One of the important functions of a citizens association like WMCCA is bringing the community in touch with decision makers early in any process that will create change. Development proposals, recently enacted legislation, and alterations to the zoning code need to be aired and discussed before rumors and misconceptions get started.
In recent years some of the most contentious issues in our Potomac Subregion have resulted from the lack of public notice and failure to engage the community in the decision making process. The most distressing and costly of these blunders was the attempt to turn Nick's Organic Farm on the Brickyard Road School site into a private soccer complex. Some years back there was a proposal for a country inn on a site across from the Water Filtration Plant on River Road that created a storm of controversy and was, like the Brickyard proposal, finally and wisely abandoned.
Just before the Brickyard struggle, the Parks Department got in trouble over an unsolicited proposal for a privately run recreation center at Rockwood Manor. It is always wise to involve communities early and often when plans are first in the wind. It saves trouble, brings valuable feedback to any proposal, and most importantly, leads to a better outcome and product in the long run.
Montgomery County has one of the nation's premier park systems and departments, with responsibility for more than 420 conservation and recreation parks on more than 35,000 acres of land, or 12 percent of Montgomery County’s total landmass. When it comes to parks and/or potential parks, citizens of our county are unusually passionate and with good reason. We have a singular piece of luck to be bordered by a well loved National Historic Park running the length of the C&O Canal. We have an abundance of local conservation lands like Blockhouse Point and the Serpentine Barrens. We have an excellent Regional Park called Cabin John. Many of the area watersheds are bordered by long stretches of Stream Valley Parks.
We do not have as many small, local parks serving neighborhoods but some are in the pipeline, like Greenbriar Local Park. We love and use them all. We even take them for granted just as we do our low density zoning and limited sewer envelope. But we should not. We need to protect these givens and demand that stewardship be taken seriously. For information on our County Park system: www.montgomeryparks.org
Membership in the WMCCA is the best way of keeping up with and being part of any changes that will impact our daily lives. We need members and volunteers willing to serve our association founded here in Potomac over 60 years ago and still going strong. We invite you to join us, memberships are only $25 for individuals and $50 for families. Become part of a community organization that works to protect your quality of life here in Potomac. Please consider supporting WMCAA by joining when you attend our May 14 meeting or by going to our website, www.wmcca.org and clicking “Join Us”.
ENVIRONMENT – PEPCO at it again. – If you have seen tree trimming trucks, crews, and chippers on our local roads, it is because PEPCO is now into a four-year cycle of vegetation management. According to Jerry Pasternak, vice president of the PEPCO Region, this is to meet Maryland’s Service Quality and Reliability Standards, known as RM43. The standards include pruning to a four-year growth beside and under most power lines. For high-voltage lines the required clearance is 15 feet below and beside the lines and “blue sky” clearance above. After witnessing denuding of steep slopes in the Glen and along many of our Rustic Roads, as well as complaints from neighbors on Lloyd Road, we seem to be facing a future of more canopy loss and increased stormwater runoff. Since PEPCO is not required to remove stumps, it also means limited areas for any replacement plantings as well as unsightly stump-lined roads.
ELECTION OF WMCCA OFFICERS AND BOARD:
The Nominating Committee proposes the following slate of Officers and Directors to the membership for a vote at our May 14 meeting. Nominations may also be made from the floor.
President: Susanne Lee
President Elect: Barbara Brown
Vice President: Carol Van Dam Falk
Immediate Past President: Ginny Barnes
Treasurer: George Barnes (temporary)
Secretary and Bookkeeper: Barbara Hoover
Newsletter: Nancy Madden
Directors serving second year of a two-year term: Kathy Pettit, John Yassin
Nominees for a two-year term: Elie Pisarra Cain, Betsi Dahan, Alison Mrohs, Jill Phillips
Nominees for a one-year term: Shawn Justement.
Next Meeting
The public is invited to the next meeting of the West Montgomery County Citizens Association at the Potomac Community Center on Wednesday, May 14, at 7:15 p.m. If schools are closed because of inclement weather, the meeting will be cancelled.
WMCCA has invited two sets of speakers.
7:15–8 p.m. - Each year WMCCA asks the District 15 State Legislators to brief residents on the session just completed in Annapolis. Join Sen. Brian Feldman and Delegates Kathleen Dumais, Aruna Miller, and the newest delegate David Fraser-Hidalgo to hear about the work accomplished this legislative session.
8-9 p.m. - Patricia McManus, design section supervisor, Park Development Division, Montgomery County Parks - Recently, neighbors of the Rockwood Manor at 11001 MacArthur Boulevard in Potomac have been concerned about potential changes to the park. The Manor House was built in the 1920s and was the former country estate of Carolyn Gangwer Caughey. Nestled within 30 acres of woods and close to the C&O Canal, Rockwood Manor offers a secluded and natural venue with overnight accommodations. It has become a popular location for events like destination weddings, multi-day business retreats and training sessions. Issues of traffic flow, parking, and a narrow entrance flanked by large trees has led the Parks Department to take a wholistic look at the 30-acre site for possible improvements. McManus will bring staff to answer questions about this early stage and seek input from the community.