A fund to help pay for stormwater management is being criticized by the Anne Arundel County Council for not doing enough to address environmental issues.
The Stormwater Management And Restoration Trust Fund was developed by County Executive John R. Leopold last month, and would charge developers for adding impervious surface on properties. The money would be used to rehabilitate streams and stormwater ponds.
But the fund lacks specific application and doesn?t address current runoff issues, council members say.
The fund, which needs council approval, applies only to property where impervious surfaces, such as driveways and rooftops, would be added.
“Why pin an old sin on new development?” said Council Chairman Ronald Dillon Jr., R-District 3, who wanted to see a fee placed on current development.
Councilwoman Cathy Vitale, R-District 5, said a tax abatement ? not a fee ? would encourage smarter development.
Betty Dixon, the county?s inspection and permits director, said new development is easier to charge and called the bill a “good first step.”
Councilman Edward Middlebrooks, R-District 2, said voters will likely disapprove of another fee, which could come as a “double tax” if the General Assembly approves the green fund, a state-issued fee on impervious surfaces.
“I giggle because we talk about needing more affordable housing and here we are adding on more fees,” Middlebrooks said.
The Home Builders Association of Maryland opposes the billbecause it doesn?t address current development. Susan Stroud, director of government affairs, said the association supports a version of the green fund that charges only current development.
County officials said the fund would target projects in priority areas, mostly in the northern part of the county. That did not bode well with one councilman.
“You?re going to send my constituents? money to projects outside of my jurisdiction,” said Councilman Ed Reilly, R-District 7, which includes the southern part of the county that has few high-priority areas.
AT A GLANCE
The SMART Fund:
» Applies a 25-cent fee per square foot on grading permits, and a 15-cent fee per square foot on building permits where impervious surfaces are added
» Would generate $5 million annually
» Replaces a fund that only generates $300,000
IF YOU GO
What: Public hearing on the fund
When: 7 p.m. Monday
Where: 44 Calvert St., Annapolis
