Learn about the African American Heritage Preservation Program
County Executive Marc Elrich is seeking applicants to fill three public vacancies on the Historic Preservation Commission. Applicants should have expertise in the field of history, architecture, preservation, or urban design, or should represent a special geographic area, or a social, economic, or cultural interest in the County. Owners of historic homes or residents of historic districts are also encouraged to apply. One incumbent is eligible to apply for reappointment. All members must be residents of Montgomery County.
The Montgomery County Council’s Planning, Housing, and Parks (PHP) Committee held work sessions on February 2, 11, and 23 to consider testimony received by the County Council on the Planning Board’s recommended draft plan (oral testimony at January public hearing, plus written testimony). PHP voted unanimously to forward the Clarksburg Gateway Sector Plan, with recommended amendments — including addition of a fourth Land Use goal to “Support economic development in the Plan Area that provides increased employment opportunities, particularly with respect to redevelopment of the COMSAT property” — to the full Council for review and final approval.
The staff report for that meeting showed changes made from the Planning Board-approved document (see pages 6 and 25-27).
At its work session on March 3, the Council accepted PHP’s recommended revisions, including “mitigation” at the COMSAT property. Councilmembers Jawando and Balcombe noted a letter received from the COMSAT alumni association.
Bottom lines: The Council did not vote to designate COMSAT a historic site. They did vote for historic designation of Community of Faith United Methodist Church and Clarksburg Heights as a new historic site and district in this area. The final vote on the total Plan resolution is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, March 24.
MPI believes that the many, many well-reasoned and heartfelt submissions (see sample) by COMSAT neighbors, preservation and conservation groups, architects and others locally and nationally could not overcome major land use and financial concerns about reusing the property raised by Montgomery Planning. MPI will continue to follow this situation.
On Feb. 21st, the Silver Spring Town Center presented MPI Board Member, historian and author Susan Cooke Soderberg, who discussed her latest book. The title of her book comes from a speech given by Reverend Henson toward the end of his life when he was trying to dispel the myth that he was “the real Uncle Tom” as his publishers had portrayed him in order to advertise his autobiographies – books which were also greatly embellished in order to increase sales.
Susan spent over 10 years researching her book. As well as tapping into archives online, she traveled to Kentucky, Ohio, New York, and Ontario, Canada tracing the footsteps of Reverend Henson, visiting libraries and museums along the way. The result is a book that contains copious new information about the man, his life, experiences, his values and his aspirations and reveals a far different person than that depicted in other biographies.
She concluded her talk with Q&A and book signing with the packed and appreciative audience at the Silver Spring B&O Station.
For more information about purchasing her book, contact Susan at susancs709@comcast.net.
Photo credit: Daniel Rappaport