MoCo Archives - Page 299 of 614

Kensington VFD resumes Summer Movie Nights This Saturday

Published July 20, 2023 at 7:07AM

This Saturday, July 22, the Kensington Volunteer Fire Department and the Town of Kensington are resuming their Summer Movie Night. This weekend, Wreck-It Ralph will be shown at dusk in St. Paul Park on the big screen.

Starting at 7PM, activities and games will be available in the Park, including a water balloon toss and the Fire Department’s Safety House. The Kensington Volunteer Fire Department encourages moviegoers to bring blankets, picnics, friends and family. Pizza, Popcorn, and other refreshments will be available for purchase. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=298801665876692

WSSC Issues Warning For Anyone Who May Have Come in Contact With Triadelphia Reservoir Water

By MCS Staff

Published July 19, 2023 at 3:28PM

WSSC Water has detected high concentrations of blue-green algae, known as Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB), in the Triadelphia Reservoir. These HABS can cause adverse health effects. The reservoir, located along the Patuxent River in Montgomery and Howard counties, serves as a drinking water source for WSSC Water and a recreational area for hiking, fishing and boating. The health advisory does not affect the T. Howard Duckett Reservoir. WSSC Water’s drinking water is not affected and continues to meet all Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

As a precaution, WSSC Water is closely monitoring water quality conditions at its Patuxent Water Filtration Plant. Visitors to WSSC Water’s Triadelphia Reservoir should do the following:

‘The Roots of Modern Bethesda – Part II’ Will Be Presented Online by Montgomery History on Thursday, July 27

By Patrick Herron

Published July 19, 2023 at 3:09PM

Per Montgomery County: The Bethesda Historical Society’s Hank Levine, who last year led a Montgomery History presentation on the development of Bethesda from 1750-1920, will advance the story of one of the County’s most prominent communities in The Roots of Modern Bethesda—Part II. The online presentation will start at 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 27.

In his original look at the evolution of Bethesda, Mr. Levine addressed the geography and advances in transportation that set the stage for the development of the community.In his continuing look at Bethesda, Mr. Levine will tell the story of how in the century after the end of World War I Bethesda became the affluent suburb and urban center of today.

‘RainScapes’ Rewards Rebate Program Application Portal Will Reopen on Aug. 1

By Patrick Herron

Published July 19, 2023 at 3:06PM

Per Montgomery County: “RainScapes” projects are landscape or design techniques that help reduce stormwater runoff from individual properties. At times, the Montgomery County Department of environmental Protection offers rebates for projects to help defray their costs. The portal to apply for the RainScapes Rebate Program will reopen on Tuesday, Aug. 1.

RainScapes can be installed on any kind of property, but those on private, residential, institutional and/ or commercial properties may be eligible for financial assistance.

Potbelly Signs Multi-Unit Development Agreement That Includes 27 Maryland Locations

By MCS Staff

Published July 19, 2023 at 10:13AM

Per Franchising.com, “the iconic neighborhood sandwich shop, today announced that it has finalized a 27-shop agreement in Maryland with the company’s founder Bryant Keil and his son Hampden.” The agreement grants Mr. Keil exclusive territory rights in seven Maryland counties – Washington, Frederick, Montgomery, Prince George, Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary’s – to develop 15 new Potbelly shops in the next eight years. Additionally, Potbelly will refranchise 12 existing restaurant locations as part of the transaction.

“The Potbelly brand we know and love was shaped by Bryant’s leadership. He has a keen understanding of the Potbelly vision and deep appreciation for the brand and what sets us apart,” said Bob Wright, President and CEO of Potbelly. “He oversaw years of incredible expansion for our brand, and we look forward to him accelerating our growth momentum in Maryland as we continue to execute our strategic franchise and growth strategy across the U.S. Along with refranchising several of our existing shops, this agreement will extend Potbelly’s presence in central and southern regions of the state over the next decade, giving residents and visitors more access to our delicious food.”

Montgomery County Council Passes Legislation on Rent Stabilization

By Patrick Herron

Published July 18, 2023 at 9:06PM

Per Montgomery County: The Montgomery County Council voted (7-4) today to enact Bill 15-23, Rent Stabilization, which establishes maximum allowable rent increases to the lesser of the local annual Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) plus three percent or six percent of the base rent.

“Rent stabilization is a complex and emotionally charged issue, balancing the needs of our tenants in providing stable housing protection while allowing landlords the flexibility to invest and enhance in their properties within the County,” said Councilmember Katz. “I am pleased the Council found the right compromise and path forward to enact this bill.”

Councilmember Jawando Celebrates Passage of Permanent Rent Stabilization

By Patrick Herron

Published July 18, 2023 at 8:49PM

Councilmember Jawando stressed the importance of advancing rent stabilization and its impact on residents, particularly the nearly 40 percent of Montgomery County residents who rent who are disproportionately people of color. “Stability and predictability are essential for our community. When families are evicted or are forced to move because the rent is unsustainable, it destabilizes our schools and uproots communities. This amended bill will protect our most vulnerable renters but it will also help all residents seeking affordable rental housing.”

The compromise bill, 15-23 Rent Stabilization, prevents rent gouging, reduces displacement and creates cost predictability for tenants and landlords by:

Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber Honors 39 Public Safety Officials its 29th Annual Public Safety Awards Ceremony

By MCS Staff

Published July 18, 2023 at 7:15PM

The Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce (GGCC) has hosted its 29^th Annual Public Safety Awards Breakfast honoring men and women who provide public safety in the Upcounty. A total of 39 public safety officials from several jurisdictions were recognized and awarded a citation from the Maryland State Senate and Congressman David Trone.

The awards ceremony took place on Friday, June 14 at 7:30am at the Montgomery County Agricultural Center in Gaithersburg.The program with details on each award winner can be seen in the links above. A link to the photo album from the event is available here.

Former Montgomery County Councilmember Murdered in Arkansas

By MCS Staff

Published July 18, 2023 at 2:08PM | Updated July 18, 2023 at 2:24PM

On July 10, 2023, Charles Pepper, 47 of Little Rock, was arrested and charged with Capital Murder in reference to a homicide that occurred on East 39th Street in Little Rock on the same date. The victim has been identified as Donell Peterman, 56, who is a former Montgomery County Councilmember.

Peterman was a Montgomery County Council member who was appointed in July, 2002 after Derick Berlage resigned in June of the same year to become head of the Department of Park and Planning. In a report by MoCo360, “In recent years, Peterman traveled regularly between Little Rock and Silver Spring. Peterman graduated from Morehouse College in 1989, then joined the U.S. Army. Then, he founded Joshua Group Ministries in 1996 in Takoma Park and served as senior pastor.”

County Council Approves Bill to Create Airpark Community Advisory Committee

By Patrick Herron

Published July 18, 2023 at 12:57PM

Per Montgomery County: Today the Council unanimously passed Bill 24-23, sponsored by Councilmember Dawn Luedtke, to establish an Airpark Community Advisory Committee (ACAC) for neighbors of the Montgomery County Airpark (MCA), Airpark users, and other key stakeholders to address facility operations as well as noise and safety impacts. Councilmember Luedtke represents Council District 7, which includes communities adjacent to the Airpark.

“Creating an Airpark Community Advisory Committee is an important step many communities around the country are taking to provide a platform for residents impacted by air traffic to better understand operations and discuss potential improvements with regulators – most prominently the Federal Aviation Administration,” Councilmember Luedtke said. “I’m pleased for the unanimous support of my Council colleagues and thankful to the many residents, Airpark users, and the leadership of the MCA for their feedback to help strengthen the new ACAC.”

Longest-Serving County Attorney Marc Hansen Has Died

By Patrick Herron

Published July 18, 2023 at 9:49AM

Former Montgomery County Attorney Marc Hansen passed away on July 15. Hansen worked for the Montgomery County Attorney’s Office for 37, including 12 years as County Attorney. Hansen was born in 1946 in Kankakee, Illinois and attended MacMurray College, Washington University, and American University. Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich released the following statement on Monday:

“Montgomery County today lost a kind and passionate long-time resident who devoted much of his life to public service with our County Government. Marc Hansen worked in the County Attorney’s Office for 37 years, including the last twelve as the County Attorney. He retired in January 2022, as the longest-serving County Attorney. Over almost four decades, multiple County Executives, dozens of County Council members, and thousands of County colleagues relied on his advice and guidance.