Posted By: The LAND GRAB On: 2/8/2012

Title: WHAT ARE THE FACTS?

Mr. Lacefield provides erroneous information in every statement that I have seen regarding soccer fields and Brickyard. First he said the county gov. had numerous meetings with residents—neglecting to mention that meetings were held as a result of citizens' protests after they were presented with "a done deal" for soccer fields. Then he said that Potomac does not have afforadable housing or soccer fields when there are two affordable housing sites and 5 soccer fields (plus one undeveloped field) within two miles of the farm. Then he said that Mr. Leggett did not care about election funding, but Mr. Legget accepted a large donation from a member of the MSI board when the property transfer was being considered. In the meantime, the county gov. has failed to recognize the uniquess of this nationlly recognized organic farmer (and the only organic seed farm in the county) while proclaiming that the county backs local farming. Mr. Leggett continues to try to push this project forward (despite 50,000 signatures calling for saving the farm). Mr. Leggett also asserts that he advocates for "maintaining the residential character of county neighborhoods." These soccer fields would be fenced, so the neighborhood can not use them, with massive parking lots for hundreds of cars, as well as a concession stand. Nice neighborhood feel? How long can we be told one thing while something totally different is happening behind our backs? Evidentally for as long as Mr. Lacefield and Mr. Leggett are there to say whatever they please despite what the facts are.

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Posted By: Soccer Fields Can Go Anywhere On: 2/6/2012

Title: Farm education vs MSI Soccer Profits

Why isn't MSI Soccer building new fields at the Potomac Community Center or Edison Park? The County's Department of General Services has an RFP for both sites. The Community Center has lights, and both parcels already have a parking lot, bathrooms, water fountains, and existing drainage. If MSI Soccer's true focus was to bring new soccer fields to Potomac, logic would say they would build on one of these two sites. The fact that MSI Soccer wants the secluded Brickyard Parcel proves this issue is nothing more than a land grab. Having the Brickyard Parcel all to themselves will allow MSI Soccer complete autonomy over field fees. Right now, the cost to lease the Brickyard Parcel is $1500 a year. Imagine how much money MSI Soccer stands to profit from such low rent. The County Executive knew the public would not approve such a deal, which is why it was done behind closed doors. Nick Maravell is ready to educate public & private school students on organic farming techniques & soil science on the Brickyard Parcel. Lacefield should realize this issue isn't soccer fields & affordable housing; it's farm education on a unique parcel of land versus soccer fields which can be built anywhere, including the old landfill Leggett offered Nick Maravell.

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Posted By: Soccer Dad On: 2/6/2012

Title: Ike is Right

Finally someone is standing up for soccer.

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Posted By: Donna Baron - Scale-it-back.com On: 2/5/2012

Title: Big mistake!

This is one more example of the county running roughshod over the residents.
And what is up with Patrick Lacefield??? Is he really authorized to speak for the county? That was a big mistake! He should be sent back to count the paperclips.

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Posted By: i dislike ike On: 2/5/2012

Title: If Mother Theresa....

If Mother Theresa wanted to build four soccer fields for a private club that had 70 parking spaces per field in an area that doesn't need soccer fields (according to the Master Plan) and on a street that hardly handles current traffic, damn right, we'd oppose her.
Lacefield should be fired. I can't believe we're paying his salary to insult us and question our motives.

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Posted By: Silver Spring/Wheaton resident On: 2/5/2012

Title: Not just a Potomac issue.

Fifty thousand (50,000.00) signatures were collected favoring the use of this land as an education/learning center rather than soccer fields. That sounds like a bit more than the "One-Percenters" (1%) to me.
Besides Wheaton WANTS the soccer fields. Why can we not have them?

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