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Wednesday, May 03, 2017
Church protests get MoCo Council's attention in Westbard cemetery dispute (Video+Photos)
The strategy of taking their protest over plans to build atop an African-American cemetery in Bethesda directly to Montgomery County elected officials is showing some early signs of success for Macedonia Baptist Church. After months of silence, and protests last Tuesday in the County Executive's office and the County Council hearing room, some on the Council are promising to take steps to intervene.
County Councilmember Marc Elrich greets Macedonia Baptist Church pastor Rev. Según Adebayo (in blue cap)
Councilmember Marc Elrich, who has been supportive of the church throughout the dispute over how to conduct a legitimate investigation of a cemetery hidden under asphalt and 60' of fill on the Westwood Tower property, told church leaders he is preparing a letter to the Planning Board. MBC's Pastor, the Rev. Segun Adebayo, said Tuesday that Elrich's letter will ask the Board to delay the cemetery item currently on the Board's agenda for June 9, until a mediation between the church and the County can be worked out.
Rev. Según Adebayo held a brief press conference outside the Council office building Tuesday
Adebayo said Councilmember George Leventhal expressed interest in signing Elrich's letter; Elrich hopes to have as many of his colleagues sign the letter as possible. The church has also met with Delegate Marc Korman (D - District 16), and expects to meet with Delegate Ariana Kelly (D - District 16) in the coming days.
Elrich and State Sen. Susan Lee (in blue jacket at left) stood in solidarity with protesters
Yesterday, the church appeared to pick up support from State Senator Susan Lee (D - District 16), who - along with Elrich - posed with protesters at the back of the Council hearing room.
Protesters held a silent vigil during Tuesday morning's Council meeting
Of course, the Planning Board has shown no interest in slowing down the massive Regency Centers redevelopment of Westbard in any way. The Board completely ignored a previous letter from County Executive Ike Leggett and Council President Roger Berliner calling for mediation, and instead, Planning Director Gwen Wright secretly gave Regency Centers the green light to conduct their own cemetery study with no independent oversight. Church officials have said results of such a study would not be legitimate.
Adebayo said Leggett has promised to have the County fund an independent study of the cemetery site, if mediation results in an agreement with the church. The latest Council letter will have to have more teeth, such as reminding the Board commissioners they serve at the pleasure of the Council.
Marsha Coleman-Adebayo, the Social Justice Director for Macedonia Baptist Church, meets with Councilmember Sid Katz
Not everyone was as welcoming of church leaders and their supporters as Elrich and Lee; the County Council main office called in security when protesters attempted to briefly touch base with councilmembers heading into a taxpayer-funded catered luncheon. A security guard told protesters they should "be seen and not heard." "This is like 1955 Montgomery, Alabama," responded Marsha Coleman-Adebayo, MBC's Social Justice Director.
LOL @ The exchange with the security guard in the video. Only thing is, isn't it part of the council members' "job" to represent us and work for us, instead of hiding and having a guard tell you don't talk to them? Why can't they just respond and say if they are willing to talk or not themselves?
8:29. Huh? What's your point? Should everyone just let the council determine what is best without residents input? Doesn't make any sense. Although we have learned by now that they don't really like to listen anyways...
Poor Baptist Black folks protesting at the employment of highly paid far left Council members? A couple decades late aren't they?
"Go over there and have your protest in that corner just don't speak" (He wanted to say the B word) This is some excellent mid-week entertainment!
Hands Reimer actually looked scared walking past those God fearing senior citizens, the chubby Asian guy, and the white gray haired Bethesda liberal with the I-phone. Hilarious!
I agree with 7:48. It is the Council's job to meet with constituents with problems, including the Macedonia Baptist Church representatives. Councilmember Hans Riemer is an at-large Councilmember. When Riemer walked past the church representatives, he was ignoring his constituents, Bad decision, Mr. Riemer.
I applaud the Macedonia Baptist Church for taking their struggle to the offices of County Executive Ike Leggett, as well as to the County Council. Bravo!
12:36: Getting to the taxpayer-funded catered luncheon was more important than civil rights, apparently. If I had been the councilmember, I would have asked, "What the heck is going on here? Why are you trying to throw my constituents out of the building? Why are you calling security on representatives of a historic black church on a matter as serious as this?"
6:43 AM: 12:36 here. I'm a Bethesda resident who was visiting the West Coast for a few days. Posted at 12:36 PM Pacific Time. Not giving Dyer attaboys, just standing up for Macedonia Baptist Church. Hans Riemer: a series of poor decisions on Westbard and the cemetery investigation. Mr. Riemer might want to change his stance before he runs for re-election.
Robert Dyer's cemetery precinct.
ReplyDeleteCan Artisan Movers be hired to move the graves?
ReplyDeleteGlad to see Rob finally directly monetizing his site!
ReplyDeleteLOL @ The exchange with the security guard in the video. Only thing is, isn't it part of the council members' "job" to represent us and work for us, instead of hiding and having a guard tell you don't talk to them? Why can't they just respond and say if they are willing to talk or not themselves?
ReplyDeleteThat ad reads like it was written by a Chinese content farm.
ReplyDelete"Isn't it part of the council members' "job" to represent us and work for us, instead of hiding and having a guard tell you don't talk to them?"
ReplyDeleteIt is the Council members' job to represent and work for more than just five out of the one million residents of our County.
8:29. Huh? What's your point? Should everyone just let the council determine what is best without residents input? Doesn't make any sense. Although we have learned by now that they don't really like to listen anyways...
ReplyDeletePoor Baptist Black folks protesting at the employment of highly paid far left Council members? A couple decades late aren't they?
ReplyDelete"Go over there and have your protest in that corner just don't speak" (He wanted to say the B word)
This is some excellent mid-week entertainment!
Hands Reimer actually looked scared walking past those God fearing senior citizens, the chubby Asian guy, and the white gray haired Bethesda liberal with the I-phone. Hilarious!
I'm going to march into the governor's office, yell, scream and say he works for me so HUH! Take that. Great tactic..
ReplyDeleteImagine what would happen if Robert Dyer were elected and some of his constituents decided to meet him in his office.
ReplyDeleteDyer would probably call a SWAT team.
Why not just stick to the topic? A bunch of nonsense comments...
ReplyDeleteI agree with 7:48. It is the Council's job to meet with constituents with problems, including the Macedonia Baptist Church representatives. Councilmember Hans Riemer is an at-large Councilmember. When Riemer walked past the church representatives, he was ignoring his constituents, Bad decision, Mr. Riemer.
ReplyDeleteI applaud the Macedonia Baptist Church for taking their struggle to the offices of County Executive Ike Leggett, as well as to the County Council. Bravo!
12:36: Getting to the taxpayer-funded catered luncheon was more important than civil rights, apparently. If I had been the councilmember, I would have asked, "What the heck is going on here? Why are you trying to throw my constituents out of the building? Why are you calling security on representatives of a historic black church on a matter as serious as this?"
ReplyDeleteWho is this weirdo that gives Robert Dyer attaboys at 3:36 AM EDT?
ReplyDeleteAre you campaigning on your news site? Tsk Tsk.
ReplyDelete"Why are you calling security on representatives of a historic black church on a matter as serious as this?"
ReplyDeleteBecause security should only be called over trivial matters?
Because they didn't have an appointment?
ReplyDeleteBecause they were clogging up the waiting area and didn't want to move to the offered conference room?
6:43 AM: 12:36 here. I'm a Bethesda resident who was visiting the West Coast for a few days. Posted at 12:36 PM Pacific Time. Not giving Dyer attaboys, just standing up for Macedonia Baptist Church. Hans Riemer: a series of poor decisions on Westbard and the cemetery investigation. Mr. Riemer might want to change his stance before he runs for re-election.
ReplyDelete