Can developers and environmentalists find common ground over how this region can grow without adding to the Chesapeake Bay's woes?
It remains to be seen. Feelings are still raw after last winter's donnybrook in Annapolis over tightening state curbs on runoff from new development and redevelopment. And home builders and environmentalists are at odds over legislation hung up in Congress that would strengthen the federal government's hand in the bay restoration effort.
But the Home Builders Association of Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation have agreed, at least, to meet in a neutral corner and talk about it. The two are sponsoring a forum Wednesday (Nov. 17) entitled: "Where Do We Grow From Here? Bay Friendly Development in the 21st Century."
The subtitle of the forum promises a "civil but frank discourse on development, environment and the Bay." One session will look at whether "nutrient neutral" development is possible. Another talks about how to pay for the pollution controls and public infrastructure needed to encourage "smart" growth.
From the agenda, it looks like this is a session designed to find that common ground and forge agreement on how and where to grow. I imagine the tone of this will be far different from a population "summit" held recently by Johns Hopkins' Center for a Livable Future.
"The big question is can we truly restore the Chesapeake Bay given the population projections for future growth?" asked Environment Maryland's Brad Heavner. He said we have the scientific knowledge to do it, but it would take a lot of money and political will to reduce impacts of new development enough to offset the growing number of people.
Tom Horton, longtime bay writer and former Sun colleague, was even less hopeful. He called it a "tall order" to think people would do what it takes to reduce the environmental impact of 17 million people in the six-state watershed by enough to restore the Chesapeake's water quality to what it was in the 1950s or '60s and to maintain it while the region grows.
Tough questions those, that lack easy answers. At least folks are talking about them, while the real estate slump eases development pressure some.
Wednesday's growth forum is from 8:15 a.m .to 3 p.m. at Martin's West, 6817 Dogwood Road. Registration is $95, though discounts are available. For more, go here or call 410-265-7400.
(Development along South Branch of the Patapsco River, 200 Baltimore Sun photo by David Hobby)