MoCo Government Archives - Page 127 of 243

Department of Permitting Services Will Enforce Changes to Law Regarding Demolition Work Starting Monday, Aug. 21

Published August 16, 2023 at 4:25PM

Per Montgomery County: An amendment to Montgomery County Code Chapter 8-27 regarding the demolition or removal of buildings will go into effect on Monday, Aug. 21, to ensure that when a residential building is demolished or substantially demolished, a demolition permit will be required. The law also will require any new home rebuilt on that site have a new home building permit. The County’s Department of Permitting Services (DPS) issues the permits.

The amended legislation redefines the term demolition to include removal of two-thirds (67 percent) of first story exterior walls of a single-family or two-family dwelling (duplex or townhouse) or if less than one-third of existing first-floor exterior walls (enclosing a habitable space of a house) are left in place above the basement or foundation.

Americorps Seeking Recent High School Graduates to Serve in ‘Project Change’ to Help Them Confidently Advance to Next Steps in Life

By Patrick Herron

Published August 16, 2023 at 4:23PM

Per Montgomery County: Americorps, which has been helping recent high school graduates build confidence and skills to advance to their next steps in life, is seeking to recruit recent graduates who are wondering about their future. As part of “Project Change,” Americorps volunteers would be placed in a variety of positions, earning stipends for their work.

Applications are now being accepted for positions that will be filled soon.

Montgomery County to Hold Ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 31, Recognizing International Overdose Awareness Day and September as International Recovery Month

By Patrick Herron

Published August 15, 2023 at 5:46PM

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County will host a remembrance ceremony and candlelight vigil on Thursday, Aug. 31, in Downtown Rockville to memorialize lives lost to overdose and substance use. The event will commemorate “International Overdose Awareness Day,” a global event aimed at raising awareness of overdoses and reducing the stigma of drug-related deaths. Across the U.S., overdose death rates continue to increase. More than 109,000 Americans lost their lives to overdose in 2022, an increase of approximately four percent and the second consecutive year of more than 100,000 overdose deaths.

The ceremony and vigil will be held at Memorial Plaza, located at 101 Monroe St. in Rockville (the terrace between the Montgomery County Executive Office Building and the County Circuit Court). There will be a memorial photo display on the plaza. Families and friends, with permission of the family, can submit a photo (only photos of the individual with no one else in the picture can be submitted) to be included in the display. For more information, including how to submit a photo, complete the online form.

Montgomery County Nonprofits May Be Eligible for ‘Clean Water Montgomery Grants’ Awards Range from $40,000 to $100,000

By Patrick Herron

Published August 15, 2023 at 5:36PM

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County nonprofit organizations including local watershed groups, homeowner and community associations, faith-based organizations, service and civic groups may be eligible for grants ranging from $40,000 to $100,000 via the “Clean Water Montgomery Grant” Program. The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Chesapeake Bay Trust (the Trust) partner to administer the program, which is made possible through the County’s Water Quality Protection Fund and through Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) State and Tribal Assistance Grants (STAG) funding.

“Through this partnership between the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection and the Chesapeake Bay Trust, we are taking meaningful steps to protect our water quality and enhance our communities,“ said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “By supporting projects that address stormwater runoff and pollution, promote education and foster stewardship, we are empowering local organizations to play a crucial role in restoring and maintaining the health of our waterways.”

Free Computers and Up to $45 Per Month Off Home or Mobile Internet Available for Low-Income Montgomery County Residents

By Patrick Herron

Published August 15, 2023 at 5:33PM

Per Montgomery County: A new school year is about to start, and for some low-income residents without computers or the ability to pay for home or mobile internet, Montgomery County is trying to provide help through its continued program of giving away free computers and subsidized internet service. The next distribution of free computers will be from noon-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 16, at the Germantown American Job Center.

The Maryland Connected Device Chromebook laptop computers are funded by a $7 million grant from the State of Maryland. The laptops are being distributed through the Montgomery Connects program, operated by the County’s Department of Technology & Enterprise Business Solutions (TEBS). Mobile and internet connectivity subsidies are available through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).

MoCo Animal Services and Adoption Center at Critical Occupancy, Adoption Fees Waived for Next 100 Animals Adopted

By Patrick Herron

Published August 15, 2023 at 12:22PM

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.

Statement From Montgomery County Council President Evan Glass Regarding WaPo Article on MCPS Principal

By Patrick Herron

Published August 14, 2023 at 4:55PM | Updated August 14, 2023 at 6:26PM

On Friday, August 11, the Washington Post released an article alleging that Paint Branch High School Principal Dr. Joel Beidleman had been reported to Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) 18 times in seven years and detailed alleged sexual harassment, workplace bullying, and other inappropriate conduct at multiple schools, spanning over a decade. The article states that Beidleman was placed on leave by MCPS and that the school system will launch an “independent, external investigation.”

Montgomery County Council President Evan Glass released the following statement on Monday, August 14: “I am deeply disturbed by the Washington Post’s detailed reporting alleging an MCPS principal created a hostile and unsafe workplace. The public needs to know who was aware of this information and why it was not promptly investigated. As we prepare for a new school year, we must ensure that students and teachers feel safe, welcome and respected in the classroom.”

County Leaders React to WaPo Article on Paint Branch High School Principal

By Patrick Herron

Published August 12, 2023 at 10:58AM

Last Friday, an email was sent to the Paint Branch High School community informing them of the school’s principal, Dr. Joel Beidleman, going on extended leave. Beidleman was named principal at Paint Branch in June and was previously principal at William Farquhar Middle School in Olney.

On Friday, the Washington Post released an article alleging that Beidleman was reported to Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) 18 times in seven years and details alleged sexual harassment, workplace bullying, and other inappropriate conduct at multiple schools, spanning over a decade. The article states that Beidleman was placed on leave by MCPS and that the school system will launch an “independent, external investigation.” Yesterday, several local leaders took to social media to share their thoughts on the situation:

Montgomery Update: Unemployment Rate of 1.5 Percent in June Was County’s Lowest in More Than 30 Years

By Patrick Herron

Published August 11, 2023 at 5:41PM

Dear Friends,

Over the last four years, and even during COVID19, we have been focused on supporting existing businesses, encouraging others to expand here and incubating new ones.

Statement From Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando, Chair of the Education and Culture Committee, Regarding Serious Allegations Related to MCPS Principal

By Patrick Herron

Published August 11, 2023 at 3:33PM | Updated August 11, 2023 at 4:05PM

Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando, chair of the Council’s Education and Culture Committee, released the following statement related to the serious allegations regarding a Montgomery County Public School (MCPS) principal detailed in The Washington Post today.

“I am deeply disturbed by the The Washington Post’s article released this morning related to allegations regarding a MCPS principal. The allegations are serious and concerning, and must be thoroughly, impartially and comprehensively investigated. MCPS should be clear with the County Council and the public about how this matter will be investigated and ensure that community members are aware of how they can report experiences that may be relevant to the investigation.

Montgomery County Will Hold a Virtual Hearing to Consider an Application Seeking Permanent Closure of Westbard Ave at River Rd

By MCS Staff

Published August 10, 2023 at 2:55PM | Updated August 20, 2023 at 7:25AM

Pursuant to Section 49-62 of the Montgomery County Code (2014) as amended, the County Executive or his Designee shall conduct a virtual Public Hearing via the internet-based platform known as Zoom on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at 2:00 PM, to consider an application from 5500 Westbard Avenue Block Civic Association (the “Applicant”), for the permanent closure of a public right of way at the northwestern terminus of Westbard Avenue at River Road in the Westbard area of Bethesda. The Applicant is requesting permanent closure of the public right of way from all vehicular traffic, including emergency vehicles, at the intersection. The petition also requests that a temporary closure remain in place until a permanent closure can be installed.

Completion of this registration form will include you in a mailing list to receive an invitation to participate in the Hearing. If you require special accommodations, please contact Tiara McCray at (240) 720-7862 or [email protected]. Registration for this Public Hearing will close on Friday, September 15, 2023 at 5:00 PM.