Panel backs amending Informed Growth Act
A legislative panel yesterday voted to amend a bill seeking to repeal the Informed Growth Act to make it optional for municipalities that want it.
The Legislature's State and Local Government Committee voted 9-3 to amend the bill to give cities and towns the option of using the Informed Growth Act, which requires developers of retail projects larger than 75,000 square feet to pay for an economic impact study, according to MaineToday Media. Supporters of the Informed Growth Act say it shows how large-scale developments can affect local stores, but opponents argue it discourages development and prohibits municipalities from deciding how to handle proposed developments.The amendment would make the act applicable only to municipalities that accept it by a majority vote of their local governing body. Rep. David Cotta, R-China, told the news service that the amendment "leaves the power with the municipalities" and is an effective compromise.
Rep. Andrea Boland, D-Sanford, however, said the amendment effectively repeals the law and creates a competitive and complicated environment for development. The full Legislature must still consider the recommendation.
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