Sandy Spring-Ashton

Rural Preservation

Consortium (SSARPC)

SSARPC, Post Office Box 518, Ashton, MD 20861

March 28, 2007

Royce Hanson, Chairman

MNCPPC Planning Board

ATTN:  AMP

8787 Georgia Ave.

Silver Spring, MD 20910

Dear Chairman Hanson:

The SSARPC was formed in the fall 2005 as a group of citizens who are concerned that development in the rural Sandy Spring-Ashton area conforms to the Sandy Spring-Ashton Master Plan.  The major focus to date has been Ashton Meeting Place (AMP).  In August 2006 we began negotiations with the AMP developers.  Months of negotiations have resulted in agreement on a compromise plan for AMP.  The plan reflects much of the intent of the Sandy Spring-Ashton Master Plan and will, if approved, be a cornerstone for creating a new sense of place and a village center in Ashton.  

Some of the design elements that we find important in the compromise plan include:

·        Green space at the corner of New Hampshire Avenue and Route 108

·        Active store fronts on New Hampshire Avenue and Route 108

·        Building scale reflects a village center

·        Bank drive through lanes are well hidden

·        The grocery store wall on Route 108 is lined with stores

Some of the elements that were non-negotiable by the developer, and were compromised on are:

·        Overall size

·        Size of the grocery store

The SSARPC Steering Committee supports the design of the compromise plan, except for our concern for the wetlands.  We support Park and Planning in its endeavors to uphold the Guidelines for Environmental Management.  Environmental experts have not been retained by the SSARPC, and so we defer to Park and Planning expertise.  We hope this matter will be resolved by the Planning Board and staff in a way that preserves the viability of the compromise plan and complies with environmental constraints.

When the Planning staff report is made available, we expect to send you another letter responding to the staff recommendations.

Michelle Layton, Co-chair                                                        Paul D. Mannina, Co-chair