“Imagine a quaint horse barn in a grassy meadow.” That vision at the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission Avenel Site could soon fade. This site holds a story of agreements, community, and a debate over preservation versus progress.
The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission Avenel Site’s story starts in 1988. WSSC Water bought 395 acres in Avenel for $11 million. A big chunk, 225 acres, went to PGA/TPC at Avenel for a golf course. WSSC Water kept 170 acres. They planned a future Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant. The golf course would act as a buffer.
The land came with equestrian facilities. There was a barn, riding trails, a ring, and paddocks. It operated as a private equestrian center. This continued before and after WSSC Water took over.
But the story took a turn in May 2023. The operator’s tenancy ended. Significant safety issues led to the barn’s closure. It’s now fenced off for public safety. The former operator still lives there under a license agreement. WSSC Water has provided temporary facilities for her horses.
The Avenel Community Association says WSSC violated agreements from the 1980s. These agreements promised community input before changes to the equestrian facility. They claim WSSC didn’t maintain the barn. It’s now deteriorating according to Avenel advocates.
A 1988 letter confirmed WSSC would consult with the Avenel Community Association and the Tournament Players Club. This consultation would happen before changes to the equestrian center land. An earlier 1985 agreement allowed equestrian activities. This was as long as they didn’t conflict with a future treatment plant.
WSSC says fixing the barn is not a good use of customer money. They claim they can’t afford the renovations. They also cite safety risks due to the barn’s deterioration. WSSC says they will continue to allow recreational activities, like trail use.
Neal Gillen, former president of the West Montgomery County Citizens Association, disagrees. He says WSSC neglected its duty to maintain the facility. Gillen was chairman of the Avenel Equestrian Center Council in 1992. He says WSSC then agreed to handle all maintenance and repairs.
For some, this is more than just a barn. It’s about Potomac’s history. Potomac was once a horse community. The Avenel Equestrian Center was a hub for horse lovers.
A Change.org petition is pushing WSSC to save the historic barn. It has gained over 1,300 signatures. The community hopes to put the issue on a Montgomery County Council agenda.
WSSC may have the right to build an advanced wastewater treatment plant. This plant could impact Potomac, Bethesda, and beyond. The community worries about potential odors and environmental effects.
The Avenel Community Association is seeking information from WSSC. They want transparency about the barn’s future. The association even hired a structural engineer. The engineer will provide an independent assessment of the barn’s restoration costs.
The fate of the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission Avenel Site and its equestrian center hangs in the balance. Will it remain a place for horses and community? Or will it transform into something new? The answer depends on ongoing discussions and decisions. It highlights the complexities of balancing progress with preserving local history.