Anti-Sprawl Law Revised To Encourage Sprawl

The original homebuying assistance program offers qualified buyers a grant worth up to 3% of their mortgage. The new version offers the same grant amount, but has changed the location requirements which have led many smart growth advocates to oppose the program.

"Unlike the original Live Near Your Work program launched in 1997 under Gov. Parris N. Glendening, the new initiative does not limit assistance to home purchases in neighborhoods in need of revitalization. Anyone can get a closing-cost grant for an existing home if it is within 25 miles of the buyer's workplace - which some see as an awfully long commute that belies the program's name."