Important fall meetings—get involved!
by David Humpton
MVF Executive Vice President
Montgomery Village Master Plan
The Montgomery County Planning Board held a public hearing on the draft Montgomery Village Master Plan on Thursday, Sept. 12 at the county council office building in Rockville. The Planning Board heard testimony from over 30 speakers and Montgomery Village Foundation (MVF) Board of Directors Vice President Peter Young testified on behalf of the MVF Board. The MVF Board previously sent a letter to the Planning Board generally supporting the staff draft of the Master Plan, but also noting a number of important changes specifically related to the proposed zoning of the MVF Offices; the addition of language relating to architectural covenants in the overlay zone; and opposition to the extension of Stewartown Road as an minor arterial rather than a residential street that would simply serve as an access road to new housing built on the golf course.
Other speakers testified on the density of housing proposed in Monument Realty’s plan; the need to reduce the Wightman Road right-of-way; support or opposition to the golf course development plan; and the importance of revitalization of commercial areas. It is anticipated that the Planning Board will hold two work sessions at their headquarters in Silver Spring to discuss the draft Master Plan. The first work session is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 1, and the second tentatively scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 15 (times TBD). The Planning Board will make a recommendation to the county council, which is expected to have another public hearing in early 2016.
Monument Realty DPA
The hearing examiner is expected to report on this application by mid-October, and this report will be transmitted to the county council for review. By way of background, on May 1, the hearing examiner postponed the public hearing for the development plan amendment (DPA) proposed by Monument Realty, which proposes 84 townhouses on 17.3 acres of the former golf course property. MVF testified in favor of the DPA at the public hearing on August 24, noting that it was in conformance to the draft Master Plan document.
2016 MVF Budget
The MVF Board approved publication of the draft 2016 MVF Budget at their August 27 meeting. Important information from the draft 2016 MVF Budget was included in the September 4 Village News, and a section of the September Board Agenda is noted for budget comments. Attend the Thursday, Sept. 24 MVF Board meeting (scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in the North Creek Board Room, 20125 Arrowhead Road) and share your thoughts on the draft budget – all comments are welcomed.
Apple Ridge Pool
Planning continues for the renovation of the Apple Ridge Pool, 10101 Apple Ridge Road, which is still on schedule to be renovated beginning in fall 2016, to open for the 2017 pool season. The Recreation Committee will hold a public meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 12 at Lake Marion Community Center, 8821 East Village Avenue, to review design options. A preferred contractor will present conceptual design options to the community at the meeting. Resident input is an important part of the of the design process.