Neighbors,
See below for some updates on my recent work at the County Council.
Update on Overnight Farm Stays
As many of the loyal readers of this newsletter know, I introduced a zoning text amendment (ZTA 23-09) last fall that would have allowed interested farmers to host overnight farm stays as part of their agritourism activities. This followed years of interest from several local farmers who wanted to provide their guests authentic hands-on overnight experience and just as importantly, generate a new revenue stream in the face of increased costs and unpredictable markets.
I worked closely with an exciting, young and diverse group of farmers to craft the proposal, which led to a package of amendments and letters of support. Their vision for agriculture and agritourism brings me a lot of hope for a sustainable and economically viable agricultural sector in the County. They, like me, strongly believe that the Agricultural Reserve and Rural Areas are for everyone to protect, learn from and enjoy.
So what has happened since last fall? Well, something VERY EXCITING!
With the feedback received and in collaboration with the skillful engagement efforts from Councilmembers Marilyn Balcombe and Dawn Luedtke, the district representatives for the vast majority of the County’s agricultural areas, together we just introduced a new zoning text amendment. This ZTA carries forward the thrust of my original proposal, but does so in a more narrow yet effective way to keep the goal of allowing overnight stays in rural areas and the Ag Reserve. I am thrilled to work with my colleagues and want to thank them for all the diligent and thoughtful work they have put into it.
The new ZTA 24-02 will have a public hearing on July 16 (sign up here), followed by a committee worksession on July 22nd in the PHP committee where I serve. I would also like to thank Councilmember Katz for joining as a sponsor, as well as Council President Friedson, and Councilmembers Glass, Sayles and Albornoz for joining as co-sponsors. Stay tuned for more updates!
Veterans Bill
I’m proud of the recent strides we have made since introducing my legislation, Bill 6-24, to establish a property tax credit for disabled veterans. Most recently, on June 11th, we held a public hearing featuring moving testimonials from the Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs, VFW Post 2562, Everseals, and individual veterans. Their stories underscored the importance of this bill and its positive impact on our veteran community. MoCo360 had a good write up on the public hearing.
This bill offers a 50% credit for those with a 75-99% disability rating and a 25% credit for those with a 50-74% rating. Eligible veterans must be honorably discharged, certified by the VA, and have an income not exceeding $100,000. The credit also extends to surviving spouses.
The legislation is tentatively scheduled to go to committee in mid-July.
Relief coming for noisy mufflers
I have teamed up with Council Vice President Stewart to draft legislation that would allow the Police Department to use automated technology for excessive car noise. We are aiming to formally introduce in July, but enjoy a quick preview of the effort from WTOP.
ECON and PHP schedules
I’m highlighting the schedules of the two committees I serve on (Economic Development Committee, Chair, and the Planning, Housing, and Parks Committee, Member).
But before I do that, I have some good news to report. We, finally, have received the rent stabilization regulations resulting from my legislation with Councilmember Katz. The law requires approval of the regulations before rent caps could go into place. I am looking forward to reviewing them this summer in the PHP Committee. You can read the regulations here.
Meanwhile, the Department of Housing and Community Affairs has been standing up rent stabilization office, and has already hired personnel to administer the program. The Council provided significant new funding for the office in this year’s budget.
June 17, PHP
Great Seneca Master Plan
June 20, ECON Quarterly Economic Indicators (Q1 2024)
June 24, ECON/HHS
Executive regulations (#18-23) to streamline restaurant permitting
June 24, PHP
Great Seneca Master Plan
Attainable Housing
June 27, PHP
Bill 7-24, Tenant Protection and Notification
July 8, ECON
Bill 11-24, Make Office Vacancy Extinct (MOVE) Grant Program
July 8, PHP
Great Seneca Master Plan
Attainable Housing
July 15, PHP
Bill 8-24, Fair Criminal History and Credit Screenings
July 22, ECON/TE
Executive Regulations #8-21 – Transportation Demand Management
Parking Lot District Funding
Urban Districts
July 22, PHP
Attainable Housing
ZTA 24-02, Overnight Farm Stays
Growth Tiers Map
Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center Community Meeting
As you know, we were successful in securing funds for building the Wheaton Arts and Cultural Center. We will have another community meeting on Thursday June 20th at 6pm at the Wheaton library. Please review the Q&A from the first meeting and RSVP.
Wheaton Arts and Entertainment 501c3
In an effort to take Wheaton’s diverse cultural identity to the next level, local artists, community and business leaders are joining forces with me and the County Executive to create a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to nurture, promote and celebrate the rich global heritage of arts and entertainment experiences that make Wheaton such a jewel in our region.
Currently, the group has elected a Nominating Committee to identify up to 15 members for the Board of Directors for the new 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which will allow the Wheaton Arts and Entertainment Board to raise funds in support of Arts and Entertainment efforts in the Wheaton area.
Interested in serving on the board? The deadline to apply is June 30 at 5 p.m. via this CANDIDATE FORM.
Sincerely,
Natali Fani-González
Councilmember, District 6
Chair, Economic Development Committee