by Caroline Taylor
2015 GMC Update: Our Attorney, Michele Rosenfeld, delivered oral argument before the Court of Special Appeals in early December 2014 in both of the ongoing legal challenges. The site plan approval challenge that MCA filed in partnership with Sugarloaf Citizens Association is strong and was favorably heard by the Appeals Court. The oral argument in the suit filed by community members involving the Church's required secondary access road bisecting residential property bound by long standing neighborhood covenants, also quite strong, was also heard. We are waiting for opinions in both cases. Awaiting decisions in both cases. Read on below..
It was waaay back in 2009 when MCA and other stakeholders became aware of the fast tracked proposal to construct a massive institutional facility in the shadow of Sugarloaf Mountain. The mega (138,000 sq. ft.) -complex (located in both Montgomery's Ag Reserve and Frederick's ag zone) was well on its way to easy approval by Frederick County when we became involved and began to raise questions about how this development would affect ground and stream water, historic resources, agricultural lands and forest. With our partners at Sugarloaf Citizens' Association (SCA), staff at MC Park and Planning members of of State Delegation and County Council members - we sought answers and meetings with Global Mission Church representatives.
More history:
Circuit Court Challenge and Media Coverage
Five Things the Same Size as the Mega Church
Mega Effort
Now 5 years later... Various twists and turns, a revised site plan proposal with tiny downsizing to 118,000 sq. ft - zoning changes by FC and approval by FC. MCA, SCA and adjacent neighbors have expended significant resources toward litigation aimed at ensuring that any project built at the site adhere to the longstanding preservation goals of both counties. The suit filed by to challenge the required secondary access road which violates a homeowner covenant was successful. Global Mission has appealed and oral arguments in that case will take place on Court of Special Appeals on December 10, 2014. SCA and MCA v. Global Mission - our suit challenging the FC Board of Appeals dismissal of our challenge to the site plan approval has been briefed. Oral arguments will take place at the Court of Special Appeals on December 5, 2014.
More history:
Circuit Court Challenge and Media Coverage
Five Things the Same Size as the Mega Church
Mega Effort
Now 5 years later... Various twists and turns, a revised site plan proposal with tiny downsizing to 118,000 sq. ft - zoning changes by FC and approval by FC. MCA, SCA and adjacent neighbors have expended significant resources toward litigation aimed at ensuring that any project built at the site adhere to the longstanding preservation goals of both counties. The suit filed by to challenge the required secondary access road which violates a homeowner covenant was successful. Global Mission has appealed and oral arguments in that case will take place on Court of Special Appeals on December 10, 2014. SCA and MCA v. Global Mission - our suit challenging the FC Board of Appeals dismissal of our challenge to the site plan approval has been briefed. Oral arguments will take place at the Court of Special Appeals on December 5, 2014.
