Posts by Brent Bolin — Advocacy Committee
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Environmentalists and development: a complex relationship in a hyperbolic election season
In election races in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, candidates are claiming they “support the environment” or “are for smart growth.” Some of those candidates also seem to be against most development while others are more supportive. It’s hard to make sense of all this. What’s the green view of growth? Keep reading…
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Environmentalists and development: a complex relationship in a hyperbolic election season
In election races in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, candidates are claiming they “support the environment” or “are for smart growth.” Some of those candidates also seem to be against most development while others are more supportive. It’s hard to make sense of all this. What’s the green view of growth? Keep reading…
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Ellicott City flooded again. Was this a man-made or natural disaster?
All eyes are on stormwater management in Howard County following Memorial Day weekend's stunning images of floods rampaging through historic Ellicott City in Maryland. Why are these floods happening, and can anything be done about it? Keep reading…
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If we support trustworthy development in Prince George’s, let’s nix “call-up”
Prince George’s is completely rewriting its zoning code, which is certainly progress for everyone. However, this much-needed rewrite may end up being two steps forward, one step back if the maligned “call-up” process is brought into the new code. Keep reading…
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The state of biking in Baltimore is bleak, but it’s brighter elsewhere in Maryland
While Baltimore seems resistant to promoting biking, surrounding counties and smaller cities have gone in the opposite direction and are boosting their cycling infrastructure. So why is Charm City moving in the wrong direction? Keep reading…
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Donna Edwards, Angela Alsobrooks, and other Prince George’s candidates talk policy at our College Park happy hour
Candidates for Prince George's county executive and council spoke about the county's bus service, its pending zoning rewrite, and other important local issues at a recent GGWash happy hour. Here's what we learned. Keep reading…
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If you’re not following Maryland politics this year, start now
There's a lot for urbanists to pay attention to in Maryland, including equitable development along the Purple Line, bus rapid transit, MARC expansion, and more. We will be closely tracking the candidates running for Maryland governor, state legislature, and in the competitive sixth congressional district, so stay tuned. Keep reading…
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It’s basically illegal to build accessory apartments in Prince George’s County. That could change next year.
Accessory apartments, also known as ADUs, are gaining traction all over the Washington region. Could Prince George's County be the next place to embrace them? Keep reading…
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Mount Rainier as we know it couldn’t be built under today’s zoning laws.
Mount Rainier is a historic streetcar suburb that is beloved by its residents. Its tree-lined streets, Sears Craftsman bungalows, garden apartments, and funky commercial corridor have unique and undeniable charm. And under Prince George’s County’s current zoning laws, almost none of it could be built today. Keep reading…
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Can a new zoning code make Mt. Rainier inviting and affordable?
Long considered up and coming, Mount Rainier is a Prince George’s neighborhood just east of the District line that’s attracting investors and where house prices are rising. Typically, more zoning means higher housing costs, but Mount Rainier residents are trying to use zoning to keep their neighborhood inclusive and affordable. Is that possible? Keep reading…