Per Montgomery County: “The annual Montgomery County Thanksgiving Parade, which is held the Saturday before Thanksgiving, returns at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18, in Downtown Silver Spring. The parade will again feature a diverse range of participants–and the event organizers are actively seeking volunteers to assist in ensuring the success of this widely attended gathering.
From the Offices of Council Vice President Friedson and Council President Glass: “Council Vice President Andrew Friedson and Council President Evan Glass introduced legislation today that would update the laws regarding the tree canopy and roadside tree work to encourage the conservation of trees in Montgomery County. Bill 40-23, Tree Canopy and Roadside Tree Requirements – Fee Revisions, adjusts the fee structure for trees removed in the County’s right of way to ensure the fees are commensurate with the costs, including the environmental cost of removing the tree and the cost of tree replacements.
“Improving our tree canopy is essential to meeting our environmental goals and ensuring healthy and livable communities in Montgomery County,” said Council Vice President Friedson. “This legislation will help us plant more trees in our neighborhoods to improve air quality, reduce heat islands and enhance quality of life.”
Per Montgomery County: “The Montgomery County Department of Transportation is soliciting applications for the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Enhanced Mobility Grants Program from qualified organizations to provide direct transportation services in the County. This program aims to increase access to transportation services for County residents who are disabled, individuals with limited incomes, older adults and other vulnerable populations (specifically in underserved communities). A total of $800,000 in funding is available for FY24.
County Executive Marc Elrich proposed, and the County Council approved, $800,000 for a joint capital and operating grant program. Of that amount, $640,000 was allocated to capital expenses and $160,000 to operating expenses. At present, the funding is available for one year, so all funded activities must be implemented within 12 months.
From the Office of Councilmember Natali Fani-González: “During today’s Council session, Councilmember Natali Fani-González, who chairs the Economic Development (ECON) Committee, introduced ZTA 23-09, Farming – Incidental Outdoor Stays. This new zoning measure would update the County’s Zoning Ordinance to allow incidental overnight stays on farms with agritourism businesses, with certain limits. Council President Evan Glass, Council Vice President Andrew Friedson and Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles are cosponsors of this ZTA.
“The agritourism sector in Montgomery County’s Agricultural Reserve is growing and thriving. Our many farm breweries, wineries, pick your own farms, equestrian centers, and agricultural education businesses all draw people and revenue from across the region,” said ECON Chair Fani-González.
Like much of the world, we join in condemning the outrageous attack by Hamas in Israel. Our hearts go out to the innocent children and families caught in the midst of this horrendous conflict. We also reject the notion that any act of violence can ever justify the heinous practice of terror currently unleashed by Israel in Gaza, including on refugee camps, medical and UN aid workers, and more. As we dedicate ourselves to building a world where our community can live free from discrimination and fear, we deeply acknowledge the interconnectedness of the struggle for the liberation of the Palestinian people and Black and brown communities in the United States. Our shared and unwavering commitment is to foster humanity, safety, and lasting peace throughout the entire region while confronting the historical oppression that demands urgent redress.
Finally, we strongly support the struggle for decolonization, affirming the rights of Indigenous peoples and historically colonized nations to reclaim their land. The Palestinian struggle mirrors our own; with many CASA members fleeing governments and countries wrecked by the damage of US economic and political intervention. We firmly assert: free Palestine NOW!”
Unless otherwise noted, the Council will hold the following hybrid public hearings at 1:30 p.m. Residents can visit the Council website to learn about the multiple ways to provide testimony.
Zoning Text Amendment 23-08, Transferable Development Rights – Cemetery
Per Montgomery County: “Montgomery County Recreation is hosting a “Rec N’ Resources Open House” at East County Community Recreation Center from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4, for County residents. This free event will feature games, music, arts and crafts and other activities for the whole family.
Contractor demonstrations will be held to showcase recreation classes and programs. Representatives from County agencies including the Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Permitting Services, Department of Transportation, the Commission on Aging and the Board of Elections will be available to speak with residents and provide information. Montgomery College and Mobile Medical Care also will be on site to provide details on their services.”
Per Montgomery County: “Montgomery County announces the publication of the draft Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) Executive Regulations in the November 2023 County Register, a necessary component of BEPS implementation. Built on benchmarking data collected under the Benchmarking Law, BEPS sets a minimum energy performance threshold for existing covered buildings and is a tool that addresses energy performance and drives existing buildings to improve their energy efficiency over a set period, thus reducing carbon emissions.
The public is invited to comment on the draft Executive Regulations during the 30-day comment period ending on November 30, 2023. Pursuant to the BEPS legislation, the County Executive must transmit regulations to implement the law to the County Council by December 31, 2023. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is responsible for the implementation and enforcement of BEPS.
Per Montgomery County: “The Montgomery County Anti-Hate Task Force’s Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) and LGBTQ+ cohorts will present their policy recommendations to the task force at a virtual meeting on Thursday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. The Anti-Hate Task Force was formally adopted through a resolution with unanimous support in June. The task force is made up of community and faith leaders working to engage the community and develop recommendations to inform policies that promote safety and combat hate crimes in Montgomery County.
Cohort groups representing the Jewish, Black/African American, LGBTQ+, Asian American and Pacific Islander, Latino/Hispanic and Muslim communities will present their policy recommendations at meetings throughout the fall. Each of the six cohort groups may also hold listening sessions to provide an opportunity for the public to engage and provide input.
According to the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, “Montgomery County has activated a Hypothermia Alert for extreme cold from 9 pm Thur, 11/2 to 9 am Fri, 11/3. Expect the wind chill to be below 32 degrees. Wear layers if you go outside. Take extra precautions if you spend significant time outdoors”
A Hypothermia Alert is issued for the County when forecasted temperatures, and/or wind chill, in at least part of the County fall below 32 degrees creating a hazardous situation in which hypothermia and frostbite are likely.
Per Montgomery County: “The Montgomery County Commission for Women will be presenting three classes on “Introduction to Self-Defense: The S.A.F.E. (Self-defense Awareness and Familiarization Exchange) Seminar.” Each class is a single two-hour sampler seminar for women of all ages and abilities taught by Rape Aggression Defense (R.A.D.)-certified instructors. Classes are available on Thursday, Nov. 16, Tuesday, Nov. 21 and Saturday, Dec. 3. Classes are $12 per person.
More information about the classes is available at Introduction to Women’s Self-Defense Fall 2023 Tickets, Multiple Dates | Eventbrite.