LIVABLE FREDERICK COALITION STATEMENT ON FREDERICK COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION’S DECISION TO PASS DRAFT SUGARLOAF TREASURED LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT PLAN TO FREDERICK COUNTY COUNCIL
“The Livable Frederick Coalition released the following statement after the Frederick County Planning Commission passed the Sugarloaf Treasured Landscape Management Plan to the Frederick County Council.
“The members of the Livable Frederick Coalition are disappointed with the Frederick County Planning Commission’s decision to pass its draft version of the Sugarloaf Treasured Landscape Management Plan to the Frederick County Council in the face of so much opposition already on the public record.
“The plan is out of step with the principles set forth by the Livable Frederick Master Plan that was so thoughtfully and thoroughly put together. We understand that the Covid-19 pandemic affected regular processes, but it was clear during the last public comment session that many residents, farmers and business owners were not properly informed by Frederick County about the planned or potential effects of the Plan on their property rights. With more than 1,000 public comments, the Planning Commission should have taken more time to explain the potential effects of the Plan.
“We acknowledge the Planning Commission recommended removing a few properties from the Overlay. However, there are still hundreds of residents, farmers and businesses that will be severely impacted by the proposed plan, including Stronghold, Inc, the longtime nonprofit steward of Sugarloaf Mountain. Currently, five agricultural preservation programs already regulate certain lands in the Sugarloaf study area. These programs have proven their success, so it begs the question of the need for this new effort, which will directly impact farms & ranches which make up 40% of the total acreage in the study area.
“There are very real consequences to property and business owners and local residents alike should this plan continue to move forward. The Livable Frederick Coalition will continue to educate residents, farmers, business owners and landowners about the ramifications of this proposed plan.”
