistent as Rahm Emanuel.

]]> To thrive, a city needs to collaborate with its suburbs. But bringing together the 14 counties surrounding Chicago will be a challenge -- even for someone as persistent as Rahm Emanuel.

]]> 2012-03-01T14:37:49-05:00 Another Temporary Extension of the Highway Program Seems Inevitable (03/01/12) Innovation NewsBriefs With every passing day the likelihood of yet another temporary extension of the highway program becomes greater. Although the Senate stands a good chance of approving the needed offsets (“pay-fors”) and passing its $109 billion two-year bill by the March 31 deadline, the House has a much tougher row to hoe.

]]> With every passing day the likelihood of yet another temporary extension of the highway program becomes greater. Although the Senate stands a good chance of approving the needed offsets (“pay-fors”) and passing its $109 billion two-year bill by the March 31 deadline, the House has a much tougher row to hoe.

]]> 2012-03-01T14:35:14-05:00 Regional authorities proposed to finance transit (02/29/12) MarylandReporter.com A bill that would create a task force to study the creation of regional transit financing authorities met with little opposition in the House Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday.

]]> A bill that would create a task force to study the creation of regional transit financing authorities met with little opposition in the House Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday.

]]> 2012-03-01T14:32:31-05:00 Redeveloping “Redfields”: New Life for Foreclosed Properties (02/29/12) APA Sustaining Places Most planners are very familiar with the terms greenfield development (development on previously undeveloped land) and brownfield development (development on land formerly contaminated by environmental pollutants). But planners should learn a new term that will only become more common as the U.S. begins to slowly recover from the recent economic recession: redfield development, or development on foreclosed properties — properties “in the red.”

]]> Most planners are very familiar with the terms greenfield development (development on previously undeveloped land) and brownfield development (development on land formerly contaminated by environmental pollutants). But planners should learn a new term that will only become more common as the U.S. begins to slowly recover from the recent economic recession: redfield development, or development on foreclosed properties — properties “in the red.”

]]> 2012-02-29T15:09:46-05:00 Most Americans Want a Walkable Neighborhood, Not a Big House (02/07/12) Good Lifestyle The symbol of American success often involves having the biggest house possible, but our outsized fantasies seem to be shifting. According to a new survey, more than three quarters of us consider having sidewalks and places to take a walk one of our top priorities when deciding where to live. Six in 10 people also said they would sacrifice a bigger house to live in a neighborhood that featured a mix of houses, stores, and businesses within an easy walk.

]]> The symbol of American success often involves having the biggest house possible, but our outsized fantasies seem to be shifting. According to a new survey, more than three quarters of us consider having sidewalks and places to take a walk one of our top priorities when deciding where to live. Six in 10 people also said they would sacrifice a bigger house to live in a neighborhood that featured a mix of houses, stores, and businesses within an easy walk.

]]> 2012-02-29T11:38:02-05:00 8th Mid-Atlantic Regional Planning Roundtable - March 30, 2012 The 8th Mid-Atlantic Regional Planning Roundtable will be held at the Virginia Tech Research Center in Arlington, Virginia. The Mid-Atlantic Regional Planning Roundtable forums are held in response to the need to look beyond individual planning areas and foster communication and coordination between regions on issues. The draft agenda includes sessions on energy, water, and transportation challenges for the region. * For more information, and to view the draft agenda, please visit the website

]]> The 8th Mid-Atlantic Regional Planning Roundtable will be held at the Virginia Tech Research Center in Arlington, Virginia. The Mid-Atlantic Regional Planning Roundtable forums are held in response to the need to look beyond individual planning areas and foster communication and coordination between regions on issues. The draft agenda includes sessions on energy, water, and transportation challenges for the region. * For more information, and to view the draft agenda, please visit the website

]]> 2012-02-29T11:36:28-05:00 Mixed response from Wheaton businesses in wake of redevelopment (02/29/12) The Gazette Government agencies, nonprofits are gearing up to assist business owners

]]> Government agencies, nonprofits are gearing up to assist business owners

]]> 2012-02-29T11:34:34-05:00 Montgomery County Planning Board gives initial approval for White Flint development (02/29/12) Baltimore Business Journal The Montgomery County Planning Board gave initial approval last week to the preliminary site plans for the Pike & Rose development, the replacement for Mid-Pike Plaza, on 24 acres in White Flint, DCmud reports.

]]> The Montgomery County Planning Board gave initial approval last week to the preliminary site plans for the Pike & Rose development, the replacement for Mid-Pike Plaza, on 24 acres in White Flint, DCmud reports.

]]> 2012-02-29T11:33:23-05:00 Analysis: Factor in transportation costs, and housing's a whole lot less affordable (02/29/12) Baltimore Sun If you’re not spending a bundle on housing costs but still feel pinched, you probably don’t live close to your job.

]]> If you’re not spending a bundle on housing costs but still feel pinched, you probably don’t live close to your job.

]]> 2012-02-29T11:33:30-05:00 Growth group ready to fight back against commission (02/24/12) SoMdNews.com Panel chairman questioned public support for Balnaced Growth Initiative

]]> Panel chairman questioned public support for Balnaced Growth Initiative

]]> 2012-02-27T15:51:35-05:00 Transit planners reject proposals to run recreation trail alongside Purple Line trains (02/26/12) Associated Press Maryland transit planners say it’s too expensive and impractical to keep a popular recreation trail inside a downtown Bethesda tunnel alongside future Purple Line trains.

]]> Maryland transit planners say it’s too expensive and impractical to keep a popular recreation trail inside a downtown Bethesda tunnel alongside future Purple Line trains.

]]> 2012-02-27T11:14:10-05:00 Many don’t know about tax credit for homeowners (02/25/12) Baltimore Sun Recipients include young professionals in $300,000-plus homes (more info at What is the Homeowners' Property Tax Credit Program?)

]]> Recipients include young professionals in $300,000-plus homes (more info at What is the Homeowners' Property Tax Credit Program?)

]]> 2012-02-27T11:11:39-05:00 It's not Wheaton vs. Bethesda, but smart growth vs. bad (02/24/12) Greater, Greater Washington blog Montgomery officials say there isn't enough money in the capital budget to pay for both a new Bethesda Metro entrance and redeveloping Wheaton. But there is plenty of money, if only the county deferred some of the new and wasteful highways that will only worsen sprawl and shift the county's growth away from the places that can best accommodate it.

]]> Montgomery officials say there isn't enough money in the capital budget to pay for both a new Bethesda Metro entrance and redeveloping Wheaton. But there is plenty of money, if only the county deferred some of the new and wasteful highways that will only worsen sprawl and shift the county's growth away from the places that can best accommodate it.

]]> 2012-02-27T09:23:50-05:00 Do Bike Paths Promote Bike Riding? (02/24/12) The Atlantic Research on the topic doesn't offer any clean answers — and two new reports just add to the confusion.

]]> Research on the topic doesn't offer any clean answers — and two new reports just add to the confusion.

]]> 2012-02-27T09:19:22-05:00 The Resurrection of the Corner Store (02/23/12) The Atlantic Can clever zoning bring neighborhood stores back?

]]> Can clever zoning bring neighborhood stores back?

]]> 2012-02-27T09:17:44-05:00 Obama Takes a Stand, Threatens to Veto House Transpo Bill (02/15/12) D.C. Streets Blog The White House issued a statement yesterday that spelled out President Obama’s opposition to the House transportation bill, also known as H.R. 7. The administration’s statement of policy, which coincided with the House Rules Committee hearing on H.R. 7, takes a stand in defense of transit, safety, and the environment

]]> The White House issued a statement yesterday that spelled out President Obama’s opposition to the House transportation bill, also known as H.R. 7. The administration’s statement of policy, which coincided with the House Rules Committee hearing on H.R. 7, takes a stand in defense of transit, safety, and the environment

]]> 2012-02-27T09:15:11-05:00 Appalachian population aging faster than national average (02/24/12) Cumberland Times-News It’s winter, so Donna Robirds puts on two sweaters in the morning and keeps heavy blankets handy as she sets her thermostat low — 60 at night — and bundles up to keep her utility bill down.

]]> It’s winter, so Donna Robirds puts on two sweaters in the morning and keeps heavy blankets handy as she sets her thermostat low — 60 at night — and bundles up to keep her utility bill down.

]]> 2012-02-27T09:13:49-05:00 A Lost Opportunity to Influence the Debate (02/22/12) Innovation NewsBriefs/InfrastructureUSA.org The President’s FY 2013 budget submission offered the Administration a rare opportunity to rise above partisanship and influence the ongoing  transportation reauthorization debate in a positive way.  It  provided a chance for the White House and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to assume a constructive role in mediating what could turn out to be a  difficult and protracted process of reconciling the differences in the House and Senate versions of the transportation bill.

]]> The President’s FY 2013 budget submission offered the Administration a rare opportunity to rise above partisanship and influence the ongoing  transportation reauthorization debate in a positive way.  It  provided a chance for the White House and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to assume a constructive role in mediating what could turn out to be a  difficult and protracted process of reconciling the differences in the House and Senate versions of the transportation bill.

]]> 2012-02-23T14:23:18-05:00 Cover crops benefit farmers and environment (02/23/12) Salisbury Daily Times Farmers and environmentalists don't always agree. But when it comes to cover crops, which can help to boost soil quality for farmers and reduce pollutants entering waterways, both sides seem to have found common ground.

]]> Farmers and environmentalists don't always agree. But when it comes to cover crops, which can help to boost soil quality for farmers and reduce pollutants entering waterways, both sides seem to have found common ground.

]]> 2012-02-23T14:21:23-05:00 Parcel for Perkins restaurant returned to Canal Place (02/23/12) Cumerland Times-News The developer for a new restaurant proposed for Canal Place has returned the parcel where it was to be located to be once again placed up for bid. In April, the Cumberland Historic Preservation Commission approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for a proposed Perkins Restaurant and Bakery in Parcel B.

]]> The developer for a new restaurant proposed for Canal Place has returned the parcel where it was to be located to be once again placed up for bid. In April, the Cumberland Historic Preservation Commission approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for a proposed Perkins Restaurant and Bakery in Parcel B.

]]> 2012-02-23T10:57:24-05:00 2012 APA National Planning Award for Best Practice - Cool Planning: A Handbook on Local Strategies to Slow Climate Change State of Oregon's Transportation and Growth Management Program - Land-use policies, development decisions, street design, road networks, transportation plans – these and other community-shaping factors greatly influence the frequency and distance of our travel and the mode of transportation we use. When local policies enable us to travel less and travel cleaner, we can reduce our carbon emissions and help our planet be a cooler place.

]]> State of Oregon's Transportation and Growth Management Program - Land-use policies, development decisions, street design, road networks, transportation plans – these and other community-shaping factors greatly influence the frequency and distance of our travel and the mode of transportation we use. When local policies enable us to travel less and travel cleaner, we can reduce our carbon emissions and help our planet be a cooler place.

]]> 2012-02-22T16:01:02-05:00 Are Huge Houses Really Going Out of Style? (02/22/12) The Atlantic Remember that much-anticipated trend toward smaller houses? You know the one - because of the recession and housing bust, home buyers will be more cost-conscious and less frivolous going forward. Well, it hasn’t happened, at least not yet. And it probably won’t as long as lenders keep a tight grip on their wallets, according to figures reported recently at the annual convention of the National Association of Home Builders in Orlando.

]]> Remember that much-anticipated trend toward smaller houses? You know the one - because of the recession and housing bust, home buyers will be more cost-conscious and less frivolous going forward. Well, it hasn’t happened, at least not yet. And it probably won’t as long as lenders keep a tight grip on their wallets, according to figures reported recently at the annual convention of the National Association of Home Builders in Orlando.

]]> 2012-02-22T15:58:13-05:00 AUDIO: The War on Rural Maryland (02/22/12) WYPR The Environment in Focus with Tom Pelton: Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley started a political fight by proposing legislation that would reduce suburban sprawl by limiting large developments on septic systems in some rural areas.

]]> The Environment in Focus with Tom Pelton: Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley started a political fight by proposing legislation that would reduce suburban sprawl by limiting large developments on septic systems in some rural areas.

]]> 2012-02-22T11:31:15-05:00 The Real 'War on Rural Maryland' (02/21/12) The Bay Daily By Tom Pelton: What is the “War on Rural Maryland?” Opponents of Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley’s efforts to control suburban sprawl use the term to describe his proposed legislation to ban the construction of large subdivisions on septic systems in some rural areas.

]]> By Tom Pelton: What is the “War on Rural Maryland?” Opponents of Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley’s efforts to control suburban sprawl use the term to describe his proposed legislation to ban the construction of large subdivisions on septic systems in some rural areas.

]]> 2012-02-22T11:28:34-05:00 10 Reasons to Hate the Transportation Bill (02/16/12) Car Talk "Click" and "Clack" of NPR's weekly automotive repair show, Car Talk, weigh in on the transportation bill.

]]> "Click" and "Clack" of NPR's weekly automotive repair show, Car Talk, weigh in on the transportation bill.

]]> 2012-02-22T10:18:53-05:00 The richest counties in America (02/15/12) MSN Money Five of the top 15 are in Maryland: #15 Charles County; #14 St. Mary's County; #13 Calvert County; #12 Montgomery County; and #3 Howard County.

]]> Five of the top 15 are in Maryland: #15 Charles County; #14 St. Mary's County; #13 Calvert County; #12 Montgomery County; and #3 Howard County.

]]> 2012-02-22T09:19:07-05:00 Op-Ed: Bruegmann: Driverless Car Could Defy Sprawl Rules (02/20/12) Bloomberg From all reports, the driverless car, once considered in the realm of science fiction, now looms on the transportation horizon. Nevada last week became the first state to issue regulations for the operation of self-driving vehicles, which, one transportation official claimed, are “surely the future of automobiles.

]]> From all reports, the driverless car, once considered in the realm of science fiction, now looms on the transportation horizon. Nevada last week became the first state to issue regulations for the operation of self-driving vehicles, which, one transportation official claimed, are “surely the future of automobiles.

]]> 2012-02-21T13:43:37-05:00 The Scourge of 1970s-Era Office Towers (02/17/12) The Atlantic "Our 1970s-era towers are certainly a concern, especially the ones in what's considered 'old downtown,'" says Thomas Stosur, Baltimore's city planning director. Baltimore's tallest building, 100 Light Street, built in 1973, went mostly dark after its anchor tenant left in 2009 for a new glass tower one mile east. Only after a sweeping $44 million renovation (including its long-uninviting public plaza) was the building filled back up again, easing slightly some of the city's growing concerns over downtown office vacancies.

]]> "Our 1970s-era towers are certainly a concern, especially the ones in what's considered 'old downtown,'" says Thomas Stosur, Baltimore's city planning director. Baltimore's tallest building, 100 Light Street, built in 1973, went mostly dark after its anchor tenant left in 2009 for a new glass tower one mile east. Only after a sweeping $44 million renovation (including its long-uninviting public plaza) was the building filled back up again, easing slightly some of the city's growing concerns over downtown office vacancies.

]]> 2012-02-21T11:50:16-05:00 How Public Perception of Light Rail Influences Its Economic Benefits (02/20/12) The Atlantic Transit advocates can point to a long list of empirical research showing the developmental benefits of light rail systems. A fairly recent study of light rail in Portland found that plans for the system encouraged high-density, transportation-oriented development in the station areas. Other work done around that time, looking at light and commuter rail in Santa Clara, found clear premiums for commercial land near the stations. More recent research on light rail in Buffalo documented a 2 to 5 percent premium on home values near a station as well.

]]> Transit advocates can point to a long list of empirical research showing the developmental benefits of light rail systems. A fairly recent study of light rail in Portland found that plans for the system encouraged high-density, transportation-oriented development in the station areas. Other work done around that time, looking at light and commuter rail in Santa Clara, found clear premiums for commercial land near the stations. More recent research on light rail in Buffalo documented a 2 to 5 percent premium on home values near a station as well.

]]> 2012-02-21T11:42:07-05:00 Zoning, economics blurred (02/17/12) SoMdNews.com Planning Commission takes another look at potential ‘big-box’ amendment

]]> Planning Commission takes another look at potential ‘big-box’ amendment

]]> 2012-02-21T11:32:09-05:00 2012 EPA National Award for Smart Growth Achievement Application Period Now Open - Deadline April 6, 2012 EPA is pleased to announce that the application period for the 11th annual National Award for Smart Growth Achievement is now open.

]]> EPA is pleased to announce that the application period for the 11th annual National Award for Smart Growth Achievement is now open.

]]> 2012-02-21T11:31:25-05:00 Why Alleys Deserve More Attention (02/16/12) The Atlantic Daniel Toole is a 26-year-old, Seattle-based architect who has, quite accidentally, found himself immersed in the hidden world of alleys. Recently awarded a travel fellowship by the local American Institute of Architects branch, he headed to Japan and Australia to study this arguably under-appreciated urban form.

]]> Daniel Toole is a 26-year-old, Seattle-based architect who has, quite accidentally, found himself immersed in the hidden world of alleys. Recently awarded a travel fellowship by the local American Institute of Architects branch, he headed to Japan and Australia to study this arguably under-appreciated urban form.

]]> 2012-02-16T14:22:57-05:00 HUD's New Sustainability Tool (02/16/12) The Atlantic By Kaid Benfield; The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development has created an important online resource for professionals and citizens interested in improving America’s metro regions, cities and neighborhoods. It looks very promising to me, especially as a sort of living compendium of best practices.

]]> By Kaid Benfield; The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development has created an important online resource for professionals and citizens interested in improving America’s metro regions, cities and neighborhoods. It looks very promising to me, especially as a sort of living compendium of best practices.

]]> 2012-02-16T14:22:06-05:00 VIDEO: PlanMaryland advocate speaks (02/14/12) Hagerstown Herald Mail Charles "Chuck" Boyd, deputy director of planning services for the Maryland Department of Planning, argued that PlanMaryland was designed, in part, to mitigate the loss of green space to development.

]]> Charles "Chuck" Boyd, deputy director of planning services for the Maryland Department of Planning, argued that PlanMaryland was designed, in part, to mitigate the loss of green space to development.

]]> 2012-02-16T13:38:04-05:00 VIDEO: PlanMaryland: An opposing view (02/14/12) Hagerstown Herald Mail Steve Seawright, president of the Frederick County Builders Association and managing member of the development firm Seawright Homes LLC, tells why he thinks PlanMaryland is unnecessary.

]]> Steve Seawright, president of the Frederick County Builders Association and managing member of the development firm Seawright Homes LLC, tells why he thinks PlanMaryland is unnecessary.

]]> 2012-02-16T12:57:19-05:00 A New Focus on Sustainable Regions (02/15/12) Ammerican Planning Association There is currently tremendous interest and momentum around sustainability planning at a regional scale in the U.S.

]]> There is currently tremendous interest and momentum around sustainability planning at a regional scale in the U.S.

]]> 2012-02-16T12:52:26-05:00 Sustainable Development Makes Housing Affordable (02/06/12) Good Environment Between 2001 and 2008, the Illinois Housing Development Authority greenlit 248 affordable housing developments in the Chicago area. In Illinois, affordable housing operates on a simple principle: housing costs shouldn’t exceed 30 percent of a family’s annual budget. But rent isn’t the only variable that determines how affordable a particular home is. Sustainability matters, too.

]]> Between 2001 and 2008, the Illinois Housing Development Authority greenlit 248 affordable housing developments in the Chicago area. In Illinois, affordable housing operates on a simple principle: housing costs shouldn’t exceed 30 percent of a family’s annual budget. But rent isn’t the only variable that determines how affordable a particular home is. Sustainability matters, too.

]]> 2012-02-15T14:44:49-05:00 Creating Healthy Regional Transportation Plans [in California] (2012) TransForm A Primer for California's Public Health Community on Regional Transportation Plans and Sustainable Communities Strategies - Published 2012; Author: Written by TransForm in Collaboration with the California Department of Public Health

]]> A Primer for California's Public Health Community on Regional Transportation Plans and Sustainable Communities Strategies - Published 2012; Author: Written by TransForm in Collaboration with the California Department of Public Health

]]> 2012-02-15T10:39:13-05:00 Our View: Businesses investing and hiring in enterprise zones(02/14/12) Salisbury Daily Times There was a time when enterprise zones and other economic incentives were freely bestowed on businesses that were willing to invest in Wicomico County, open a business or branch, hire local residents and pay taxes to relevant local governments. And after that, there was a time when the mantra changed to "let growth pay for growth," decrying the lost taxpayer revenue as benefiting businesses that would probably be here anyhow.

]]> There was a time when enterprise zones and other economic incentives were freely bestowed on businesses that were willing to invest in Wicomico County, open a business or branch, hire local residents and pay taxes to relevant local governments. And after that, there was a time when the mantra changed to "let growth pay for growth," decrying the lost taxpayer revenue as benefiting businesses that would probably be here anyhow.

]]> 2012-02-15T10:36:25-05:00 City to discuss rezoning for solar-powered Laundromat (02/13/12) Cumberland Times-News CUMBERLAND — Cumberland’s elected officials will decide today whether to rezone a Springdale Street property so that it can be converted into a solar-powered, coin-operated Laundromat.

]]> CUMBERLAND — Cumberland’s elected officials will decide today whether to rezone a Springdale Street property so that it can be converted into a solar-powered, coin-operated Laundromat.

]]> 2012-02-15T10:35:12-05:00 MDOT's $12B List: Top Transportation Priorities of MD Counties (02/13/12) City BizList By Donald C. Fry: As lawmakers begin to examine and debate Governor O'Malley's gas tax proposal to increase transportation revenue, they could gain valuable perspective on the issue by taking a look at a $12 billion list compiled by the Maryland Department of Transportation.

]]> By Donald C. Fry: As lawmakers begin to examine and debate Governor O'Malley's gas tax proposal to increase transportation revenue, they could gain valuable perspective on the issue by taking a look at a $12 billion list compiled by the Maryland Department of Transportation.

]]> 2012-02-15T10:32:58-05:00 BOE wants county to oppose school distance limit bill (02/15/12) Cumberland Times-News Member draws PlanMaryland comparison

]]> Member draws PlanMaryland comparison

]]> 2012-02-15T10:31:50-05:00 Survey backs watermen on health of oysters (02/15/12) Salisbury Daily Times CRISFIELD -- A new state survey released this week backs up what local watermen have been reporting -- that oysters are healthier and more plentiful, particularly in Tangier Sound.

]]> CRISFIELD -- A new state survey released this week backs up what local watermen have been reporting -- that oysters are healthier and more plentiful, particularly in Tangier Sound.

]]> 2012-02-15T10:30:30-05:00 Q&A: Thomas Stosur, city planning director, Baltimore (02/09/12) SmartPlanet Four city planners, four different plans for the future - SmartPlanet takes the pulse of what’s going on across the United States — through the eyes of four planners in cities across the country. For the fourth and final edition of our four-part miniseries, we check out what’s going on in Baltimore.

]]> Four city planners, four different plans for the future - SmartPlanet takes the pulse of what’s going on across the United States — through the eyes of four planners in cities across the country. For the fourth and final edition of our four-part miniseries, we check out what’s going on in Baltimore.

]]> 2012-02-14T10:27:53-05:00 Chesapeake Bay Program sees increase in Obama budget, other bay-related efforts see cuts (02/13/12) The Washington Post BALTIMORE — The Environmental Protection Agency’s main program to restore the Chesapeake Bay would get more money but other projects for the water way would be cut in the budget released Monday by President Barack Obama, a Chesapeake Bay Foundation official said.

]]> BALTIMORE — The Environmental Protection Agency’s main program to restore the Chesapeake Bay would get more money but other projects for the water way would be cut in the budget released Monday by President Barack Obama, a Chesapeake Bay Foundation official said.

]]> 2012-03-01T15:17:27-05:00 Hagerstown officials considering two sites for new stadium (02/10/12) Hagerstown Herald-Mail City officials are considering at least two sites — including one in downtown Hagerstown — to build a new minor league baseball stadium in an effort to prevent the Hagerstown Suns from moving to Virginia.

]]> City officials are considering at least two sites — including one in downtown Hagerstown — to build a new minor league baseball stadium in an effort to prevent the Hagerstown Suns from moving to Virginia.

]]> 2012-02-13T12:02:43-05:00 In Defense of the House Highway Bill (02/13/12) Innovation NewsBriefs Posted by Ken Orski: According to the latest (January) CBO estimates, the Highway Account of the Trust Fund is projected to be credited with $168.4 billion in gas tax revenue and interest over the next five years (FY 2012-2016) and the Transit Account with $24.8 billion.

]]> Posted by Ken Orski: According to the latest (January) CBO estimates, the Highway Account of the Trust Fund is projected to be credited with $168.4 billion in gas tax revenue and interest over the next five years (FY 2012-2016) and the Transit Account with $24.8 billion.

]]> 2012-02-13T11:06:50-05:00 The Benefits of Creating Hybrid Zoning Codes (02/12/12) Planetizen Roger E. Eastman recounts the process and product of a recent effort by Flagstaff, Arizona to replace an outdated zoning code with an innovative hybrid of form-based and Euclidean elements.

]]> Roger E. Eastman recounts the process and product of a recent effort by Flagstaff, Arizona to replace an outdated zoning code with an innovative hybrid of form-based and Euclidean elements.

]]> 2012-02-13T10:55:42-05:00 Comp plan meetings set (02/11/12) Frederick News Post Local briefs: The Board of County Commissioners has announced its schedule of public workshops to begin reviewing individual requests related to the comprehensive plan and zoning review.

]]> Local briefs: The Board of County Commissioners has announced its schedule of public workshops to begin reviewing individual requests related to the comprehensive plan and zoning review.

]]> 2012-02-13T10:17:28-05:00 County Council Opens Route 1 for Development (02/13/12) Elkridge Patch Local legislators voted unanimously that infrastructure was in place in Elkridge to support new residential projects.

]]> Local legislators voted unanimously that infrastructure was in place in Elkridge to support new residential projects.

]]> 2012-02-13T10:16:15-05:00 OpEd: Designing a Fix for Housing (02/09/12) New York Times RECENT efforts to fix the housing market — including Thursday’s $26 billion settlement with five of the nation’s biggest banks — have focused purely on the financial aspects of the slump.

]]> RECENT efforts to fix the housing market — including Thursday’s $26 billion settlement with five of the nation’s biggest banks — have focused purely on the financial aspects of the slump.

]]> 2012-02-13T09:03:30-05:00 Interactive Map: The Geography of Government Benefits (02/11/12) New York Times The share of Americans’ income that comes from government benefit programs, like Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, more than doubled over the last four decades, rising from 8 percent in 1969 to 18 percent in 2009.

]]> The share of Americans’ income that comes from government benefit programs, like Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, more than doubled over the last four decades, rising from 8 percent in 1969 to 18 percent in 2009.

]]> 2012-02-13T09:01:40-05:00 Flush Tax Increase Proposed (02/11/12) Salisbury Daily Times Families, businesses on wallet watch, but bay cleanup still priority for some

]]> Families, businesses on wallet watch, but bay cleanup still priority for some

]]> 2012-02-13T08:59:49-05:00 Environmental group rates Md. counties on bay plans (02/09/12) Associated Press BALTIMORE -- Six of Maryland's 23 counties received the top rating from an environmental coalition for their Chesapeake Bay restoration plans. Nine got the lowest ranking.

]]> BALTIMORE -- Six of Maryland's 23 counties received the top rating from an environmental coalition for their Chesapeake Bay restoration plans. Nine got the lowest ranking.

]]> 2012-02-10T09:42:06-05:00 Have Americans Given Up On McMansions? (02/09/12) The Atlantic After many years of dramatically increasing home size in America - from an average of 983 square feet in the 1950s up to 2300 square feet in the 2000s, despite declining household sizes - the trend appears finally to be going in the other direction.

]]> After many years of dramatically increasing home size in America - from an average of 983 square feet in the 1950s up to 2300 square feet in the 2000s, despite declining household sizes - the trend appears finally to be going in the other direction.

]]> 2012-02-10T08:56:15-05:00 Why Planners Need to Take Agenda 21 Criticism More Seriously (02/07/12) The Atlantic Cities The New York Times over the weekend picked up the thread of the Tea Party-related anti-smart growth movement, which in truth has been gaining steam for a couple of years now. This isn’t even the first time The Atlantic Cities has written about it.

]]> The New York Times over the weekend picked up the thread of the Tea Party-related anti-smart growth movement, which in truth has been gaining steam for a couple of years now. This isn’t even the first time The Atlantic Cities has written about it.

]]> 2012-02-09T10:36:36-05:00 Laurel officials see frozen development starting to 'thaw' (02/08/12) exploreHoward.com City officials: As recession fades, interest among developers growing

]]> City officials: As recession fades, interest among developers growing

]]> 2012-02-09T10:34:31-05:00 Maryland County Explores Bikeshare in the ‘Burbs (01/24/12) Transportation Nation Leaders in Howard County, Maryland, and  the unincorporated town of Columbia are trying to figure out whether something that seems to be working quite well in more urban areas can be part of the plan going forward in their neck of the woods — they’re exploring the potential of bike sharing.

]]> Leaders in Howard County, Maryland, and  the unincorporated town of Columbia are trying to figure out whether something that seems to be working quite well in more urban areas can be part of the plan going forward in their neck of the woods — they’re exploring the potential of bike sharing.

]]> 2012-02-08T15:01:21-05:00 Design o’ the times: Empowering minorities to shape urban landscapes (01/31/12) The Grist When people ask me why I write about architecture, design, and cities — why I focus on these topics instead of all of the others — I like to tell the story of a park bench...

]]> When people ask me why I write about architecture, design, and cities — why I focus on these topics instead of all of the others — I like to tell the story of a park bench...

]]> 2012-02-08T10:01:49-05:00 Old Towson Jail rehabilitation project honored by historical trust (02/07/12) exploreBaltimoreCounty.com The rehabilitation of the Old Towson Jail into an office building was honored by the Maryland Historical Trust last week as part of the organization's 2012 Maryland Preservation Awards

]]> The rehabilitation of the Old Towson Jail into an office building was honored by the Maryland Historical Trust last week as part of the organization's 2012 Maryland Preservation Awards

]]> 2012-02-08T09:39:51-05:00 Tax credit to speed Senator Theatre renovations (02/07/12) Baltimore Sun Operators say restoration and expansion of the historic movie house could be finished by Christmas (Sustainable Communities Tax Credit)

]]> Operators say restoration and expansion of the historic movie house could be finished by Christmas (Sustainable Communities Tax Credit)

]]> 2012-02-08T09:34:59-05:00 County might object to SB 236 (02/08/12) Cumberland Times-News CUMBERLAND — Allegany County commissioners could decide Thursday whether to sign off on a letter opposing Senate Bill 236, a key part of Gov. Martin O’Malley’s legislative package.

]]> CUMBERLAND — Allegany County commissioners could decide Thursday whether to sign off on a letter opposing Senate Bill 236, a key part of Gov. Martin O’Malley’s legislative package.

]]> 2012-02-08T09:26:17-05:00 TIF use could grow in Maryland with new legislation (02/07/12) The Daily Record Legislation to expand the use of tax increment financing in certain growth areas of the state is expected to be introduced in the General Assembly next week, according to Jon Laria, chair of the Maryland Sustainable Growth Commission.

]]> Legislation to expand the use of tax increment financing in certain growth areas of the state is expected to be introduced in the General Assembly next week, according to Jon Laria, chair of the Maryland Sustainable Growth Commission.

]]> 2012-02-08T09:20:35-05:00 Anne Arundel cracks down on land use offenses (02/06/12) The Capital People who violate land use rules can now be hit with criminal penalties

]]> People who violate land use rules can now be hit with criminal penalties

]]> 2012-02-07T16:20:11-05:00 Bike Sharing Comes to Maryland (02/07/12) Smart Growth Maryland "Need to get from Federal Hill to Fells Point or Canton — too far to walk, too much traffic, on Pratt Street, expensive parking — soon a new option — bike share. Grab a bike in Federal Hill, drop it off in Canton. And with bike lanes, get there quicker than a car."

MDP's David Whitaker blogs about "bike share"

]]> "Need to get from Federal Hill to Fells Point or Canton — too far to walk, too much traffic, on Pratt Street, expensive parking — soon a new option — bike share. Grab a bike in Federal Hill, drop it off in Canton. And with bike lanes, get there quicker than a car."

MDP's David Whitaker blogs about "bike share"

]]> 2012-02-07T16:13:48-05:00 Senator Theatre Among 6 Landmarks to Receive $7M in Sustainable Communities Tax Credits (02/07/12) CityBizList.com Recipients of the latest round of Sustainable Communities Tax Credits were announced Tuesday by Governor Martin O'Malley's office, which it says will help create 500 construction jobs.

]]> Recipients of the latest round of Sustainable Communities Tax Credits were announced Tuesday by Governor Martin O'Malley's office, which it says will help create 500 construction jobs.

]]> 2012-02-07T16:10:02-05:00 Senator Theatre wins $300,000 state tax credit for restoration (02/07/12) exploreBaltimoreCounty.com Mount Vernon Mill redevelopment in Hampden wins $2.4 million

]]> Mount Vernon Mill redevelopment in Hampden wins $2.4 million

]]> 2012-02-07T16:09:01-05:00 Nominations for the 2012 National Trust/ACHP Award for Federal Partnerships in Historic Preservation (01/26/12) National Trust for Historic Preservation The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and the National Trust for Historic Preservation are seeking nominations for the 2012 National Trust/ACHP Award for Federal Partnerships in Historic Preservation. A category of the Richard H. Driehaus National Preservation Awards, this joint award honors outstanding federal partnerships that advance the preservation of important historic resources. - - The deadline for nominations is March 15, 2012.

]]> The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and the National Trust for Historic Preservation are seeking nominations for the 2012 National Trust/ACHP Award for Federal Partnerships in Historic Preservation. A category of the Richard H. Driehaus National Preservation Awards, this joint award honors outstanding federal partnerships that advance the preservation of important historic resources. - - The deadline for nominations is March 15, 2012.

]]> 2012-01-26T15:30:57-05:00 A planner, a developer and a land-use advocate walk into a … study (01/20/12) Smart Growth Maryland blog The National Center for Smart Growth at the University of Maryland, College Park, issued a report this week that concluded the smart growth framework that Maryland put in place  more than a decade ago has been insufficient and offered suggestions for improvement.

]]> The National Center for Smart Growth at the University of Maryland, College Park, issued a report this week that concluded the smart growth framework that Maryland put in place  more than a decade ago has been insufficient and offered suggestions for improvement.

]]> 2012-01-24T10:42:10-05:00 O’Malley-Brown Administration 2012 Legislative Agenda: Sustainable Growth and Preservation Act of 2012 (01/23/12) This year's legislation will address the pollution and land use impacts of septic systems and follows the recommendations made by the Task Force on Sustainable Growth and Wastewater Disposal, a group that consisted of 28 members from across the State of Maryland representing a wide spectrum of stakeholders.

]]> This year's legislation will address the pollution and land use impacts of septic systems and follows the recommendations made by the Task Force on Sustainable Growth and Wastewater Disposal, a group that consisted of 28 members from across the State of Maryland representing a wide spectrum of stakeholders.

]]> 2012-01-24T10:39:39-05:00 Governor proposes funds for Point Lookout (01/18/12) SoMdNews.com Governor proposes funds for Point Lookout

]]> Governor proposes funds for Point Lookout

]]> 2012-01-19T11:36:06-05:00 Maryland Smart Growth Weakness Frustrates Stakeholders: UMD Study (01/18/12) CityBizList Baltimore Success Thwarted by State-Local Disconnect

]]> Success Thwarted by State-Local Disconnect

]]> 2012-01-19T11:34:31-05:00 Spring Hearing Likely for St. Leonard Plan (01/19/12) the BayNet.com “There has to be some mention of sewer or we’re going to have problems with Plan Maryland,” [Calvert County Commissioner Susan] Shaw predicted.

]]> “There has to be some mention of sewer or we’re going to have problems with Plan Maryland,” [Calvert County Commissioner Susan] Shaw predicted.

]]> 2012-01-19T11:33:00-05:00 PlanMaryland: It’s a Name You’re Going to Be Hearing (01/16/12) The Bay Weekly Here’s what all the fuss is about

]]> Here’s what all the fuss is about

]]> 2012-01-17T16:33:02-05:00 Play GamePlanMaryland (01/11/12) MDP Rank your priorities and vote on your preferred future on GamePlanMaryland

]]> Rank your priorities and vote on your preferred future on GamePlanMaryland

]]> 2012-01-11T11:36:08-05:00 O'Malley defends PlanMaryland (01/11/12) Baltimore Business Journal Gov. Martin O’Malley staunchly defended the state’s controversial PlanMaryland program Wednesday morning in Annapolis, saying a plan to restrict growth in rural areas has been avoided too long

]]> Gov. Martin O’Malley staunchly defended the state’s controversial PlanMaryland program Wednesday morning in Annapolis, saying a plan to restrict growth in rural areas has been avoided too long

]]> 2012-01-11T11:36:22-05:00 Governor O'Malley to receive national award for planning leadership (01/10/12) MDP Press Release Recognition for Chesapeake Bay focus, transit-oriented development, PlanMaryland 

]]> Recognition for Chesapeake Bay focus, transit-oriented development, PlanMaryland 

]]> 2012-01-11T11:35:55-05:00 PlanMaryland: A Model for State-Level Smart Growth Planning (12/22/11) DC Streets Blog by Angie Schmitt

The state of Maryland took a bold step to rein in sprawl this week, when Governor Martin O’Malley signed into law PlanMaryland, the state’s first comprehensive plan for sustainable growth.

]]> by Angie Schmitt

The state of Maryland took a bold step to rein in sprawl this week, when Governor Martin O’Malley signed into law PlanMaryland, the state’s first comprehensive plan for sustainable growth.

]]> 2012-01-05T13:46:22-05:00 PlanMaryland the fiscally responsible way to build a better Maryland (12/21/11) Smart Growth America by Parris N. Glendening

Years from now, I want my grandchildren to enjoy living in Maryland as much as I do. That’s why I support PlanMaryland.

]]> by Parris N. Glendening

Years from now, I want my grandchildren to enjoy living in Maryland as much as I do. That’s why I support PlanMaryland.

]]> 2012-01-03T13:28:44-05:00 Maryland Invests: Part III (12/21/11) Governor O'Malley's Blog By Secretary Richard Hall, Department of Planning

Smart Investments in Smart Growth

]]> By Secretary Richard Hall, Department of Planning

Smart Investments in Smart Growth

]]> 2012-01-03T13:27:49-05:00 Maryland Governor Outmaneuver Foes To Adopt New Master Plan (01/02/12) Planetizen 2012-01-03T13:26:59-05:00 Charles County Joins the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (12/14/11) WashCOG Press Release During its annual membership meeting today, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) will announce Charles County, Maryland as its 22nd and newest member government.

]]> During its annual membership meeting today, the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) will announce Charles County, Maryland as its 22nd and newest member government.

]]> 2012-01-03T13:26:49-05:00 State policy on limiting septic pollutants is based on science, not politics (12/12/11) Baltimore Sun Letter from MDP Secretary Richard Hall and MDE Secretary Robert Summers.

In a recent letter to the editor Richard Rothschild's argument that state officials' policy on septic systems is based on politics rather than science doesn't square with the facts ("Carroll commissioner: MDE is cooking the books on septics," Dec. 4). The Maryland Department of Planning and the Maryland Department of the Environment used the best available scientific data modeling available in our analysis.

]]> Letter from MDP Secretary Richard Hall and MDE Secretary Robert Summers.

In a recent letter to the editor Richard Rothschild's argument that state officials' policy on septic systems is based on politics rather than science doesn't square with the facts ("Carroll commissioner: MDE is cooking the books on septics," Dec. 4). The Maryland Department of Planning and the Maryland Department of the Environment used the best available scientific data modeling available in our analysis.

]]> 2011-12-21T14:42:55-05:00 Simulate the Future. Play GamePlanMaryland (12/19/11) How should we grow from here?

This is our Maryland. Let's ensure we pass it on to the next generation in a smart, green and growing way.  A new "sim" app online!

]]> How should we grow from here?

This is our Maryland. Let's ensure we pass it on to the next generation in a smart, green and growing way.  A new "sim" app online!

]]> 2011-12-21T09:19:32-05:00 O’Malley orders implementation of PlanMaryland as state policy (12/20/11) MarylandReporter.com Comments have been heard, changes have been incorporated, and now PlanMaryland is an official state policy.

]]> Comments have been heard, changes have been incorporated, and now PlanMaryland is an official state policy.

]]> 2011-12-21T09:17:19-05:00 O’Malley Orders Implementation Of PlanMaryland As State Policy (12/20/11) CityBizList Comments have been heard, changes have been incorporated, and now PlanMaryland is an official state policy.

]]> Comments have been heard, changes have been incorporated, and now PlanMaryland is an official state policy.

]]> 2011-12-21T09:16:27-05:00 O'Malley officially launches PlanMaryland (12/20/11) SoMdNews.com ANNAPOLIS — Gov. Martin O'Malley on Monday launched a statewide plan designed to reduce sprawl that could affect how the state funds such projects as road and school construction in local jurisdictions.

]]> ANNAPOLIS — Gov. Martin O'Malley on Monday launched a statewide plan designed to reduce sprawl that could affect how the state funds such projects as road and school construction in local jurisdictions.

]]> 2011-12-21T09:14:48-05:00 Controversial 'PlanMaryland' is official (12/20/11) The Capital Gov. Martin O'Malley officially adopted the controversial "PlanMaryland" Monday as Maryland's guide for curbing sprawl.

]]> Gov. Martin O'Malley officially adopted the controversial "PlanMaryland" Monday as Maryland's guide for curbing sprawl.

]]> 2011-12-21T09:13:53-05:00 O'Malley signs executive order on plan to control, sustain growth as Md. population swells (12/19/11) The Republic ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Gov. Martin O'Malley signed an executive order Monday outlining how to implement the state's first long-range strategy to control growth as the population continues to swell, but opponents say the plan that includes sweeping land use implications should have gone through the General Assembly.

]]> ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Gov. Martin O'Malley signed an executive order Monday outlining how to implement the state's first long-range strategy to control growth as the population continues to swell, but opponents say the plan that includes sweeping land use implications should have gone through the General Assembly.

]]> 2011-12-21T09:13:05-05:00 O’Malley Plans Maryland (12/19/11) Governor's Journal Despite objections by some Republican lawmakers and leaders in rural parts of the state, Governor Martin O’Malley(D) is going forward with implementation of a program called Plan Maryland.

]]> Despite objections by some Republican lawmakers and leaders in rural parts of the state, Governor Martin O’Malley(D) is going forward with implementation of a program called Plan Maryland.

]]> 2011-12-21T09:12:32-05:00 Statewide lands plan garners O’Malley edict (12/19/11) Washington Times ANNAPOLIS — Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley signed an executive order Monday directing state agencies to begin implementing a statewide land-development initiative and suggested counties that refuse to comply with its recommendations could lose state funding.

]]> ANNAPOLIS — Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley signed an executive order Monday directing state agencies to begin implementing a statewide land-development initiative and suggested counties that refuse to comply with its recommendations could lose state funding.

]]> 2011-12-21T09:11:51-05:00 PlanMaryland is official: O'Malley signs executive order on growth plan (12/20/11) Cecil Whig ANNAPOLIS - Gov. Martin O'Malley signed an executive order Monday outlining how to implement the state's first long-range strategy to control growth as the population continues to swell, but opponents say the plan that includes sweeping land use implications should have gone through the General Assembly.

]]> ANNAPOLIS - Gov. Martin O'Malley signed an executive order Monday outlining how to implement the state's first long-range strategy to control growth as the population continues to swell, but opponents say the plan that includes sweeping land use implications should have gone through the General Assembly.

]]> 2011-12-21T09:11:55-05:00 O’Malley signs executive order on PlanMaryland (12/19/11) Daily Record ANNAPOLIS — Gov. Martin O’Malley signed an executive order Monday outlining how to implement the state’s first long-range strategy to control growth as the population continues to swell, but opponents say the plan that includes sweeping land use implications should have gone through the General Assembly.

]]> ANNAPOLIS — Gov. Martin O’Malley signed an executive order Monday outlining how to implement the state’s first long-range strategy to control growth as the population continues to swell, but opponents say the plan that includes sweeping land use implications should have gone through the General Assembly.

]]> 2011-12-21T09:11:58-05:00 Hughes, Glendening turn out for Plan Maryland (12/19/11) Baltimore Sun Former governors join O'Malley to hail new policy framework

]]> Former governors join O'Malley to hail new policy framework

]]> 2011-12-21T09:09:48-05:00 O'Malley growth control program PlanMaryland takes effect (12/19/11) Baltimore Sun Governor formally accepts framework for development decisions

]]> Governor formally accepts framework for development decisions

]]> 2011-12-21T09:09:09-05:00 Maryland governor signs land-use order (12/19/11) Washington Post http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/maryland-governor-signs-land-use-order/2011/12/19/gIQA8UmR5O_story.html

]]> http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/maryland-governor-signs-land-use-order/2011/12/19/gIQA8UmR5O_story.html

]]> 2011-12-21T09:07:57-05:00 City building bike trail to connect Penn Station and Inner Harbor (12/04/11) Baltimore Sun $3.5 million segment of the Jones Falls Trail will start at Lee Street

]]> $3.5 million segment of the Jones Falls Trail will start at Lee Street

]]> 2011-12-06T15:37:36-05:00 Mayor's goal: Bring 10,000 new families to city in a decade (12/05/11) Baltimore Sun Rawlings-Blake plans to discuss growing Baltimore in Tuesday inaugural speech

]]> Rawlings-Blake plans to discuss growing Baltimore in Tuesday inaugural speech

]]> 2011-12-06T15:37:40-05:00 Retail development heats up in Baltimore (12/05/11) Baltimore Sun City's first Harris Teeter supermarket opens Wednesday

]]> City's first Harris Teeter supermarket opens Wednesday

]]> 2011-12-06T15:36:59-05:00 County Council passes tax credit for green residences, among other bills (12/05/11) exploreHoward.com The Howard County Council passed a bill Monday night that creates a temporary property tax credit for residences built to certain environmental standards.

]]> The Howard County Council passed a bill Monday night that creates a temporary property tax credit for residences built to certain environmental standards.

]]> 2011-12-06T15:36:38-05:00 Prince George's planners request study of Show Place Arena (12/05/11) Washington Examiner Park and planning officials have asked the Maryland Stadium Authority to conduct a new study of the Show Place Arena and equestrian center in Upper Marlboro.

]]> Park and planning officials have asked the Maryland Stadium Authority to conduct a new study of the Show Place Arena and equestrian center in Upper Marlboro.

]]> 2011-12-06T15:36:20-05:00 $1M in grants to study key Bay species (12/05/11) Washington Examiner The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said more than $1 million in grants from its Chesapeake Bay office in Annapolis will be used to improve understanding of soft-shell clams, oysters, striped bass and other key bay species.

]]> The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said more than $1 million in grants from its Chesapeake Bay office in Annapolis will be used to improve understanding of soft-shell clams, oysters, striped bass and other key bay species.

]]> 2011-12-06T15:35:51-05:00 The best cities to live car-free in America (11/06/11) MSNBC NYC and San Francisco? Sure, but LA makes the list despite its auto-centric reputation

]]> NYC and San Francisco? Sure, but LA makes the list despite its auto-centric reputation

]]> 2011-12-06T15:35:32-05:00 The Transportation Planning Rule Every City Should Reform (12/05/11) The Atlantic Cities Completing a major transit project is never a quick and easy process, but if any place should be able to move one swiftly through to completion, it's San Francisco. In 1973 the city adopted a "transit first" policy that gave planning priority to modes of transportation other than the automobile.

]]> Completing a major transit project is never a quick and easy process, but if any place should be able to move one swiftly through to completion, it's San Francisco. In 1973 the city adopted a "transit first" policy that gave planning priority to modes of transportation other than the automobile.

]]> 2011-12-06T15:35:10-05:00 Who Should Pay for Aging Water Infrastructure? (12/02/11) The Atlantic Cities Infrastructure is expensive. That's all the more true when the infrastructure in question is a creaky water system in an aging city. David Lepeska explains it this way:

]]> Infrastructure is expensive. That's all the more true when the infrastructure in question is a creaky water system in an aging city. David Lepeska explains it this way:

]]> 2011-12-06T15:34:45-05:00 The Uncomfortable Relationship Between Bikes and Red Lights (12/02/11) The Atlantic Cities It'll come as no surprise to cyclists—not to mention irritated drivers—that bike riders tend to have what we might kindly refer to as selective vision when it comes to stop signs and traffic signals.

]]> It'll come as no surprise to cyclists—not to mention irritated drivers—that bike riders tend to have what we might kindly refer to as selective vision when it comes to stop signs and traffic signals.

]]> 2011-12-06T15:34:16-05:00 The Best Smart Growth Projects in America (12/01/11) The Atlantic Cities One of the country’s very best revitalizing neighborhoods and one of our most articulate city plans for a more sustainable future are among this year’s five national honorees for achievement in smart growth, awarded by the Environmental Protection Agency.

]]> One of the country’s very best revitalizing neighborhoods and one of our most articulate city plans for a more sustainable future are among this year’s five national honorees for achievement in smart growth, awarded by the Environmental Protection Agency.

]]> 2011-12-06T15:33:47-05:00 Carbon Emissions Show Biggest Jump Ever Recorded (12/04/11) New York Times Global emissions of carbon dioxide from fossil-fuel burning jumped by the largest amount on record last year, upending the notion that the brief decline during the recession might persist through the recovery.

]]> Global emissions of carbon dioxide from fossil-fuel burning jumped by the largest amount on record last year, upending the notion that the brief decline during the recession might persist through the recovery.

]]> 2011-12-06T15:33:16-05:00 Green Ribbon award will recognize eco-friendly schools (12/06/11) Washington Post The federal government has long awarded schools with stellar academic achievement a Blue Ribbon. Now there is another way for schools to shine, with a Green Ribbon for environmental achievement.

]]> The federal government has long awarded schools with stellar academic achievement a Blue Ribbon. Now there is another way for schools to shine, with a Green Ribbon for environmental achievement.

]]> 2011-12-06T15:32:57-05:00 Lawmakers begin shale tax debate (12/05/11) Cumberland Times-News ANNAPOLIS — Maryland lawmakers are starting to debate how much “severance tax” should be imposed on the natural gas that might be produced from the Marcellus Shale rock formation in Western Maryland. Though it is not clear when, or even whether,...

]]> ANNAPOLIS — Maryland lawmakers are starting to debate how much “severance tax” should be imposed on the natural gas that might be produced from the Marcellus Shale rock formation in Western Maryland. Though it is not clear when, or even whether,...

]]> 2011-12-06T15:32:34-05:00 $10M software grant will help train WVU geologists (12/05/11) Cumberland Times-News MORGANTOWN, W.VA. ( AP) — A division of Halliburton has donated $ 10.2 million worth of software to West Virginia University’s Department of Geology and Geography to help with its energy research and teaching mission. Vice President for Research Curt...

]]> MORGANTOWN, W.VA. ( AP) — A division of Halliburton has donated $ 10.2 million worth of software to West Virginia University’s Department of Geology and Geography to help with its energy research and teaching mission. Vice President for Research Curt...

]]> 2011-12-06T15:32:14-05:00 HCC has positive energy about house to be designed for green training (12/04/11) Hagerstown Herald-Mail Call it a case of multiple personalities.  In some ways, Hagerstown Community College’s new “energy house” will be the epitome of green living, complete with roof-mounted solar panels, a retractable wind turbine and a geothermal heat pump.

]]> Call it a case of multiple personalities.  In some ways, Hagerstown Community College’s new “energy house” will be the epitome of green living, complete with roof-mounted solar panels, a retractable wind turbine and a geothermal heat pump.

]]> 2011-12-06T15:31:56-05:00 Citizen Shale hosting program this week (12/04/11) Cumberland Times-News Presentation Thursday [12/08] at Garrett College

]]> Presentation Thursday [12/08] at Garrett College

]]> 2011-12-06T15:31:37-05:00 County wants delay for PlanMaryland (12/02/11) Cumberland Times-News Allegany commissioners looking for much longer wait than current Dec. 12 deadline

]]> Allegany commissioners looking for much longer wait than current Dec. 12 deadline

]]> 2011-12-06T15:31:19-05:00 Lobbyist decision could come this week from county (12/06/11) Cumberland Times-News CUMBERLAND — A Western Maryland lobbyist could be named by the end of this week and at least two names are in the mix for the job: Bruce Bereano and William Miles, said Allegany County Commissioner Michael Mckay. “I expect an announcement Thursday,”...

]]> CUMBERLAND — A Western Maryland lobbyist could be named by the end of this week and at least two names are in the mix for the job: Bruce Bereano and William Miles, said Allegany County Commissioner Michael Mckay. “I expect an announcement Thursday,”...

]]> 2011-12-06T15:31:00-05:00 EDITORIAL: Address fiscal problem in a responsible way (12/05/11) Cumberland Times-News With our newly announced place among Maryland's Sustainable Communities, Smart Growth already on the books, and PlanMaryland working its way through the state government, there may be new opportunities to attract private money to in-fill develop ...

]]> With our newly announced place among Maryland's Sustainable Communities, Smart Growth already on the books, and PlanMaryland working its way through the state government, there may be new opportunities to attract private money to in-fill develop ...

]]> 2011-12-06T15:30:43-05:00 Heritage Center in midst of creating site plan (12/06/11) Cumberland Times-News CUMBERLAND — Evergreen Heritage Center is in the midst of an $80,000 project to create a “master site plan” for the property, and more than 300 area college students are getting handson experience by helping. Earlier this fall, students from Frostburg...

]]> CUMBERLAND — Evergreen Heritage Center is in the midst of an $80,000 project to create a “master site plan” for the property, and more than 300 area college students are getting handson experience by helping. Earlier this fall, students from Frostburg...

]]> 2011-12-06T15:30:20-05:00 Wicomico County Council to discuss elected school board (12/05/11) Salisbury Daily Times SALISBURY -- Following the swearing in of their newest member Tuesday evening, the Wicomico County Council is scheduled to elect a new president and vice president.

]]> SALISBURY -- Following the swearing in of their newest member Tuesday evening, the Wicomico County Council is scheduled to elect a new president and vice president.

]]> 2011-12-06T15:30:00-05:00 Homeowner's drainage at issue (12/06/11) Salisbury Daily Times Roads Board weighing who should pay to address flooding problems

]]> Roads Board weighing who should pay to address flooding problems

]]> 2011-12-06T15:29:35-05:00 Treasuring Urban Oases (12/02/11) New York Times Alexander Garvin, natty in bowtie and jacket, watched commuters hustle through the gray, sunken concrete plaza at Citicorp Center on Lexington Avenue. Across 53rd Street, in the fading afternoon light, more New Yorkers ducked into a faceless subway kiosk on the triangular patch of wind-swept sidewalk —

]]> Alexander Garvin, natty in bowtie and jacket, watched commuters hustle through the gray, sunken concrete plaza at Citicorp Center on Lexington Avenue. Across 53rd Street, in the fading afternoon light, more New Yorkers ducked into a faceless subway kiosk on the triangular patch of wind-swept sidewalk —

]]> 2011-12-02T12:47:10-05:00 MDP SECRETARY’S LETTER: PlanMaryland is no war on rural areas (11/29/11) Salisbury Daily Times

In response to Maryland Sen. E.J. Pipkin's commentary, PlanMaryland is hardly a "war on rural Maryland." It is a policy plan to better position state agencies…


Links to articles posted in this feed are the property of the media providers hosting them.  The views expressed in these articles are not necessarily those of MDP or the State of Maryland.
]]>

In response to Maryland Sen. E.J. Pipkin's commentary, PlanMaryland is hardly a "war on rural Maryland." It is a policy plan to better position state agencies…


Links to articles posted in this feed are the property of the media providers hosting them.  The views expressed in these articles are not necessarily those of MDP or the State of Maryland.
]]> 2011-12-02T11:57:52-05:00 SENATOR E.J. PIPKIN’S LETTER: War on rural Maryland is real (12/02/11) The Gazette

Despite protests to the contrary from the O’Malley administration, it has been clear for the past few years that the administration’s programs, policies and proposed legislation constitute an assault on rural economies and property rights.


Links to articles posted in this feed are the property of the media providers hosting them.  The views expressed in these articles are not necessarily those of MDP or the State of Maryland.
]]>

Despite protests to the contrary from the O’Malley administration, it has been clear for the past few years that the administration’s programs, policies and proposed legislation constitute an assault on rural economies and property rights.


Links to articles posted in this feed are the property of the media providers hosting them.  The views expressed in these articles are not necessarily those of MDP or the State of Maryland.
]]> 2011-12-02T11:57:34-05:00 Audit sought on $1M in MDE contracts (12/02/11) Associated Press

BALTIMORE -- Questionable septic system upgrade contracts totaling $1 million have been referred to the attorney general's criminal division, according to an audit of the Maryland Department of the Environment released Thursday.


Links to articles posted in this feed are the property of the media providers hosting them.  The views expressed in these articles are not necessarily those of MDP or the State of Maryland.
]]>

BALTIMORE -- Questionable septic system upgrade contracts totaling $1 million have been referred to the attorney general's criminal division, according to an audit of the Maryland Department of the Environment released Thursday.


Links to articles posted in this feed are the property of the media providers hosting them.  The views expressed in these articles are not necessarily those of MDP or the State of Maryland.
]]> 2011-12-02T12:14:03-05:00 Harsh audit of Department of Environment finds questionable septic grants, lack of inspections (12/02/11) MarylandReporter.com

Auditors found serious problems at the Maryland Department of the Environment, including questionable grants paid out of the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund, failure to do required safety screenings and construction site inspections and undisclosed computer system issues.


Links to articles posted in this feed are the property of the media providers hosting them.  The views expressed in these articles are not necessarily those of MDP or the State of Maryland.
]]>

Auditors found serious problems at the Maryland Department of the Environment, including questionable grants paid out of the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund, failure to do required safety screenings and construction site inspections and undisclosed computer system issues.


Links to articles posted in this feed are the property of the media providers hosting them.  The views expressed in these articles are not necessarily those of MDP or the State of Maryland.
]]> 2011-12-02T11:56:37-05:00 Audit finds shortcomings at Maryland Department of the Environment (12/01/11) Baltimore Sun

Lack of regulation of construction sites, mishandling of funds cited


Links to articles posted in this feed are the property of the media providers hosting them.  The views expressed in these articles are not necessarily those of MDP or the State of Maryland.
]]>

Lack of regulation of construction sites, mishandling of funds cited


Links to articles posted in this feed are the property of the media providers hosting them.  The views expressed in these articles are not necessarily those of MDP or the State of Maryland.
]]> 2011-12-02T11:56:13-05:00 Get ready for next round of rural-urban conflict (12/02/11) The Gazette

Health of Bay, sprawl test limits of local power


Links to articles posted in this feed are the property of the media providers hosting them.  The views expressed in these articles are not necessarily those of MDP or the State of Maryland.
]]>

Health of Bay, sprawl test limits of local power


Links to articles posted in this feed are the property of the media providers hosting them.  The views expressed in these articles are not necessarily those of MDP or the State of Maryland.
]]> 2011-12-02T11:29:50-05:00 EDITORIAL: The ICC conundrum (12/01/11) The Daily Record

The long-debated, long-awaited, long-constructed Intercounty Connector opened in its 18.8-mile entirety just in time for the annual Thanksgiving traffic scrum.


Links to articles posted in this feed are the property of the media providers hosting them.  The views expressed in these articles are not necessarily those of MDP or the State of Maryland.
]]>

The long-debated, long-awaited, long-constructed Intercounty Connector opened in its 18.8-mile entirety just in time for the annual Thanksgiving traffic scrum.


Links to articles posted in this feed are the property of the media providers hosting them.  The views expressed in these articles are not necessarily those of MDP or the State of Maryland.
]]> 2011-12-02T11:29:17-05:00 COLUMN: For politicians, no dodging transportation needs (12/02/11) The Gazette

Route 200, the formal name for the Intercounty Connector, is fully open (though a one-mile extension to U.S. 1 remains unbuilt).


Links to articles posted in this feed are the property of the media providers hosting them.  The views expressed in these articles are not necessarily those of MDP or the State of Maryland.
]]>

Route 200, the formal name for the Intercounty Connector, is fully open (though a one-mile extension to U.S. 1 remains unbuilt).


Links to articles posted in this feed are the property of the media providers hosting them.  The views expressed in these articles are not necessarily those of MDP or the State of Maryland.
]]> 2011-12-02T11:28:57-05:00 Havre de Grace main street is finalist for national award (12/02/11) WMAR-TV Baltimore

HAVRE DE GRACE, Md. - It's always tough to run a small business, but when Sherifa Clarke an her husband first started kayaking the river and the bay near Havre de Grace eight years ago they knew that this was the place they wanted to be.


Links to articles posted in this feed are the property of the media providers hosting them.  The views expressed in these articles are not necessarily those of MDP or the State of Maryland.
]]>

HAVRE DE GRACE, Md. - It's always tough to run a small business, but when Sherifa Clarke an her husband first started kayaking the river and the bay near Havre de Grace eight years ago they knew that this was the place they wanted to be.


Links to articles posted in this feed are the property of the media providers hosting them.  The views expressed in these articles are not necessarily those of MDP or the State of Maryland.
]]> 2011-12-02T11:28:36-05:00 Harford 2012 master plan headed to county council (12/01/11) exploreHarford.com (The Aegis)

Despite the significant impact it will have on future development activities, interest in Harford County's Master Plan process remains scant, as the draft 2012 plan prepares to go before the county council in early January.


Links to articles posted in this feed are the property of the media providers hosting them.  The views expressed in these articles are not necessarily those of MDP or the State of Maryland.
]]>

Despite the significant impact it will have on future development activities, interest in Harford County's Master Plan process remains scant, as the draft 2012 plan prepares to go before the county council in early January.


Links to articles posted in this feed are the property of the media providers hosting them.  The views expressed in these articles are not necessarily those of MDP or the State of Maryland.
]]> 2011-12-02T11:28:17-05:00 Baltimore Development Corp. issues RFP for Parkway Theatre (12/02/11) The Daily Record

The Baltimore Development Corp. has issued a request for proposals for three midtown properties that include the vacant Parkway Theatre. Proposals are being sought from qualified developers who wish to redevelop the properties…


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The Baltimore Development Corp. has issued a request for proposals for three midtown properties that include the vacant Parkway Theatre. Proposals are being sought from qualified developers who wish to redevelop the properties…


Links to articles posted in this feed are the property of the media providers hosting them.  The views expressed in these articles are not necessarily those of MDP or the State of Maryland.
]]> 2011-12-02T11:27:52-05:00 Baltimore's arena project could begin before convention center expansion (12/01/11) Baltimore Business Journal

Construction of a new 18,500-seat arena and 500-room hotel in downtown Baltimore could get under way before work to expand the Baltimore Convention Center begins.


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Construction of a new 18,500-seat arena and 500-room hotel in downtown Baltimore could get under way before work to expand the Baltimore Convention Center begins.


Links to articles posted in this feed are the property of the media providers hosting them.  The views expressed in these articles are not necessarily those of MDP or the State of Maryland.
]]> 2011-12-02T11:27:30-05:00 County will pay $5,000 for lobbyist (12/01/11) Cumberland Times-News

CUMBERLAND — Allegany County is all in, with several other Western Maryland counties, after county commissioners voted Thursday to spend $5,000 to help hire a lobbyist to represent the region during the upcoming 2012 General Assembly session.


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CUMBERLAND — Allegany County is all in, with several other Western Maryland counties, after county commissioners voted Thursday to spend $5,000 to help hire a lobbyist to represent the region during the upcoming 2012 General Assembly session.


Links to articles posted in this feed are the property of the media providers hosting them.  The views expressed in these articles are not necessarily those of MDP or the State of Maryland.
]]> 2011-12-02T11:26:59-05:00 Company proposes a travel center for I-68 (12/01/11) Cumberland Times-News

Officials look at site plan that breaks a city ordinance


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Officials look at site plan that breaks a city ordinance


Links to articles posted in this feed are the property of the media providers hosting them.  The views expressed in these articles are not necessarily those of MDP or the State of Maryland.
]]> 2011-12-02T11:26:34-05:00 Md. senators write FERC about natural gas proposal (12/01/11) Associated Press

MYERSVILLE — Maryland’s two U.S. senators are asking federal regulators to pay close attention to residents’ concerns about a proposed natural-gas compressor station near Myersville.


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MYERSVILLE — Maryland’s two U.S. senators are asking federal regulators to pay close attention to residents’ concerns about a proposed natural-gas compressor station near Myersville.


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]]> 2011-12-02T11:26:15-05:00 WICOMICO: WET to honor Del. Conway (12/01/11) Salisbury Daily Times

SALISBURY — The Wicomico Environmental Trust is expected to give the John Groutt Award for Environmental Stewardship to Del. Norm Conway at a dinner on Jan. 20.


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SALISBURY — The Wicomico Environmental Trust is expected to give the John Groutt Award for Environmental Stewardship to Del. Norm Conway at a dinner on Jan. 20.


Links to articles posted in this feed are the property of the media providers hosting them.  The views expressed in these articles are not necessarily those of MDP or the State of Maryland.
]]> 2011-12-02T11:25:48-05:00 "Set me right and use me well, and I to you the time will tell"*: Timekeeping in the 18th Century (12/01/11) JPPM Curator's Choice

For thousands of years humans have recognized the passage of time, whether through the cycle of night and day or by the passing of the seasons. Our current method of timekeeping, which uses a 60-second minute, a 60-minute hour and a day divided into two 12 hour periods, originated over 4,000 years ago in Mesopotamia and Egypt (Barnett 1998: 102).


Links to articles posted in this feed are the property of the media providers hosting them.  The views expressed in these articles are not necessarily those of MDP or the State of Maryland.
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For thousands of years humans have recognized the passage of time, whether through the cycle of night and day or by the passing of the seasons. Our current method of timekeeping, which uses a 60-second minute, a 60-minute hour and a day divided into two 12 hour periods, originated over 4,000 years ago in Mesopotamia and Egypt (Barnett 1998: 102).


Links to articles posted in this feed are the property of the media providers hosting them.  The views expressed in these articles are not necessarily those of MDP or the State of Maryland.
]]> 2011-12-01T13:42:40-05:00