Community leader Danila Sheveiko Along with the Kensington Heights Civic Association, he fought back -- and won 5 years later.   Photo credit: Patch

Congratulations! 

Community Prevails on Stopping 

Costco Mega- gas station near Wheaton Homes and Neighborhood 

Margaret Mead said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Below, find links to the story behind the latest victory to keep what would have been the largest gas station in the county from being constructed too close to homes, a school and a community swimming pool, creating a bad scenario for air quality and human health. Thanks to the community members who stayed in the fight and to Councilmember Marc Elrich who remains supportive of increasing a buffer between projects like this and residential areas. 
 

Find the Gazette story here. about the victory. 

Find the Washington Post story here.

Here are 10 Tips for Winning a Battle to Protect your Community 

• 1. Do your homework first.  Base your position on facts, not raw emotion alone. If you are relying on emotion and passion alone to win the day, the opposition will peg you as "crazy" or label you as a NIMBY. Do your research to present metrics and hard facts from credible resources. This strengthens your case every step of the way. The late Wayne Goldstein said, "Fight with the facts in hand."  Also,bring in experts from every credible organization that you can identify to help support your position.

  The late and loved civic activist Wayne Goldstein

• 2. Try to negotiate with the opposing side of your issue first.  Make it a polite meeting.  Is it possible to gain early agreement or concessions before launching a community campaign?  No?  Then it's time to organize the community around the issue of concern.
• 3. Be realistic in terms of what you can accomplish.  Set an achievable goal.  Often the local laws are in favor of the opposition.  Your job will be to figure out how to work with local regulations and restrictions in a way that will help you achieve the best and most reasonable outcome. Learn as much as you can about zoning and regulations. 
• 4. Find champions in county and state government.  Having support from local decision makers is invaluable.  Related to #3, there are times when a local official can amend a law or introduce a law to fix a problem. If the laws stink, then it's time to change them. It can be done if you have the patience to work through the process with an elected official.  
• 5. Realize that in embarking on a battle on a local issue, you and your community will spend many exhausting hours fighting the good fight.  Be willing to persevere, knowing that change will not come overnight. As the saying goes, it's a marathon, not a sprint. Some Montgomery County advocates have spent up to 8 years lobbying the State and Montgomery County legislative and executive branches of government for changes in laws. The fight over building the ICC lasted over 50 years and was still lost at the end of the day.  See next tip. 
• 6. Fight to win but be prepared to lose too.  Even losing will teach you and your community lessons that you can apply to other issues later. 
• 7. Coalesce!  Make sure that you are bringing your community together around the issue. Nothing speaks quite as well as the strength that comes from a large number of county residents who are behind an issue.     
• 8. Identify a community leader.  Find a leader in your community who will own the issue, who has leadership skills, passion, and one who has the respect of local elected officials.  Try to find a leader who will bring people together and provide inspiration along the way. 
• 9. Use the Montgomery County Council's guidance on public participation.  And treat elected officials with respect and professional courtesy. Don't attack them personally if they don't support your position.  That gets you nowhere. They are people just like the rest of us.  Some of them are terrific people even if you don't like how they vote. Plus,you are going to see these people at the grocery store, or out walking their dog. You want to be able to greet each other and ultimately find peace in all your interactions with other people. Always take the high road in dealing with public officials even if you agree to disagree. If you take the high road, you will never regret your actions.  But if you do screw up and realize you were wrong, be willing to apologize.  
• 10. If you reach a point where you and your community are considering hiring a lawyer, think long and hard.  A good attorney may charge $175 to $250 an hour.  Can your community afford this?  If not, you will have to raise funds for legal expenses.The hours add up fast. Few attorneys are able to accept a case on a pro bono basis regardless of how good and strong an issue you present to them.