Prince George's County will streamline the review process for developers who build around public transit stations, writes Miranda S. Spivack. The bill could speed up the approvals process by as much as a year.
A new zoning measure to spur transit-oriented development takes effect in Prince George's County, Maryland in 45 days. Introduced by two Democrats in the County Council, the bill could shorten the approvals process by as much as a year for developers who propose walkable, high-density developments near one of the county's 15 Metro stations and additional commuter rail stops, which are currently underdeveloped.
The measure, which not only aims to promote smart growth, but also to expand the tax and consumer base in the county, also prioritizes federal developments in the hopes of attracting the FBI's national headquarters to the county.
Another initiative introduced by one of the council members reduced the school fees developers pay when building near public transit.
FULL STORY: Prince George's council approves plan to speed development around transit stations

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

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A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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