ZTA 23-09 Additional Information
- Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of the Montgomery County Farming Community in a more personal way than merely passing by on the road.
- Support local farmers by seizing the opportunity to contribute to their livelihood.
- Experience the tranquility of sitting by a campfire and gazing at the stars.
- Achieve harmony with nature while enjoying the comforts of a cozy bed, a refreshing shower, and convenient bathroom facilities.
- Gain insight into the livelihood of farmers, witness the presence of animals, and explore the charm of picturesque grain fields.
| Name | District | |
|---|---|---|
| The Entire Council | All Districts | county.council@montgomerycountymd.gov |
| Andrew Friedson | District 1 | councilmember.friedson@montgomerycountymd.gov |
| Marilyn Balcombe | District 2 | councilmember.balcombe@montgomerycountymd.gov |
| Gabe Albornoz | At Large | councilmember.albornoz@montgomerycountymd.gov |
| Sidney Katz | District 3 | councilmember.katz@montgomerycountymd.gov |
| Dawn Luedtke | District 7 | councilmember.luedtke@montgomerycountymd.gov |
| Natali Fani-González | District 6 | councilmember.fani-gonzalez@montgomerycountymd.gov |
| Will Jawando | At Large | councilmember.jawando@montgomerycountymd.gov |
| Kristin Mink | District 5 | councilmember.mink@montgomerycountymd.gov |
| Kate Stewart | District 4 | councilmember.stewart@montgomerycountymd.gov |
| Laurie-Anne Sayles | At Large | councilmember.sayles@montgomerycountymd.gov |
| Evan Glass | At Large | councilmember.glass@montgomerycountymd.gov |
If you would like to go through the MontgomeryCountyMD.gov form on the web, please click here.
“These fine people don’t come to the Ag Reserve to see a whiskey distillery and more buildings. They drive here to see fields, orchards, farms, crops, and animals grazing in the fields. That’s what the Ag Reserve is all about.”
– Ag Reserve Farmer
This organization shared an anonymous and unattributed quote unrelated to ZTA 23-09, seemingly aiming to suggest farmer representation. It’s important to note that ZTA 23-09 is unrelated to whiskey distilleries. The anonymous quote’s author appears to express dissatisfaction with ZTA 18-03, a separate zoning text amendment passed without their support, and is attempting to associate it with ZTA 23-09. For further details on ZTA 18-03, please refer to this link.
“The ZTA demonstrates a stunning lack of understanding of the Reserve, the economic complexity of keeping farms viable and, importantly, supporting new diverse farm operations”.
In this statement, the organization that published the quote is essentially labeling our elected officials as inept. Our team has individually met with all 11 Montgomery County Councilmembers and/or their Chief of Staffs, specifically focusing on ZTA 23-09. Our firsthand observation indicates that each Councilmember possesses a thorough grasp and understanding of the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve and ZTA 23-09.
The counterpoint raised by the activists is immature and does not accurately represent any Montgomery County Councilmember.
“What this broadly written proposal does: Changes the definition of farming – by proposing this change under the Ag code instead of the commercial lodging code where it belongs, up to ten motel style units would be allowed as an accessory to an agritourism operation”.
The activist’s analysis is entirely inaccurate. ZTA 23-09 does not alter the definition of farming in any way. In fact, the specific language from the ZTA highlights that 90% of the farm must remain dedicated to farming activities. The sentence reads: “The maximum footprint for any structure and the total footprint of all structures primarily used for education or tourism is limited to 10% of the total footprint square footage of all structures on the site used for agriculture.”
The activist is attempting to misrepresent the facts, creating a false impression of ZTA 23-09 that diverges from its actual content.
“This proposal does not, as claimed by the Council sponsor, only open the possibility of “incidental” stays (i.e. camping and outdoor seasonal “glamping” options) that the Maryland Farm Bureau supported at the state level.”.
The activist’s interpretation of Maryland Senate Bill 296 is entirely incorrect, and the full bill can be reviewed here. They are attempting to persuade the reader that the term “incidental” equates to “temporary,” which is not the case.
Similar to their previous attempt, this activist is distorting the facts to create a false narrative about the Maryland Senate Bill, suggesting misrepresentation by Councilmembers, which is unfounded.
“A non-farming landowner clamoring for this dramatic change has said in a WTOP interview”.
The activist erroneously inserted the term “non-farming” and is entirely incorrect. The farm owner in question, Marc Potash, actively cultivates his land, currently overseeing the growth of 200 acres of rye. Additionally, Mr. Potash tends to animals on the farm on a daily basis. Furthermore, in the WTOP interview, accessible here, it is explicitly mentioned that Mr. Potash has “become involved in rye production.”
The activist’s attempt to misstate facts appears to stem from a weak argument, lacking substantive grounds.
“This ZTA would change the entire nature of the uses allowed in the Agricultural Reserve Zone (AR) and ask that you vote against it. The proposal is not consistent with the purpose of the AR.”.
The activist is urging people to communicate with council members based on misinformation. ZTA 23-09 does not alter the fundamental nature of the Agricultural Reserve. Moreover, the activist has not provided evidence to support the claim that they possess a better understanding of the AR Zone compared to our elected officials, which is not the case.
“These structures would: B. Misleadingly called incidental outdoor stays”.
“The proposed ZTA does not meet any of the fundamental purposes of the AR to preserve working farms, open space and water resources”.
“This highly successful model would be at risk if ZTA 23-09 is approved”.
“How will this affect farmland cost, already a barrier to new and expanding producers?”.
Farmland costs per acre are currently at an all-time high, and no ZTA addressing this matter has been passed. The activist’s lack of understanding of the lodging business is evident, as no significant lodging enterprise would purchase land in the AR Zone solely to construct 10 units.
“Has thought been given to how this would impact well and septic operations?”.
“The ZTA sponsors are insisting that this proposal is the same as the outdoor incidental stays bill that passed at the State level. This is false. The state passed a measure that allowed “incidental outdoor stays” – ie. camping”.
“No Motels in the Ag Reserve”.
The activist displays a thorough lack of comprehension regarding this ZTA and its purpose. The author appears either uninformed or deliberately aims to deceive the reader. We suspect that the organization is deliberately distorting facts, as beneath their misleading sound bite lies a solicitation for donations, accompanied by a prominent “Donate” button.
We fervently advise our readers against making donations to this misguided organization due to its deliberate misinterpretation and distortion of well-documented facts.
Source Information and References: Sources for the above Activists’ comments and Counterpoints can be found below.
Moco Alliance: Click here
Link to ZTA 18-03 : Click Here
State of Maryland Agritourism Bill : Click Here
WTOP Interview : Click Here
Moco 360 : Click Here