The Montgomery County Council is proposing to strip residents of their existing veto power over "benefit performances" staged in their residential neighborhoods. Currently, entities and organizations - with a few exceptions, such as fire departments and religious institutions - who propose to hold a live music event, carnival, festival, or other performance to raise charitable funds must obtain consent from 75% of residents whose homes are within 600 feet of the performance site. Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 26-11: Temporary Uses - Benefit Performances would entirely eliminate this veto authority from neighbors. If passed, the ZTA would merely require that those residents be notified that they are going to be treated to a benefit performance, whether they like it or not. The performances could last as long as 15 days(!!).
I would venture to say that few Montgomery County residents are even aware that they currently possess this veto authority, much less that the Council is conniving to relieve them of it. The move continues a trend for the Council - when they're not banning stuff or raising taxes, they're systematically removing residents' ability to express objection or input on controversial matters they want to ram through, from development and road diets to bike lanes, bus depots, landfills and jails. A public hearing on the ZTA is scheduled for Tuesday, September 15, 2026, from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM.
13 comments:
Of course.....why would one expect anything different ?
Masochists voting in Sadists.
I'm sure the Council will want to "moderate" the content to fit their political position so those they deem out of favor simply won't get permits.
The ptb don't listen to residents, regardless if there are official rules to ignore residents.
Look at how the planning board simply ignored taxpayers pushing back against the stripping down of the Geico campus. Hardly, and sadly, no surprise there ...
These so-called town halls are purely performative.
https://wtop.com/montgomery-county/2026/08/friendship-heights-redevelopment-clears-key-hurdle-with-montgomery-co-approval/
https://bethesdamagazine.com/2026/06/02/geico-redevelopment-lawsuit-friendship-heights/
https://bethesdamagazine.com/2026/07/07/opinion-the-geico-building-is-leaving-and-the-friendship-heights-landscape-is-forever-changed/
Even more outrageous than when Berwyn Heights moved their Noise Ordinance time way back to accommodate 'Cultural differences,' what's next, Mariachi music all night?
Another chapter in our degradation by our 'elected leaders.' No wonder we can't ever have anything nice.
....because it's what socialists do.
They held fake hearings for the LFP lane closures so it would appear they wanted any outside input. The day they allow the call to prayer in BCC, this state is finished.
Does mean we can’t object to drag queen shows in our neighborhood?
When the people tolerate elected officials who run against their shadow
don't expect anything useful or convenient.
Also, mail you property tax check promptly to Binghamton, NY.
There is no entity or establishment in the DMV that can be trusted with money.
What does that mean even?
Sick! I'd love to see more cultural events and performances downtown. It would do great to liven up the place.
Also, that crowd looks awesome. I'd be in the pit for sure. :)
Zoning agreements are too much to expect for the tax paying folk to rely on. Keep writing those checks! Keep pulling the D lever!!
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