The Maryland Board of Public Works yesterday rejected a wetlands permit for a development of 1,350 homes on an island just east of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, a project Gov. Martin O'Malley said would be so damaging to the bay it would not be in the state's best interest.Explaining his vote after eight hours of testimony from opponents and the developer of Four Seasons at Kent Island, O'Malley (D) noted that K. Hovnanian had followed the rules and acquired every other necessary permit from local and state government.
"They have jumped through every hoop," said the governor, who serves on the public works board. "But this is not a canine hurdle exercise. Given the lack of assurance that this will not do further damage to wetlands in critical areas . . . I'm voting no."
The 2 to 1 vote -- with Comptroller Peter Franchot (D) joining O'Malley and Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp (D) voting yes -- was hailed by environmental advocates as a sign of the new governor's commitment to environmentally friendly land-use policies as cleanup of the Chesapeake Bay has become a litmus test for Maryland politicians.
Read More
