Md. Renews Fight Vs. Rural Allegany Homes Project

CUMBERLAND, Md. (AP) -- The Maryland Department of Planning is renewing its objection to a proposed housing development in rural Allegany County that led to a landmark state Court of Appeals ruling in 2008.

The agency filed written comments Tuesday on the Terrapin Run project planned by Columbia-based developer Michael Carnock. The county planning commission was to consider the comments during a hearing Wednesday night on the county's draft comprehensive plan.

The project near the Green Ridge State Forest would consist of 920 homes. That's smaller than the 4,300 units proposed in 2005.

But the state says the property still lacks public water and sewer, and that the availability of ground water is a concern.

The 2008 court decision clarified that changes in land use must be consistent with a local jurisdiction's comprehensive plan.

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