Secretary Hall, Commissioner Howard Weigh in on Success of PlanMaryland Forum

Carroll County Board of Commissioner President Doug Howard said the Oct. 31 PlanMaryland Forum at the Pikesville Hilton was a success, while Maryland Department of Planning Secretary Richard Hall called it a missed opportunity.

"I think it turned out to be a meaningful discussion," Howard said.  "I think it certainly begs the question or at least substantiates our request for more time. There's a lot that still needs to be discussed, but we're certainly pleased with the outcome."

Hall spoke briefly at the end of the event, explaining that the purpose of PlanMaryland is to address smart growth and land use in the state.

"How well are state and local programs working to accomplish our goals for a vibrant downtown Westminster, for rural land preservation, for current and future infrastructure? Water supply? I think the forum was a missed opportunity to discuss these important issues that are most relevant to the County's future growth," Hall said, assessing the forum in an e-mail to Patch.

Hall said the speakers at the forum spent too much time discussing climate change and not enough time addressing the real issues in the plan.

"A significant amount of time was spent on trying to debunk climate change, even though the Plan only touches on that issue," Hall said. "The scientific community has overwhelmingly upheld the reality and importance of this issue generally and in Maryland."

"It's ironic that this five hour long event spent so much time on global warming issues and little to no time on the key information in the Plan: state, regional, and local land use trends and projections, and their corresponding implications," Hall said. 

According to a Carroll County government news release, 19 counties were represented at the forum. In addition, there were representatives from the Maryland state department of planning and the governor's office.

The event, which lasted six hours, drew criticism from Carroll County residents because it was held outside of Carroll County and citizens were charged $25 to attend.

Video of the event is now available on the Carroll County government's website here.