Rabita Moses urges Montgomery County Council to protect Moses Cemetery from developers

During a recent public hearing on February 26, 2025, the Montgomery County Council engaged in critical discussions surrounding the Bethesda Minor Master Plan Amendments, with significant emphasis on the preservation of local history and community integrity. The meeting highlighted two primary topics: the protection of Moses Cemetery and the implications of proposed changes to development regulations in Bethesda.

Rabita Moses, representing the Bethesda African Cemetery Coalition (BACC), delivered a passionate address advocating for the preservation of Moses Cemetery. She described the site as a sacred ground that holds deep historical significance for the Black community in Montgomery County. Moses drew parallels between past injustices, such as land theft by the Ku Klux Klan, and current development practices that threaten to erase Black history under the guise of progress. She criticized the silence of county officials, including County Executive Mark Eldridge, regarding the cemetery's potential desecration, urging them to confront what she termed a continuation of systemic racism.

Moses emphasized that the fight to protect Moses Cemetery is not merely a moral issue but a legal one, citing victories in Maryland's Supreme Court that affirm the coalition's stance. She called for the return of stolen land and the establishment of a museum to honor the history of the Black community in the area. Her remarks underscored a broader call for accountability and action from local leaders to ensure that historical injustices are not repeated.

In contrast, Councilmember Joy White, representing the town of Chevy Chase, addressed the Bethesda Downtown Plan's minor master plan amendment. While she expressed support for the plan's goals of promoting growth and enhancing residents' quality of life, she raised concerns about the proposal to eliminate the development cap. White pointed out that a significant portion of previously approved developments remains unbuilt, leaving the potential impacts of lifting the cap uncertain.

The discussions during the hearing reflect a community grappling with the balance between development and the preservation of its historical and cultural identity. As Montgomery County moves forward with its planning initiatives, the outcomes of these discussions will likely shape the region's approach to growth and equity in the coming years. The council's next steps will be crucial in determining how they address the concerns raised by community members and the implications of their decisions on local history and development.