Quality of life first; development next for Prince George's County

Daily Record, The (Baltimore), Oct 17, 2003 by Daily Record Staff Business Writer

One thing aerospace businesses would like to see more of is promotion of the region as a center for space, he said. So people will know to come here to get high-tech work done, he said.

Broadening enterprise

One step Johnson and the county council worked together on this year was to extend the county's enterprise zone, a geographic area where businesses receive special tax and other incentives for growth and revitalization.

Expanding the enterprise zone will help grow the economies particularly in our inner-beltway communities, Johnson said after the council voted to allow Johnson to broaden the zone.

His emphasis on revitalizing older communities has been wonderful, said Prince George's County Council Chairman Peter Shapiro, a Democrat from Brentwood.

The county has more than 801,500 residents within its nearly 500 square miles.

Economic development is about changing perceptions, being clear to developers about the county's priorities, Shapiro said. We'll bring new companies to the area by emphasizing there are quality areas for people and business.

One project in the works for years has been developing a National Harbor resort along the Potomac River, near Fort Washington. It has become mired in the state debate about whether to bring gambling to Maryland.

Prince George's County Rep. Albert Wynn, a Maryland Democrat, is pushing for a casino at the planned resort. Such a facility could be an economic development engine to bring investment and jobs to the county, said Wynn, whose district includes most of Prince George's County.

Shapiro said the National Harbor project is moving ahead separate from any gambling debate.