Presubmittal letter sent to Hearing Examiner by Olney Coalition

Martin Grossman

Hearing Examiner for Application G-885

100 Maryland Ave

Rockville, MD 20850

Dear Mr. Grossman,

The Olney Coalition formed in 2003 and represents over 3,000 households.  Its mission is to preserve the semi-rural residential character of our community and the qualities of life we value – fine schools, excellent roads, and a healthy environment.  Olney Coalition was very involved throughout the 2005 update to the Olney Master Plan, attending every Planning Board work session and every PHED and Council work session.  Part of Olney Coalition’s testimony was used in the master plan recommendation for this property.

Olney Coalition is opposed to the rezoning application G-885.  This pre-submittal letter asks that Barbara Falcigno be a party of interest in this case as well as be able to present testimony on behalf of Olney Coalition.  No witnesses are required and it is estimated that 20 minutes will be needed to present the case opposing the rezoning.  The following are the key points of Olney Coalition’s testimony:

• Compatibility issues
• The two over two units that are part of the proposed plan are not the housing types envisioned in the master plan
• There is a poor mixing of the affordable and market rate homes throughout the development
• The purpose of a Planned Development zone cannot be met with the restrictions (no multi-family and no commercial development) specified in master plan

The documents that will be referred to in this testimony include the 2005 Olney Master Plan, the County Zoning Code, the February 2004 Report titled “Strengthening the Moderately Priced Dwelling Unit Program:  A 30 Year Review”, and transcripts of the actual County Council discussion on this property.  I look forward to a lively discussion on May 3^rd. 

Sincerely,

Barbara Falcigno

President, Olney Coalition

cc Jodi Kline

     Martin Klauber