Global Mission Mega Church Appeal Decision, Jan 28th! Please Attend!
Sugarloaf Country Deserves Protection!
ACTION ALERT!
Huge Mega Church appeals denial of project proposed to be built on pristine farmland and streamshed straddling Frederick/Montgomery lines…
Should the appeal succeed this mega project would forever alter Sugarloaf Mountain’s vista, neighboring farmland and open space. The mega facility’s enormous scale would overwhelm the area’s natural resources and undermine the long planned preservation of farms, open space, historic resource, parkway and stream shed in both Frederick and Montgomery Counties.
The Frederick County Planning Commission denied the mega church site plan after several hearings and after receiving staff recommendations based on permit denials from both Life Safety and the Frederick County Health Department. Those agencies correctly identified access and septic problems that presented public health and safety dangers. The Mega Church has appealed and wants the decision overturned.
Appeal Decision Set for January 28th, 2010.
ACTION ALERT: BOARD OF APPEALS TO DECIDE MEGA CHURCH ISSUE JANUARY 28th at 7PM – PLEASE ATTEND!
All,
Please try to attend the discussion and vote by the FC Board of Appeals January 28th at 7pm at Winchester Hall in Frederick. GMC’s appeal is the first item on their agenda. I can not say with certainty how long the discussion will be but indications are that it will not be long.
We’ve seen this process through this far together…let’s show ‘em we are united and willing and capable of going the full distance. This will send an important message also to the FC Board of County Commissioners who will ultimately take up the issue of limiting institutional facility size in their ag zone. We need no signs or slogans at this point – our calm, respectful, and professional demeanor has brought success and, in the end, will prevail.
Send this request to those in the community that might be interested. We hope to see you there!
We are prepared to challenge any attempt to approve this project: in Frederick County, Montgomery County and, if need be: through appropriate application of State and Federal statutes.
Address: Winchester Hall, 12 E. Church Street just off Market (see directions).
IMPORTANT: If you know Frederick County residents, please forward and ask them to write/attend.
Click Here for Board of Appeals Website
Click here for more information and maps
Civic and Environmental Groups, elected representatives and residents have spent countless hours researching, writing, testifying and attempting to work with the Global Mission representative to make clear the concerns. Denial of this appeal will represent a real success story for Montgomery’s Ag Reserve and Frederick’s goal for preservation of its southern farm and open space belt!
Mega Project = Mega Concerns
*Impact of huge 85 ft tall structure on rural landscape, farm land and view from Sugarloaf Mt.
*Increased traffic on rustic roads
*Unenforceable conditions such as septic capacity not to exceed 4,999 gallons per day
*Fire/rescue challenges with single access up steep grade
*Incompatibility with both FC and MC comprehensive plans calling for open space/agricultural and historic preservation and inclusion of portion of property in parkland inventory
*Loss of productive farmland
*Impact on high quality streamshed: Little Bennett Creek
*Impact on the federally protected sole source aquifer – the only source of water for over 12,000 area residents who rely on groundwater wells
*Huge impervious footprint
*Potential for considerable expansion on this parcel
*Loss of forested buffer and habitat
Please let us know if you can attend and cc us when you write to the Frederick Board of Appeals.
Thank you so much for your action and for helping us preserve the land that sustains us!
Sincerely,