Montgomery County Council Committee Meetings to be Held on Monday, March 28

For Immediate Release: Friday, March 25, 2022

Committees will review an amendment to the Master Plan for Historic Preservation for the Potomac Overlook Historic District, the Silver Spring Downtown and Adjacent Communities Plan, legislation related to climate assessments and legislation on building energy use benchmarking and performance standards

The Planning, Housing and Economic Development (PHED) Committee will meet on Monday, March 28 at 9:30 a.m. to discuss an amendment to the Master Plan for Historic Preservation for the Potomac Overlook Historic District and the Planning Board Draft of the Silver Spring Downtown and Adjacent Communities Plan.

The members of the PHED Committee include Chair Hans Riemer and Councilmembers Andrew Friedson (Lead for Parks) and Will Jawando.

The Transportation and Environment (T&E) Committee will meet at 1:30 p.m. to discuss Bill 3-22, Legislative Branch – Climate Assessments – Required and Bill 16-21, Environmental Sustainability – Building Energy Use Benchmarking and Performance Standards – Amendments.

The members of the T&E Committee include Chair Tom Hucker, Council Vice President Evan Glass and Councilmember Hans Riemer.

More detail on each agenda item is provided below.

Potomac Overlook – Amendment to the Plan for Historic Preservation

Review: The PHED Committee will review the Planning Board Draft Amendment to the Master Plan for Historic Preservation for the Potomac Overlook Historic District, which includes an area with 19 houses located approximately two-and-a-half miles to the southwest of downtown Bethesda and overlooking the Potomac River.

On June 9, 2021, the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) recommended that the Planning Board list the subject properties in the Locational Atlas and Index of Historic Sites and requested that the Council approve an amendment to the Master Plan for Historic Preservation to designate Potomac Overlook as a Master Plan Historic District.

Silver Spring Downtown and Adjacent Communities Plan 

Review: The PHED Committee will continue to review the Planning Board Draft of the Silver Spring Downtown and Adjacent Communities Plan. The plan makes recommendations within the Silver Spring Downtown and Adjacent Communities Plan area for land use and zoning, housing, economic development, urban design, transportation, parks and public spaces, environmental resiliency, community facilities and historic resources.

At the previous meeting held on March 7, the Committee discussed the introduction to the plan, the eight districts that make up the plan area and  recommendations on housing. At this meeting, the PHED Committee will discuss recommendations for parks, trails and public spaces, as well as transportation and school infrastructure. In addition, the Committee will discuss the Executive’s Fiscal Impact Statement. The Committee’s next meeting is scheduled for April 1, to discuss recommendations for land use and zoning, economic growth and urban design.

Bill 3-22, Legislative Branch – Climate Assessments – Required

Review: The T&E Committee will review Bill 3-22, Legislative Branch – Climate Assessments – Required, which would require the director of the Office of Legislative Oversight (OLO) to prepare a climate assessment for each bill, zoning text amendment, master plan and master plan amendment pending before the Council. The purpose of Bill 3-22 is to facilitate the County’s climate goals. The lead sponsors are Councilmember Hucker and Council President Albornoz. All other Councilmembers are cosponsors.

Each climate assessment would consist of the potential positive or negative effects, if any, of the bill, zoning text amendment, master plan or master plan amendment upon climate change, including greenhouse gas emissions, sequestration and carbon drawdown. In addition, the assessment would provide a quantitative or qualitative evaluations of the identified effects on community resilience and make recommendations regarding amendments or other measures to mitigate any negative climate impacts.

Bill 16-21, Environmental Sustainability – Building Energy Performance Standards

Review: The T&E Committee will hold its fourth meeting to review Bill 16-21, Environmental Sustainability – Building Energy Use Benchmarking and Performance Standards – Amendments, which would modify the County’s current environmental benchmarking law to include additional County-owned, commercial and multifamily buildings to meet the long-term energy performance standards. Previously, the T&E Committee met to review Bill 16-21 on October 28 and December 9, 2021 and March 14, 2022. An additional meeting is scheduled for March 24.

The legislation would create a 15-voting member Building Performance Improvement Board that will advise the Department of Environmental Protection on the implementation of building energy performance standards and establish a Building Performance Improvement Plan (BPIP) process for properties that cannot reasonably meet performance standards. The bill also requires reports to the Executive and Council on building energy performance for covered buildings.

The Committee meeting schedule may change from time to time. The current Council and Committee agendas, Council staff reports and additional information on items scheduled for Council review can be viewed at: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/COUNCIL/ondemand/index.html.

Council committee meetings are currently being held on Zoom. 

The Council returned to in-person meetings on March 15; residents continue to have the opportunity to testify remotely for public hearings or provide in-person testimony at the Council Office Building in Rockville for many public hearings.

The Council is recommending that residents, who choose to attend in-person Council meetings, get fully vaccinated to protect themselves and others against COVID-19. If this is not possible, virtual participation is encouraged.

Council and committee meetings are streamed live on the Council’s web page via YouTube and on Facebook Live and can be watched on County Cable Montgomery on Xfinity/RCN 6 HD 996/1056, Fios 30, and on the CCM live stream.

Release ID: 22-136
Media Contact: Sonya Healy, 240-777-7926 , Benjamin Sky Brandt 240-777-7884

Recent Stories

Chief Antonio DeVaul from the Takoma Park Police Department has announced the arrest of Antonio Thompson, 29, of no fixed address, for stolen auto, theft from auto and 1st degree…

A Rottweiler puppy has been reunited with its owner after a good samaritan found the dog in a dumpster near her Silver Spring apartment on Thursday morning.

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation has announced that beginning Friday, March 29, Ride On Route 76 (Shady Grove/Poolesville) will no longer serve The Crossvines Golf Course as a termination point…

According to Montgomery County Police, the coyote that attacked two people on Thursday, March 28, was located along a trail near Dustin Rd in Burtonsville. It was shot and killed…

FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival

Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.

Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.

Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.

Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.

As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.

Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.

LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!

MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME

2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES

KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!

Bethesda Film Fest

The 2024 Bethesda Film Fest will feature five short documentary films made by filmmakers from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Screenings will be held Friday April 5 and Saturday April 6 at Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema.

×

Subscribe to our mailing list