Freeland Community Association March 2010: Home Contact Us
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Next Freeland Community Association Meeting - Tuesday March 16, 7PM The Freeland Community Association meets next Tuesday March 16, 7 PM at Prettyboy Elementary School For discussion: § Local Zoning issues of note § Talk about my experience so far with the University of MD Extension Service program to train new farmers in starting small farm operations to serve local markets and CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) § Shrewsbury Township meeting with PA Attorney General representative regarding the issue of their ordnance on sewage sludge application. The PA statute known as “Act 38” contains provisions that effectively prevent localities from establishing and enforcing ordnances against the spread of municipal sewage sludge on farm fields within their boundaries. Here are two short videos of the Peach Bottom Concerned Citizens Group (PBCCG) rally held at the Capitol in Harrisburg on March 9: o This video offers some background on the issue from activists, community leaders and representatives http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTaykp-kI94 o This second video begins with comments from Shrewsbury Township supervisor Paul Solomon : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnLQExkYuac The municipal sewage sludge issue should be a matter of concern to us also, since our watersheds are fed from these areas, and the current inability of local governments to stop it means that our neighbors must fight their state government to get relief . As always, we welcome and encourage participation from any who have other community concerns. Hope to see you on Tuesday March 16. Some background information on the sewage sludge issue can be found at these links: Land Application of Sludge Raises Serious Concerns http://lancasterfarming.com/node/1372 Sludge News http://www.sludgenews.org/ Sludge one of top issues in Shrewsbury Township http://ydr.inyork.com/ci_12123953 Other items on the agenda: We still have Community cookbooks available for only $8.00 each. These hardcover books were locally produced and make for unique and practical gifts. 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 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: What's my zoning? 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 still  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. North County Preservation a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting rural life in Northern Baltimore County. 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: President – Andy Rathgeber Vice President – Renee' O'Neill Secretary – Vacancy Treasurer – Jeff Lambert Board Members - Jackie Gilbert Deborah Maude One vacancy FCA By-Laws
Freeland Community Association • P.O. Box 52, Freeland, MD. 21053-0052 Send e-mail to freeland@freelandcommunityassociation.org Hosted by Solnet Network Services