Few Anne Arundel County Council members support the higher fees developers would need to pay for infrastructure that accompanies the new houses they want to build in the county.
“I think impact fees do need to go up. However, I think the proposal goes too far, too quickly,” said Councilman Ronald Dillon Jr., R-District 3.
County Executive John R. Leopold introduced changes Thursday to impact fees ? charges levied on new construction for new roads, schools and public safety workers ? that would make it more expensive to build new houses, offices and hotels in the county.
In some cases, developers would pay four times more.
The current fees only cover a small percentage of the cost to build roads and schools for new developments. “By shifting the cost where it belongs, the average taxpayer will no longer bear the costs of the impact of new development,” Leopold said.
But several council members said the higher fees could hinder development.
“I think the county executive is shooting for the stars,” said Councilman Jamie Benoit, D-District 4.
“He must have known that number will be reduced. The question is, to what number?”
The increased fees also affect commercial development. Dillon said significantly higher fees may deter potential commercial growth from the Base Realignment and Closure expansion at Fort Meade.
Others have yet to voice their opinion on the proposal but agree that new fees must happen soon.
“Whenever a new home is built there is a financial impact on county services. That cost is paid by someone,” said Councilman Josh Cohen, D-District 6. “I believe that new construction needs to pay its own way.”
The council is expected to question James Nicholaus, the consultant whose data was used by the county to arrive at the proposed figures.
“We need the opportunity to ask the consultant his reasoning that a new five-bedroom house would pay close to $40,000,” said Council Chairwoman Cathy Vitale, R-District 5.
Upcoming meetings
» What: Planning Advisory Board to discuss proposed impact fee increases
» When: 6 p.m. Jan. 14
» Where: Office of Planning and Zoning, 2664 Riva Road, Annapolis
» What: County Council work session on the proposal
» When: 9 a.m. Jan. 15
» Where: Arundel Center, 44 Calvert St., Annapolis
