Planning Commission adopts Part Five of Montgomery Matters and adds parks action for Prices Fork after residents press for Price Park support

The Montgomery County Planning Commission adopted Part Five of the Montgomery Matters comprehensive plan, which contains village-level future land-use maps and policy guidance, and amended the Prices Fork village plan to include an action item directing staff to develop language supporting parks (new or existing) in village areas.

Staff presented Part Five as a simplification of the future land-use map and a tool to guide rezonings, infrastructure investments, and village-scale priorities. "One of the main goals of this process was to simplify the map," the planning staff said during the presentation, outlining growth areas, village cores and transition zones, and conservation designations.

During the public hearing, residents and local organizations urged the commission to include stronger support for Price Park, a privately held but community-used green space in Prices Fork. Randy Lemon, who identified himself as the acting park manager, urged the county to endorse acquiring outstanding ownership interests so the park could be permanently added to the county complex: "Montgomery County fully endorses acquisition of outstanding ownership rights in the 23.765 acres not owned by ForEva so that the property can be permanently added to Harvey Lee Price Park," he said. Beth Obenshain and other speakers described community fundraising and emphasized the park’s historical and recreational value.

Staff and Parks personnel told the commission the county does not currently own Prices Park and that parts of the site have title issues. "It is not a county property at this time," a Parks staff member said. Commissioners debated whether to call out a privately held parcel by name in the comp plan or to add a more generic action directing staff to pursue parks in village areas. Legal counsel and staff advised caution about explicit commitments tied to privately owned property until title matters are resolved. The commission directed staff to work with the county attorney to craft specific wording.

The commission first approved the three village plans (Elliston-Lafayette, Riner, Shawsville) as a block by unanimous roll call. It then approved the Prices Fork village plan with an amendment adding an action item to support parks in villages; the amended Prices Fork motion passed with a roll call of seven in favor and two opposed. Commissioners set a Board of Supervisors public hearing date and staff indicated an anticipated adoption and implementation date of July 1.

Staff said the Parks and Recreation Master Plan will provide specific facility-level recommendations and that the comp plan should reference that document for implementation details. The commission instructed staff to prepare updated language for presentation to the Board of Supervisors.