Cascade Update

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

Cascade resident Danielle Durning—only after making inquiries—was advised by Planning Department staff that her Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) application related to the proposed Dollar General Mart at 14413 McAfee Hill Road is scheduled for a public hearing before the Washington County Planning Commission on Monday, April 6, at 6:00 p.m. The meeting is an opportunity for public input, and all interested residents are welcome to sign up. Full details are available on the Facebook page (Stop Dollar General).

The requested ZTA, which will prohibit a “small box variety store” within 1,000 feet of historic resources, is intended to clarify the purpose of the Rural Village zone, which is to protect the unique rural and historic character of a rural village. The proposed Dollar General threatens the value of nearby residential homes, which an expert appraiser projected would lose approximately $30,000 in value if the proposed Dollar General is built, and the aesthetic and financial interests of Fort Ritchie, which is revitalizing with substantial private, county, and state financial investments.

On May 4, the Planning Commission will deliberate in open session regarding its recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) about the ZTA, followed by a written transmittal of that recommendation. It is unclear when the BOCC will schedule its own public hearing on the ZTA.

On the litigation front, attorney Michele Rosenfeld argued before the Appellate Court of Maryland on Monday, March 9, that the Board of Appeals failed to properly apply Washington County zoning law in approving the contested Dollar General. The attorney for the special exception applicant argued that the Circuit Court improperly ordered that the case be remanded to the Board of Appeals. All legal arguments related to whether the Board of Appeals properly decided that the Dollar General is “functionally similar” to a grocery store. A written court decision is not expected for at least several weeks, and it could be several months.

Residents are encouraged to follow updates on the Stop Dollar General Facebook page.