Author: MCS Staff

Gaithersburg

Notice for Joint Public Hearing on Lakeforest Zoning Map Amendment Application (January 17)

By MCS Staff

The Mayor and City Council and the Planning Commission of the City of Gaithersburg, Maryland, will conduct a joint public hearing on Zoning Map Amendment Application Z-9444-2022 (Lakeforest Mall redevelopment) on TUESDAY JANUARY 17, 2023 AT 7:30 P.M. or as soon thereafter as this matter can be heard in the Council Chambers at 31 South Summit Avenue, Gaithersburg, Maryland.

The applicant requests approval of Zoning Map Amendment Application Z-9444-2022 that proposes to rezone the Lakeforest Mall from the current C-2 (general commercial) to the MXD Zone (mixed-use). The application includes a sketch plan requesting up to approximately 1.2 million square feet of non-residential uses and up to 1,600 dwelling units on 102 acres of land in accordance with 24-160D.9(a) Application for the MXD Zone and sketch plan approval of the City Code. The subject properties are located at 701 Russell Ave Gaithersburg, MD 20877.

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Silver Spring

Crews Will Begin Work on the Purple Line’s Silver Spring Library Station Later in January

By MCS Staff

Per Purple Line MD: On or about January 23, 2023, crews will begin work on the Purple Line’s Silver Spring Library station located at the Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Library. Access to the library and businesses surrounding the library including Bonifant Street will be maintained at all times. ADA-compliant pedestrian access will be maintained to and around the library via Wayne Avenue and Fenton Street. Pedestrian pathways will change intermittently around the work zone; please follow on- site signage. Fencing will be installed to delineate the work zone immediately followed by excavation, utility relocations, systems, and trackwork. Access to Bonifant Street will remain one-way, eastbound from Georgia Avenue. Construction may occur 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekdays and weekends, as needed through December 2023. Please note that weather and unforeseen conditions may impact work schedule.

Featured photo courtesy of MCDOT

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Crime

Police Investigate Armed Carjacking That Occurred Wednesday Morning

By MCS Staff

On 01/11/2023 at approximately 11:52 am, Takoma Park Police units were dispatched to 6400 block of New Hampshire Avenue Takoma Park, for an armed robbery carjacking that just occurred at a gas station. Upon arrival, Officers met with victim, who advised he was robbed and carjacked by an unknown suspect, described as a black male about 6 “3” in height, wearing a black ski mask and all black clothing.

The victim exited his vehicle which he left running and locked at the time. He further advised that he observed a black Dodge charger with black tinted windows drive into the parking lot and park nearby. When the victim exited the store, and he observed the suspect attempting to open the driver’s side door to his BMW X6 vehicle. Once he reached the field/grass area the suspect then chased him and pointed a black handgun towards him demanding his car/fob keys and wallet.

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Restaurants

Way Beyond MoCo: In-N-Out Announces “Eastern Territory Office”; Future Locations in Tennessee

By MCS Staff

In-N-Out Burger, California’s first “drive-thru” hamburger stand founded by Harry and Esther Snyder in 1948, announced intentions to open future restaurants in Tennessee with an Eastern territory office to be built in the city of Franklin. While the Nashville area isn’t very close to Maryland, the existence of an “Eastern territory office” could be the first steps towards potentially opening restaurants on the east coast. This will be the first In-N-Out restaurant west of the state of Texas.

“We are very excited to provide Tennesseans with our quality burgers, fries and shakes,” said Lynsi Snyder, In-N-Out owner, president and sole granddaughter of Harry and Esther. “In every decision I make, I always consider what my family would want. I have no doubt that my grandparents, dad and uncle would be proud of this decision to grow our Associate family and serve even more amazing Customers beginning in Nashville and the surrounding areas.”

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Maryland

MD Attorney General: Supreme Court Brief Supports Federal Student Loan Debt Cancellation Plan that Protects Student Borrowers

By MCS Staff

Per the Office of the Attorney General: Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today upheld his commitment to assist families and student loan borrowers avoid financial ruin caused by inability to repay certain loan debt due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Attorney General Brown joined a coalition of 22 Attorneys General in filing an amicus brief in support of the federal government in two cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. The cases concern the Biden Administration’s targeted cancellation of student loan debt to address the continuing effects of the pandemic.

The brief, filed today in the cases Biden v. Nebraska and Department of Education v. Brown, argues that U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona has the authority, under the HEROES Act, to provide limited debt cancellation to prevent student loan borrowers from experiencing grave financial hardship because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, the Secretary announced plans to grant $10,000 in debt relief for borrowers under certain income thresholds, and $20,000 in debt relief to borrowers who met those income thresholds and received a Pell Grant. This debt relief seeks to ensure that borrowers affected by the pandemic don’t face catastrophic defaults at the conclusion of a nearly three-year pause in loan repayment obligations.

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Events

MLK Celebration, Day of Service Set for Jan. 16

By MCS Staff

Montgomery County is hosting its annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. tribute and celebration from 4–5:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 16 at The Music Center at Strathmore. This free event, “We Are Martin,” will feature special guests, performing artists and a 200-student chorus from Spark M. Matsunaga Elementary School. The Montgomery County Volunteer Center is also hosting the main event for the annual MLK Day of Service from noon–3 p.m. on Jan. 16, at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center at 5701 Marinelli Road in North Bethesda. There are also three partner sites hosting events on Jan. 16:

A full listing of local and remote opportunities to join an MLK Day of Service event is available here. Students can earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for attending and participating. Service will continue throughout the week with virtual, home-based and other on-site projects hosted by a variety of organizations.

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Business

MCPS Director, Elaine Chang, Graduates from Leadership Maryland 2022

By MCS Staff

Elaine L. Chang, director of the Department of Partnerships, graduated from Leadership Maryland as part of the Class of 2022. She was one of 49 people to complete the professional development program dedicated to building a better Maryland by harnessing the strength of its local business and community leaders. Each member of this year’s class was chosen by a committee to complete Leadership Maryland’s eight-month hands-on learning program. The class participated in five, two-day sessions focused on issues impacting economic development, education, health and human services, criminal justice, the environment and multi-culturalism/diversity across the state. Leadership Maryland honored the Class of 2022 at a graduation ceremony on December 6th. Other Leadership Maryland Class of 2022 graduates:

Emily E. Arneson
Director of Government Relations
Kennedy Krieger Institute

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Education

Four MCPS Students Named Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholars

By MCS Staff

Four MCPS students—three at Montgomery Blair High School and one at Poolesville High School—have been named Regeneron Science Talent Search scholars. This is one of the nation’s most prestigious science and math competition for seniors. A total of 300 scholars were selected from the U.S., Puerto Rico and four other countries. Each student will be awarded $2,000 and their schools will be awarded $2,000 for each enrolled scholar. The MCPS Regeneron scholars and their research topics are:

Later this month, 40 of the 300 students will be named Regeneron Science Talent Search finalists. 2023 List of Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholars

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Education

Montgomery County History Day Competition Looking for Judges

By MCS Staff

The 2023 Montgomery County History Day competition is coming up, and local students need your help. The 2023 Montgomery County National History Day Contest will be held on March 4, 2023 at Northwood High School. Middle and high school students have been conducting research, diving into primary sources and creating presentations. The competition is seeking volunteers to serve as judges in evaluating student work. The goal is to encourage and foster a passion for history.

Virtual training will be provided. Judges will spend 20-30 minutes per project reviewing content and making comments. They then meet virtually with other judges to determine the projects that will advance to the statewide competition. Judging will take place in person on Saturday, March 4 at Northwood High School in Silver Spring. For more information, email Kelli Champagne, Prek–12 social studies content specialist, or visit the Montgomery History Conference website.

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Arts

Glenstone Museum Offering Free School Visits, Educator Walk-In Visits

By MCS Staff

Educators can now book free school visits to Glenstone Museum through June. Glenstone offers bus transportation and substitute teacher reimbursement for MCPS guided school visits. The Potomac museum provides opportunities for middle and high school students to learn in an environment that encourages direct connection with art, architecture and nature. Learn more about the options for student visits to Glenstone, including guided, self-guided and virtual engagements. Schedule a school visit here. Here’s a sneak peek of what you can expect at the museum.

Educators can also now visit without scheduling in advance; walk up to the arrival hall and present a valid ID card during operating hours, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. They can bring one additional guest. Glenstone is located at 12100 Glen Road in Potomac. For questions, email Francisca Moraga Lopez, community engagement coordinator.

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Damascus

Montgomery County Student-Refurbished Cars and Computers For Sale February 11

By MCS Staff

Coming Saturday, Feb. 11: the next car and computer sale! Students in the Montgomery County Students Automotive Trades Foundation (ATF) and Information Technology Foundation (ITF) will sell used cars and computers they have refurbished on Feb. 11, at Damascus High School, from 9–11 a.m. The school is located at 25921 Ridge Road in Damascus. The cars and computers are refurbished and reconditioned by the students as part of their classroom and lab studies. The sales provide students with the opportunity to practice their sales skills, earn Student Service Learning hours, and develop a deeper appreciation for community involvement.

The ATF is also still seeking car donations, which helps high school students learn how to evaluate, repair and restore used cars. The ATF accepts donations year-round between 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Monday through Friday at Damascus, Gaithersburg and Seneca Valley high schools, at Thomas Edison High School of Technology and at the Shady Grove Bus Depot. Donations may be tax deductible. For questions about the automotive program, contact Kelly Johnson at 240-740-2051. To schedule car donations, contact Michael Snyder at 240-740-2050. Additional information available in the links below:

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