The Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) SoberRide program will run from 4pm Saturday October 29 until 4am on Sunday October 30. SoberRide offers free Lyft rides home up to $15. For more information visit https://wrap.org/soberride/ “This Halloween, do not drink and drive. Have a designated driver, call a ride share or #ChooseSoberRide.”
ZTA 22-01 will foster expanded 5G wireless service in Montgomery County and help narrow the digital divide. To encourage colocation and reduce proliferation of antennas across the County, ZTA 22-01 reduces the setback requirements for antennas on existing structures to correspond with the current 30-foot setback requirement for antennas on new structures. By changing the setback from 60 to 30 feet, these antennas are treated similarly to telecommunications towers and can provide better service to residents.
“These zoning changes continue the Council’s work over more than six years to ensure a smooth, efficient, and thoughtful deployment of the infrastructure required to support advancements in wireless technology,” said Planning, Housing, and Economic Development Committee Chair Riemer. “While a small, but vocal group of critics has opposed these measures and sought delay at every turn, I ask: if we don’t embrace these changes, how are we supposed to compete for job growth and quality of life with our regional counterparts who have already moved forward on common sense wireless zoning reforms? Montgomery County should embrace the future. Companies and our residents do not want to be in a technology backwater. We all benefit from wireless connectivity, and these zoning reforms will ensure continued progress.”
The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Office of Attorney General today released its investigative report of the February 26, 2022, fatal police pursuit in Montgomery County.
On February 26, at approximately 1:30 a.m., Montgomery County Police Department Officer Antonio Copeland observed a silver Honda Accord commit traffic violations including speeding in the area of Rockville Pike and Nicholson Lane in North Bethesda. Officer Copeland conducted a traffic stop on the car, and while he was standing next to the Honda, the driver, Noraly Paz Chavez, drove away. Officer Copeland returned to his car and pursued the Honda. During the pursuit, Ms. Paz Chavez crashed in the 3600 block of Randolph Road in Wheaton. She was pronounced dead on the scene. The passenger, an adult male, was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries and was treated and released. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.
On Tuesday, October 25, 2022, at approximately 7:50 a.m., Ashley Nicole Hernandez was last seen leaving her residence in the 2300 block of Spencerville Rd.
Hernandez is approximately 5-feet tall and weighs 190 pounds. She has short blonde hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a burgundy shirt, a blue North Face sweater with a bear on it, black pants and black Adidas shoes. Police and family are concerned for her welfare.
Marc Joseph Grier was last seen on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, in the 2100 block of Fairland Rd. Grier is approximately 6-feet tall and weighs 250 pounds. He has short gray hair and brown eyes. Grier may have a neck brace on and uses a walker. Police and family are concerned for his welfare.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Marc Joseph Grier is asked to call the 3rd District Investigative Section at (240) 773- 6870 or the police non-emergency number at (301) 279- 8000 (24-hour line). Callers may remain anonymous.
County’s new General Plan prioritizes racial equity and social justice, economic health, and environmental resilience to help guide growth for the next 30 years
WHEATON, MD – The Montgomery County Planning Department, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), welcomed the Montgomery County Council’s approval today of Thrive Montgomery 2050, the update to Montgomery County’s General Plan. The approved plan, which will serve as a framework for the county’s growth for the next 30 years, is the first comprehensive General Plan update in nearly 60 years. The new General Plan takes a data-driven and community-informed approach to recommend how Montgomery County can be more equitable, economically healthy, and environmentally resilient in the midst of major demographic and technological changes.
Per Montgomery County Police: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Special Victims Investigations Division (SVID) are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Saniah Brown, a missing 17-year-old from Rockville. Brown was last seen on Saturday, October 21, 2022, at approximately 2:30 p.m., in the 600 block of Maryland Avenue in Rockville. Brown is approximately 5-feet, 2-inches tall and weighs 120 pounds. It is unknown what clothing she was last seen wearing. Police and family are concerned for her welfare.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Saniah Brown is asked to call the police non-emergency number at (301)279-8000 (24-hour line) or the Special Victims Investigations Division at (240)773-5400. Callers may remain anonymous.
Bill 17-21 requires MCPD to collaborate with local educational partners regarding police cadet recruitment and police training, as well as provide for the continuing education of police officers on topics such as socially just policing, community service and engagement, and emerging topics in law enforcement, including cybersecurity, human trafficking, and proactive community engagement.
“I’ve been working hard with my colleagues and the community to reimagine public safety and rebuild trust in law enforcement so everyone in our county feels safe,” said Councilmember Jawando. “As a lifelong Montgomery County resident, I’ve experienced firsthand that we are not immune to the systemic racism that leads to disproportionate outcomes in policing. Bill 17-21, The Community Informed Police Training Act, is about building the next generation of police officers that serve as community guardians. It’s a recruitment tool to grow our talent and bring in the diverse, culturally proficient, and properly trained officers that our community needs.”
This Saturday, October 29, the Kensington Volunteer Fire Department and the Town of Kensington are once again hosting their annual Halloween Movie Night. “Hotel Transylvania” will be shown at dusk in St. Paul Park on the big screen. Costumes are encouraged for all attendees.
The Kensington Volunteer Fire Department and the Town of Kensington will have refreshments available for purchase in the Park, including pizza, popcorn, and candy.
For 18 months, Councilmembers have been working with staff and listening to suggestions from residents across Montgomery County to develop a general plan for the County’s future. The Council’s revised version of the Planning, Housing and Economic Development (PHED) Committee Draft of Thrive Montgomery 2050 contains the text and supporting maps for a comprehensive amendment to Montgomery County’s current General Plan (On Wedges and Corridors).
“Thrive is a compelling vision for Montgomery County’s future and lays a framework to preserve things that make our community great, while meeting the unique needs of our growing County,” Council President Gabe Albornoz said. “We’re grateful to everyone who engaged with us and shared valuable insights that helped inform our decision-making. Throughout this process, the Council has made time to incorporate voices from communities across the County and gather diverse perspectives and input.”
Dany Flores-Lopez, an animal services officer with the Montgomery County Office of Animal Services (OAS), has been named the 2022 Humane Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the National Animal Care and Control Association (NACA). The award is presented to an individual whose exceptional performance and work in the field of humane law enforcement has demonstrated a strong commitment to the safety and welfare of the animals in their community.
NACA has been presenting national awards for 25 years to individuals who have been directly involved in the animal care and control profession for a minimum of five years and are individual NACA members.Officer Flores-Lopez began his career with animals as a kennel attendant at the Montgomery County Humane Society before working as an animal control officer with the City of Gaithersburg. He was hired by the County in 2013. “I fell in love with animal care at a young age, but to be able to grow up and achieve my dream job is indescribable,” said Officer Flores-Lopez.