First, let's define our terms. Let's direct State revenues to preserving and restoring older, deteriorating communities, they argue, rather than leaving them to run down while building new communities on the ever-expanding fringes of suburbia.
Developers also have money to spend on lobbyists and are generous with campaign contributions.
It's no surprise that some state legislators vote to put a crimp in plans to limit growth and create as many loopholes as they can. The issue would be less heated if developers and home buyers paid the full cost of new developments. They watch the suburbs encroaching all around them, and those nearing retirement especially welcome the opportunity to sell out to developers. If you drove around Baltimore's outer suburbs last October you'd see thickets of Sauerbrey signs and very few Glendenings. For those who have made the move to outer space, continuing to bear the burdens of the city and its inner suburbs is unattractive.