Avenel Equestrian Center supporters have started a petition to save the facility and barn that they consider central to the Avenel neighborhood’s identity. According to the petition, which has garnered over 1,600 signatures as of November 6th, “WSSC has terminated the longstanding lease with the Equestrian Operator, effective December 1, 2023. The continuation of the Equestrian Facilities was contemplated and addressed in various recorded agreements since WSSC took ownership of the property. In good faith, and despite receiving no formal notice from WSSC relating to the lease termination, The Avenel Community Association, and Natelli Communities (successor to Rock Run, Avenel’s original developer) corresponded and met with WSSC officials, requesting that they reconsider their position and delay termination of the lease. Such a delay would provide the opportunity for constructive discussions between interested parties to identify a path forward that preserves the continued use of the Equestrian Facilities.” The full petition can be seen below:
“Please consider joining efforts to preserve the use of the Equestrian Facility and Barn that is central to Avenel’s identity and a significant historic feature in Potomac. To the Residents of The Avenel Community, Residents of Potomac, Maryland and other Interested Parties Concerning the Termination of the Lease for the Equestrian Facility by WSSC: The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) is the owner of approximately 170 acres of property within the Avenel community.
The Equestrian Facility is located on a portion of that property. WSSC has terminated the longstanding lease with the Equestrian Operator, effective December 1, 2023. The continuation of the Equestrian Facilities was contemplated and addressed in various recorded agreements since WSSC took ownership of the property. In good faith, and despite receiving no formal notice from WSSC relating to the lease termination, The Avenel Community Association, and Natelli Communities (successor to Rock Run, Avenel’s original developer) corresponded and met with WSSC officials, requesting that they reconsider their position and delay termination of the lease. Such a delay would provide the opportunity for constructive discussions between interested parties to identify a path forward that preserves the continued use of the Equestrian Facilities.
Despite these efforts, WSSC has not changed their position, and has made it clear that they intend to discontinue use of the barn/facility, stating that the barn is in disrepair and as such represents a liability to them. The Equestrian Facility has been a mainstay in Potomac and is one of the most distinct and beautiful focal points of the Avenel Community. It represents a significant historic feature in the greater Potomac area and its loss would be profound.
This Petition is requesting that WSSC rescind its current plan to terminate the equestrian operator lease and work collaboratively with the Avenel Community and Natelli Communities to develop an approach that would allow for the continuation of the Equestrian Facilities. In addition to signing this petition, which will be shared with WSSC and Councilmember Friedson, you may also share your views with them directly by emailing at:
Kishia Powell, General Manager WSSC
[email protected]
Andrew Friedson, Montgomery County Council Member [email protected]
As 2nd generation residents we had the opportunity as children to enjoy the use of the facility and as adults we now enjoy the continued serenity of the pastoral and tranquil environment from which all of the community benefits.
Signed,
Stephanie Burke McGovern
[email protected]
Lisa Chase Kaiser
[email protected]”
Petition is available to view here.