The Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board last week agreed with a community civic association that the proposed tolls for the Intercounty Connector are too high.

The board, which held its monthly meeting in Sandy Spring on Nov. 17, passed a motion to support the opinion of Greater Olney Civic Association members, who said they are frustrated by the recently announced toll structure for the roadway, which is proposed at a per-mile rate range of 20 cents to 35 cents, based on peak and off-peak hours.

GOCA members were also shocked earlier this month to learn that two large signs, similar to those seen on major highways, are planned for Georgia Avenue as part of the ICC project. The ICC is an 18-mile toll road that will link Interstate 370 in Gaithersburg to Interstate 95 in Laurel.

An ICC spokeswoman said last week that the State Highway Administration is willing to reconsider the size of the signs and other smaller signs planned for the community.

GOCA members on Nov. 10 passed a resolution opposing the large signs and the toll structure as announced.

The midcounty board also voted to join GOCA and the Southeast Rural Olney Civic Association in opposing plans to develop the Doherty Property at 3110 Emory Church Road.

First Baptist Church of Wheaton bought the 14.3-acre parcel of land and hopes to build a 46,000- square-foot building on the site.

The residents of rural Emory Church Road contend that it is not an appropriate site for the project because of its size and the traffic it will generate, and also because it will require public water and sewer usage that does not conform to the Olney Master Plan.

Another local issue discussed was the recent increase in vandalism in the Olney area.

Olney homeowner Lee Lofthus spoke about having a window in his home shot out by a BB gun for the second time this year, and he noted that the County Council, GOCA and the police department have all been responsive to his concerns.

"I hope there will continue to be emphasis on this, because it is costing Olney residents a lot of money," he said.

The 15-member board, established in 1978, serves as the county's bridge to residents and businesses in the midcounty area.

Besides Sandy Spring, the board serves Aspen Hill, Brookeville, Capital View, Derwood, lower Valley, Forest Glen, Glenmont, Kemp Mill, Kensington, Layhill, Laytonsville, Norbeck, Olney, Upper Rock Creek and Wheaton.

Last year, the group began holding some of its meetings outside of Wheaton, where it normally meets.

"We do this to make sure that residents of our service are aware of us and what we do," said Helene Rosenheim, community liaison for the Mid-County Services Center. "It's just part of an effort by the board to offer our help."

Last week's meeting was held at the Sandy Spring Volunteer Fire Department on Brooke Road.

The next meeting of the Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board is scheduled for 7 p.m. Dec. 15 at the Mid-County Regional Services Center, 2424 Reedie Drive in Wheaton.

The January meeting is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 19 at Leisure World.

For more information, visit www.montgomerycountymd.

gov/midcounty