A law intended to clarify non-discriminatory requirements for lenders -- and upping violation fines dramatically -- could actually scare banks away from doing any business in Montgomery County, Maryland.
"National mortgage lenders are pulling out of Montgomery County, one of the most expensive places in the state to buy a home, because the companies don't want to operate under a new local fair-housing law that industry leaders are calling 'a tort lawyer's dream.'"
"The law, which goes into effect March 8, adds examples to the definition of discriminatory lending and raises maximum damages a hundredfold - to $500,000 from $5,000.
Supporters of the ordinance say those who extend credit fairly, regardless of race, gender or similar characteristics, don't have anything to worry about. But Tom Shaner, executive director of the state brokers association, said he knows of five companies that have decided to stop lending in the county because they believe the law is so 'vague' that they can't be sure what it would take to comply. More are considering whether to follow suit, he said."
FULL STORY: Fair-housing law decried

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

San Francisco Suspends Traffic Calming Amidst Record Deaths
Citing “a challenging fiscal landscape,” the city will cease the program on the heels of 42 traffic deaths, including 24 pedestrians.

Defunct Pittsburgh Power Plant to Become Residential Tower
A decommissioned steam heat plant will be redeveloped into almost 100 affordable housing units.

Trump Prompts Restructuring of Transportation Research Board in “Unprecedented Overreach”
The TRB has eliminated more than half of its committees including those focused on climate, equity, and cities.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train
The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.
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