Posts by Sebastian Smoot — Guest Contributor

Sebastian Smoot grew up in Montgomery County and co-founded the Better BRT campaign with Sean Emerson. He is an ex-officio board member of the Action Committee for Transit and past president of the Good Hope Estates Civic Association. When he is not designing wastewater treatment facilities at his day job or spending quality time with his wife and two daughters, he writes about his vision to #BuildaBetterBurtonsville on his blog, Growing East County.

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  Montgomery may charge a “teardown” fee to fund schools and affordable housing. Here’s what you should know.

  HousingBy Sebastian Smoot (Guest Contributor) October 25, 2019 25

  This past Tuesday, Montgomery County Councilmember Evan Glass introduced the Housing Impact Fairness Act which would apply impact fees to newly-rebuilt homes, sometimes called “teardowns.” The councilmember claims the bill could raise $100 million in new revenue for school construction and affordable housing.  Keep reading…

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  This Maryland road could be a lot safer, but only if community asks for it

  RoadsBy Sebastian Smoot (Guest Contributor) February 23, 2017 5

  A debate over how to fix a dangerous road in Burtonsville has been going on for nearly 20 years. But the state of Maryland is ready to move a plan forward, and if residents seize the moment, they can push for sidewalks, traffic lights, turn lanes, crosswalks, bike trails, and a grid of local streets.  Keep reading…