Press Statement
November 15, 2011

CBF Joins Lawsuit to Stop Massive, Illegal Development
Proposal in Frederick County

Proposal would allow more than 17,000 new homes, destroy farm land and forests, increase contaminated runoff

(ANNAPOLIS, MD)— Jon Mueller, Chesapeake Bay Foundation Vice President for Litigation, today issued this statement concerning a lawsuit against the Frederick County Board of Commissioners. The board has initiated a process that could permit the construction of about 17,000 new homes.

"The board is attempting an illegal shortcut to allow potentially substantial new sprawl development. Maryland law demands a careful and deliberate process for rezoning any land so no landowner is put at an advantage or disadvantage. The board is not following that process. This action also flies in the face of the entire state's efforts to reduce pollution to local streams and the Chesapeake Bay. With massive new proposed development such as this comes increased contaminated runoff. We cannot stand idly by if the board wishes to defy the law and the public interest."

Click here to read the suit (PDF)