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A North Potomac family has applied to re-zone their farm for the future development of a residential community there, as recommended in the area master plan.

The Hanson family applied for the zoning change for their 170-acre North Potomac farm, located at the intersection of Quince Orchard Road and Travilah Road. The family doesn't have plans to develop the property, according family spokesman John Hanson. However, Hanson said the farm is no longer viable economically and the family anticipates selling it to a developer shortly after both of their parents have passed away. Both elderly parents still reside on a home on the property, and Hanson's brother and his family also live on the farm in another home.

The timing of the sale is due to a federal estate tax that will be triggered when their second parent dies, Hanson said. Three generations of the Hanson family have farmed the land, Hanson said — his grandparents, Minna and William, purchased the property in 1941. The farm currently produces mostly black angus cattle and mixed hay, Hanson said, though farming in an area that's far removed from much of the county's agricultural activity has posed challenges.

The 2002 Potomac Subregion Master Plan, which was developed with the help of a community advisory group and approved by the County Council, recommends the land for a residential community of 170 homes with at least 50 percent of the land preserved for open space. A 10-acre park with ball fields and parking was also recommended. In the master plan, the site was eyed for the planned North Potomac Community Recreation Center, though the county is now working to acquire land at another location for that center.

Large lots are planned around the property's perimeter to buffer residential properties to the south and east.

If approved, the application would shift the property from a residential zone to a planned development zone.

Hanson said the family has been meeting with neighbors for about a year, and the family is also planning a community meeting on June 10 to solicit further input.

"The purpose [of the meeting] is to get us closer to something that represents more of the community interest of what can be done, rather than just something written down on a piece of paper in the master plan," Hanson said. "It removes some of the uncertainty."

The Hanson family has also reached out to the North Potomac Citizens Association. "We agree with their desire to protect a substantial portion of their property from development," said Dan Drazan, president of the NPCA. "…They have a long, multi-generational commitment to protecting the farm and they've been very good stewards. From our experience they're interested in having their proposed development be as compatible as possible with the surrounding community."

However, Drazan said the development is still in the very early planning stages. He said he has not seen plans more specific than the master plan recommendations. "Right now we're looking forward to continuing to work with them as to what their plans are," Drazan said.

IF YOU GO

A meeting about the development of the Hanson farm is planned for 7:30 p.m., June 10, at Travilah Elementary School, 3801Dufief Mill Road in North Potomac.