Community Hero Award for April 2004
Community Hero: Nancy Wendt
By Jim Humphrey, District 1 Vice President
The April Community Hero award will go to Olney resident Nancy Wendt. Like many of us, Nancy became involved in civic activism as a result of her concern over the disposition of a property, in this case, literally in her backyard. Everyone, including MNCPPC staff, believed that the property was a future school site. They were shocked to discover that MCPS had long since given the property to the county, which had selected the site for high-density housing. Coming from a background as a program management consultant with some of the nation's top corporations, Nancy set about applying her career skills to the local issue.
Nancy researched the land use, zoning, housing and environmental issues at play. She then rallied her neighbors to action to try and ensure their concerns were addressed. The result was the formation of the Olney Coalition, a group of individuals and community organizations desiring to preserve the semi-rural, residential character of the area.
Since its founding, Olney Coalition has partnered with the Upper Rock Creek Coalition, GOCA, and other area civic groups to develop recommendations for revision of both the Upper Rock Creek and Olney Master Plans. As Nancy says, "Why settle for working on one master plan when you can work on two simultaneously?" Visit their website, www.olneycoalition.org, for a list of the group's current activities.
A relative newcomer to the world of civic advocacy, Nancy Wendt "hit the ground running" and hasn't slowed yet. Congratulations to our newest Community Hero.
This Page Last Edited: May 7, 2004 .