Bills championed by Council Chair, Vice Chair focus on smart growth
Three bills focused on development in Prince George’s County are among legislation on the agenda for the Planning, Housing & Economic Development Committee hearing on Monday, October 16TH at 10 a.m.
CB-52-2023 would limit townhouse construction in the County to specific areas starting in July 2023 through July 2025, unless repealed by an act of the Council. The bill is sponsored by Vice Chair Wala Blegay.
Townhome construction is booming throughout the County which is contributing to some of the worst congestion in the U.S. and overcrowded schools.
Current construction is not in line with the County’s development plan, Plan Prince George’s 2035. For decades, County leaders and planners have promised forward looking development focused toward Metro stations and inner Beltway revitalization, but that isn’t happening.
In response, CR-083-2023, sponsored by Chair Tom Dernoga, will control sprawl and refocus new development to priority areas. It will target 75% of new development to regional and local transit centers; provide a 6-year window to address deficiencies in school, road, fire and police facilities; and create an annual review process to target public facility deficiencies.
“It’s time for development to work for us,” said Chair Dernoga. “The County definitely needs denser development, but it should follow our designated County plans to be built where we have invested in infrastructure.”
Finally, CB-081-2023, sponsored by Vice Chair Blegay, would establish a task force to guide land use and development recommendations outlined in Plan Prince George’s 2035.
“The County planning goals have not been met, and this new task force will help address the lapses before they become a more significant problem,” said Vice Chair Blegay. “The task force will ensure that we meet our predetermined development goals, especially near designated regional transit areas.”