After either working on or monitoring the progress of the Potomac Master Plan for the last three years, Potomac residents are left crossing their fingers.
"Things can change at the Council at the drop of a hat. That could happen on the 26th. There's always forces at work," said Callum Murray, Potomac Master Plan team leader.
Murray spoke to members of West Montgomery County Citizens Association on Feb. 13 to update them on the plan.
The Potomac Master Plan, the 20-year blueprint for landuse in Potomac, is currently scheduled for its final review and and vote by the County Council on Tuesday, Feb. 26 at a time to be determined.
Councilmembers can make last-minute motions to change portions of the Plan. Updating the plan started over three years ago between Park and Planning staff and a citizens advisory committee.
Lobbyists are still at work.
Steve Robins, attorney for the owner of the Turkey Foot Property, filed a brief to County Council last week, disputing the Council's decision not to provide Turkey Foot with sewer service.
Preserving the sewer envelope and prohibiting such service is critical to the preservation of the agricultural reserve, said environmentalists, such as Ginny Barnes, president of West Montgomery.
"It won't be over until it's over," said Murray.
The specifics of the redevelopment of Cabin John Shopping Center are still being debated by both Carl Freeman Retail, Ltd. and the residents in the surrounding communities. Last minute motions over the number of housing units and setback distances at Cabin John are likely.
Surprises can always happen even this late in the game.
"It's been a long process, it's almost over but not quite over. It appears that most of the Planning Board Draft, most of the policies are intact," said Murray.
One change made in the plan was the deletion of language specifying the ideal locations for elderly or affordable housing. Language deleted pointed out locations closer to shopping centers, close to transit lines and with sewer access as ideal locations. Councilmembers were concerned the language might discourage the development of affordable housing in Potomac.
"That makes such good sense, it ought to be countywide," said Peggy Dennis of West Montgomery. Dennis asked what citizens or Murray could do to get the language back in the plan.
Murray told citizens that for anything to be changed, a motion that could be made at the final worksession would need five votes by the Council, a nine-person board.
Citizens also expressed concern over the Council decision to consider three of the school surplus sites — including Brickard Junior High which is currently being used as an organic farm — for all public uses including recreation or for affordable or elderly housing.
Potomac has 8.3 percent of the county's housing stock and 6.9 percent of the county's affordable housing despite significant obstacles such as lack of sewer service, low density, high land cost and lack of transit, Murray said.
"That's actually quite remarkable. You won't get that percentage [of affordable housing] in McLean or Georgetown," said Murray.
Murray said he was disappointed that the Council deleted language that would have kept hard surface trails out of stream valley parks.
"They are forcing us to fight hard-surface trails park by park for the rest of our lives," said Barnes.
Barnes and citizens thanked Murray for his efforts.
"I have to thank you so much for what you've done. We couldn't have had a better team leader," said Barnes, president of West Montgomery.