Cascade Residents Raise $16,000

Second Fundraiser to Block Dollar General, Nearing Legal-Fund Goal Ahead of Fall Court Showdown

Geraldine Otremba, Cascade Resident, on Behalf of the Committee to Protect Our Mountain

The grassroots Protect Our Mountain campaign announced that its second community fundraiser brought in $16,000, putting the group within a few thousand dollars of the $18,000 needed to cover upcoming legal fees, as it appeals a proposed Dollar General Market slated for 14413 McAfee Hill Road Cascade, MD 21719.

“A Dollar General, with its cookie-cutter box-store design and oversized yellow signage, simply is not compatible with the unique historic and rural character of Cascade,” said Michele Rosenfeld, zoning attorney for the committee, noting that local zoning law requires protection of that character. “We’re in court to ensure those laws are followed.”

Since 2022, residents have fought the project, arguing that the store fails to meet the county’s Rural Village zoning standards. After two approvals by the Washington County Zoning Board and two remands from the Circuit Court, both the proponent and opponents have now appealed to the Appellate Court of Maryland, with a court date expected in Annapolis this fall.

Held at Fort Ritchie’s Top Secret Tap Room, the recent benefit surpassed all expectations. More than 50 silent-auction items—together worth over $7,000—were donated by generous local businesses, while residents from near and far packed the venue to show their support. Talented area musicians and radio personalities volunteered their time to keep attendee spirits high, and our dedicated committee members orchestrated every detail to ensure the event’s resounding success.

Committee members credit the tenacious mountain spirit of Cascade for sustaining momentum.

How to Help: Donate — https://www.tinyurl.com/donation-stopdg; Follow Updates — Facebook group “Stop Dollar General in Cascade, Maryland” https://www.facebook.com/groups/1214000966003481; Media Assets — Photos of the mountain, Fort Ritchie, and recent events are available upon request.