County Council Discusses Workforce Housing and Rezoning

An ambitious bill that would use taxpayer dollars to incentivize developers to construct more housing in the county fell under scrutiny of a county official Monday night.

The legislation, introduced by Councilman Daryl Jones (D-1st District), would open the door to developers interested in building more workforce housing. This comes during a time when, depending on who you listen to, the county still has a surplus of housing available.

Alan Friedman, director of government relations for Anne Arundel County, said this was the wrong time to be incentivizing new developments. He said the county should instead be helping new home buyers buy homes.

Jones’ legislation, however, claims that there is a lack of available homes on the market, and now is the time to begin expansion.

Friedman unveiled a 20-minute presentation to the council on the matter that began shortly after midnight. But Chairman Dick Ladd (R-5th District) said they would continue the discussion of the legislation at the next council meeting, scheduled for Aug. 15.

Rezoning for Districts 6 and 7

On Monday, the final 15 additions to the county’s 10-year comprehensive rezoning process were added to the table for Districts 6 and 7. The deadline for the new proposals was Aug. 1.

A final vote for the full package of 46 amendments will be taken at the council’s next meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m. Aug. 15.

For more rezoning information, visit the county’s website.

pertaining to crematories locating in the county was also covered by the council last night.