The new Queen Anne's Board of County Commissioners may staunchly support slow growth, but it also proved last night that it is willing to compromise on how to make that a reality. 

The five members voted unanimously to repeal controversial zoning laws even as they tabled proposed caps on sewer and building permits in favor of a more comprehensive approach to controlling growth. 

Commissioners Benjamin Cassell, R-Romancoke, and Gene Ransom, D-Grasonville, said they struggled over their decision to repeal the laws known as Title 18, passed by the former board on Election Day. 

Mr. Ransom said Title 18 was a "flawed document," yet didn't want to get rid of it because that would hurt developers whose projects have already been approved and included in the Title 18's many rezoning changes. 

"I wanted to find a reasonable middle ground, but realized that was not possible," he said. 

Mr. Cassell said he was torn between his campaign promise to slow growth -- which was the key to the current board's victory over the incumbents -- and his belief that zoning laws do not prevent or allow growth. He said that while zoning laws determine what kinds of projects may be built, the final approval still rests in the hands of the county commissioners. 

The commissioners' decisions were based in part on recommendations the Planning Commission made on Thursday. 

The panel had agreed with residents who said Title 18 allows too much development in some areas and doesn't do enough to protect the environment. 

The zoning laws create new commercial districts, increase density in some areas, reduce the required buffer around developments and allow longer piers. The laws were scheduled to go into effect on Dec. 21. 

The planning commission had also recommended the county commissioners table resolutions that set caps on sewer and building permits. The commission wanted county planners to continue their work on several currently proposed growth tools, such as an adequate public facilities ordinance, that are designed to work together as a more comprehensive way to control growth. 

It would require developers to pay for necessary improvements to infrastucture such as sewer, schools and roads. 

In a show of good faith, the county commissioners decided to take both recommendations. 

"Given the leadership of the Planning Commission and their willingness to work with us, I'd like to table the issue and forward it back to the Planning Commission," Mr. Ransom said. 

The Department of Planning and Zoning and Planning Commission have 120 days to revise Title 18. 

Stan Ruddie, president of the Kent Island anti-Walmart group Up Against the Wal, said he thinks the commissioners are off to a good start. 

"They're doing the right thing," he said. "Repealing Title 18 is the most expedient way of handling the issue." 

Doug Shreve, executive director of a Business Queen Anne's, a private business advocacy group, said he concurs that the county needs to work on the tools it already has. 

"You have a number of growth tools available to deal with what some perceive to be runaway growth," he said. "You simply need to buy a little time to put an edge on these tools."

mmohsberg@capitalgazette.com 

Published December 18, 2002, The Capital, Annapolis, Md.
Copyright © 2002 The Capital, Annapolis, Md.