Most speakers at hearing oppose planned industrial zones expansion
HERE'S WHAT WE KNOW
The county is considering a major rezoning plan, and a lot of residents are upset. They say it could change the character of rural areas and overload roads, wells, septic systems and neighborhoods, while supporters say the county needs more industrial land to grow.
Most of the nearly 60 speakers at Tuesday’s five-hour Frederick County Council hearing were critical of the proposed Investing in Workers and Workplaces, or IW2, plan. The proposal would change zoning on more than 1,800 acres across six community growth areas, including new industrial zoning and denser residential zoning in some places. Much of the opposition focused on quality-of-life concerns, including traffic, rural character, light pollution, stormwater runoff, wells, septic systems and whether roads and schools can handle additional development. Supporters, many connected to development and real estate, argued that Frederick County needs more land zoned for industrial development to support economic growth and prevent opportunities from going elsewhere
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