For Immediate Release: Friday, November 3, 2023
The Economic Development (ECON) Committee will meet on Monday, Nov. 6 at 9:30 a.m. to discuss agritourism in the Agricultural Reserve. The meeting will be held at the Agricultural History Farm Park in the multi-use room. The Agricultural History Farm Park is located at 18400 Muncaster Rd. in Derwood. The ECON Committee meeting will be recorded and posted to the Council's website and YouTube page by Nov. 7.
The members of the ECON Committee include Chair Natali Fani-González, Councilmember Marilyn Balcombe, Council President Evan Glass and Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles.
The Planning, Housing and Parks (PHP) Committee will meet at 1:30 p.m. to continue its review of the Fairland and Briggs Chaney Master Plan.
The members of the PHP Committee include Chair Andrew Friedson and Councilmembers Fani-González and Will Jawando.
More detail on each agenda item is provided below.
Agritourism in the Agricultural Reserve
Briefing and panel discussion: The EC Committee will discuss agritourism in the County's Agricultural Reserve. The meeting will begin with a presentation about the Planning Department's Agritourism Study, which was completed in December 2019. The study examines agricultural education, tourism and entertainment in Montgomery County and ways the County could enhance economic opportunities in the Agricultural Reserve. The meeting will also include a panel discussion with County officials and agritourism business owners to discuss successes, challenges and opportunities faced by those engaged in agritourism in the County.
Fairland and Briggs Chaney Master Plan
Review: The PHP Committee will continue its review of the Fairland and Briggs Chaney Master Plan. The plan is an update to a portion of the 1997 Fairland Master Plan, and it would establish a clear vision for an equitable, just and prosperous future for the Fairland community, mirroring the County’s long-term priorities, which includes a vibrant economy, equity for all residents and a healthy environment.
The master plan boundary consists primarily of property and neighborhoods of Fairland and Briggs Chaney along the U.S. 29 Corridor near Paint Branch on the south and toward Greencastle Road on the north. The update will examine and provide policies and recommendations on existing and future land uses and zoning, housing inventory and needs, transportation systems, historic preservation opportunities, area park facilities and the environment.
The Committee meeting schedule may change from time to time. View the current Council and Committee agendas, Council staff reports and additional information on items scheduled for Council review on the Council website.
Council and committee meetings are streamed live on the Council’s web page via YouTube and on Facebook Live and can be watched on County Cable Montgomery on Xfinity/RCN 6 HD 996/1056, Fios 30, and on the CCM live stream.
Release ID: 23-361