Judge Dismisses Frederick Zoning Suit As Premature
FREDERICK, Md. (AP) -- A lawsuit against Frederick County over a proposed rezoning that opponents say will lead to higher taxes, sprawl and environmental harm has been dismissed. But an attorney for the environmental groups and residents who filed the lawsuit said Friday that they can re-file once the county's plan passes.
Frederick County Circuit Court Judge Julie Stevenson Solt dismissed the lawsuit June 21. The judge ruled that only in
exceptional cases will the court consider prohibiting the passage of legislation and she did not find any exceptional circumstances in this case.
Opponents say the proposed rezoning of nearly 200 properties could lead to 17,000 more homes and higher taxes to provide services.
Plaintiffs' attorney Norman Knopf says the suit is one of several against the county and municipalities over zoning.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
