On Monday we let you know of a NextDoor post depicting a fake speed camera that was built in a Kensington neighborhood on McComas Ave. The post has received over 170 comments and network news coverage, which has led to the removal of the speed camera. A neighbor stated, “the county sent someone to remove this but I intercepted them. If the builder would like their art back– contact me.” Another neighbor shared a picture of a flyer posted on a light pole with – picture of the structure and the words “RIP July 14, 2023 – July 17, 2023”.
The “speed camera” was filled with books and appeared to double as a version of a “Little Free Library”, a space that allows neighbors to take and drop off books for the community. The structure was discovered by Kensington resident Jake Meer just past his front yard. “Just returned from vacation to see a fake “speed cam” was erected in front of my house on McComas.” Meer wrote on NextDoor. “I’m a bit concerned about the liability factor: poorly made with glue gun and cheap plexiglass, storms/ wind blowing it over, library aspect distracting a driver, etc. THAT SAID, I totally get the utility factor, as people drive way too fast down McComas and it needs to be safer.”
He asked his neighbors for their thoughts on the camera. “Neighbors, is this just a simple case of “not in my [front] yard”? Should I have at least been consulted by whoever put it up, assuming it’s not the work of MoCo?? I’m genuinely curious what people think, aside from the fact that it’s fugly. Again, I see the purpose and value.” and neighbors chimed in with a variety of replies (the post is linked below).
FOX 5 reached out to Montgomery County police about the legality of the decoy camera and received the following response, “The ‘camera’ is not a camera. It was not placed in this area by MCPD, and it is not an MCPD speed camera. The location where the device has been placed is not an approved location for a speed camera.”
The camera lasted three days, but Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) has been working on a more permanent solution to traffic-related issues in the area. “The McComas Avenue Neighborhood Greenway project aims to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety on McComas Avenue near Wheaton Mall. The project limit is from St. Paul Street to Georgia Avenue including portions of Douglas Avenue and Windham Lane.” Neighborhood Greenways are streets with low motorized traffic volumes and speeds, designed and designated to give walking and bicycling priority. McComas Avenue was designated a Neighborhood Greenway by the 2018 Montgomery County Bicycle Master Plan . Neighborhood Greenways use signs, pavement markings, and speed and volume management measures to calm traffic and discourage through trips by motor vehicles to create safe, convenient use of streets by pedestrians and cyclists. Additional information on the project can be found here.
Featured photo courtesy of FOX5