Maryland Secretary of Planning Richard Hall Speaks on PlanMaryland at SU Thursday, October 20
SALISBURY, MD---Maryland Secretary of Planning Richard Hall speaks on smart growth in the state during his presentation “PlanMaryland and the Eastern Shore.”
Sponsored by the Salisbury University Smart Growth Club and Wicomico Environmental Trust, his talk is 7 p.m. Thursday, October 20, in Room 243 of SU’s Henson Science Hall.
A native of Salisbury, Hall has served as the state’s secretary of planning since 2007. He has more than 20 years of professional planning experience. Informing organizations and citizens who have the ability to contribute to “smart growth” in Maryland has been part of his objective at the Maryland Department of Planning (MDP).
“Smart growth” concentrates new development and redevelopment in areas that have existing or planned infrastructure to avoid sprawl, according to MDP. It is sustainable and characterized by compact development with neighborhood schools, walkable streets, mixed-use areas and a wide range of housing choices.
Its purpose is to conserve natural resources through the efficient use of land, water and air; create a sense of community and place; expand transportation, employment and housing choices; distribute the costs and benefits of development in an equitable manner; and promote public health.
Smart growth is a critical element in the state's planning document, PlanMaryland. Over the next 20 years, nearly 1,000,000 more people, more than 400,000 additional households and more than 600,000 new jobs are forecasted in Maryland. In his presentation, Hall discusses how the document addresses the anticipated growth and what it means for the future of the Eastern Shore. He also explains how residents of the Shore may use the plan to help make their hopes for the future of the region a reality.
For more information about the MDP, smart growth and Secretary Hall, visit www.planning.maryland.gov.
The Wicomico Environmental Trust is a local non-profit and advocacy organization that works to protect and preserve the county’s natural resources.
The SU Smart Growth Club seeks to promote smart growth principles on the Eastern Shore through education and actions. It is based in the University’s Geography and Geosciences Department. Club members are students from different disciplines who are interested in sustainability and conservation of natural resources.
Admission to Hall’s talk is free, and the public is invited. For more information call 410-543-6031 or visit the SU Web site at www.salisbury.edu.