In early August, Councilwoman Cathy Bevins introduced Bill No. 57-22, “for the purpose of exempting certain facilities and restaurants from certain water buffer regulations”, which would exempt waterfront businesses from Critical Area Protection Law requirements. Local environmental organizations sounded the alarm and NeighborSpace signed onto an opposition letter drafted by the Maryland League of Conservation Voters. As stated in the opposition letter, “Bill No. 57-22 puts developers’ interests over environmental protection, removes critical oversight mechanisms”, and would almost certainly violate State law.

On August 30th, after receiving constituent feedback and the opposition letter signed by 25 local environmental organizations, Councilwoman Bevins withdrew Bill No. 57-22. For now, the Critical Area Protection Law prevails!