MoCo Government Archives - Page 178 of 241

Montgomery County Recreation Rises Up in Celebration of Parks and Recreation Month

Published July 11, 2022 at 4:19PM

“Montgomery County is more welcoming, stronger, vibrant, and resilient because of the outstanding recreation programs and services,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “I hope everyone will take advantage of all the excellent amenities offered by our team at Montgomery County Recreation and take some time this month to thank them for all their great work.”

“July comes in with a bang with our Independence Day fireworks and concerts and throughout the month we reach thousands of residents at our senior centers, community recreation centers, and swimming pools, or through our summer programs which serve many age groups,” said Montgomery County Recreation Director Robin Riley. “The work we do every day makes a difference to those we serve. I am incredibly proud of the hard-working recreation team members who ensure our residents have high-quality, essential recreation services.”

Statement from County Executive Elrich on Rash of Church Vandalisms, Suspected Arsons

By Patrick Herron

Published July 11, 2022 at 2:01PM

County Executive Marc Elrich has released a statement about the three Bethesda area churches that were vandalized over the weekend, two of which involved arson.

My thoughts are with the leaders and congregants of St. Jane de Chantal Catholic Parish, North Bethesda United Methodist Church, and Wildwood Baptist Church during this very difficult and concerning to the institutions and the families they serve. We have reached out to each of the churches to see if they need any assistance to help them during this time.

List of Early Voting Centers in Montgomery County

By Patrick Herron

Published July 9, 2022 at 10:07PM

Early Voting for the Primary Gubernatorial Election is taking place now through July 14, 2022 in Montgomery County. The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) Ride On bus service has several routes available to transport voters to the early voting centers. Learn more about bus service options (PDF).

For driving directions and bus routes from your address to the early voting sites, visit the Early Voting Centers Online Map from the Montgomery County’s GIS Department.

Council President Albornoz to be Joined by County Executive Elrich, Councilmembers and Early Childcare Advocates for Press Conference on July 12 at noon

By Patrick Herron

Published July 8, 2022 at 8:22PM

Led by Council President Albornoz and Councilmembers Nancy Navarro and Craig Rice, the Council unanimously enacted Bill 42-21 in Feb. 2022, which provided the framework to establish an independent Early Care and Education Coordinating Entity. This organization will focus on systemic issues related to accessible, high quality and sustainable early care and education (ECE) in order to empower more parents to participate in the workforce, provide a solid educational foundation for children, help employers attract and retain talented individuals, and ensure a talented future workforce to help spur Montgomery County’s economy.

The entity will serve as a public-private convenor to help build a more unified system and bring together all stakeholders, including parents, employers, and childcare providers. It is charged with facilitating the coordination of resources across the entire ECE system. The nonprofit organization will develop recommendations to increase the availability of, and access to, high-quality, affordable early care and education programs. Particular attention will be given to underrepresented populations and children up to 5 years of age. The entity must also adopt and implement a racial equity and social justice policy consistent with Montgomery County’s policy.

Planning, Housing and Economic Development Committee Meeting on July 11, 2022

By Patrick Herron

Published July 8, 2022 at 8:20PM

ZTA 22-02 Density and Height Limits, Parking – Biohealth

Review: The PHED Committee will review ZTA 22-02 Density and Height Limits, Parking – Biohealth, which would allow additional height and increased flexibility in density for urban biohealth facilities in recognition of the unique mechanical challenges of biohealth buildings. ZTA 22-02 would also allow consolidation of certain facilities and provide parking provisions for Biohealth Priority Campuses.

Montgomery County Executive Elrich to Help Dedicate New Glenmont Forest ‘Green Streets’ Project at Community Block Party on Sunday, July 10

By Patrick Herron

Published July 8, 2022 at 8:19PM

The DEP Green Streets project was completed in June after a year of construction. The Glenmont Forest and Wheaton Hills Green Streets project includes 53 small-scale projects that include tree boxes, rain gardens and other types of landscaping designed to filter or infiltrate stormwater runoff. Unique to the project, will be interactive signage that includes an educational challenge throughout the community.

“I am honored to take part in the dedication of this new Green Streets project in the Glenmont Forest and Wheaton Hills communities,” said County Executive Elrich. “This project is proof that communities working with the government can achieve results. The people of this community came to the County asking for rain gardens and tree boxes to add natural beauty to the streets and capture stormwater. We listened, took action, and today we have a neighborhood project that reduces pollution and erosion and beautifies the area. Great work all around!”

County to Update Rockville Mayor and Council About MCPS Bus Depot Proposal

By Patrick Herron

Published July 8, 2022 at 9:18AM

The county’s Department of Health and Human Services will also provide an update on a proposed restoration center on the site.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. Find the agenda when it is posted at www.rockvillemd.gov/AgendaCenter.

Montgomery County Executive Elrich Encourages First-Time Homebuyers to Apply for Assistance from $3 Million Available in Down Payment Support

By Patrick Herron

Published July 7, 2022 at 1:55PM

The two programs being funded by the County are the Montgomery Homeownership Program, administered by the State of Maryland’s Department of Housing, and the Montgomery County Homeownership Assistance Fund (McHAF) Program, administered by the Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County (HOC). Each program will receive $1.5 million to assist first-time homebuyers.

The programs are accepting reservations and are available to help eligible homebuyers who purchase a moderately-priced home in the County. Reservations will be accepted until the funds are fully committed.

Montgomery County Adopts Noncooperation Policy With Outside States That Attempt to Prosecute Women Who Come to Maryland Seeking to Obtain an Abortion

By Patrick Herron

Published July 6, 2022 at 4:13PM

State’s Attorney John McCarthy pledges to protect the reproductive rights of all women. His office will not participate in the extradition of any woman who travels to Maryland as a safe haven in order to obtain an abortion, nor cooperate with any investigative efforts to identify providers. It is the position of the State’s Attorney’s Office that no state would have the legal authority to pass a law that would criminalize the legal activity of a woman who came to Maryland to obtain a medical procedure. The State’s Attorney’s Office for Montgomery County will continue to protect the HIPAA rights of anyone who receives medical care in the state of Maryland.

As Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh has stated, broad access to abortion remains protected in states, including Maryland, that recognize reproductive freedom. The State’s Attorney’s Office for Montgomery County will use the full force of the law to continue to protect women’s rights.”

Board of Elections Offers Suggestions on How to Successfully Vote by Mail in Upcoming Primary

By Patrick Herron

Published July 6, 2022 at 3:20PM

It is not too late to request a mail-in ballot. To get one, text VBM to 77788 or visit 777vote.org. The request deadline to receive a mail-in ballot by mail is July 12.

The Board of Elections encourages voters to cast ballots as soon as possible. It also offers the following suggestions on steps that can be taken to help the mail-in voting process go smoothly:

Montgomery County’s ‘Por Nuestra Salud y Bienestar’s’ Communications Efforts Recognized as Outstanding Public Service Announcement Campaigns during the 64th Emmy Awards Ceremony

By Patrick Herron

Published July 6, 2022 at 10:48AM

Por Nuestra Salud y Bienestar initiative was created under the leadership of Montgomery County council members Nancy Navarro and Gabriel Albornoz and County Executive Marc Elrich. The initiative focuses on curbing COVID-19 infections and lessening the impact of the virus among the Latino community, which has been among the hardest hit communities in the area. Por Nuestra Salud y Bienestar is led by Montgomery County’s Latino Health Initiative in partnership with seven community-based organizations: Care For Your Health, CASA, Identity, Inc., Mary’s Center, Mansfield Kaseman Health Clinic, Proyecto Salud Clinic, and the Up County Hub. It aims to provide comprehensive and multidisciplinary resources and services in Spanish for the Latino community of Montgomery County to help them address and cope with the impact caused by the pandemic and promote COVID-19 testing and vaccination, among other services.