From left are Holly Vandegrift, staff assistant to Del. Ariana Kelly; Del. Marc Korman; state Sen. Susan Lee; and Del. Bill Frick. Photo Contributed
Approximately 45 citizens attended the annual meeting of the Brickyard Coalition Inc. held at the River Falls Clubhouse, 7915 Horseshoe Lane, in Potomac, on Thursday, Oct. 1. New officers and directors were elected and heard an update on the status of the “County Inn” proposed to be located adjacent to Old Anglers Inn.
The featured event of the evening was a presentation by the District 16 legislators. Present were state Sen. Susan Lee and Delegates Bill Frick and Marc Korman and Holly Vandergrift, staff member for Ariana Kelly. They help decide how the $40 billion state budget is spent.
Lee spoke of her effort supporting legislation to stop sex trafficking and making more identity theft and home invasions punishable as crimes. She also discussed Maryland cyber-security.
Frick discussed legislation to allow ex-felons the right to vote and his work with the Augustine Commission which is studying ways for the state to attract and work better with business.
Korman, a member of the Appropriations Committee, discussed how the state budget works. He explained it was driven by the Governor and delegates could not increase spending over the Governor’s request.
Vandegrift spoke of Delegate Kelly’s work with Health and Government Operations. She discussed her work with women’s issues, mental health and legislation to aide government workers with autistic children.
A question and answer followed. Several asked questions about legislation to allow “Death with Dignity.” Delegates all cautioned that citizen support would be needed.
How to increase renewable energy targets was discussed as well as mental health care and aid for those leaving prison. The members did not feel the five-year phase out period of the Maryland Estate Tax could be speeded up. There was a brief discussion regarding the impact of illegal immigrants' effect on school budgets but it was explained courts have stated everyone is entitled to a public education.
Brickyard Coalition directors and officers were elected to serve for a one-year term at the meeting. Elected as directors were Ted Duncan, Keith Williams, Maria Fusco, Curt Uhre, Charles Doran, John Phillips and Susan Shallcross Rufkar. Duncan was elected president; Uhre, chairman; Williams, treasurer; and Fusco, secretary.
Duncan and Steve Lehrman provided an update on the application for a county inn adjacent to Old Anglers. Five civic associations as well as a number of individuals have joined forces to oppose this project. Montgomery County Catering has filed a Conditional Use Application to develop the 6.5 acres behind the existing restaurant into a 9,000-plus square foot wedding pavilion with full kitchen and four hotel suites. It would be built to seat 240 guests for weddings/banquets, have unrestricted use for business meetings, conventions, trade shows or any other use.
This site is zoned for half-acre residential Lots. Opponents believe that the application does not conform to the Potomac Master Plan, would cause an traffic/safety impact, and would increase noise and congestion on the C & O Canal.