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I recently visited Burnt Hill Farm, a growing vineyard between Damascus and Clarksburg that employs regenerative agricultural practices, with a focus on improving biodiversity and soil quality. Its founders’ envision Burnt Hill as “a reminder of the generations who have come before us and our responsibility to preserve its legacy for generations to come.” Thank you co-founders Ashli, Drew, and Lisa for showing us around the farm, for your commitment to our County, and for sharing your story!
I’m proud to represent many agricultural professionals in District 7. This work connects us to the land, fosters appreciation of sustainable farming practices, supports a growing local food network, and creates community gathering places where we can enjoy our County’s beautiful natural resources.
Over the next few months, expect significant discussions on how we grow agricultural operations. My goal is to find the balance needed to best protect the Agricultural Reserve so future generations of farmers have a viable way to continue this valuable work.
Top left: With Chris Miller from Lone Oak Brewery;
Top right: The view of Sugarloaf Mountain from Burnt Hill Farm; Bottom left: Burnt Hill Farm's three founders; Bottom right: With Doug Lechlider (left) and Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks (middle)
Shady Grove Road Bicyclist and Pedestrian Safety Meeting
Since 2015, there have been five fatal crashes and at least eight crashes that led to severe injuries on Shady Grove Road between Muncaster Mill Road and Crabbs Branch Way. We have been working with community members to advocate for changes to state law to allow speed cameras in this corridor that could prevent the next severe crash.
Now, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation is starting a project to significantly improve safety and the ability to comfortably walk and bike along the corridor.
Please consider joining the November 6 virtual public meeting to learn more and give your insight into what this project should include. MCDOT is reviewing existing conditions (such as facility types, traffic volumes, and crash data), and planned and proposed multimodal safety improvements recommended in recent master plans. At the upcoming meeting, MCDOT will present the project scope and answer your questions.
Acceleration of Security Grants for Jewish, Muslim, and other Faith Communities
Given the escalating crisis in the Middle East, the Montgomery County Council and County Executive are expediting $311,700 in Nonprofit Security Grant funding to Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, and Zoroastrian communities in Montgomery County. These awards will provide immediate assistance so that these organizations can invest in security measures to guard against violence and other crimes motivated by hate and bias.
Brookeville Bypass Dedication Ceremony
Brookeville Bypass dedication ceremony
We celebrated decades of community advocacy by dedicating the Brookeville Bypass to former Senator Karen Montgomery and the late former Town of Brookeville Commissioner Clyde Unglesbee - two of the strongest advocates for diverting commuter traffic away from the small street serving historic Brookeville. As Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller said, “The road to progress is slow, and it is always under construction, but today, we celebrate the completion of a monumental infrastructure project, thanks to the steadfast determination of two extraordinary public servants.”
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