The City of HdG recently signed Ordinance 1217 for Silver Housing Communities.  This ordinance will facilitate the development of age- restricted housing (Lot Type S (Silver)) that meets the needs of senior residents while remaining compatible with the City's historic scale.  The Chamber fully supports this legislation as it will provide needed housing for a growing segment of the city's residents.

However, the Chamber does not support the Maryland proposed legislation SB-36/HB239 as detrimental to the city of Havre de Grace. This bill would restrict the city’s control of zoning, design and planning for future homes.

This bill restricts the City’s ability to ensure development is consistent, to protect our historical atmosphere, and address infrastructure and environmental needs. The proposed legislation conflicts with existing city charter requirements impacting our ability to have the desired consistency.  F

urther, the City has planning and zoning processes to address critical facets such as traffic, parking, water /sewer distribution, and protection of our waterfront and the river/bay when new developments are proposed. New development must be controlled by the City to ensure we do not overwhelm our resources. This proposed legislation impacts on our ability to maintain this control. 

The Chamber submitted a formal letter of opposition to the city concerning this proposed legislation.