On the same day that the County Council introduced a resolution urging Congress to slash the defense budget — a major source of Washington-area employment — the lawmakers also held a public hearing on a bill intended to create jobs in the county. Introduced a few weeks ago by Councilman Hans Riemer, D-at large, the bill would delay taxes charged to developers of new construction projects until after they have completed the projects.
“This is going to spur more and better projects, and that’s going to create more and better jobs,” Riemer told The Washington Examiner.
Riemer’s legislation is among several that are trying to spur growth as the economy sputters.
And some of the county’s elected officials say the resolution introduced this week stands in opposition to efforts the county is making to expand the county’s economy.
“It was coming at a time when we are trying to enhance some of our military- and defense-related employers,” said County Executive Ike Leggett. “It does send a very chilling message to defense-related employees.”
The council is scheduled to vote Tuesday on a second effort to bring more development at a time when growth is slow.
If passed, the zoning legislation would make it easier for developers to build properties that mix residential and commercial establishments, creating more urban areas.
The council also is considering legislation that would allow small tweaks to the county’s master plans, which would make it easier for the county to bring developments that weren’t planned decades ago.
“Every opinion poll and every scrap of common sense tells us that jobs is the number one priority for public officials right now,” said Maryland Del. Bill Frick, D-Bethesda. – Rachel Baye
