Advocacy Alert

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December 19, 2008

The Chamber’s Legislative Committee is concerned about and is following closely the efforts of some citizens who wish to put a number of land use issue to a referendum vote. Their first effort is focused on CB-58, an act designed to increase the square footage for a neighborhood grocery store planned in the Turf Valley area. The original zoning permitted an 18,000 square foot food store -- about 1/3 the size of typical food stores in Howard County; the change would allow for an upscale grocery store meeting today’s standards. CB-58 does not change the overall square footage of the center.

CB-58 does not change the overall square footage of the center. The bill was unanimously approved by the County Council on November 3, 2008.  During this legislative process, the legislation was supported by many residents of the community in testimony. The Council released the following letter to the community explaining the progression of the bill: click here to download letter

The Chamber is concerned that this effort will delay a project that appropriately and unanimously went through the planning and zoning and County Council process.  Such postponement can irrevocably harm projects and sends a negative message to those seeking to do business here in our community. 

The Chamber strongly supports a consistent policy of clear and predictable governmental oversight of business and commerce in Howard County.  Having a government that facilitates business growth is critical to promote investment by new companies and to convince existing businesses to grow and expand in Howard County.

The Chamber has maintained its position that while citizen input is essential to the success of local government, the Howard County Charter requirement for 5,000 signatures to petition the legitimate action of elected bodies to referendum is low and antiquated.   The Chamber advocates that the requirement should reflect a reasonable percentage of the registered voters in Howard County, rather than a fixed number.

Patuxent Publishing first reported on this issue in its local papers: http://www.explorehoward.com/news/13615/store-opponents-want-referendum/. 

Subsequently an article appeared in the Baltimore Examiner: at http://www.baltimoreexaminer.com/local/1211emspetitioin.html

Some basic information on the referendum process and other neighboring jurisdictions can be found by clicking here.

Specifics about this project can be found at: www.TurfValleyTownSquare.com.

The Chamber urges its members to carefully consider all available facts prior to signing any petition and asks that you help in getting the word out so others are aware of the effect this effort has on the business climate in Howard County.