Planning Board Approves Addresses for Sandy Spring Properties

The Montgomery County Planning Board unanimously approved a request to provide addresses for several properties located on the north side of Brooke Road west of the intersection of Chandlee Mill Road in Sandy Spring (frequently referred to as the Farm Road). The approval was issued at the July 18 Planning Board meeting following a review process and recommendation by the Montgomery County Planning Department.

The 11 properties are historically significant as land owned by the first freed slaves in the state, and have been without addresses because there was no clear legal access to a public road. This issue has just been resolved with adjacent homeowner declaring access via their properties, as recorded in a series of affidavits submitted in April 2013.

“This has been an extremely emotional and sensitive issue, and we recognize how important this land is to the property owners,” said Planning Board Chair Françoise M. Carrier. “We are very pleased to be able to approve this request. It has been a long and difficult process, and we hope that this outcome will enable the residents to move forward.”

The approval of addresses represents a first step in possible development of the properties. Residents will now have to go through the county government’s permitting and appropriate development process required to build on the land.

The Planning Department, in anticipation of the Board’s decision, has completed an address plan, and, once authorized, is prepared to issue addresses to the Sandy Spring Farm Road community properties, working closely with the landowners and surrounding community residents.

About Staff Writer

View all posts by Staff Writer