Cultural Arts District FAQ

How does this ordinance fit into the Town’s long-term plans? 

The Cultural Arts District is part of a larger long-term strategy that involves the Fisher Avenue streetscape project, the village overlay zone, and support for the Historic Medley District. The CAD also blends with more immediate priorities, such as reopening Whites Ferry, the new community center, and creating a seasonal enclosure ("pool bubble") over the main pool at the Sarah E. Auer Western Montgomery County Swim Center. These initiatives are designed to ensure Poolesville's future as a place where people can work, live, and enjoy diverse commercial and recreational activities that will sustain the community long-term. The Town’s 2024 Comprehensive Plan provides the high-level framework guiding these initiatives. 

What is the basis for the creation of the Cultural Arts District?

The Cultural Arts District is the culmination of a 20-year process. A 2007 report on commercial activity recommended attracting specialty stores and branding Poolesville as a day-trip getaway from the Baltimore-Washington Region. The 2012 update reinforced this, giving the area "super-priority status." The 2024 Comprehensive Plan, developed by the planning commission and its consultant, further expanded these ideas by directly prioritizing local arts and cultural attractions. 

What is the intent of the Cultural Arts District?

The purpose of the Cultural Arts District is to foster a vibrant, walkable, and aesthetically pleasing Town Center that promotes artistic expression, community engagement, and mixed-use development, in alignment with the Town’s Comprehensive Plan. 

Why Are The Boundaries Of The Cultural Arts District Set Where They Are?

The boundaries of the Arts District are designed to support a walkable, vibrant downtown with easy access to amenities like RiverWorks and the new community center, fostering long-term community growth and connection. 

How Did  Public Input Inform This Ordinance?

Over the last five years, the Planning Commission identified key town priorities that the Cultural Arts District (CAD) addresses. These priorities were identified in the comprehensive plan process, which included extensive public input. These priorities were: a need for more senior and teen programming, concern over failing downtown businesses, and a desire to halt more housing developments. The Commission drafted the ordinance in open meetings, and the Town informed CAD property owners via two letters. The proposed ordinance addresses these concerns by encouraging specialty retail and mixed-use development. Residents are encouraged to participate and offer recommendations at the April 20th public hearing.

What is this Ordinance's Impact on Property Owners?

This ordinance does not change the existing use of any property in the cultural arts district. Future changes to a property's use or new construction would require compliance with the new regulations. Note: Selling your property would not trigger the new requirements unless you engaged in new construction or changed the use of the property. 

What are the impacts of special exceptions on existing properties?

The special exception process permits a use if it meets specific criteria and allows the Board of Zoning Appeals to impose conditions, such as parking or operating hours. Existing uses are exempt unless there is a change of use, new construction, or subdivision.

Why Use The Special Exception Process For Residential?

To limit large-scale subdivision in the cultural arts district, the Planning Commission will permit residential development only through a special exception. This process grants the Commission the flexibility needed to ensure all residential projects align with the district's goals.

Will This Ordinance Impact My Taxes?

No, there is nothing in this ordinance that would require the expenditure of town funds, create any new taxes, or change any tax rates. 

Why restrict commercial uses when there are currently vacant commercial spaces?

To ensure success and future development, the town needs to encourage compatible development. The development of the CAD will allow the Town to utilize compatible arts uses within the CAD and to attract visitors and residents to the Town. This strategic approach will support business success both locally and across the commercial zone.

Will the CAD zoning adversely impact existing businesses in Town?

No, the existing zone is commercial and currently allows all commercial uses in the CAD area, so the ordinance would not impact existing businesses unless they change the use of their property. 

Will the CAD zoning affect improvements to my residential home?

No, as long as the use remains residential, additions and or improvements will not trigger the special exception process.

How will the parking requirements be met?

Parking in the Cultural Arts District will be governed by flexible guidelines, with the Planning Commission reviewing each case and allowing shared-use parking that is currently prohibited. The town may also consider adding a municipal lot or improving West Willard Road for on-street parking.

Why a 10’ sidewalk, and how will this impact my property?

The new 10-foot sidewalk aims to create a walkable pedestrian network with street trees and vegetation, improving access between businesses. This streetscape is mandatory for new CAD developments but not for existing properties.