[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6363886,"mediaKeyId","2165487-e734845e1fd6ad1d7e98e5a95d36d5e4","parentId",2165487,"title","MDOT, developers and transit advocates back bill to speed transit‑oriented development near rail stations","audioSeconds",727,"startMs",5033000,"endMs",5760000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2165487-e734845e1fd6ad1d7e98e5a95d36d5e4&start=5033&end=5760","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2165487-e734845e1fd6ad1d7e98e5a95d36d5e4/thumbnail_5033000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6363886/Maryland/MDOT-developers-and-transit-advocates-back-bill-to-speed-transitoriented-development-near-rail-stations","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6363886-1ed4fe28c79bb252fdb6f5ac1751e86d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771069519&Signature=JNw8-xHjKTRUOSGuVh9H45i~MjKcUEwzn7aHTqZxwmv3zReqDc~BwRr04SJ0QjDDeHW8QgzszSZ4b~hihimaqhgSY6x1BqoXiD31lNKDOPk2CCAndpd04qNqvJHzWb3-x7zQP51quzRZwxDBzd-Tio-8CbSqr~x9q73MhEk22XW5~O~NL8GySDto5bZIfcX9PHNPZsWD2w2q2GN6WqFMcziYx6tnqTealRRkYx8ZrschNbjz1jm~cTBdGfwfroaEz49GBiP5ItOKORGb~nOLNtMkx4WhTcvpYaNDNJbtkjmZ7IZItqSqRILmvwNafCim0jwhA220QXRCqdLdUGrx6g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Maryland General Assembly - Budget and Taxation","date","2025-01-29T00:00:00Z","article","Maryland Department of Transportation and transit advocates told the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee that Senate Bill 190 would reduce barriers to transit‑oriented development (TOD) and expand state financial tools to support joint development near rail stations.

Nut graf: SB 190 combines zoning adjustments, an exemption for state land paired with a master development plan, a clarification on procurement for joint development, and expanded TOD fund eligibility to include planning activities and corridor financing — all intended to make redevelopment around transit stations faster and more feasible.

Joe McAndrew, MDOT assistant secretary for project development and delivery, testified the bill would eliminate minimum parking requirements near rail stations, establish mixed‑use development by right in station areas, exempt state‑owned station land from local zoning when MDOT adopts a master plan, and clarify that TOD development is exempt from some state procurement constraints. He said redevelopment of MDOT land in Baltimore and along the MARC Penn Line could yield thousands of housing units and billions in state and local tax revenues.

Supporters including the Coalition for Smarter Growth, Metro (WMATA) and ATU Local 689 urged a favorable report and described TOD as an affordable‑housing and climate policy. Maryland Municipal League and county associations asked for narrow amendments on parking and implementation because conditions differ at small commuter stations where parking remains necessary.

Ending: Testimony showed broad support with requests for targeted amendments to address smaller stations and local planning concerns; the hearing record includes departmental analysis and multiple stakeholder endorsements but no vote was recorded.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","B&T Committee Session, 1/29/2025 #1","oneSentenceSummary","MDOT, regional transit agencies and housing advocates urged the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee to approve Senate Bill 190, legislation intended to remove zoning and financing barriers to transit‑oriented development around rail stations.","taxTitle","Budget and Taxation Committee, SENATE, SENATE, Committees, Legislative, Maryland","taxId",15091,"location","Maryland","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6363900,"Municipal leaders, restaurant groups clash over local food‑and‑beverage surcharge bill",633,1385000,2018000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2165487-e734845e1fd6ad1d7e98e5a95d36d5e4&start=1385&end=2018","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2165487-e734845e1fd6ad1d7e98e5a95d36d5e4/thumbnail_1385000.jpg","/articles/6363900/Maryland/Municipal-leaders-restaurant-groups-clash-over-local-foodandbeverage-surcharge-bill","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6363900-9a0f4de722aea4d8e3ca67d431b37cab/orig.mp4?Expires=1771069519&Signature=Xlo6zjNQ~TUUwDoUxe3KFEJx-pd2yiyvePYwGvcCS7V8mn~Qb2HluZImj5k2p4pW3OHtP7RGq3bDN2S9vb2EuPeSxwZMKIUiSlK9sg11quzejiBBuwQvjjesuyHKsZENtTlgJt4F25Sck1BSiwx~Xf46p0-99063Gbwo7phCWh6FhKkfHbJ8kYIZVmicol8jd~s9De7iGjtZV85YlQHhOTV7L6eaiPpQmn4PDn90K5NtKzcc8kZdiCgo-ln22XJ2g4WSunqKqzcXdldx3pQYbyd6y3ithZdzizAS-55mFFf4vuDab5VzGoHoEEYbS84NgRa5XLdBnBBaGnFizl8skg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 324, which would authorize municipalities to adopt a local food‑and‑beverage surcharge of up to 3 percent, produced a broad, contested hearing before the Budget and Taxation Committee.

Nut graf: Municipal leaders and municipal associations argued the surcharge is an enabling local option that would help cities expand revenue tools beyond property tax; industry witnesses — restaurant owners, breweries, wineries, distillers and trade groups — warned the tax would reduce visits, harm small businesses and spur cross‑border shopping.

Teresa Kunes, CEO of the Maryland Municipal League, said Maryland cities face rising mandates and that the 3% proposal is “a reasonable way to capture the services used by visitors and tourists.” Michael O’Connor, MML president and mayor of Frederick, and Nina Themlas, Baltimore City government relations director, described municipal budget gaps and infrastructure needs.

Opponents included representatives of the Restaurant Association of Maryland, the Maryland Beer Wholesalers Association, Maryland wineries, breweries and distillers; they cited low restaurant margins and cross‑jurisdiction price competition. Melvin Thompson of the Restaurant Association testified restaurants have 3–5% profit margins and that new taxes would likely be passed to customers. Jack Maloney of the Maryland State Licensed Beverage Association urged caution and a pause to allow restaurants time to recover from pandemic losses.

Some committee members pressed sponsors on which purchases would be taxed and on whether revenues would be dedicated; sponsors said the bill is enabling legislation and that revenue would go into general municipal funds unless a local jurisdiction otherwise directed revenues by local ordinance.

Ending: The hearing drew extensive testimony both for and against; supporters said the measure gives cities flexible revenue options while opponents warned of job and business consequences. The transcript records dozens of witnesses on both sides and committee discussion but no vote.","Municipal officials and civic groups told the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee that Senate Bill 324 would give cities a local option to levy a food‑and‑beverage surcharge — proposed at up to 3% — to diversify municipal revenue sources beyond property taxes.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6363908,"DHCD secretary urges favorable report on bill to refine Community Health and Safety Works grant program",250,450000,700000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2165487-e734845e1fd6ad1d7e98e5a95d36d5e4&start=450&end=700","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2165487-e734845e1fd6ad1d7e98e5a95d36d5e4/thumbnail_450000.jpg","/articles/6363908/Maryland/DHCD-secretary-urges-favorable-report-on-bill-to-refine-Community-Health-and-Safety-Works-grant-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6363908-d56d6ce33c8e37b68a39f29b373fada2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771069519&Signature=oxDniszBMxLxzmtsgZCu8AsyGhFRXNwhYnyg4gAL3IuDv~z~X7yhvYX~uAnA~CRq0SfgtGOyexAi3wjrmUmaIHguUukc-7zgZ59AAXWOZM~RyL8d1IrUuwd~PawLh4monjc7PV-3YBuyztW4TNG8vY4nuzfmKBS3THpBXOdlUsgW9AmCE2X~y-T9EHs6XWig7K1BjKacAeR7wqZpm6HPcyk~jS6mI760CuKPiSMFmziJEXrlZhuJGb2uJqCJ8kXDf9cxCvW~jV6vFf~OXp~c5ffsvKVcLsHmf3P8CCaKaaOtWAx~OasKd487ltfu5iZMJODvgjyrwRutE-px3IuZAg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Secretary Jake Day, head of Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development, told the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee that Senate Bill 188 would align statutory language with how the Community Health and Safety Works (CHSW) program has been operating since its creation. “For the record my name is Jake Day, I’m the secretary of Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development,” Day said, and described the program’s scope and past funding.

The nut graf: SB 188 does not create a new grant program; it updates CHSW’s statutory framework to match program practice and to preserve the department’s ability to layer CHSW awards with other state resources for neighborhood revitalization, public‑safety interventions and environmental health work.

Day told the committee CHSW was launched in fiscal 2022, initially using $20,000,000 in ARPA funds for two funding rounds and that a third round in fiscal 2024 used $10,000,000 in state general funds. He said the program funds two broad project types: physical improvements to promote public safety — such as lighting, traffic calming and security systems — and projects to improve environmental health and justice, including illegal‑dumping abatement and heat‑mitigation work. “It was launched by DHCD in fiscal year 2022 and the program awards grant funds to support local initiatives to address public safety as well as environmental health concerns,” Day said.

Day gave examples of CHSW investments across Maryland: safety signage and public art to slow traffic in Stevensville; cameras and a refurbished pedestrian mall in Cumberland; and a Rose Street Community Center project employing at‑risk residents for cleaning and mediation in southeast Baltimore. He told senators SB 188 consolidates and streamlines grant categories and “provides the department appropriate flexibility to shift focus as well as funding levels as community needs change.”

During questions, a senator noted the fiscal note showed a prior appropriation of $10,000,000 but the department confirmed there is no current appropriation in this fiscal year. Day said the bill is intended to put the program’s authorities and design in place to support future requests for funding.

The hearing record shows support from DHCD for SB 188 and includes written testimony; committee action or a final vote was not recorded in the transcript.

Ending: SB 188 would clarify and modernize the statute governing CHSW, according to DHCD; the committee hearing record includes program examples and fiscal clarifications but no formal vote on the bill was recorded in the transcript.","Secretary Jake Day of the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development asked the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee for a favorable report on Senate Bill 188, which would revise the statute for the Community Health and Safety Works grant program to match current practice and preserve flexibility for future funding.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6363894,"Senators consider bill to bar state appropriations for Maglev project; supporters cite local opposition and fiscal risk",248,3802000,4050000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2165487-e734845e1fd6ad1d7e98e5a95d36d5e4&start=3802&end=4050","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2165487-e734845e1fd6ad1d7e98e5a95d36d5e4/thumbnail_3802000.jpg","/articles/6363894/Maryland/Senators-consider-bill-to-bar-state-appropriations-for-Maglev-project-supporters-cite-local-opposition-and-fiscal-risk","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6363894-6b2eb5bdd513251caae65981c5203bca/orig.mp4?Expires=1771069519&Signature=mjGtfeI9hQDu9v5ZsGClVU2ZU1PgArRJ4xGc6bPE-FKmSlc9AU6VfUQ~Zp3h05-nDrNtj-Tb6RtHjIt43zLBZUJXFYC2Ev~lYuFh0m62swp583fsef8m5tv77Q9FpkwdoJHhh-09bUrR-5XBmD97NhSEGRGKCXheLoypq8mbKM2oAWh9~Y94diPZZP~AcQyfdbhvN8oVEK73NsLHzk1xeYoDPZBTM2DnXl99H8f1mvpZualzPt~bo10M0RMKmNO-xf9WMOZaZXxKZXA2n9mrbqO73cQIcXFRjPt6adeTmx1wl-qTpSFiEIchNqXsXMMtcBDiUtt-SsQZx2e7TdR0DA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Senate Bill 55 would bar state appropriations for a proposed magnetic levitation (Maglev) line between Baltimore and the Washington, D.C., area. Sponsor Sen. Alonzo Washington and local elected leaders urged a favorable report, citing local government opposition, concerns about cost and a state transportation backlog.

Nut graf: The bill would prohibit the use of state funds for the Maglev project; advocates arguing for the prohibition said the private project's sponsors have publicly said that they do not need state appropriations and that, given MDOT’s fiscal pressures, the state should not commit taxpayer dollars to the venture.

Sen. Alonzo Washington said the Maglev backers had claimed no public subsidy would be needed and that the state should codify that pledge: “If they have said that, let's make sure we put it in law. So they do not receive any funding from the state of Maryland,” he said. Mayor Emmett Jordan of Greenbelt urged the committee to restrict public funding during a period of major capital shortfalls and noted the state should prioritize affordable, existing transit such as MARC, Amtrak and local services.

Supporters of the Maglev, including Baltimore Washington Rapid Rail and a coalition of building trades and business groups, urged the committee not to preclude future state involvement, arguing the project could catalyze jobs and relieve congestion. Ian Rainey of Baltimore Washington Rapid Rail told senators the Environmental Impact Statement predicts Maglev could alleviate pressure on MARC and Amtrak and that the project’s private sponsors have not asked the legislature for funds.

Ending: The hearing highlighted deep divisions: municipal leaders and some unions pressed for a prohibition on state appropriations, while project proponents argued the ban would foreclose future public‑private options. The transcript records testimony for and against but no committee vote on SB 55.","Senate Bill 55 would bar Maryland from using state appropriations for a proposed Baltimore‑to‑Washington magnetic levitation system; backers of the ban told lawmakers the state cannot afford to fund an unproven private venture while MDOT faces major budget shortfalls.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6363902,"Transit operators, counties urge indexing state aid to inflation to sustain local transit",84,816000,900000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2165487-e734845e1fd6ad1d7e98e5a95d36d5e4&start=816&end=900","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2165487-e734845e1fd6ad1d7e98e5a95d36d5e4/thumbnail_816000.jpg","/articles/6363902/Maryland/Transit-operators-counties-urge-indexing-state-aid-to-inflation-to-sustain-local-transit","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6363902-1343464cae5fce5ca1d4df8e20da2283/orig.mp4?Expires=1771069519&Signature=Wcq2n136kl4QYm6Po7gbT4iU0tbqcqZjdKGHxvA46Wb5~SHZ6wTztLUxdRIL9Bxg66QCU50Oa8gVLVkDO0co0UqtU9obewsb~MaOW4yNeqJqYW~0mxVVxlCtynxLYExf9V0UlemJ-6LshJYOW1QpWuvl1M73pT7tFX39SUz22R3JaYgiCL0sl3iDbpMBIaBeKwYFMaQAW1r6qgqTmPEeWuz4PtqAJDbLCLSImZ1LO~kGIyb-P20CrZYANmBcD3V6VS0KYbUHosKZhC1xxVJqEkYRxAzRq2e4DMOzyOjMgo0FPk578-Z4VbmwvfIXTNgn4vB5HGSiE5-5kVFo2lSDVA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Corey McCray, Sen. Cory McCray, introduced testimony for Senate Bill 20 and convened a panel of local transit managers and trade groups who asked legislators to tie state funding for locally operated transit systems to an inflation index.

Nut graf: Panelists said flat state funding over the past decade has coincided with operating cost increases well above general inflation, leaving local systems facing rising vehicle and fuel costs, fewer services and difficulty restoring weekend or medical trips.

John DeCluskey, executive director of the Transportation Association of Maryland, said local operators provide tens of thousands of trips every day and that “funding over the past 10 years has been … flat or declining” while critical cost categories — buses and diesel — have risen 33% or more. Rob, the transportation manager for Ocean City, told senators a single year saw a 14% variable cost increase and bus purchase prices rose 18% year‑over‑year; “If the funding sources don’t rise to meet the inflationary pressures, the options are to hit our constituents in the wallet or to decrease service levels,” he said.

Queen Anne’s County transit administrator Steve Palmer said his agency has seen operating cost increases above 20% and vehicle costs rise more than 35% over recent years. Kevin Canale of the Maryland Association of Counties and representatives from the Maryland Municipal League also testified in support, arguing local governments need flexible funding tools to meet planning, public‑safety and infrastructure needs.

Ending: Supporters urged a favorable report on SB 20 so the state’s formula for operating assistance to local transit will reflect rising costs and allow counties and transit agencies to preserve and expand service; the transcript records testimony and written materials but no committee vote on the bill.","Transit agencies, local governments and associations told the Budget and Tax committee Senate Bill 20 would protect locally operated transit systems by indexing state support to inflation. Witnesses described rising costs in bus fleets, fuel and operations and warned flat funding risks service cuts and lost connections to jobs and medical care.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

MDOT, developers and transit advocates back bill to speed transit‑oriented development near rail stations

Municipal leaders, restaurant groups clash over local food‑and‑beverage surcharge bill

DHCD secretary urges favorable report on bill to refine Community Health and Safety Works grant program

Senators consider bill to bar state appropriations for Maglev project; supporters cite local opposition and fiscal risk

Transit operators, counties urge indexing state aid to inflation to sustain local transit