Housing Bill Could Restrict Local Decisions

Addressing the housing crisis in the state of Maryland has resulted in several bills in the legislature this session. Cumberland’s lobbyist in Annapolis, Rich Reinhardt of Percy Public Affairs, brought the mayor and council up to speed on housing bills, particularly HB239 that Reinhardt says is of special interest to Governor Moore.  He told the council the bill promotes housing, but cautions that it limits the say of local jurisdictions in housing development…

“This bill would essentially prohibit local jurisdictions from mandating certain specific designs on what they would like to see in terms of new housing. There also would be limitations and prohibitions on local governance on banning townhouses in areas known for single-family residence use.”