Quinn takes over helm of Greater Olney Civic Association –

Matt Quinn of Cherrywood will serve as the new president of the Greater Olney Civic Association.

Other officers for 2019-2020 are David Miller of Norbeck Meadows, executive vice president; John Blachere of Ashley Hollow, first vice president; Hilary Phillips-Rogers of Victoria Springs, second vice president; Robert Hambrecht of Williamsburg Village, treasurer; Carol Frenkel of Olney Mill, recording secretary; and Ryan Martin of Brookeville Knolls, corresponding secretary.

When the slate of officers was announced at the Greater Olney Civic Association (GOCA) meeting on Jan. 8, the positions of second vice president and corresponding secretary were vacant.

Martin offered to be considered for corresponding secretary position following that meeting and Phillips-Rogers nominated herself during the Feb. 12 meeting.

The new officers were voted in by acclamation during the February meeting, each elected to a one-year term, effective at the conclusion of the meeting.

The new executive board features a mix of returning officers — Quinn, Miller, Hambrecht and Frenkel — and new faces — Blachere, Martin and Phillips-Rogers.

Outgoing president William “Billy” Becker thanked the new officers for stepping up to serve the organization and acknowledged officers and delegates for their support during his presidency.

“I really believe in GOCA’s mission,” he said. “Serving as its president has been rewarding and I am going to miss it terribly.”

GOCA to speak out against proposal to allow Accessory Dwelling Units

At the February meeting, the organization held a lengthy discussion on the county’s proposal to change zoning regulations for Accessory Dwelling Units as a way to provide additional housing.

In the past, GOCA has opposed loosening restrictions for Accessory Dwelling Units, citing concerns over parking problems, decreased home values, impact on schools and more.

County Councilman Hans Riemer (D-At large) is a proponent of the zoning changes as a way to allow backyard cottages or in-house apartments on the same lot as a house in order to provide more affordable housing.

The county will host a public hearing on Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 19-01 from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Feb. 26 in the third-floor hearing room of the Council Office Building, 100 Maryland Ave. in Rockville.

GOCA representatives plan to testify at the hearing.

At the March 12 GOCA meeting, officers plan to present a resolution stating the organization’s opposition to the ZTA, including specific concerns. Delegates will have an opportunity to vote on the resolution and the decision will be forwarded to the county.

Organization prepares for its 41^st annual Awards Ceremony

The community is invited to attend GOCA’s 41st annual Awards Ceremony and Reception at 2 p.m. March 10 at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School.

GOCA will honor individuals, businesses and organizations that have made a notable contribution to the greater Olney community.

Nominations were accepted from the community and were scheduled to be voted on by GOCA delegates after The Greater Olney News press time.

GOCA to meet March 12

The next GOCA meeting will take place at 7:30 p.m. March 12 in the Olney Community Room of the Buffington Re/Max Building, 3300 Olney-Sandy Spring Road. Meetings are open to the public. Agendas are posted on www.goca.org a few days before the meeting.