Data centers located near homes can create significant impacts if not carefully planned and regulated. What is happening at the County Council? The Council is deciding how to deploy data centers in the county. There are two proposals on the table: 1) Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 26-01, which would amend the zoning code to allow data centers in industrial zones. While it is a good start, it is missing many needed protections for residents. 2) […]
Continue readingTag Archives: Zoning Text Amendments
Rick Meyer Testimony Opposing Bill 18-23 and Urging Council to Fully Fund the Office of the People’s Counsel
Archived News (2023) This post is preserved as part of the public record and historical documentation of community engagement at that time. For broader regulatory and governance context, see: Restore full funding to the statutorily mandated Office of the People’s Counsel (OPC) Testimony of W. E. “Rick” Meyer Public Hearing. Bill 18-23, Structure of County Government – Community Zoning and Land Use Resource Officer April 18, 2023 Watch all of the public testimonies:Montgomery County Council […]
Continue readingBREAKING: 9 Groups + Mayor Sign Letter to @MoCoCouncilMD Calling for 1- Council to Follow MD Law, 2- Independent Investigation of Planning Board
This post is preserved as part of the public record and historical documentation of community engagement at that time. For broader regulatory and governance context, see: MC4T.org
Continue readingMontgomery County Medical Society withdraws from MD5G Partnership October 19, 2022, reversing their position on related advocacy efforts for ZTA 22-01
Just days after Councilmember Hans Riemer made this statement “… interesting to note that the Montgomery County Medical Society which is our Premier organization of Physicians has weighed in in favor of passing this zoning text Amendment” the Medical Society announced it had withdrawn from the MD5G Partnership effectively withdrawing its support of the ZTA.
Continue readingThank you to everyone who came out to support our Rally opposing ZTA 22-01
We’re still in this! Also, BIG Thanks to Fox5DC and @thesierrafox for helping to uplift our voices, raising more awareness. The rally was held Tuesday October 11thOn the steps of the County Council Building100 Maryland Ave, Rockville, MD Share the news coverage with friends! Post on social media!https://www.fox5dc.com/news/residents-protest-cell-towers-in-montgomery-county Second news report. https://youtu.be/f4N1ZMN3ecE Rally Highlight: Marion Edey, long-time Environmental Activist and once Founder of the National League of Conservation Voters (LCV), discusses the known […]
Continue readingFCC’s recent big loss in court proves what residents warned all along: Montgomery County Council can’t trust the FCC’s safety standards from 1996 for wireless radiation to protect our families.
This page documents past resident engagement strategies provided for historical reference only and does not reflect current action opportunities. Council will be rushing a ZTA 22–01 zoning vote on Oct. 25th to outrun a Nov. 1st zoning deadline in this year of an election. Use the 1-minute email tool to quickly send emails to the entire Council to oppose cell towers near homes–ZTA 22-01.
Continue readingCouncilmember Riemer Ignores County Executive’s Recommendation
to Table ZTA 22-01
Key Points From County Executive Marc Elrich’s Letter: NO federal obligation to pass this ZTA NO need Prudent to wait for FCC reply to Appeals Court ruling on “arbitrary and capricious” RF rules Won’t help address digital divide. Montgomery County digital equity efforts include: 12,294 County households have enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) – as of JUNE 2022 Residents enrolled in other benefit programs are eligible to receive $45 off their home or mobile broadband […]
Continue readingResidents Testify in Unanimous Opposition to Cell Tower ZTA 22-01 at a Truncated Daytime Public Hearing
Archived Advocacy Notice (September 2022) This post was originally published during the 2022 review of ZTA 19-07. It reflects community calls for engagement during the public comment period. It is preserved here as part of the legislative history surrounding zoning amendments related to wireless infrastructure in Montgomery County. Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 22-01, Antenna on Existing Structure – Use StandardsTuesday, September 13, 2022, 1:30 – 2:30pm ZTA 22-01 lets carriers turn utility and light poles […]
Continue readingReflections on the FCC and the Telecommunications Act
This post is preserved as part of the public record and historical documentation of community engagement at that time. For broader regulatory and governance context, see: Council needs to stop reciting pro-wireless bias narratives that rubber-stamp and cheerlead the interests of telecom and their so-called demonstrations. What is preempted is an actual moratorium that’s specific to wireless –– for which Montgomery County is NOT GUILTY! What the County’s attorneys continue to advise Councilmembers cannot be squared […]
Continue readingTakoma Park City Council Sends Letter Opposing the Passage of ZTA 19-07
The City Council has sent a letter to the Montgomery County Council opposing the passage of Zoning Text Amendment 19-07 (Telecommunications Towers – Limited Use) as currently drafted. “The City of Takoma Park wants every resident of Montgomery County to have equitable access to affordable broadband internet. However, everyone should have a voice in the planning process. This ZTA, as currently drafted, would cut municipalities and residents out of the planning and siting process for […]
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