June 6, 2017, a day to celebrate!
less sprawl,
less traffic growth,
strong schools,
stable tax rates,
higher home values,
purer air,
cleaner rivers & streams,
cleaner rivers & streams,
assured water supply,
cherished rural character,
healthier Mattawoman Creek!
When a majority of Charles County commissioners--Peter Murphy, Amanda Stewart, and Ken Robinson--adopted the WCD, they reflected the public sentiment for less sprawl and more conservation that led to the 2016 comprehensive land-use plan. This means the Mattawoman Creek watershed and headwaters of the Port Tobacco River will be spared 17,000 new housing units as computed by pro-growth real-estate lobby. And that's without "bonus densities," which could greatly increase that number.
But there is still work to do!
Unfortunately, hundreds of acres around the Maryland airport are still being considered for industrial development, even though the environment there is exceptionally sensitive, and taxpayers would be asked to spend millions for new sewer. It makes no sense, since market studies find the area to be uncompetitive with the surrounding region, which already has infrastructure.
Further, there is a large
“pipeline” of previously approved projects. And previous zoning for new commercial development
is exempted from the WCD, even though some is right in the in Mattawoman Stream Valley. Future projects need close monitoring.
-New Comprehensive Plan brightens prognosis for Mattawoman's future health. The Watershed Conservation District is key. Learn more here.
NewsClick each title for more information
|
