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Montgomery County (web | news) , Md. - Montgomery County is continuing its effort for smart growth in an effort to cut back on traffic congestion.

The council's vote Tuesday makes Metro stations more attractive to developers by offering them a way to save money. Currently every new development comes with an extra fee to compensate for traffic impact. But if companies build high-density projects by Metro stops, that traffic impact fee will be dropped by 25 percent.

Council President Phil Andrews called the change minor but the idea of increasing urban density surrounding Metro stops could mean major changes for White Flint.

Empty sidewalks, barren stairs but busy streets is the typical transportation pattern in White Flint. "I don't need any more traffic," said resident Marlene Harte.

Right now, the Montgomery County Council's planning committee is considering a White Flint sector plan to increase urban density and hopefully decrease car dependency.

An Italian native says that's a good idea. "In Europe we use public transportation all the time and here it's like people want to be comfortable," said resident Margherita Bebi.

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