Opinion: Stronghold, Frederick County must reach compromise on Sugarloaf

It is not really a surprise that the master plan Frederick County has been trying to produce for the Sugarloaf Mountain area is generating some controversy. It is a document of sweeping scope, 200 pages covering the history of the region, the economic pressures on it and the many excellent reasons to protect the area. The authors write for the present time, but are speaking to the future, as well, to future officials and planners explaining why they are making these choices in this way. The County Council, which is reviewing the Sugarloaf Treasured Landscape Management Plan in multiple workshops, has heard from area residents and advocacy organizations seeking changes, including about one paragraph in particular.