Locals Praise PlanMaryland Clarifications
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Frederick County officials are praising clarifications to PlanMaryland, a statewide development plan criticized by many local officials from rural parts of the state.
Gov. Martin O'Malley signed the measure on Tuesday.
Supporters say the bill clarifies that the plan may not be used to establish a new cause for state denial of projects, permits or approvals or deny mandating funding.
Supporters also are cheering a provision that seeks to resolve potential conflicts between local governments and the Maryland Department of Planning relating to identification of growth, preservation or other planning areas by requiring the two sides to meet in a dispute.
Blaine Young, president of the Frederick Board of County Commissioners, is describing the measures as a guarantee to local land use autonomy.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)