The investigations by detectives determined that on Tuesday, May 31, an 84-year-old victim was contacted by a suspect claiming to be her grandson, stating that he was in jail and needed money to secure his release. After withdrawing the money, the victim called the number she was instructed to call. She was informed that a “courier” would come to her residence in the 17000 block of Chiswell Road to collect the money. A short time later, a male wearing brown shorts and a reflective construction vest arrived at her door to pick up the money. The victim handed the money to the “courier,” who then left in a dark colored, four-door sedan, with the stolen money.

On Wednesday, June 1, 2022, a 78-year-old victim was contacted by a suspect claiming to be his daughter who told him that she had been arrested and needed money to secure her release from jail. After withdrawing the money, the victim called the number that he was instructed to call. The victim was told a “courier” would come to his residence in the 7500 block of Hampden Lane to collect the money.  A short time later, the “courier” arrived at his residence to retrieve the money. The suspect then walked away with the stolen money.


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.


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.


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!”


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.


The Montgomery County Police Department held a commemorative ceremony this morning at the Red Brick Courthouse (29 Courthouse Square, Rockville) in recognition of the Montgomery County Police Department’s 100th anniversary.  Police Chief Marcus Jones, Governor Larry Hogan, County Executive Marc Elrich, and County Council President Gabe Albornoz were among those in attendance.

At the event, Chief Marcus Jones revealed the contents of a time capsule buried 25 years ago, which included a Polaroid camera, patches, and a uniform. Items placed in the new time capsule included a taser, COVID-19 mask, and body worn camera.


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.”


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:


In collaboration with Montgomery College, MCPL is debuting a new MC @ the Library series featuring this month:

In collaboration with the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System and the Purple Line Corridor Coalition, MCPL is offering a new series: “The Purple Line Corridor to Success!” Four sessions in July will feature tools available from the library to help customers acquire or sharpen basic digital literacy skills:


 

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.


View More Stories