Bill to Establish Floating Zones Generates Controversy Before Going to Council
Bill has been a source of controversy over loose criteria for developers.
A bill that would establish floating zoning regulations to develop tracts of land in heavily developed eastern Howard County has drawn the ire of local community activists and small business advocates who say the floating zones will give developers the ability to construct buildings with few ways for the community to oppose them. The bill, which comes before the Council on Monday night, has led to a protracted debate in an online community forum that includes the zoning director, Marsha McLaughlin, defending the bill against a barrage of questions from community members. As currently written, the bill allows developers to petition for a floating zone which would only be approved on land over two acres that has water and sewer service, …
