Genesis of puzzlement

Last night in Rockville, the County Council heard testimony from a wide range of stakeholders regarding an amendment to the controversial Commercial/Residential Zones (CR Zones). CR Zones are a new zoning category for MoCo, with the goal of increasing density and adding a mix of residential and non-residential land uses within areas of the County being re-zoned under new master plans.

The testimony was largely split between concerned residents and civic association leaders in opposition to the entire amendment, or specific portions of it, and commercial property owners, developers, and their laywers in favor of the amendment, although with minor changes in some instances. Although, there were a couple of surprises. The most interesting speech was from a former councilmember and citizen in Silver Spring, who invoked the Book of Genesis. She asked if it was any coincidence that the maximum building heights permitted in the CR Zones are 300 feet, which according to Wikipedia, was the height of the Tower of Babel? "Does that send you a message," she demanded of the Council?

Furthermore, the former councilmember urged the Council to "leave Montgomery County as it is for those who appreciate it," referring to MoCo as "the perfect suburbia." And for those that want to live in an urban environment, please look elsewhere as there are plenty to choose from. Councilmember George Leventhal took umbrage to this statement, and gave the young lady a good tongue-lashing for suggesting New Urbanism enthusiasts pack their bags in pursuit of postage-stamp pastures. He replied, "you're part of the tradition and history of this county, but civility and respect for people's opinions is also part of the tradition of this county." Many present thought this was a bad call on Leventhal's part.

Another interesting vignette came from a former MoCo Planning Board commissioner and Chevy Chase Village resident suggesting, "if you're just an average guy trying to be part of the process to work on plans for the future of your community, there is really nothing to like in this zone." And I thought my puzzlement over MoCo's New Urbanist thrust had its genesis in thinking of areas like Takoma Park as suburban, rather than urban.

The final word of the evening was from a development consultant, who said of the new zoning amendment, "it's madness." This position parted with the party line of all the pro-development interests present that evening, and marks the beginning of the series of worksessions where the Planning, Housing & Economic Development (PHED) Committee will review the zoning amendment. At the conclusion of the series, PHED will make recommendations to the Council regarding the adoption and approval of the amendments. The first meeting is on June 13 at 9:30 a.m.