Barnesville Oaks: Results of July 22 Hearing
Despite clear evidence that the subdivision plan that provides for large, suburban clusters of non-ag homes would conflict with the master plan and that maximum density is not guaranteed density…the Board, with dissent from Commissioner Amy Presley, approved the plan. Gazette Coverage of the Meeting.
This issue is by no means over, we have a few reasons to remain hopeful.
-First, we did achieve success with the argument that the existing structures (guest/tenant/main houses) must be counted towards the density. Originally the Board was inclined to leave that argument for another day. Thus, the Board crafted the following:
Barnesville Oaks PP Condition #13
“Record Plat must reference a recorded easement for the parent parcels indicating (1) that density and TDRs for the platted lots was removed from the parent parcels; and (2) per §59-C-9.41 of the Zoning Ordinance, following this subdivision any farm tenant dwelling, farm tenant mobile home or guest house is included in the total permitted density of 33 residential structures on the property.”
-Moreover, we have an opportunity to file a motion to reconsider within 10 days of the written decision. There is every reason to take this step. MCA staff is compiling information needed to make the filing.
-We remain optimistic that we still may gain access to the owner in order to begin a dialogue about conservation options for the property.
Thanks to all who wrote in and attended the hearing. Your input matters and your testimony is now included in the record.
Warm Regards,
Montgomery Countryside Alliance
Read on for the background on Barnesville Oaks
Take note: Public Hearing on proposed development
of Barnesville Oaks scheduled for July 22, 7 pm.
MCA and Sugarloaf Citizen’s Association have hired a law
firm to represent the community and uphold the master
plan at the hearing. Consider a contribution via PayPal to help
fund this effort- make a notation that your donation is for the Barneville
Oaks legal fund. See original action alert below:
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Barnesville Oaks:
This isn’t farming…This is Suburbia!
Barnesville Oaks (formerly Malsalma):The largest farm left in
Montgomery County!
This proposed residential subdivision, up to 24 lots (33 total
with existing homes) , on the 840 acre farm on Peach Tree and
White Store Roads in the Ag Reserve, will be heard before the
Planning Commission on Thursday, July 22. We have an
opportunity to lower the number of lots approved.
Your Voice Matters!
Please take a moment now to write a brief email – even a few sentences will do -
in opposition to the number of residential estate lots planned for this last largest
farm in the Ag Reserve. If you email before close of business on Tuesday 6/29, your
letter will be included in the staff report.
A brief personal email, instead of a form letter, has much more force. Below are
talking points.
Send your email to Planning staff:
Talking points:
1. Tell them where you live and why the Ag Reserve is important.
2. This much density clustered along Peach Tree Rd., in addition to the
two other existing residential clusters, will further degrade Peach Tree, a rustic
road. If approved, There will be over 50 new homes clustered on this road within
the viewshed of Sugarloaf Mountain. Traffic issues, 36 acres of forest lost.
3 This plan conflicts with the purpose of the Master Plan by introducing more suburban-style subdivisions which conflict with farming.
4. Ask the Planning Commission to decrease the number of lots, since Peach Tree
has already been significantly impacted by clustered development. We must protect
the Ag Reserve from becoming a suburban/exurban village.
6. Ask them to provide opportunity to explore conservation easements with the property owner.
Note: Public hearing July 22nd, tentative time is 7:30pm in Silver Spring. Details will follow that will include staff report.
Many thanks to Dolores Milmoe of Audubon Naturalist Society for this blast and map! Thanks to you for your action! Please forward to your neighbors and interested groups.
Warm regards,
Caroline Taylor, Executive Director
Montgomery Countryside Alliance
Want to learn more about how you can help the Ag Reserve?
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Montgomery Countryside Alliance
P.O Box 120 – Boyds, MD 20841 – 301-349-5021
email: info@mocoalliance.org |
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