Protecting the Shore through… Strategic Land Conservation Sound Land Use Planning

What the Eastern Shore wants… Vibrant and well defined towns; Thriving farms, forests, and fisheries; and, Protected scenic, historic, and natural landscapes.

What the Eastern Shore is getting… Increasing pace of development; New expansion area for major metropolitan builders; Exploding towns.

What the Eastern Shore Is Saying.. 87% of Shore residents: “very concerned” or “concerned” about the the rate and type of growth. 6 out of 10 county residents: managing growth was the most important issue. 82% of County residents: if current rates and type of growth continue, quality of life will deteriorate 71% of County residents: gave the County government a “poor” or “just fair” rating for handling growth

Where We Are Headed…?

Cecil County in Context: Housing (this information is from the MD Dept of Planning)

Cecil County in Context: Protected Lands (data from ESLC task force work on ES 2010, goal 1)

Cecil County in Context: Farmland Loss (data from the Md Ag Land Preservation Foundation)

County Ag Zoning County Ag Zoning Caroline 1:20 Cecil 1:8, 1:5 Dorchester Kent 1:30 QA Talbot

Land Preservation & Development Trends in Cecil County More acreage preserved than converted in last 10 years, but still losing 2.5 acres of agricultural land a day Majority of building lots approved each year are in the rural parts of the County, not the growth corridor

Eastern Shore 2010 Protect 50% of Eastern Shore land outside of locally-designated growth by voluntary conservation. Build support for agriculture, fisheries, and forestry. Guide at least 50% of new development into locally-designated growth areas. Develop a regional transportation plan..

Land Protection Goals Cecil County – 55,000 acres

Growth Management Goals

Where Do We Go From Here? Growth management tools Determine how, when and where we grow Protect our working farms Create a better future for existing neighborhoods Protect our communities, the economy and our environment Provide choices and opportunities for everyone.