MoCo Government

Montgomery County Executive Elrich and Councilmember Fani-Gonzalez Announce County Action to Prevent Displacement and Preserve Affordable Housing for 345 Households

By Patrick Herron

Per Montgomery County: After tenants of Westchester West Apartments were informed that their building was going to be sold, they worried that rents would rise even more than they already had and so they worked with the community organization Action in Montgomery (AIM), to ask the County to intervene, which it is allowed to do under the County’s Right of First Refusal (RoFR) law. County Executive Marc Elrich, in agreement with Councilmember Natali Fani-Gonzalez, asked the Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) to find a partner who could preserve the affordability for the long term. This naturally occurring affordable housing rental property includes a large number of three-bedroom or “family-sized” units. After working with non-profit housing organization Enterprise Community Development (ECD), on June 8, 2023, Montgomery County’s DHCA purchased Westchester West Apartments, a residential property with 345 units located at 3214 Hewitt Avenue in Aspen Hill, Md., from Westchester Gardens LLC., for $67 million.

After purchasing the apartment building, DHCA immediately sold the rental housing property to ECD Westchester Apartments, LLC, an ECD affiliate, who will carry out the long-term plan for the property. This includes preserving affordability, curing deferred maintenance, and improving operations and services for residents. When transferring the property to ECD Westchester, the County also provided a $5 million loan for immediate rehab work to address deferred maintenance.

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WSSC Water and Montgomery County Partner to “Turn Poop to Power”

By Patrick Herron

Per WSSC: WSSC Water and Montgomery County recently entered into a five-year agreement that will literally turn poop into power. Thanks to the construction of the innovative Piscataway Bioenergy Facility, methane gas captured during the wastewater treatment process will be upgraded to Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) and sold to the county to power their Ride On buses. During today’s monthly meeting, WSSC Water Commissioners were briefed on the agreement to generate an estimated $700,000 per year in revenue for WSSC Water while reducing the utility’s greenhouse gas emissions.

“The Montgomery County government is always seeking innovative and sustainable practices in order to reduce carbon emissions,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “This agreement to turn methane gas into fuel for our buses is a win-win-win for our constituents, commuters and, most importantly, our environment. I appreciate the efforts of WSSC Water to work with us to create this agreement. Increasing the efficiency and reliability of our Ride-On bus system is critical toward the County’s goal of a 100% carbon emission reduction by 2035. This agreement, along with our new electric buses and microgrids are important improvements within our fleet of Ride-On vehicles.”

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‘Heritage Days’ Events Will Be Held Countywide on Saturday-Sunday, June 24-25

By Patrick Herron

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County “Heritage Days,” an annual free, countywide festival highlighting historic, cultural and outdoor recreation sites that offering special programs including exhibits and demonstrations, return for the 24th year on Saturday-Sunday, June 24-25. More than 30 sites will have live music and activities for all ages. Heritage Days present the opportunity to enjoy many small sites that are not regularly open to the public.

In addition to Civil War and agricultural history, Heritage Days have the stories of local railroads and trolleys, African American communities, life along the C&O Canal and astronomy. Heritage Days also highlight local arts and culture, as well as outdoor recreation, including biking, hiking and walking tours. Many venues will offer musical entertainment, activities and crafts for children and refreshments.

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Montgomery County Council to Hold Committee Meetings on Thursday, June 22

By Patrick Herron

OLO Report 2023-4, Developing Data Strategies for Future Emergencies

Review: The GO Committee will review OLO Report 2023-4, Developing Data Strategies for Future Emergencies. The report examines how County agencies could collect and track data related to emergency relief funds in a way that would not delay the flow of funds in future emergencies. The report is available on the OLO website.

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To Help Prevent Trash Fires, Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection Asks Residents to Take Extra Care Before Throwing Materials into Trash

By Patrick Herron

Per Montgomery County: As residents take on summer cleaning, the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is urging residents to be responsible when disposing of batteries to prevent fire hazards. Improper battery disposal has led to several recent incidents of fires.

Even seemingly harmless household batteries, such as AA, AAA or button cell batteries, can contribute to these risks if not disposed of correctly. Improperly disposed materials can cause fires in trash cans, on trash trucks and at the County Transfer Station and Recycling Center in Derwood.

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County Council to Hold Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, June 21

By Patrick Herron

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Council will hold a community conversation on Wednesday, June 21 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Weller Road Elementary School and virtually on Zoom. Councilmembers have scheduled this community conversation to answer questions and listen to concerns from community members. Some of the topics for discussion will include pedestrian safety, housing and transportation, public safety and other issues of community concern. 

“Community conversations are an opportunity for residents to get to speak directly with council members and ask questions about the issues that are of concern to them,” said Council President Evan Glass. “This listening session in Mid-County will be an important dialogue about the future of the community and county.” 

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Free e-Scooter Class Adults This Sunday

By Patrick Herron

Per Montgomery County: Residents 18-and-older interested in e-scooter lessons will have the opportunity to attend the last free clinic of the spring schedule sponsored by the Montgomery County Department of Transportation. The class will be from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, June 18, at Montgomery College, which is located at 850 Hungerford Drive in Rockville.

The classes will be in Parking Lot 13. Participants can take a test ride, learn safety tips and get details on basic scooter laws. A valid driver’s license or ID is required to participate. The clinic is drop-in and no registration is required. Those interested in e-scooters can stop in at any time during the two-hour clinic. Scooters will be available at each site.

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Six Community Leaders to be Honored with ‘African American Living Legend Awards’ on Friday, June 16, at BlackRock Center in Germantown

By Patrick Herron

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County’s 26th Juneteenth Celebration, themed “Journey to Freedom . . . Memorialize the Struggle, Celebrate the Successes and Secure the Justice and Equality,” will kick off at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 16, at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown when Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich presents “African American Living Legend Awards” to six County residents. This year’s honorees are Henry Hailstock, Jr., Rev. Theresa M. Henderson, Pauline G. Johnson, Sheila G. Ogilvie, Vernon H. Ricks, Jr. and Lt. Colonel Shelton (Ivan) Ware.

The Juneteenth celebration will continue at BlackRock with activities from noon-10 p.m. on Saturday, June 17. The BlackRock Center is located at 12901 Town Commons Dr. in Germantown. The public is invited to the award ceremonies. The event is free to attend. The African American Living Legend Awards honor distinguished individuals who have helped shape the cultural heritage of the African American community. The 2023 awards will be presented to six individuals who have dedicated their lives to service, advocacy and selfless acts of kindness to their community.

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Gaithersburg Oak Barrel & Vine Opens This Thursday, June 15

By Patrick Herron

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County’s Department of Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS) will open its new Gaithersburg Square store under its upgraded retail concept, “Oak Barrel & Vine,” at 9:45 a.m. on Thursday, June 15. Elected officials and alcohol industry representatives plan to attend the opening. Walt “The Wizard” Williams, a former basketball star at the University of Maryland who went on to play 11 seasons in the NBA, will be present to sign bottles of his Clutch vodka.

The celebration and ribbon cutting will occur in front of the store, located in the Gaithersburg Square shopping center at 512 N. Frederick Ave. in Gaithersburg. Throughout the weekend of Thursday-Sunday, June 15-18, the store will offer special tastings including those of Maryland-made products, high-end spirits and Juneteenth specials.

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