MoCo Government Archives - Page 123 of 241

Ghost Guns and AK-47 Among Firearms Turned in at Buyback Event

Published August 27, 2023 at 10:08AM

On Saturday, August 26, the Rockville City Police Department (RCPD), in partnership with the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office and Montgomery County Public Schools, held a “gun buyback” event at RedGate Park (14500 Avery Rd) in Rockville. Residents that turned in a firearm received a receive a $100 Visa gift card for functioning handguns, rifles and shotguns or $200 in Visa gift cards for functioning assault-style weapons and privately manufactured firearms (ghost guns).

According to RCPD, over 110 firearms were voluntarily turned in within the first hour of the event. We will post an update when the final tally is announced. More than 300 firearms were voluntarily turned during a similar event held last August. Additional details about Saturday’s event below:

County Executive Elrich to Hold the First of 10 ‘Community Conversations’ to Seek Input on Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget on Thursday, Sept. 14

By Patrick Herron

Published August 25, 2023 at 10:38AM

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, along with the County’s regional services offices and community partners will host 10 Community Conversations from September through December to seek input on the Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget. The first conversation will be from 7-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 14, at the Mid-County Recreation Center in Layhill.

The official address of the Mid-County Recreation center is 2004 Queensguard Road in Silver Spring.

Montgomery County Council to Hold a Public Hearing on the Fairland and Briggs Chaney Master Plan on Sept. 27, 2023 at 7 p.m.

By Patrick Herron

Published August 25, 2023 at 10:22AM

The Council will receive testimony on the Fairland and Briggs Chaney Master Plan, which is an update to a portion of the 1997 Fairland Master Plan and will establish a clear vision for an equitable, just and prosperous future for the Fairland community, mirroring the County’s long-term priorities, which includes a vibrant economy, equity for all residents and a healthy environment.

The master plan boundary consists primarily of property and neighborhoods of Fairland and Briggs Chaney along the U.S. 29 Corridor near Paint Branch on the south toward Greencastle Road on the north. The update will examine and provide policies and recommendations on existing and future land uses and zoning, housing inventory and needs, transportation systems, historic preservation opportunities, area park facilities and the environment.

Anti-Hate Task Force Jewish Cohort to Present Policy Recommendations at Virtual Meeting on Aug. 29 at 7 p.m.

By Patrick Herron

Published August 24, 2023 at 1:29PM

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Anti-Hate Task Force’s Jewish cohort will present their policy recommendations to the task force at a virtual meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. The Anti-Hate Task Force, spearheaded by Council President Evan Glass, 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 cohort group may also hold listening sessions to provide an opportunity for the public to engage and provide input.

Gardening Grant Program Awards Funding to 10 Organizations to Support Food Security Efforts and Increase Community Food Production

By Patrick Herron

Published August 23, 2023 at 10:56PM

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County’s Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) Resident and Community Food Gardening Grant Program recently presented 10 awards totaling $100,000 in funding to expand resident and community food production capacity.. The awards, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, represent partnerships in the faith community, urban agriculture, neighborhood associations, academic institutions and community health services.

The funding reflects priorities established in the FY23 County operating budget to increase food security and support initiatives that will expand local food production through home and community farming and gardening. The funded projects will help to promote food sovereignty, healthy living, civic engagement and racial and social justice by creating opportunities for residents to cultivate their own food sources, thereby increasing access to affordable and culturally diverse food. These efforts will contribute to reduced transportation emissions and community resilience in the face of climate-related supply chain disruptions.

Additional Information on This Saturday’s Gun Buyback Event in Rockville

By Patrick Herron

Published August 23, 2023 at 10:52PM

Per Montgomery County: The Rockville City Police Department (RCPD), in partnership with the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office and Montgomery County Public Schools, will hold a “gun buyback” event from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26, (rain or shine) at RedGate Park in Rockville. The event is open to all and no ID is required. Gift cards of $100 or $200 will be presented to participants for functioning weapons, depending upon the type of weapon brought for exchange.

RedGate Park is located at 14500 Avery Road in Rockville. More than 300 firearms were voluntarily turned in by members of the community during a similar event last August. Community members will be able to voluntarily turn in their firearms and receive a $100 Visa gift card for functioning handguns, rifles and shotguns or $200 in Visa gift cards for functioning assault-style weapons and privately manufactured firearms (ghost guns). All firearms will be accepted with no identification needed and a no-questions-asked policy by law enforcement. RCPD will maintain the ultimate determination on the eligible firearms for gift card issuance.

Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center Remains at Critical Occupancy, Adoption Fees Waived Through August, 24

By Patrick Herron

Published August 23, 2023 at 1:20PM

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) in Derwood has reached a dangerous capacity for animals of all types. Despite the recent support in a campaign to have large dogs adopted, the over-population situation remains critical and has extended to all types of animals. To help inspire adoptions, the shelter is waiving adoption fees for the next 100 pets adopted by Thursday, Aug. 24.

The full capacity means the shelter will only be accepting animals who need immediate help. This policy is to help prevent euthanasia. Owners who must rehome a pet are encouraged to use rehoming websites. The shelter can list pets on the website for owners trying to rehome. Visit Surrender an Animal (montgomerycountymd.gov) for information on rehoming. Due to lack of space in the shelter, surrendering a pet now means it is at an increased risk for euthanasia.

Montgomery County Seeks Nominees for Inaugural Presentation of Its Early Care and Education Excellence Awards

By Patrick Herron

Published August 22, 2023 at 1:30PM

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) Child Care Support Services (CCSS) is seeking nominees for its first-ever presentation of the Montgomery County Early Care and Education Excellence Awards. Nominations are due by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 5. Self-nominations are encouraged. The awards were established by the County in partnership with all County early care and education associations to recognize and honor those dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to ensure that the County’s youngest children (ages birth to 5) receive the highest quality early care and education. Award selections will be made by a panel of child care organization representatives. Awardees will be honored at the Montgomery County Early Care and Education Fall Conference in October.

“We know that quality early education is critical to the development of a child and leads to lifelong benefits,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Those who receive positive guidance in their early years are more likely to pursue higher education, attain better jobs and live healthier lives. Educators who demonstrate exceptional service should be recognized, and I am glad that DHHS has created this awards program. I encourage everyone to participate in nominating their favorite early childhood educator.”

Councilmembers Call For “Truly Independent” Investigation Into MCPS Response to Allegations of Sexual Harassment, Bullying, and Retaliation

By Patrick Herron

Published August 22, 2023 at 1:19PM

On Monday, Councilmember Dawn Luedtke and County Council President Evan Glass sent a letter to State Inspector General for Education Richard Henry and Montgomery County Inspector General Megan Limarzi asking that they conduct a “truly independent” investigation into Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) response to allegations of sexual harassment, bullying, and retaliation that were uncovered in a recent Washington Post article. MCPS announced last week that it had “instigated an external, independent investigation with the law firm of Jackson Lewis.”

Glass tweeted the following on Tuesday morning: “As the new school year is about to begin, our educators, staff, students and families need to know that a truly independent investigation is being conducted into the allegations of sexual harassment, bullying and retaliation by one of the school system’s middle school principals. and I believe that the Maryland Inspector General for Education and the Montgomery County Inspector General are best positioned to conduct this important investigation.” Full letter below:

EDENS Expected to Receive $3.5 Million Grant For Burtonsville Crossing Renovations

By MCS Staff

Published August 18, 2023 at 3:51PM | Updated August 18, 2023 at 4:41PM

Last month we showed you some of the progress EDENS continues to make at Burtonsville Crossing. Sprouts, the first business announced as part of the renovated shopping center, is on track to open by the end of this year. Sprouts was the first to sign a lease for the renovated Burtonsville Crossing and will be opening the grocery chain’s first Montgomery County location in the shopping center. Now, EDENS is expected to receive a $3.5 million grant towards the renovations, according to a report by Maryland Newsletters. “The state Board of Public Works takes up the grant, aimed at renovating the Route 29 center that has lain dormant for years, this month. Edens first signed grocery store Sprouts for about 23,000 feet, then added T.J. Maxx and more recently, Domain Fitness & Performance, for 32,100 feet.”

Former NBA player Jason Miskiri is part of a group that will be opening Domain Fitness & Performance, a new fitness center that has signed on to open in the shopping center and will be located adjacent to Sprouts. Miskiri also owns several restaurants in Silver Spring, including the Angry Jerk, The Breakfast Club, and Society Restaurant & Lounge. A representative from EDENS also confirmed to us that TJ Maxx will be opening a location in the shopping center in 2024. In addition to TJ Maxx, Creative Outlets Arts Center has announced that they’ll be moving into the shopping center from their previous Montgomery Mall location that closed in Bethesda last month. Ulta has also recently signed on to become the newest tenant at the shopping center. Progress video from last month can be seen below.

Reggae of ‘Jah Works’ Will Conclude Wheaton TGIF Free Friday Summer Concert Series on Aug. 25

By Patrick Herron

Published August 16, 2023 at 5:56PM

Per Montgomery County: The reggae music of Jah Works will conclude the Wheaton TGIF Friday summer concert series on Friday, Aug. 25, at the Marian Fryer Town Plaza, adjacent to the Wheaton Business Triangle and near the Wheaton Metro Station.

The event will feature live artist demonstrations and beverages from Twin Valley Distillers. The TGIF party will begin on the plaza at 5 p.m. with a DJ set followed by a live concert at 6 p.m. The after-party will rotate to nearby local bars from 8-9 p.m. Parking is available in the building at 2425 Reedie Dr.