Gaithersburg

Courtesy Review of Plan That Would Bring 180 New Units to City by Gaithersburg’s Historic District Commission Takes Place October 26

By MCS Staff

The City of Gaithersburg’s Historic District Commission (HDC) is scheduled to provide a non-binding courtesy review of the Park and Brookes Avenues Concept Site Plan (CSP-9149-2021) at its October 26 meeting. The Planning Commission is expected to review the Concept Site Plan after the HDC courtesy review. MBW and Haris Design and Construction Co. submitted Concept Site Plan application (SP-9149-2021) on December 16, 2021, to demolish the buildings located at 9, 11, and 15 Park Avenue and 201 Brookes Avenue in anticipation of redevelopment into a pair of multifamily buildings totaling 180 units with 2,217 square feet of ground-floor commercial space. The building at the intersection of Park and Brookes Avenues will stand four (4) stories tall, and the building to the south along Park Avenue will stand five (5) stories tall. A City-owned alley extends between the two (2) buildings.

Status: Before any demolition permit is issued, the HDC reviews each structure or building fifty (50) years old or older to consider a building’s potential historic or architectural significance for historic designation either individually or as part of an historic district, under the criteria specified in Sec. 24-226 of the City Code. The HDC initially reviewed SP-9149-2021 at its June 22, 2022, meeting. The application was deferred to its next meeting so the HDC could receive more historical information on the properties. At its July 27 meeting, the HDC determined there was reasonable probability 9, 11, 13, and 15 Park Avenue and 201 Brookes Avenue could be locally designated as an historic district, or, in the alternative, 9 and 15 Park Avenue and 201 Brookes Avenue could be locally designated as individual sites. The HDC directed Staff to prepare a petition resolution to the Mayor and City Council, and the HDC approved the resolution at its August 24 meeting. At its October 3 meeting, the City Council voted not to accept the HDC’s petition to designate the properties as historic. The HDC is scheduled to provide a non-binding courtesy review of the Park and Brookes Avenues Concept Site Plan (CSP-9149-2021) at its October 26 meetingAs currently designed, the project also will require a height waiver from the City Council.

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Education

University of Maryland Announces $20M Investment in Financial Aid

By Patrick Herron

“Since day one of my presidency, I have emphasized the importance of increasing financial support and access to our university,” said UMD President Darryll J. Pines. “Every Maryland student deserves an equal opportunity to attend the state’s flagship university, and the Terrapin Commitment program is one more measure we are taking to ensure that a University of Maryland education is affordable to all residents of our state.”

The goal of the Terrapin Commitment is to reduce the gap between a student’s total financial aid package and the cost of an education. The program will begin in January 2023 and ensures that tuition and fees are fully covered for Pell eligible, in-state students, who are enrolled full time and have unmet financial need. The program will dramatically reduce the financial barriers to obtaining a higher education for low-income Marylanders.

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MCDOT

Wheaton Metro Station Phase 2 of Temporary Bus Bay Relocations to Start on Monday, Nov. 21

By Patrick Herron

Per MCDOT:

Starting Monday, Nov. 21, and lasting for approximately five weeks, sections of the bus loop at the Wheaton Metro Station will be closed for pavement rehabilitation. During Phase 2, Bus Bays F, G, H, J, and K will be closed. Temporary bus boarding locations can be found on the map above. This project will result in smoother bus rides and an improved experience for Metro and Ride On customers. Passengers using Montgomery County’s Ride On buses are encouraged to wear a mask but are no longer required to wear them. Masks are available on all buses for riders who need them.

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Maryland

Governor Hogan Announces Maryland Mesonet Project to Enhance State’s Critical Infrastructure and Preparedness

By Patrick Herron

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan today announced a groundbreaking partnership between the State of Maryland and the University of Maryland to build and operate the Maryland Mesonet, a state-of-the-art network of 75 weather-observing towers across the state that will provide real-time community-level monitoring and improve situational awareness during rapidly changing weather conditions.

“The Maryland Mesonet partnership we are announcing today, through a new memorandum of understanding between the State of Maryland and the University of Maryland, will build a world-class network of state-of-the-art environmental monitoring stations to provide real-time data 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year,” said Governor Hogan. “I am pleased to announce that we have committed $4 million dollars to this ambitious project, which will give our emergency managers even faster and more accurate satellite data to make critical decisions about preparedness and deploying resources.”

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Event

Ariéto Yukayú Guáyiga – An Evening of Strength, Spirit & Survival

The Historical Odd Fellows Lodge

1308 Olney Sandy Spring Road

Sandy Spring, Maryland 20860

Website Contact Social

Historic Indigenous Recognition Event to Take Place in Montgomery County, Maryland

The Taino American Indigenous National Organization (T.A.I.N.O.) proudly announces its upcoming signature public event,

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Silver Spring

MCPD Investigating Monday Morning Shooting in Downton Silver Spring

By Patrick Herron

Police are investigating a shooting that occurred Monday morning in Downtown Silver Spring. According to MCPD, “At approximately 10:36 a.m., 3rd District officers responded to the intersection of Fenton Street and Ellsworth Drive for shots fired.  Preliminarily, investigators have determined that two Black males were shooting at one another.  During this incident, a commercial business and a car driving on Fenton Street towards Ellsworth were struck. There are no reports of anyone shot and investigators believe that this shooting is contained between the two males.

DELAYED POST (sorry): SHOTS FIRED IN DOWNTOWN SILVER SPRING: ~10:30AM Monday, shots fired at Veterans Plaza/near the intersection of Ellsworth Drive and Fenton Street. At least 1 nearby vehicle and a restaurant/storefront struck by gunfire. #DTSS https://t.co/0xxGF2OzVf

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Colesville

Two Separate Fatal Collisions Monday Morning in Montgomery County

By Patrick Herron

 At approximately 9:12 a.m., 3rd District officers and Montgomery County Fire Rescue personnel responded to the area of Randolph Road and Hammonton Place for the report of a traffic collision involving two vehicles.   The driver of the Chevy Silverado was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.  The driver of the Honda CRV was pronounced dead at the scene.  

 A formal news release will be distributed as more information becomes available. The decedent’s name will be released following proper notification of next of kin.”

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Beyond MoCo

Beyond MoCo: “Harry Potter- A Forbidden Experience” is Coming to Leesburg Starting October 29th

By MCS Staff

“Harry Potter- A Forbidden Experience”, a nighttime woodland trail experience filled with magical creatures and wizarding wonders from the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts films, is coming later this month, October 29th, to Leesburg, VA (Morven Park, 41580 Sunday Morning Lane). The walking trail takes approximately 45-70 minutes, while the experience itself takes about 60-90 minutes for all ages, with tickets ranging from $25-$75 depending on age and session date/time.

“Explore after dark the sounds, lights, and special effects that bring the magic of the Wizarding World to life. Guests will also be able to enjoy a wide range of delicious food and drinks at the village! Set in a beautiful woodland, this nighttime trail experience has been created by award-winning theatrical designers and experiential creators.”

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Crime

Police Investigating Strong Arm Robbery and Residential Burglary (Separate Incidents) in Takoma Park on Sunday

By MCS Staff

Per Takoma Park Police: On October 23, at approximately 11:08 pm, Takoma Park Police responded to the police station to meet the victim who had been robbed.  At approximately 1:00 am on October 23, the victim was standing in the 7600 block of New Hampshire Avenue when he was attacked by four suspects.  The suspects physically assaulted him and stole his property.  The suspects fled on foot towards University Boulevard.  The victim was not seriously physically injured.

The suspects are described as four black males in their 20’s, thin builds, and all were last seen wearing dark color clothing. Investigation continues under case #220046553.  Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301-270-1100.

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Glenmont

Police Investigating Hit and Run Involving Bicyclist Struck by Vehicle in Wheaton-Glenmont

By Patrick Herron

A 19-year-old male was located at the scene and transported to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries. The striking vehicle did not remain on scene. Preliminarily, CRU detectives believe the striking vehicle may be a dark red or maroon 2003-2007 Honda Accord, which is missing a side view mirror.  A formal news release will be distributed as more information becomes available.”    

Detectives Investigate Hit and Run Collision on Georgia Ave.#mcpnews pic.twitter.com/gBWLTROMpG

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MDLottery

$50,000 Winning Powerball Ticket Sold at 7-Eleven on Saturday; Monday’s Powerball Jackpot Now Over $600M

By Patrick Herron

The Powerball jackpot has been hit five times this year, with the top amount of $632.6 million hit Jan. 5 and split between two tickets sold in California and Wisconsin. Lottery officials encourage all winners to sign the backs of their tickets immediately and put them in a safe location. They get 182 days from the date of the drawing to claim their prizes.

Instructions on claiming prizes in person or by mail are available HERE. Players must redeem prizes larger than $25,000 by mail or at Lottery headquarters in the Montgomery Park Business Center, 1800 Washington Blvd., Suite 330 in Baltimore. The Lottery’s Claims Center in Baltimore is open by appointment only (no walk-ins). Click HERE to schedule an appointment.

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