From Friends of Harford:
Friends of Harford thought you might want to know…
Legislative Bill 14-33 Community Input Meetings, was introduced on September 9 in county council session. Public testimony is scheduled for
Date/Time: Tuesday, October 14, 2014 at 6:30 pm
Location: Council Chambers, 212 S. Bond St, Bel Air
The stated purpose of the bill is “to require payment of the Community Input Meeting by the developer and to invite the Department of Planning and Zoning to the meetings: to restrict scheduling of Community Input Meeting within 5 calendar days of a federal holiday; to expand submission requirements by the developer after the meeting.”
Friends of Harford believes that Bill 14-33 does not strengthen citizens’ rights nor County Council authority, but merely makes sure what was said is recorded and reported, a positive step. Inviting a Planning and Zoning representative to the meeting to answer development process questions from the citizens attending is a positive step, too. However, if the development project fits within the zoning definition for that site, it will likely go forward. It is the Zoning Code that needs fixing, not just the Subdivision Regulations.
Bills become county-wide laws when passed by the County Council. Bills are introduced in one session, a time for future public testimony is scheduled (usually 2 – 3 weeks after the bill is published), and then the bill is voted on. Public testimony is your chance to be heard (3-minute time limit). You may also send comments to the council by that date.
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