Martin Radigan
Update: Press coverage of the 8/11 County Council hearing on the Treasured Sugarloaf Management plan. Another council workshop is August. 15 and there is a community meeting in Urbana on August 18. Much more info here.
This plan remains strong protection for the farms of the Sugarloaf region - here at MCA we remain concerned about a provision to allow adjustments in the Urbana area - making a loophole that could undercut the protections of the plan.
This plan remains strong protection for the farms of the Sugarloaf region - here at MCA we remain concerned about a provision to allow adjustments in the Urbana area - making a loophole that could undercut the protections of the plan.
An action alert from our partners at Sugarloaf Citizens Association - you've seen the signs in FredCo - the plan to give Sugarloaf Country the protection it needs is coming to a vote and your voice is needed!
Protect & Preserve THE SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN AREA
The Frederick County Planning Commission is debating this master plan.
Show up and Speak up at the Public Hearing
On the Sugarloaf Treasured Landscape Management Plan
Wednesday, May 18
Winchester Hall, 6 pm
Over the last 2 years the master plan, that will determine the future of our beautiful mountain, the small communities and the surrounding farmland, has been redesigned and under heated debate. The 176-page management and zoning plan for the almost 18,000 acres includes Sugarloaf mountain and surrounding communities, adjacent to Montgomery County’s 93,000 acre Agricultural Reserve.
The Planning Commission will listen to testimony, debate and make a decision before sending it to the state for a 60 day review period. It is important for all of us that care about this treasured landscape, to attend the hearing in person at Winchester Hall, 12 East Church Street in downtown Frederick. The Public Hearing will also live streamed as well, at FrederickCountyMD.gov/FCGTV. You can call comments in at 1-855-925-2801 (Meeting Code 9006).
We know that the developers who don’t want the natural resource protections contained in the “Rural Heritage Overlay Zone” will show up. The plan’s overall aim is to preserve and protect the rural and agriculture-focused landscape in question—without exemptions for developers or Stronghold, Inc. the Board that owns and operates Sugarloaf Mountain.
Questions in the community:
What are the benefits of the Sugarloaf Plan and Overlay Zoning District?
The Plan’s intent is to protect the area’s beautiful woodlands and waterways, farms and historic sites, preserving the rural nature of southern Frederick County on the west side of I-270.
What about my property rights? Will the Plan and Overlay limit what I am able to do with my property?
The Plan largely maintains the rural environment as we enjoy it today and ensures that any changes to the area’s land uses reflect a higher standard of environmental protection through the Overlay Zoning District.
You can testify for 3 minutes, to explain why this treasured landscape should be preserved. Written comments are being received at: planningcommission@frederickcountymd.gov
See more details at SCA’s website or download the attached PDF. Frederick County’s website for the plan is here.
https://www.frederickcountymd.gov/8046/Sugarloaf-Area-Plan
The Frederick County Planning Commission is debating this master plan.
Show up and Speak up at the Public Hearing
On the Sugarloaf Treasured Landscape Management Plan
Wednesday, May 18
Winchester Hall, 6 pm
Over the last 2 years the master plan, that will determine the future of our beautiful mountain, the small communities and the surrounding farmland, has been redesigned and under heated debate. The 176-page management and zoning plan for the almost 18,000 acres includes Sugarloaf mountain and surrounding communities, adjacent to Montgomery County’s 93,000 acre Agricultural Reserve.
The Planning Commission will listen to testimony, debate and make a decision before sending it to the state for a 60 day review period. It is important for all of us that care about this treasured landscape, to attend the hearing in person at Winchester Hall, 12 East Church Street in downtown Frederick. The Public Hearing will also live streamed as well, at FrederickCountyMD.gov/FCGTV. You can call comments in at 1-855-925-2801 (Meeting Code 9006).
We know that the developers who don’t want the natural resource protections contained in the “Rural Heritage Overlay Zone” will show up. The plan’s overall aim is to preserve and protect the rural and agriculture-focused landscape in question—without exemptions for developers or Stronghold, Inc. the Board that owns and operates Sugarloaf Mountain.
Questions in the community:
What are the benefits of the Sugarloaf Plan and Overlay Zoning District?
The Plan’s intent is to protect the area’s beautiful woodlands and waterways, farms and historic sites, preserving the rural nature of southern Frederick County on the west side of I-270.
What about my property rights? Will the Plan and Overlay limit what I am able to do with my property?
The Plan largely maintains the rural environment as we enjoy it today and ensures that any changes to the area’s land uses reflect a higher standard of environmental protection through the Overlay Zoning District.
- The Overlay does not change most current zoning for residential, agricultural or conservation property within the Plan area.
- The Plan includes an updated list of restricted or prohibited uses, including - for example - “shooting range” and “industrial waste landfill.”
- The Plan’s timber harvest section mirrors the State’s requirements.
- The Overlay adds environmental protection requirements for subdivision and site development plans, including proposals and building sizes for large, non-agricultural developments.
You can testify for 3 minutes, to explain why this treasured landscape should be preserved. Written comments are being received at: planningcommission@frederickcountymd.gov
See more details at SCA’s website or download the attached PDF. Frederick County’s website for the plan is here.
https://www.frederickcountymd.gov/8046/Sugarloaf-Area-Plan
Background on this plan:
