After two hours of public debate the Prince George's County Council could not make a final decision on Tuesday to move on a proposal that would require special landscaping at new construction sites to prevent storm water pollution.

Over two dozen residents, developers and environmentalists testified at the meeting, including College Park Mayor Andrew Fellows, who fully backed the storm water management proposal.

"This system will create stronger standards for communities. People in our neighborhoods and in our county care about local creeks and streams," said Fellows.

The bill which has similar regulations to the Storm Water management bill that has been passed in Montgomery County was not well received by everyone.

Douglas Edwards, a 40-year-old resident of Capital Heights, said this proposal will not benefit the county or its residents

"This not Montgomery County, this is Prince Georges County. Montgomery County has higher quality development and more tax dollars," said Edwards who is also the Vice Presidents of his Civic Association, "Prince Georges County is loosing its residents and its tax dollars as people go to other counties. I am completely against this bill."

If passed, the legislation which would have allowed Dan Smith an employee of Lower Beaver Dam Creek, an advocacy and education organization, to bring more of his students to appreciate their community.

"We need to see good development in this county. We want to keep the community involved. The way the streams and creeks smell now create a negative impression on our young people and we want them to be proud of their community," said Smith.

The decision to delay the bill particularly angered its chief supporter, Council Chairman Thomas Dernoga (D-Dist.1) of Laurel.

"The development community operates out of fear," said Dernoga adding that the council's 6-3 decision to put off the bill leaves the upcoming council, who takes over on Dec.7., with added responsibilities.

Councilwoman Andrea Harrison (D-Dist. 5) of Springdale, who will seat in the upcoming council as she is running unopposed for another term, said the regulations will be a priority next year.

"I really do not believe that development will stop. I don't believe the earth will die if we wait until January," Harrison said.

Dernoga, along with the bill's co-sponsor, Councilman Eric Olson (D-Dist. 3) of College Park and Riverdale Park, and Councilwoman Ingrid Turner (D-Dist. 4) of Greenbelt and Bowie, voted against the delay.