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Builders group warns about economic crisis

Thursday, May 25, 2006

A new group, formed by leaders of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce and the Frederick County Builders Association, believes the county will face a serious housing and economic crisis if new commissioners are not elected this fall.

The Alliance for Frederick County told the builders association at a program May 18 that its purpose is not to support pro-growth candidates for county commissioner in this fall’s election.

The group says its intention is to educate voters on key issues facing the county so they can decide which candidates to support.

They warn that the county will face a crisis if new commissioners are not elected to address issues such as affordable housing and better-paying jobs.

‘‘We do not endorse any particular candidate,” said Mark Lancaster, former president of the builders association. ‘‘We can make reference to a particular candidate who adopts our issues. We cannot raise funds for a particular candidate.”

If the alliance does decide to endorse candidates and spends money on campaign advertising, it must register with the Maryland Board of Elections as a Political Action Committee.

David A. Miller, former assistant superintendent for Frederick County Public Schools, was introduced to members of the builders association on May 18. The alliance believes new residential and commercial growth must be allowed to continue.

‘‘No growth is not a solution,” Miller said. ‘‘No [residential] growth drives down the supply [of homes] and increases the cost of housing. The shorter the supply the higher the cost.”

Miller said new housing costs have jumped from $200,000 in 2000 to $550,000 in 2005. This is due in part to the county’s growth ordinance, which stipulates that new homes cannot be built unless roads, schools, water and sewer are adequate to handle the increase in residents.

Builders claim the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance puts too many controls on growth, which has led to a low supply of new homes to meet the demand of new residents.

The lack of affordable housing is also related to increased traffic on county roadways, the alliance claims.

‘‘The lack of affordable housing is forcing tens of thousands to work outside the county,” Miller said. ‘‘We believe responsible economic development is the answer.”