EOTC Bachman Valley

An attorney representing nearby residents urged the commission to make a final decision and deny the application outright, citing fundamental safety issues and a process now approaching three years.

A Bachman Valley Road resident said traffic uses the road seven days a week, described dangerous conditions when sheriff's deputies stop traffic at the driveway during events, and warned an accident is coming.

A Bachman Valley Road resident argued the church serves no one in the local community, that attendees come from outside, and that county resources like sheriff traffic control shouldn't subsidize it.

State delegate (District 5) speaking for himself, Delegate Rose, and Senator Ready, opposing the plan and cataloging alleged code violations, trespass, noise, and traffic near-misses.

Resident and attorney (appearing as a resident) argued the project exploits a religious-establishment loophole on preserved farmland and must be denied under Chapter 155.

Master plumber and audio engineer questioned the stormwater and septic design, aquifer drawdown, and noise impacts from events.

CPA and fraud examiner argued the water resource plan lacked documentation, noted pending circuit court action on the specimen tree variance, and said the concept plan expired after twelve months under the code.

Attorney for adjoining property owners argued the commission can require a traffic study and deny the plan, citing an unjustified specimen tree variance, water resource impacts, and inadequate emergency access.

State senator from Manchester echoed opposition, saying the project doesn't fit agricultural zoning and supporting the argument that the expired concept plan should restart the process.

Bachman Valley Road resident said the church's contractor cut his trees for sight distance, and described high speeds and crashes on the road.

Resident urged the commission to require a traffic study and questioned allowing a commercial-scale facility on wells in an agricultural zone, contrasting the monastery's behavior with the county's 100+ welcoming congregations.

Bachman Valley Road resident asked how the project benefits Carroll County, described a dangerous encounter at the road bend, and urged a traffic study regardless of the state's position.

The county sheriff said his office has responded to the site 57 times since 2019 and stated he opposes the project — the first time in 12 years he has opposed one before the board.

Nearby resident described traffic backing up at the entrance, missed turns into her driveway, well-water concerns, and being told no traffic study was needed because church traffic is off-peak.