Media Center

Montgomery Planning Board to Host County Growth Issues Forum on Saturday May 5

SILVER SPRING - The public is invited to join a panel of planning experts, developers and civic activists in a community growth policy forum and discussion moderated by Montgomery County Planning Board Chairman Royce Hanson on Saturday, May 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Park and Planning Headquarters located at 8787 Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring.

The forum is part of a series of hearings and public events to help the Planning Board gather public input and answer such questions as: how the county should grow, where growth should take place and what public officials can do to sustain and build upon the county’s high quality of life.

Next month, the Board will send recommendations to the Montgomery County Council on ways to direct new development to areas in the county where taxpayer-funded services - such as public transportation, water/sewer, and police and fire services - are already in place. The recommendations may include improving analysis of traffic patterns, restructuring development impact taxes and how to improve community design.

Confirmed panelists include:

· Leonard Bogorad, a national real estate analyst and managing director of a Bethesda consulting firm

· Ralph Bennett, president of a Takoma Park architecture firm

· Georgette “Gigi” Godwin, interim president and CEO, Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce

· Jim Humphrey, a volunteer advocate who consults on zoning and development issues and serves on the Montgomery County Civic Federation

· Pam Lindstrom, an urban planning advocate at the Sierra Club

· Stuart Rochester, chair of the Fairland Master Plan Citizens Advisory Committee

· Jim Soltesz, president of an engineering consulting firm, who has served on many committees dealing with transportation, school financing and more

· Bob Spalding, a land development project manager for a homebuilder in the tri-state area and a former transportation and land use planner

· Chris Weber, a director at a real estate investment trust that specializes in development of retail and mixed use real estate

Preliminary staff reports about the growth policy recommendations are available at www.mcparkandplanning.org/development/agp/agphome.shtm.

Those interested in county growth issues may listen to a diverse slate of nationally renowned planning experts during the Planning Board’s growth management speaker series that continues through the spring and early summer.

Montgomery County Planning Department Announces New Acting Countywide Planning Division Chief

SILVER SPRING, MD – Mary Dolan, a supervisor with Montgomery County’s Environmental Planning team for 14 years, has been promoted to acting chief of the Countywide Planning Division, Interim Planning Department Director Gwen Wright announced today.

As acting Countywide Division chief, Dolan manages the work of environmental, transportation and historic preservation planners. Her staff analyzes and prepares recommendations on environmental, transportation and preservation issues for the county Planning Board as it considers development projects and subdivisions, master plans, zoning changes and special exceptions and public projects.

Dolan will serve in the acting role until the Board selects a permanent Planning Director, at which time Wright will return to her role as Countywide Division Chief. Dolan will return to her supervisory position in Environmental Planning.

Dolan holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental planning and management from the University of California-Davis and earned a master’s degree in environmental policy at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Affairs.

To learn more about the Countywide Division, go to http://mcparkandplanning.org/transportation/index.shtm, http://mcparkandplanning.org/historic/index.shtm and http://mcparkandplanning.org/environment/index.shtm

Department of Parks Partners With Trout Unlimited Potomac-Patuxent Chapter for Annual Kids Fishing Day in the Park, May 5

SILVER SPRING, MD-The Montgomery County Department of Parks is pleased to team up again this year with the Potomac-Patuxent Chapter of Trout Unlimited and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for the annual Kids Fishing Day at Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreational Park, 1120 Jackson Road in Silver Spring, Saturday, May 5, 8:00 am - 11:00 am.

“We’re stocking the pond with trout and looking forward to the kids coming out to the park on Saturday for this popular event,” said Dave McGrady, Montgomery County Department of Parks park manager.

Kids Fishing Day at Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreational Park is a free event for young people under age 16. Bait is provided to each participant and Potomac-Patuxent members will be on hand to help young anglers bait hooks, offer tips on fishing techniques and to demonstrate fly-casting. Young people participating are advised to bring rods, reels and tackle, such as hooks and a small bobber. Also young anglers are encouraged to dress in warm clothing and bring along drinking water and a snack or lunch. Adults must accompany younger children. Other anglers over age 16 and not participating in Kids Fishing Day are required to possess a fishing license in accordance with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources regulations.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreational Parks is located in the White Oak area of Silver Spring, just off Jackson Road, east of New Hampshire Avenue.

For more information and to indicate the number of young people planning to attend, contact Paul Vicenzi with Potomac-Patuxent Trout Unlimited at 240-338-7478.

Kids Fishing Day will be held weather permitting.

Author, African American Cultural Expert to Demo Historic Foods at Oakley Cabin

SILVER SPRING, MD – Michael Twitty, a local author who combines his love of history and cooking in interactive presentations, will run a cooking demonstration and food-foraging hike at Oakley Cabin on Saturday, May 12. The demonstration runs from 1 to 3 p.m. and is open to the public.

Twitty’s presentation is sponsored by The Friends of Oakley Cabin & The Underground Railroad and the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.

Twitty wrote Fighting Old Nep: The Foodways of Enslaved Afro-Marylanders, 1634-1864.

His cooking emphasizes heirloom varieties and wild foods to re-enact the historical experience of enslaved and free blacks. Weather permitting, Twitty will lead a walk looking for edible wild plants after cooking at the Oakley Cabin hearth.

Twitty has given presentations on African American and Jewish food traditions at museums and historic sites throughout the Washington, D.C., area.

For more information on Oakley Cabin, including directions, go to http://www.mc-mncppc.org/historic/sites.shtm or call (301) 258-4044.

WHO:
Author and cultural expert Michael Twitty

WHAT:
African-American Foodways Demonstration

WHEN:
1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 12

WHERE:
Oakley Cabin, 3610 Brookeville Rd., Brookeville, MD

Kayaks, Canoes and Rowboats Cast Off in Parks May 5 Boating Season Opens at Both Department of Parks Lakes-Lake Needwood and Little Seneca

SILVER SPRING, MD-The Montgomery County Department of Parks welcomes boaters back to the parks this season for boating on the 75-acre Lake Needwood at Rock Creek Regional Park in Rockville and the 505-acre Little Seneca Lake at Black Hill Regional Park in Boyds. Boat rentals open for the season Saturday, May 5 at both Rock Creek and Black Hill regional parks.

“We’re looking forward to a complete season this year,” said Department of Parks Needwood Boat Shop Manager Kevin Van Scoyk, “since last summer’s devastating storms swept in and unexpectedly cut our boating season short.”

Last June’s unprecedented deluge completely devastated Rock Creek Regional Park, including the Lake Needwood Dam and Needwood Boathouse. Repairs to the Lake Needwood Dam are underway and during recent heavy rains the dam faired well with no leaks reported. As part of the first phase of the overall remedial measures program for the Needwood Dam, the Department of Parks is working with a specialty contractor to install a grout curtain below the dam to reduce seepage through its rock foundation. The second phase of the project will occur later this summer.

Also, later this summer the Department of Parks is planning a grand re-opening event, June 9, in conjunction with Hudson Trail Outfitters’ Boat and Bike Demo Days to celebrate the complete renovation of the Needwood Boathouse.

“For returning boaters to Black Hill this season, with an interest in fishing, we’re continuing to offer bait, hooks and bobbers and have established a ‘Fish Phone’ hotline-301-444-3151-with updated information on lake fishing conditions,” said Department of Parks Black Hill Boats Manager Steve Root. “No worries-for those simply heading out to casually enjoy a boat ride-we still offer fan-favorites such as our 60-minute pontoon boat tours of the ever beautiful Little Seneca Lake.” 

An all-new boating staff at Black Hill Regional Park is also eager to please this season’s visitors. Black Hill Regional Park has a fleet of rowboats, canoes, one-person kayaks and two-person tandem kayaks for rent at nominal hourly or daily rates. The Lake Needwood Boat Shop also rents rowboats, pedal boats and canoes and park visitors to Rock Creek enjoy 15-minute cruises around Lake Needwood on the Needwood Queen Tour Boat, a flat-bottom pontoon.

Beginning May 5, boat rentals at both parks are available weekends only through Memorial Day. May 30 through Labor Day September 3, both parks offer boat rentals Wednesday through Sunday.

Find more information on the Lake Needwood Boathouse Grand Re-Opening event to come at www.MontgomeryParks.org. 

For hours and information on Black Hill Boats visit www.blackhillboats.com and for more on Lake Needwood Boats, see www.lakeneedwoodboats.com.

Montgomery County Planning Department Announces New Forest Conservation Program Manager

SILVER SPRING, MD – Mark Pfefferle, a familiar presence on M-NCPPC’s Environmental Planning review team for the past six years, has been promoted to a key leadership role responsible for protecting the county’s forests, Acting Planning Department Director Gwen Wright announced today.

Pfefferle will immediately assume full management responsibility over all planning, regulatory and enforcement aspects of Montgomery County’s forest conservation program.

The law’s purpose is to save, maintain and plant trees and forests, which filter groundwater, reduce surface runoff, provide wildlife habitat, cleanse the air, reduce energy needs and improve quality of life through their environmental contributions, recreational benefits and aesthetic appeal.

Montgomery County’s forest conservation program was established in 1992 under a mandate from the state Department of Natural Resources. As a first order of business, Pfefferle will lead a major effort, already underway, to review and update the county’s current forest conservation legislation, regulations, and supporting technical documents.

The Forest Conservation Law protects forests throughout the county by specifying tree protection mechanisms and ways to minimize disturbance of forested areas during development. Montgomery County’s forest conservation procedures are detailed at http://www.mcparkandplanning.org/environment/forest/index.shtm.

Pfefferle earned a master’s degree at Duke University’s School of Forestry and Environmental Management. Prior to joining the Park and Planning Commission in 2001, he worked as the City of Gaithersburg’s Environmental Specialist where, among his many responsibilities, he developed comprehensive environmental regulations.

To learn more about forest conservation in Montgomery County, watch the May episode of Montgomery Plans, the Planning Department’s cable show that airs on Cable Channel 6.

Montgomery Residents Invited to Give Input to Help Determine Future Growth

SILVER SPRING, MD – What is the current pace of Montgomery County growth? How should the county grow in the near and distant future? And what can public officials do to sustain and build upon Montgomery County’s high quality of life?

To help answer those questions and more, the Montgomery County Planning Board invites residents to participate in a community growth policy forum and discussion on Saturday, May 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Park and Planning Headquarters, 8787 Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring. A panel of civic and business representatives will participate.

Planners are in the midst of crafting new recommendations to direct new development to areas in the county where taxpayer-funded services – such as public transportation, water/sewer, and police and fire services – are already in place.

In May, the Planning Board will send its recommendations to Montgomery County Council for review, discussion and potential adoption. The Board’s recommendations to the Council could include changing how the Board considers traffic counts and how to structure future development impact taxes. In addition, the recommendations to the Council may also address community design and environmental sustainability.

Preliminary staff reports about the growth policy recommendations are available at www.mcparkandplanning.org/development/agp/agphome.shtm.

Information and perspectives garnered from the May 5 public forum will help inform the Planning Board during a specially scheduled public work session on Tuesday, May 8 at 7 p.m.

Beyond that, those interested in county growth issues may listen to a diverse slate of nationally renowned planning experts during the Planning Board’s growth management speaker series that continues through the spring and early summer.

Montgomery County Planning Board to Consider Park Budget, Forest Conservation at Special Meeting

 

SILVER SPRING, MD – The Montgomery County Planning Board will meet in a special session at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 24 at its Silver Spring headquarters. The special meeting will give the Board extra time to discuss regulatory and policy issues.

The Board will discuss three issues: the 2007 proposed Parks Department budget, pending changes to the county Forest Conservation Law, and begin discussions on possible new rules to enforce Board rules and actions in alleged violation cases.

The parks budget session include an overview of current and proposed activities in county parks. The Board oversees acquisition and development of county parkland and is responsible for construction, maintenance and operation of more than 33,000 acres of parkland in 401 parks.

The Forest Conservation Law requires anyone submitting a development proposal to implement tree and forest protection strategies on site. County planners are working to simplify the existing Forest Conservation Law to provide greater clarity for developers and residents about when and how it applies.

Because the enforcement rules concern the Board’s legal authority in setting regulations and taking action in alleged violation cases – this item will be held in closed session.

WHO:

Montgomery County Planning Board

WHAT:

Specially scheduled Board meeting

WHEN:

7 p.m. Tuesday, April 24, 2007

WHERE:

Park and Planning Headquarters

8787 Georgia Avenue

Silver Spring, MD

Montgomery County Planning Board to Consider Park Budget, Forest Conservation at Special Meeting

SILVER SPRING, MD – The Montgomery County Planning Board will meet in a special session at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 24 at its Silver Spring headquarters, Board Chairman Royce Hanson announced today. Hanson scheduled the extra meeting, which is open to the public, to allow the Board extra time beyond its regular weekly meetings to consider regulatory and policy issues.

The Board will hear three issues: the 2007 proposed Parks Department budget, pending changes to the county Forest Conservation Law, and new rules for enforcing Board rules and actions. Considering the rules of enforcement, which would clarify the Board’s legal authority in setting regulations and taking action in violation cases, will be part of a closed session.

The Parks and Recreation budget workshop will include an overview of current and proposed activities in county parks. The Board oversees acquisition and development of county parkland and is responsible for construction, maintenance and operation of close to 33,000 acres of parkland and more than 400 parks.

The Forest Conservation Law requires anyone submitting a development proposal to implement tree and forest protection strategies on site. County planners are working to simplify the existing Forest Conservation Law to provide greater clarity for developers and residents about when and how it applies.

WHO:

Montgomery County Planning Board

WHAT:

Specially scheduled Board meeting

WHEN:

7 p.m. Tuesday, April 24, 2007

WHERE:

Montgomery County Planning Department Auditorium, 8787 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20910-3760

High School Students, County Archaeologists to Conduct Dig at 19th-Century Homestead

ROCKVILLE – Approximately 25 students from two area high school archaeology clubs will join Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) historic preservation staff at an archaeological dig from 5 p.m. Friday through 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 27 and 28 near Needwood Mansion in Rockville.

The students will treat the dig as real archaeologists would – recording the location of each artifact and keeping the site organized under the supervision of trained archaeological staff from M-NCPPC. The dig will explore the remnants of 19^th-century outbuildings, likely slave quarters, near the mansion, a restored 1856 dwelling built by an early farmer and now owned by M-NCPPC

The archaeology clubs from Rockville’s Magruder High School and Richard Montgomery High School are the only clubs in the county that take part in excavations on a regular basis. While the club at Magruder High School is new, the club at Richard Montgomery High School was established in 1984.

WHO:
Students from Magruder High School
Students from Richard Montgomery High School
Archaeologists from Park and Planning

WHAT:
Archaeological dig

WHEN:
5 p.m. Friday through 11 a.m. Saturday, April 27 and April 28

WHERE:
Needwood Mansion
6700 Needwood Road
Rockville, MD 20855-1639

NOTE:
Members of the public and the press are invited to watch the excavations. The public may tour the site.

Click It or Ticket Campaign

SILVER SPRING, MD-The Maryland-National Capital Park Police joins the efforts of law enforcement agencies throughout the State of Maryland and across the country to promote the Click It or Ticket campaign.

Beginning on April 3 through June 3, 2007, the Park Police will participate in this Program to increase safety belt use and reduce traffic fatalities. Every year, thousands of loved ones; valued co-workers, and fellow citizens are needlessly injured or killed in traffic crashes. Many of these injuries and fatalities could have been prevented by safety belt use. In fact, numerous national studies prove that safety belts reduce the risk of serious injury or death by nearly 50 percent, and nearly 60 percent when they are combined with air bags.

Buckle-up every time you drive or ride. Click it right to prevent serious injury: lap belts, shoulder harnesses, and air bags are designed to work together and are most effective when all components are worn correctly.   

Maryland’s law allows police to stop a vehicle and issue citations solely for violating the seat belt law. So the next time you are in the car remember to buckle up. It just may save an important life - yours.

For more information about the Maryland-National Capital Park Police efforts in the Click It or Ticket campaign, contact:

Officer M. Hoffmaster
Maryland-National Capital Park Police
12751 Layhill Rd
Silver Spring, MD 20906
Tel: 301-949-8010

Olney Manor Skate Park Grand Opening Celebration

OLNEY, MD-Montgomery County leaders will catch some air with the Montgomery County Department of Parks, the Montgomery County Recreation Department and dozens of skateboard enthusiasts at the official grand opening celebration of the much-anticipated Olney Manor Skate Park.

WHO:   
Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett
Montgomery County Council Vice President Mike Knapp
Montgomery County Planning Board Chair Royce Hanson

With Master and Mistress of Ceremonies:
Montgomery County Recreation Department Director Gabriel Albornoz
Montgomery County Department of Parks Director Mary Bradford

WHAT:   
Official Olney Manor Skate Park grand opening, with ribbon-cutting and donor recognition ceremonies 

WHEN:
Saturday, April 14, 2007
12:00 noon - 3:00 pm (rain or shine)

WHERE:
Olney Manor Recreational Park
16601 Georgia Avenue, Olney, Maryland
The skate park is located behind the Olney Swim Center at the Olney Manor Recreational Park.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES:
Ribbon-cutting by Montgomery County Delegate Herman Taylor, Senator Rona Kramer and Friends of Olney Skate Park Founder Jimena Ryan

Unveiling of skateboard-shaped donor recognition board
Skateboard rider demonstrations

For more information see www.MontgomeryParks.org.

Montgomery Planning Board to Consider Ashton Shopping Center Proposal Thursday

SILVER SPRING, MD – On Thursday, April 12 at approximately 2:30 p.m., the Montgomery County Planning Board will consider a development proposal that would bring a shopping center, including a restaurant, condominiums and offices, to Ashton, a rural village in the northeast corner of the county.

The proposed development, called Ashton Meeting Place, would be built on eight acres at the intersection of Routes 650 (New Hampshire Avenue) and 108 (Ashton Road).

Planners have recommended denial of the development because of possible parking limitations in the zoning code, encroachment on environmentally sensitive wetlands and concern that the building design would detract from the character of the rural village.

More than 25 residents have signed up to testify about the Ashton development before the Board, which has the final say on whether to grant approval of the developer’s plan.

WHO:

Montgomery County Planning Board

WHAT:

Hearing on Ashton Meeting Place, a mixed-use subdivision proposed in Ashton

WHEN:

Thursday, April 12, 2007 – approximately 2:30 p.m.

WHERE:

Montgomery County Planning Board Auditorium, 8787 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, Md.

Community Planning Expert Highlights Progressive Suburban Centers at Montgomery Planning Board

SILVER SPRING, MD – On Thursday, April 12 at 1 p.m., Robert Gibbs, a nationally recognized smart growth expert, will discuss his experiences reshaping urban, suburban, and historic centers with the Montgomery County Planning Board.

For 20 years, Gibbs has worked to bring innovative, practical residential and commercial development to such admired cities as Charleston, Portland, Madison and Seattle. Closer to home, he consulted on developing the Kentlands community, an award-winning neo-traditional community in Gaithersburg.

Gibbs’ talk is part of the Planning Board’s ongoing growth management speaker series. The series is intended to inform the Board and its professional planning staff as they update the county’s key growth policy, (also referred to as the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance), which directs growth to areas with adequate roads, schools and other public amenities. The growth policy will ultimately be reviewed and voted on by the County Council.

Gibbs, well respected by mayors, architects and developers across America, has worked on more than 300 town centers and historic cities and consulted on developing many new urban towns. His topic will be "Principles and Techniques to Accommodate Growth and Enhance Community Identify, Livability and Economic Success."

WHO:

Robert Gibbs, President, Gibbs Planning Group

WHAT:

Techniques to accommodate growth and enhance community livability

WHEN:

Thursday, April 12, 2007 – 1 p.m.

WHERE:

Montgomery County Planning Board Auditorium, 8787 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, Md.

Construction on Lake Needwood Dam Limits Park Access Temporarily, Closes Portion of Westside Trail

ROCKVILLE, MD-Repairs to the Lake Needwood Dam, in Rock Creek Regional Park, began late last month temporarily limiting public access to the park and closing a portion of the park’s Westside Trail. Closures are expected to be in place for the next three months.

“We appreciate the public’s patience as we continue to make repairs to the Lake Needwood Dam,” said Montgomery County Department of Parks Rock Creek Regional Park Manager Jim Humerick.

The Westside Trail, which parallels the western side of Lake Needwood is open, however hikers cannot cross over the Lake Needwood Dam to access the park’s picnic or boat rental areas from the trail. Public access to these park areas is available by using the main park entrances at Needwood Road or Avery Road. Access to the park’s Parilla Path is only available from the Westside Trail. There is no access to the park’s picnic areas from Parilla Path because crossing over the dam is prohibited.

The Department of Parks has employed a specialty contractor to install a grout curtain below the Needwood Dam to reduce seepage through the dam’s rock foundation. This is the first phase of the overall remedial measures program initiated for the dam following last summer’s significant storms and is expected to take approximately three months to complete. The second phase will occur later this summer and will also temporarily impact trail access in the park.

For trail maps to plan alternate routes see www.MontgomeryTrails.org. Or, for questions about the construction project contact Department of Parks Construction Manager Andy Frank at 301-650-2886. 

Urban Affairs Expert to Address Housing Issues at Montgomery Planning Board

SILVER SPRING, MD – On 7 p.m. Thursday, April 5, in an address to the Montgomery County Planning Board, Chris Nelson, co-director of the Metropolitan Institute at Virginia Tech University, will lay out the challenges of providing affordable housing in a mature county.

Nelson’s talk is part of the Planning Board’s ongoing growth management speaker series. The series is intended to inform the Board and its professional planning staff as they update the county’s key growth policy, (also referred to as the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance), which directs growth to areas with adequate roads, schools and other public amenities. The growth policy will ultimately be reviewed and voted on by the County Council.

Nelson, who has conducted pioneering research in land use planning, growth management, public financing and urban development policy, will speak on "The Infrastructure and Affordable Housing Linkage." Nelson's broad experience covers development impact fees, farmland preservation, urban containment and regulatory barriers to housing affordability. His talk during the board's regularly scheduled meeting is open to the public.

WHO:

Chris Nelson, co-director of the Metropolitan Institute at Virginia Tech University’s Alexandria campus

WHAT:

Linkages between infrastructure and affordable housing

WHEN:

Thursday, April 5, 2007 – 7 p.m.

WHERE:

Montgomery County Planning Board Auditorium, 8787 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, Md.