Process for Filling District 5 Vacancy

Here is the Council President's statement on the process for filling the District 5 vacancy:

Councilmember Valerie Ervin announced on Dec. 10 that she will resign from the Council on Jan. 3, 2014 to become executive director of the Center for Working Families.  We wish her the best in this new position.

Under Section 106 of the County Charter (shown below), the Council intends to appoint a new Councilmember for District 5 by Jan. 31, 2014 to complete Councilmember Ervin’s unexpired term, which ends on Dec. 1, 2014.  The Council intends to select a person who has shown a clear understanding of the issues that are important to residents of District 5.  To assure a level playing field for all persons interested in seeking election to the next full term from District 5, the Council intends to appoint a person who does not intend to run for election to that term.

Excerpt from Section 106 of the County Charter regarding a vacancy on the Council in the final year of a term:

When a vacancy has occurred, a majority of the remaining members of the Council shall appoint a person to fill the vacancy within thirty days. An appointee to fill a vacancy, when succeeding a party member, shall be a member of the same political party as the person elected to such office at the time of election.

Holiday Giving

Montgomery County is known for its affluence, so it is easy to forget that we have many residents who do not have enough money to pay for even their basic needs, let alone the extra expenses associated with the holidays. To learn more about poverty in Montgomery County, take a look at the award-winning program, The Unseen Montgomery, produced by our very own County Cable Montgomery.

In addition to highlighting the hidden poverty in the county, the show identifies nonprofits that provide help to those in need, including Manna, which serves as our local food bank; A Wider Circle, which collects used furniture and household items for those in need; and Interfaith Works, which offers a whole host of programs for our most vulnerable residents.

If you can afford to pick up extra canned or other non-perishable foods, or if you have clothing or furniture you can donate, your gift certainly can go to good use right here in our community. And of course, our nonprofits are also happy to accept money. If you aren’t sure which nonprofit to support, check out Neighbors in Need Montgomery, an umbrella charity campaign that supports many local organizations and enjoys a dollar for dollar match from a generous family.

Winter Weather Information

Winter weather is expected this weekend, with the possibility of ice and snow.  Montgomery County officials offer residents the following tips for surviving severe weather:

Preparing for the Storm

Emergency preparations should include having enough food, water, medication (if needed) and batteries to last two to three days. Make sure portable radios, smoke detectors and flashlights are working properly. 

Keep a fresh supply of extra batteries on hand, along with a basic first aid kit and a non-electric can opener.

Check with neighbors who may require special assistance to see if they need help in stocking up on supplies or medications, and call them during the storm.

Park vehicles in driveways or off the street, if possible. When parking on-street, pull close to the curb on the even numbered side of the street to clear the way for snowplows.

Be sure your vehicle is ready to drive after the storm by filling the gas tank; checking tires to make sure they have an adequate tread and are fully inflated; checking oil, antifreeze and windshield washer fluid levels; and ensuring windshield wipers, lights, flashing hazard lights, exhaust system, heater, brakes and defroster are all working properly. Keep a windshield scraper and small broom in the car for ice and snow removal, and a small sack of sand or kitty litter to improve wheel traction.

If driving during the storm is unavoidable, put together a separate disaster supply kit for the trunk of the car that includes:

• Flashlight with extra batteries.
• Flares.
• Blankets or sleeping bags.
• Dry clothing, mittens, socks, and a wool cap.
• Newspapers for insulation.
• Plastic bags.
• Canned fruit, nuts, or high energy “munchies.”
• Bottles of water.
• A small shovel, a pocket knife, and small tools --pliers, a wrench and screwdriver.
• Jumper cables.
• First aid kit and necessary medications.
• Brightly colored cloth to tie to the antenna.

During the Storm

During the storm, residents are urged to travel only if absolutely necessary, and to stay indoors.

Residents concerned about the safety and well-being of children, elderly individuals or adults with disabilities should call the County’s Crisis Center at 240-777-4000.

If traveling is hazardous, residents should be prepared to shelter in place.

In the event of a power outage, avoid using candles or outdoor grills indoors, to prevent the risk of a fire.

For downed trees on public property, residents should call 3-1-1 (or 240-777-0311 from a cell phone).  To report trees that have fallen on utility lines, contact local utility companies. Contact information is available on the County’s website at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov. “Hot” wires or sparking wires, especially those across roadways, may be reported by calling 9-1-1. 

After the Storm

In the event of power outages, treat intersections with non-working traffic signals as four-way stops.  If your home is without power, contact your utility company:  PEPCO, 877-737-2662; BG&E, 877-778-2222; or FirstEnergy/Potomac Edison, 1-800-255-3443.

Exercise caution when shoveling snow. Try to shovel snow into the yard rather than into the street. Cold weather puts an extra strain on the body. Individuals with heart disease or high blood pressure should follow their doctor’s advice about shoveling snow or performing other hard work in the cold. Avoid overexertion. Heart attacks from shoveling heavy snow are a leading cause of deaths during winter.

When going outdoors, dress warmly and stay dry. Adults and children should wear a hat, scarf or knit mask to cover face and mouth; sleeves that are snug at the wrists, mittens (they are warmer than gloves), a water-resistant coat and boots, and several layers of loose-fitting clothes.

Serious health problems such as hypothermia and frostbite can be caused by prolonged exposure to the cold. Watch for loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes and the tip of the nose. Signs of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. In both cases, residents should get medical attention immediately if symptoms are present.

Do not attempt to drive if you are not comfortable driving on icy or snowy roads. When preparing to drive, be sure to thoroughly clear the snow from the entire car – including roofs, windshields trunks and hoods – to ensure visibility and prevent snow from blowing onto surrounding cars. When driving, do not speed and be sure to leave plenty of space between your car and the one in front of you. Avoid pulling out in front of other vehicles and do not slow down before going up a hill.

For timely severe weather and emergency notifications, go to https://alert.montgomerycountymd.gov and sign up for Alert Montgomery. Warnings and emergency updates will be sent directly to your cell phone and/or email address. The service is free, but text charges may apply, so check with your cell phone carrier before selecting text alerts.  Information is also available on the County’s website at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/snow.

Zoning Code Rewrite Session 14

On Monday the PHED Committee will hold its second worksession to address issues raised at the November public hearings on the Zoning Code Rewrite. The session begins at 1:00, and you can follow along on County Cable Montgomery. Also, check out the recently revised FAQ page. To have your comments on the rewrite included in the public record, e-mail county.council@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Free Screening of Driven to Defraud

Car sales fraud costs U.S. consumers billions each year. To help consumers fight back, the Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) and the Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition (MCRC) invite you to attend the Washington area’s first public screening of Driven to Defraud, MCRC’s powerful documentary film on auto sales fraud, on Wednesday, December 18 at 7 p.m. in the Fenton Room of the Silver Spring Civic Center located at 1 Veterans Plaza in Downtown Silver Spring, MD. This event is free and open to all.  Please come early as space is limited.

Driven to Defraud documents the scams some car dealers use to abuse Maryland car purchasers and shows you how to protect yourself when you buy a new or used car. The film explains how yo-yo sales, interest rate mark-ups, rebuilt wrecks, and other scams work through the eyes of car-buyers who have been victimized, consumer advocates, and honest auto dealers working to stop the fraud.

You will have an opportunity to ask Investigator Jim Parks, OCP’s auto expert and a Certified Master Automotive Technician, your car-repair questions. MCRC leaders will also be available to discuss what consumers and policymakers can do to stop auto fraud.

You can see a 90-second preview trailer for the film here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6Lti1UCNPg.

OCP, the County’s consumer protection agency, investigates thousands of complaints each year involving automotive sales and repairs, new home purchases, home improvements, credit issues, retail sales, internet services and most other consumer transactions. OCP provides pre-purchase information to consumers, as well as speakers to the community on consumer issues.

Apply Now to Merit System Protection Board

We’re taking applications for appointment to a three-year term on the Merit System Protection Board. Generally, the board is expected to oversee the Merit System and to protect employee and applicant rights guaranteed under the County Merit System. Get your application in by the new extended deadline of January 15.

By law, no more than two of the three members of the Merit System Protection Board may be of the same political party. The appointee to this term may be a Democrat, a Republican or someone who declines to affiliate with a party. In addition, the appointee may be a member of another party officially recognized by the Board of Elections.

The County Merit System Protection Board's mission is to oversee the Merit System for the protection of employee's and applicant's rights guaranteed under the Merit System. There are two methods in which the board processes appeals:

• A written decision issued after a review and discussion of a written record
• A written decision issued after a pre-hearing conference and a formal hearing in cases involving a suspension, demotion or dismissal

The board holds hearings during the day, which can take the full day, with any additional proceedings scheduled for subsequent evening(s). Also, the board normally meets for approximately an hour in the evening once or twice every month. Additional time is also required for preparatory work. Members of the board receive $7,594 per year, which is adjusted annually to reflect 50 percent of the percentage change in the Washington Area Consumer Price Index.

Board members are restricted in political activity while serving. Section 403 of the County Charter states in part "... No member shall hold political office or participate in any campaign for any political or public office during the member's term of office." Members of County boards, committees and commissions may not serve on more than one such group at a time.

Letters of application are made public as part of the appointment process. Letters expressing interest, including a resume listing professional and civic experience, should be addressed to: Council President Roger Berliner, Montgomery County Council, 100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, MD 20850.

For more information on the Merit System Protection Board appointment, call 240-777-7979.

Council Elects New Leadership

Congratulations to our new Council president, Craig Rice and our new Council vice president, George Leventhal. We have two very talented leaders at the helm this year, and I feel optimistic about our future. Best wishes, Craig and George!

Press Release: Council Approves Increase in Minimum Wage

Here's the full text of the press release:

Montgomery County Council Approves

Increase in County Minimum Wage

First of Four Phases to Begin on Oct. 1, 2014; Minimum Wage Would Increase to $11.50 Per Hour in 2017 

ROCKVILLE, Md., November 26, 2013—The Montgomery County Council today enacted amended Bill 27-13 that establishes a County minimum wage for certain private sector and County employees for work performed in the County for an employer operating and doing business in the County. The County minimum wage would be phased in over four years, reaching $11.50 per hour on Oct. 1, 2017.

 

Bill 27-13, with amendments, was approved by a vote of 8-1. Voting in favor of the bill were Council President Nancy Navarro, Council Vice President Craig Rice, and Councilmembers Roger Berliner, Marc Elrich, Valerie Ervin, Nancy Floreen, George Leventhal, and Hans Riemer. Councilmember Phil Andrews voted against the bill.

 

The chief sponsor of Bill 27-13 was Councilmember Elrich. Council President Navarro and Councilmember Ervin were co-sponsors.

 

Bill 27-13 will:

• Require certain employers in the County to pay a minimum wage to employees for work performed in the County.
• Provide enforcement by the County’s Office of Human Rights and the Human Rights Commission.

Maryland's minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, or $15,000 a year for a full-time, year round worker. This leaves a full-time earner and their family below the Federal poverty line. Twenty-one states have raised their minimum wage above Maryland's rate.

 

Bill 27-13 establishes a County minimum wage for work performed in the County unless the State or Federal minimum wage is higher. The County minimum wage would be phased in over four years. The rate would be $8.40 per hour on Oct. 1, 2014, $9.55 per hour on Oct 1, 2015, $10.75 per hour on Oct. 1, 2016, and $11.50 per hour on Oct. 1, 2017.

 

The County minimum wage would not apply to a worker who is not covered by the State minimum wage or a worker eligible for an opportunity or youth minimum wage under the State or Federal law. 

Today, the Council, in addition to modifying the phase-in of the increase to $11.50 per hour, approved several other amendments to the original bill. The amendments included will:

 

• Apply the County minimum wage to tipped employees by requiring an employer to pay a base equal to 50 percent of the State minimum wage with an obligation to make up any shortfall in tips up to the County minimum wage.
• Delete the health care credit.
• Add an exemption for a person under the age of 19 who works 20 hours or less in a week.
• Add a provision requiring the County Executive to delegate enforcement to a State agency that enforces the State Wage and Hour Law and is authorized to enforce a County minimum wage law.
• Add an anti-retaliation clause.
• Amend the applicability to clarify that a worker must perform the work in the County.
• Apply the County minimum wage to County employees.

Press Release: Council Approves Plans for BRT

Here's the full text of the press release:

Montgomery County Council Approves

Plans for Bus Rapid Transit System
Completed System Would Cover 82 Miles, 110 Stations

ROCKVILLE, Md., November 26, 2013—The Montgomery County today unanimously approved the Countywide Transit Corridors Functional Master Plan. The main purpose of that plan is to establish the routes and possible station locations of the proposed countywide Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.

BRT is a plan for specially designed buses to travel over mostly dedicated lines throughout the County. The plan approved by the Council provides a framework for future transit that would enhance transit already available in the County in the form of Ride On, Metrobus and Metrorail and MARC Commuter rail, as well as the future Purple Line and Corridor Cities Transitway (CCT).

The Countywide Transit Corridors Functional Master Plan recommends a network of Bus Rapid Transit lines covering about 82 miles and 110 stations, not including the already master-planned CCT.

 

The master plan approved by the Council recommends the routes, the station locations and, for each segment, the minimum right-of-way. The recommended plan also states whether there would be dedicated lanes or not, and whether there would be up to 0, 1 or 2 lanes added in the road's cross-section dedicated to BRT. 

The recommendations in the approved plan will serve as guidelines. Subsequent project planning studies could indicate that a route should be diverted slightly to serve a major destination. A station location in the plan means that there would be a station in the vicinity.

"I’m happy we are at this point today of adding Bus Rapid Transit routes to the master plan and acknowledging the importance of transit in our county.  Seven years ago I asked my staff to find some roads where we could put transit that connected people from where they live to where they work. I knew that with all the existing congestion and all the planned and already approved development, we needed more and better transit to deal with traffic congestion and reduce carbon emissions" said Councilmember Marc Elrich, who introduced the concept of BRT for the County. 

“Today our Council has set out a bold course toward a less congested future,” said Councilmember Roger Berliner, who chairs the Council’s Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee. “A network of 10 Bus Rapid Transit corridors—in dedicated lanes—is at the heart of the plan unanimously adopted by our Council.  It is an aspirational plan that will be implemented only after extensive community involvement, and if achieved, will make our County a transit leader in the country. It is a plan that focuses on moving people most efficiently utilizing our existing infrastructure, not just cars, and by doing so we will improve our quality of life, our environment, and our competitiveness in the region.”

The master plan does not recommend specific approaches on how BRT would be implemented on certain routes. For example, where the plan recommends dedicated lanes and adding one transit lane to the cross-section, it does not specify whether it would be a reversible lane (one direction in the morning peak, the opposite in the evening peak) or bi-directional lane (both directions in both peak periods, with a periodic lane to allow buses to pass).

 

Including the CCT, the plan identifies about 81 miles of dedicated lanes and 21 miles of mixed traffic operations. Subsequent project planning will determine the details of each route and there will be opportunities for considerable public input.

 

"I was very proud to preside over the passage of the Countywide Transit Corridors Master Plan, a plan to augment our public transportation system with an ambitious network of dedicated lanes for buses,” said Council President Nancy Navarro. “By itself, the plan we approved today will not alter the flow of traffic on any road in the County. We still have many years of funding decisions, public hearings, design and analysis before the first shovel can touch the ground for any of the routes in the plan. But we have put down an important marker—the Council understands that the only way to accommodate growth without traffic screeching to a halt is investing big in transit." 

Councilmember Valerie Ervin said: “As the Council’s representative on the County’s Pedestrian, Bicycle and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee, I appreciate the designation of additional Bicycle-Pedestrian Priority Areas, which will promote better accommodation of non-automotive modes of transportation and increase safety, as part of the Countywide Transit Corridors Functional Master Plan. In addition, I recognize how interconnected improved transit is to our land use decisions, especially in eastern Montgomery County.”

Councilmember Hans Riemer said: "As a member of the transportation committee I am pleased to see the transit master plan earn such strong support. Recognizing that most people will continue driving, this plan seeks to add fewer new cars to our roads in the future by gradually building a high quality public transportation alternative. We should proceed immediately with the Corridor Cities Transitway as our demonstration project."

The corridor routes in the recommended plan are:

Corridor 1: Georgia Avenue North. A  proposed 9.6-mile corridor that would run nearly entirely on Georgia Avenue (Maryland Route 97) between the Wheaton Metro Station and Olney.

• Corridor 2: Georgia Avenue South. A proposed 3.9-mile corridor that would run nearly entirely on Georgia Avenue between the Wheaton Metro Station and the District of Columbia line.
• Corridor 3: Maryland 355 North. A proposed 15.3-mile corridor that would run almost entirely on Maryland 355 between the Rockville Metro Station and Redgrave Place in Clarksburg, with two routes in Germantown East. The southern portion of the corridor lies within the City of Rockville and the center portion lies within the City of Gaithersburg.
• Corridor 4: Maryland 355 South. A proposed 7.8-mile corridor that would run entirely on Rockville Pike/Wisconsin Avenue (Maryland 355) between the Rockville and Bethesda Metro Stations. Despite the fact that it would run directly parallel to the Red Line, it is projected to carry more riders than any other proposed BRT route in this plan.
• Corridor 5: New Hampshire Avenue. A proposed 8.5-mile corridor that would run on New Hampshire Avenue (Maryland 650) from the Colesville park-and-ride lot south to Eastern Avenue at the District of Columbia line. This corridor is distinctive because it will require cooperation with Prince George's County and the District of Columbia.
• Corridor 6: North Bethesda Transitway. A proposed 2.7-mile corridor that would run from either the Grosvenor or White Flint Metro Station to Old Georgetown Road, south on Old Georgetown Road to Rock Spring Drive, and west on Rock Spring drive and Fernwood Road to Montgomery Mall.  There would also be a new interchange connecting Fernwood Road to the HOV lane to and from the south on I-270. This is part of a planned transit/HOV lane that would connect to the HOT lanes in Virginia.
• Corridor 7: Randolph Road. A proposed 10.l-mile corridor that would run in mixed traffic nearly entirely on Randolph Road between the White Flint Metro Station and the U.S. Route 29 corridor station at Tech Road.  In the western segment of the corridor, an alternative would be to add a BRT lane on Montrose Parkway between Veirs Mill Road and Rockville Pike.
• Corridor 8: University Boulevard. A proposed 5.5-mile corridor that would run on University Boulevard (Maryland 193) between the Wheaton Metro Station and Langley Park. It would also connect to—and, for a short stretch, run concurrent with—the Purple Line, as well to five other proposed BRT corridors: Veirs Mill Road, Georgia Avenue North, Georgia Avenue South, U.S. 29 and New Hampshire Avenue.
• Corridor 9: U.S. Route 29. A proposed 12.3-mile corridor that generally would run along Colesville Road and Columbia Pike between the District of Columbia boundary and Burtonsville, with two routes in the White Oak area.
• Corridor 10: Veirs Mill Road. A proposed 6.2-mile corridor that would run almost entirely on Veirs Mill Road (Maryland 586) between the Wheaton and Rockville Metro Stations.

Recreation Department Offers Holiday Events

The Montgomery County Department of Recreation is offering a wide range of community events for the whole family to enjoy this holiday season:

• Holiday Magic and Fun – December 6, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Good Hope Community Recreation Center, 14715 Good Hope Road, Silver Spring. Free. Celebrate the magic of the holidays with Speed, one of the east coast’s premiere magicians.
• Bauer Drive Craft Show – December 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Bauer Drive Community Recreation Center, 14625 Bauer Drive, Rockville.  Free. The show features an assortment of vendors showcasing their artistic talents and creativity. Items for purchase include fiber arts, holiday items, jewelry, photography, pottery, woodwork and more.
• Clara Barton Holiday Craft Show – December 7, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Clara Barton Community Center, 7425 MacArthur Boulevard, Cabin John. Free. Sponsored by the Friends of Clara Barton Community Recreation Center, the show features local artists and crafters.
• Scuba Santa – December 8, noon to 4 p.m. Olney Swim Center, 16605 Georgia Avenue. Ages 10 and up may use provided scuba equipment after receiving instruction. Those nine and under can hold their breath and swim down for a quick shot with Santa. Or, Santa will go to the concrete steps leading into the pool’s shallow end. A suggested donation is any non-perishable food item of $5 or more. Cash donations are also accepted. All donations benefit Manna Food Bank.
• Clara Barton Senior Lunch – December 11, noon to 2 p.m. Irish Inn, 6119 Tulane Avenue, Glen Echo. For more information, call 240-777-4910.
• Workshop and Winter Wonderland – December 11, 6 to 9:30 p.m. Damascus Community Center, 25520 Oak Drive. Cookie Exchange – bring six dozen – four dozen to share, and two dozen to trade. Local craft vendors and music. Also, hot chocolate, caroling and a visit from Santa. Crafts, games, dreidels, etc. Bring two canned food items for the needy. Volunteer musicians, prop person (train conductor with train), toy builders or event helpers are needed. Student Service Learning (SSL) hours available.
• Potomac Community Center Senior Holiday Party – December 13, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Potomac Community Recreation Center, 11315 Falls Road. Live holiday music by “Rearview Mirror.”  Refreshments served for a nominal fee. For more information, call 240-777-6960.
• Winter Bash Middle School Dance (Grades 6-8) – December 13,  8 to 10:30 p.m. Good Hope Community Recreation Center, 14715 Good Hope Road, Silver Spring. Bring a friend for games, music, food and fun. Dance contest and a door prize. $5 per person. Course #370931.
• Clara Barton Community Holiday Party – December 15, 5 to 7 p.m. Clara Barton Community Center, 7425 MacArthur Boulevard, Cabin John. Free. Holiday activities for the whole family.
• Active Adults 55 + Jingle Bell Fun – December 16, noon. Longwood Community Recreation Center, 19300 Georgia Avenue, Brookeville. Catered lunch and performance by the Rearview Mirror Band. $12 per ticket or $20 per couple. For ticket information, call 240-777-6920.
• Annual Jingle Bell Breakfast – December 18, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  Long Branch Senior Center, 8700 Piney Branch Road, Silver Spring. Holiday music and a continental breakfast of bagels, juice, coffee and tea. No charge, but reservations must be made by December 16. Call 240-777-6975.
• Winter Wonderland – December 20, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Marilyn J. Praisner Community Recreation Center, 14906 Old Columbia Pike Burtonsville. Includes “Pigs at the Pole” presented by Blue Sky Puppet Theater, holiday crafts, cookies and punch, and visits with Santa. Course #370029.
• Breakfast with Santa – December 21, 9 to 11 a.m. East County Community Center, 3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring. Kids will enjoy a hearty breakfast, have their picture taken with Santa and participate in fun activities. Cost is $3 for children ages 3-7 and $5 for ages 8 and up.
• Santa’s Workshop – December 21, 1 to 4 p.m. Mid-County Community Recreation Center, 2004 Queensguard Road, Silver Spring. Family fun includes Rufus the Red-Nosed Raindog performed by the Blue Sky Puppet Theatre. Also, activities include crafts, games and a visit with Santa. Free, but pre-registration is requested. Course #365235.

For more information about these activities, or to register for one of the courses, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/rec or call 240-777-6840.

Council Approves Long Branch Sector Plan

On Tuesday we approved the Long Branch Sector Plan that will guide revitalization of that section of Silver Spring. With this plan, we hope we have created incentives for positive commercial redevelopment, while protecting the needs of existing community members. Using the Purple Line as a catalyst for redevelopment, the plan protects the area's character, its affordable housing and its small neighborhood-oriented businesses.

 

The plan recognizes that development of the Purple Line—the proposed east-west transit line that will connect the Bethesda and New Carrollton Metrorail stations—will have significant impact on Long Branch and its real estate values. To prevent a loss of market affordable units, and potential displacement of lower-income residents, we amended the plan to retain the zoning on most of the existing multi-family developments.

 

The approved plan continues implementation of programs to make Long Branch a more walkable community, with an emphasis on pedestrian safety.

 

Among the items addressed in the approved plan was designation of the Flower Theatre on the Master Plan for Historic Preservation. The plan is specific about retaining certain parts of the structure, including the theatre façade, two adjoining shoulders and a second wall to a depth of 40 feet from the theatre building line. The plan also calls for implementation of design guidelines to encourage compatible and appropriate future development nearby. The plan states that new buildings along Flower Avenue should not rise above the theatre’s height.

 

In efforts to help preserve affordable housing in Long Branch, the plan recommends CRT Zone optional method density incentives for developers. It also recommends the targeted use of tax credits and other financing tools that support public/private partnerships. The plan encourages live/work units in appropriate locations and provides for a range of unit sizes, including those accommodating larger families.

 

The approved plan encourages the retention of small businesses and neighborhood-serving commercial uses.

Holiday Schedule for Thanksgivng

Montgomery County government will observe the following holiday schedule for Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, November 28:

• County Offices – closed
• Libraries – closed
• County liquor stores – closed
• Recreation – all programs and facilities are closed
• Montgomery Parks – all Parks facilities are closed on Thursday. For operating schedules on Friday, including Brookside Gardens, ice rinks, tennis centers, trains and carousels, visit www.MontgomeryParks.org.
• Ride On – Sunday schedule
• Metrobus – Sunday schedule
• Metrorail – Sunday schedule
• TRiPS Commuter Stores (Silver Spring and Friendship Heights) – closed
• Refuse/recycling pickup – no collection*
• Transfer Station – closed
• Parking at public garages, lots, curbside meters – free
• MCPS Administrative Offices – closed
• State offices & courts – closed

*Collection provided one day later for remainder of week (last collection day is Saturday).

Revised FAQ Page on Zoning Code Rewrite

If you still have questions about the Zoning Code Rewrite, check out the recently revised FAQ page. Here is just one example of what you can find there:

Q: Why are non-residential buildings allowed in R-60 and R-90 if they will introduce non-residential uses into single-family neighborhoods?

A: Non-residential buildings do not introduce non-residential uses into single-family neighborhoods. The uses that are allowed in a zone are determined by the Use Table in Section 3.1.6. Currently, in single family zones, the code allows for uses such as churches, day care facilities, non-residential offices, libraries, schools, etc. The provisions for nonresidential buildings will establish standards that do not currently exist for the buildings that contain these uses. These buildings would only be permitted if they contain a use that is legal, as outlined in Section 3.1.6. The purpose of creating the nonresidential building is to protect residential neighborhoods from the impacts of non-residential uses. For example, there are currently no limits on density for non-residential uses in the R-90 or R-60 zones. The proposed draft represents a substantive change that limits the density of uses located in non-residential buildings and requires increased street frontage, setbacks for parking lots, larger side setbacks from neighboring residential properties, and screening.

Holiday Schedule for Veterans Day

Here's the holiday schedule for Veterans Day on Monday, November 11:

• County Offices -- closed
• Libraries -- closed
• County liquor stores -- open regular hours
• Recreation -- aquatic and community centers are open as scheduled. Aquatic classes and programs will meet as scheduled. All other classes, administrative offices, senior centers and all senior programs will be closed
• Montgomery Parks -- for holiday operating schedule on Parks' facilities, including Brookside Gardens, ice rinks, tennis centers, trains and carousels, visit www.MontgomeryParks.org
• Ride On -- special modified holiday schedule (www.rideonbus.com), click on "Holidays" to see specific schedules
• Metrobus -- Saturday schedule with supplemental service
• Metrorail -- Saturday holiday schedule
• TRiPS Commuter Stores (Silver Spring and Friendship Heights) -- closed
• Refuse/recycling pickup --no collection*
• Transfer Station -- open
• Parking at public garages, lots, curbside meters -- free
• MCPS Administrative Offices -- open
• State offices and courts -- closed

*Collection provided one day later for remainder of week (last collection day is Saturday).

BRT Session 6

On Tuesday the Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee will hold the sixth worksession on the Countywide Transit Corridors Functional Master Plan. The agenda for this worksession is:

•  Follow-up on North Bethesda Transitway
•  Markup of the plan