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Current Issues: Legislation on allowing creameries as a "use by right" in RC zones passes County Council. This legislation was originally drafted as a direct result of Long Green Valley Association's opposition to the planned creamery operation on the Prigel farm. While our initial reaction was one of concern, because hard cases often result in bad law, the legislation that passed was ultimately a result of much hard work and compromise between the agricultural community and other community associations, but mainly due to the tireless efforts of North County Preservation Vice President Mike Pierce, who serves in an advisory role on the County Planning Board. Mike "took the heat" from many in the ag community, but successfully negotiated for the changes that make this bill a beneficial one for county agriculture, while addressing concerns related to scope, size, and environment. Hopefully, the passage of this legislation will usher an era of cooperation between communities and the agriculture industry that is essential to maintaining a rural environment in the north county for future generations. Some of the changes that transformed this legislation from a questionable draft to a more quality product are: 1. Defined "creamery" more clearly, including that it has to be on a dairy farm. 2. Eliminated allowance for special exceptions. 3. Clearly defined limits on source of milk used in production, included distance limits. 4. Added allowance for Agriculture Board to relax limits further in case of extended local production failure.
There is a well written and I believe fair and balanced article on the issue of the Prigel creamery at the Lancaster Farming website: http://lancasterfarming.com/node/1485 Office of
Planning is holding Public Input Meetings to discuss the amendments to the rural
areas section of the County Master Plan Meetings are scheduled at
these locations and begin at 6:30 PM
Sewage Sludge Spreading in
Southern York County
A farmer in Glen Rock continues to accept sewage sludge from Synagro to spread as "fertilizer" on fields near Bowser Rd. This issue is of great concern to nearby residents and the effects do not stop at the Mason-Dixon line:
Read a little about the history of the Freeland Community
Association and how it all began. Click here to read the
rest of the message... |
Baltimore County Links:
Current Development Hearings & Meetings for our District
Maryland Dept of the Environment Applications received and permits issued Do a search on "sludge" within any month's issue to see where applications have been sought or granted for the spreading of sewage sludge on agricultural land. This issue is of great concern in southern York County Pa.
FCA Cookbooks available! Our community cookbook "Country Goodness" is available at a reduced cost of $8 a copy. These make great and unique gifts and include recipes from community members and items of historical interest. Send an email or call 410-374-0525 for a copy.
Other important resources
Community Environmental Defense Services Excellent online resource for information on preventing or mitigating the impact of land use detrimental to the quality of life in your neighborhood.
a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting rural life in Northern Baltimore County.
YOUR HELP IS STILL NEEDED We have outstanding legal fees for resolution of Shelley's Fields issue.
Click here for details on the settlement to the Shelley's Fields Development Issue. The indoor facility and two fields have been eliminated. Covenants limit use and protect agricultural resources. Some neighbors have chosen to continue the battle. Please read our open letter to the community regarding these efforts
Not familiar with the Shelley's Fields Development Issue? Click here for a short history of how this all came about.
2009 FCA Board Officers: Board Members - Deborah Maude One
vacancy If you would like to serve as an officer or board member, please contact us to discuss.
FCA
Articles
of Incorporation (Charter)
Effective May 1, 2007; membership fees are $40 per household
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Freeland
Community Association
