CASCADE, Md. – After months of struggling to advance a proposed zoning change with Washington County officials that would prevent a new Dollar General market here, residents in this rural South Mountain community have taken matters into their own hands.
On Dec. 17, the Committee to Protect Our Mountain formally submitted a Zoning Text Amendment application, accompanied by a petition with more than 750 signatures from residents who oppose a proposed Dollar General store they say would harm the area’s rural character, increase traffic, threaten emerging family-owned businesses at revitalized Fort Ritchie and undercut property values in this historic community.
Residents had initially sought to have the amendment introduced through the Board of County Commissioners, as is customary, including discussions with Commissioner Jeffrey Cline. Earlier drafts were deemed too broad or set aside pending further review, including advice from County Attorney Zachary Kieffer – who previously represented the developer and has since been recused from the matter.
Given ongoing appellate litigation, the county determined it would not initiate the amendment internally, prompting the community to file the application externally and pay the required $2,105 fee.
The proposed amendment would prohibit small-box retail stores within 1,000 feet of historic sites countywide, strengthening protections for historic Fort Ritchie and the Rural Village zone in Cascade. If approved, it could prevent the 12,480 square-foot DG Market proposed by Outdoor Contractors Inc. across from the fort’s second gate and influence the outcome of related court appeals.
Danielle Durning, a lifelong Cascade resident whose home borders the proposed site and a leading voice in the opposition since 2022, emphasized the broad community backing.
“Literally hundreds of people have supported us by attending hearings, helping to fundraise for legal fees and court costs, donating money and signing petitions,” Durning said. “We have come up with the outrageous $2,105 application fee for the zoning amendment and filed our request, along with more than 750 signatures from people in and around Cascade who oppose the proposed Dollar General.
“I hope the commissioners will protect our beautiful rural village, the new family-owned businesses at Fort Ritchie, and the home values of those of us who have invested our money and lives in this community.”
The community has spent more than $40,000 over the past three years to preserve the area’s historic character, support local family-owned businesses and safeguard property values. Opponents say the store would harm rural aesthetics, increase traffic and light pollution, and divert customers from revitalized businesses at Fort Ritchie in this low-income area, which nearby box stores already serve.
Following community concerns raised in November 2025, Deputy County Attorney Rosalinda Pascua now oversees matters related to the Dollar General and zoning amendment.
Separate appeals are pending in the Maryland Appellate Court, with oral arguments expected in early 2026, following a 2023 Circuit Court ruling that favored residents.
The Committee to Protect Our Mountain, an all-volunteer coalition, is urging Washington County residents to contact commissioners to request expedited review of the newly submitted zoning text amendment. Additional fundraising is planned, including a spring event to be announced in January.
“Our community should not have to fight this hard to prevent an unwanted development,” the group stated. “The opposition from Cascade residents has been clear, consistent, and well documented.”
Protect Our Mountain is working to preserve the rural character of their mountain community, protect historic Fort Ritchie, and ensure that local zoning laws are applied fairly and transparently.
Updates from. the group are available on Facebook, and donations are accepted to support ongoing efforts.
