Smart Growth and CR Zoning Text Amendment

April 9, 2010


The Honorable Isiah Leggett
Montgomery County Executive
Executive Office Building
101 Monroe Street
Rockville, Maryland 20850

Dear Mr. Leggett:

The Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board (MCCAB) reviewed and discussed ZTA 09-08, Commercial-Residential (CR) Zones – Establishment which was developed in conjunction with the draft White Flint Sector Plan. We are aware the Council approved this ZTA on March 2nd, however, at our March 16th meeting, the MCCAB voted to oppose the CR zone and the related revisions to the County's zoning ordinance.

While we applaud the idea that planners want to encourage residents to be less dependent on automobiles, we do not feel that adequate public transportation exists to implement this idea. We are also opposed to the use of this new zone until “Smart Growth” has been properly defined. With respect to the proposed changes to the zoning ordinance, we feel this revision lacks a strategic vision, particularly in the absence of a formal definition of “Smart Growth”. Additionally, there are no recommendations on how to implement the proposed changes to the Zoning Ordinance.

Therefore, the MCCAB wishes to go on record in opposition of the recently enacted Commercial-Residential Zone in conjunction with the White Flint Sector Plan.

Sincerely,



Sheldon Fishman
Chair




cc: Montgomery County Council