Encounters With a Land Use Loophole

Environmentalists and residents of Anne Arundel County, MD are worried by the recent development of old waterfront properties that predate current and tougher development regulations.

1 minute read

November 23, 2003, 5:00 AM PST

By Connie Chung


A proposed development on an old site that predates current waterfront development regulations in Anne Arundel County "reveals steep slopes, erodible soil and sensitive wildlife habitat...." Environmentalists say that the project "signals a worrisome trend in land use, one that state and local authorities may be unable to stop. The intense desire for waterfront property, as well as holes in state and local laws that otherwise restrict development within 1,000 feet of the water, have led builders to pounce on even difficult-to-develop sites, say state officials." Environmentalists and current residents alike are taking a stand against the development despite the fact that legally, nothing can be done. Furthermore, others have lauded the developer's efforts to make the residential development as environmentally-sensitive as possible.

Thanks to Connie Chung

Tuesday, November 18, 2003 in The Baltimore Sun

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

July 2, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Aerial view of town of Wailuku in Maui, Hawaii with mountains in background against cloudy sunset sky.

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.

July 1, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

White and purple sign for Slow Street in San Francisco, California with people crossing crosswalk.

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.

July 1, 2025 - KQED

Blue and silver Amtrak train at small station.

Amtrak Rolls Out New Orleans to Alabama “Mardi Gras” Train

The new service will operate morning and evening departures between Mobile and New Orleans.

July 3 - New Orleans City Business

Large spinning swing ride at Chicago's Navy Pier.

The Subversive Car-Free Guide to Trump's Great American Road Trip

Car-free ways to access Chicagoland’s best tourist attractions.

July 3 - Streetsblog Chicago

Aerial view of downtown San Antonio, Texas at night with rotating Tower of the Americas in foreground.

San Antonio and Austin are Fusing Into one Massive Megaregion

The region spanning the two central Texas cities is growing fast, posing challenges for local infrastructure and water supplies.

July 3 - Governing