Doniele Ayres, president of the Montgomery Village Foundation (MVF), recently posted a statement on the MVF website reaffirming that Montgomery Village is not located in the city of Gaithersburg. Montgomery Village has always been a separate entity, a census-designated place (CDP) with its own distinct history and administrative structure since its growth began in 1962, even though Gaithersburg is the closest large city and offers a convenient point of reference.
A distinct two-tiered structure of homeowner associations (HOAs) governs Montgomery Village, a neighborhood unto itself and distinct from the City of Gaithersburg. Doniele Ayres, president of the Montgomery Village Foundation (MVF), says that both locals and visitors frequently misunderstand this distinction, yet knowing it is essential to taking part in community governance.
Although Gaithersburg and Montgomery Village are frequently used interchangeably, they are two different places. Montgomery Village is a sizable residential neighborhood run by a foundation and multiple HOAs; it is not a town. Confusion may result from this, particularly as Montgomery Village facilities like the public library and post office frequently use the name Gaithersburg. Ayres points out that, in contrast to a town that would have its own police and fire department, the county provides these vital services.
Montgomery Village’s system of government is distinct. The Montgomery Village Foundation (MVF), which Ayres compares to a state government, is at the top. The MVF is in charge of regulations including architectural standards that are applicable to all communities. Ayres compares individual HOAs, or Condominium Owners Associations (COAs), to local governments, which are below the MVF. These boards are in charge of neighborhood-specific regulations including trash collection and parking. Because of this arrangement, locals have a direct say in both their neighborhood and the Village as a whole.
Ayres stresses that Montgomery Village’s status as Maryland’s second-largest HOA is significant. Because of this status, the community has a big say and can even affect state laws pertaining to homeowners associations. Residents interact directly with their elected officials and board members because the community is not a municipality. Residents are empowered by this direct communication, which makes their opinions heard on both major and minor issues.
“We are Montgomery Village, and although we are neighbors, we are not in the City of Gaithersburg,” Ayres says in closing, urging citizens to embrace their unique identity and recognize their role in its administration.
