Media Contact:
Felix Facchine
ffacchine@howardcountymd.gov
(410) 313-2001
June 4, 2019
For Immediate Release:
Council Chairperson Christiana Mercer Rigby Calls for Re-evaluation of the Future of DRRAs in Howard County
Ellicott City, MD
– County Council Chairperson Christiana Mercer Rigby has placed a discussion of Development Rights and Responsibilities Agreements (DRRAs) on the agenda for the Council’s next monthly meeting, which will be held Monday, June 10, at 2:00 p.m. in the C. Vernon Gray Room at the George Howard Building (3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City).
“The Council’s consideration of the DRRA associated with the site for our 13th high school raised a number of questions and concerns about the process and future of DRRAs here in Howard County,” said Mercer Rigby. “These are important questions for the Council to explore, and it is critical that this conversation be open to the public: Is this a tool we want to have available to us in the future? Should there be stronger criteria for when a DRRA can be utilized? Should there be higher standards for the benefits to the County that a DRRA must provide?”
Mercer Rigby explained that her intent for next Monday’s meeting is to allow for a broad discussion of legal and policy issues related to DRRAs. “We need to take a step back and give these questions careful consideration outside the context of any specific pending legislation.”
“I look forward to working with my colleagues and improving methods for land acquisitions and agreements for the amelioration of Howard County,” said Council Vice-Chairperson Opel Jones.
Mercer Rigby is soliciting public input in preparation for the Council’s discussion. County residents are encouraged to submit any questions or comments related to DRRAs by email to CouncilMail@howardcountymd.gov.
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