MoCo Archives - Page 410 of 655

Montgomery County Completes Bikeway Construction on Woodmont Avenue in Bethesda and Will Reopen Reconfigured ‘Streetery’

Published October 13, 2022 at 2:36PM

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) has been constructing a link of the Bethesda bicycle network along Woodmont Avenue for the last few weeks, between Bethesda Avenue and Elm Street. The bikeway is separated from the roadway to protect bike riders. The cycle track is part of a new, two-way bike network in Bethesda that offers bright green, protected bike lanes. The cycle track loops around a wide stretch of Downtown Bethesda and connects to the Capital Crescent Trail.

Whether or not the streetery should remain closed to traffic as businesses returned closer to pre-pandemic status was the focus of a recent survey conducted by the County’s Bethesda Chevy-Chase Regional ServicesOffice (BCCRS) and the Bethesda Urban Partnership. Residents and businesses were asked for feedback.

Montgomery County Holiday Giving Project Seeking Partners to Help During This Year’s Campaign

By Patrick Herron

Published October 12, 2022 at 9:03PM

Each year the project comes closer to assigning all referred families in need, but some zip codes still struggle to meet demand. Zip codes in great need this year include Aspen Hill (20906), Wheaton (20902), Bethesda-Chevy Chase (20814, 20815, 20817), Burtonsville (20866), Clarksburg (20871), Damascus (20872) and Rockville (20850, 20851, 20852, 20853).

Individuals or groups interested in joining the partnership should email HGP coordinators at [email protected]to discuss how they can be paired with families in need. HGP is seeking to have partnerships lined by Friday, Oct 21.

Board of Elections Installs 55 Drop Boxes for Deposit of Mail-in Ballots for November Election

By Patrick Herron

Published October 12, 2022 at 9:01PM

To be counted, mail-in ballots must be postmarked no later than Nov. 8 and the oath on the postage-paid return envelope that arrives with the ballot must be signed. Those who choose to cast their votes using ballot drop boxes must submit their completed ballots by the final collection time of 8 p.m. on Nov. 8 for their ballot to count.

To identify the nearest ballot drop box and post office locator, text BOX plus a zip code (example: BOX 20879) to 77788 or visit 777vote.org. To request a mail-in ballot, text VBM to 77788 or visit 777vote.org.

Statement from County Executive Marc Elrich on the Resignation of the Montgomery County Planning Board: “Park and Planning has been run by a group of insiders for far too long”

By MCS Staff

Published October 12, 2022 at 6:27PM

Like many in the County, I have followed with growing concern the unfolding events at the Park and Planning Commission. As County Executive, I have not been a participant in the conversations about the details. I think where people are implicated, a resignation is appropriate. This cannot be the end of the conversation on the dysfunction and structural issues at Planning. The Planning Board faces a deficit of trust, and continued questions about management, transparency and process must be addressed. I stand ready to work with the Council to ensure transparency in choosing the interim members of the board and ensure that the investigations continue.

Beyond the recent reports regarding infighting and questionable behavior and decisions, the Planning Board has also been cited with multiple violations of the Open Meetings Act. Furthermore, the problems with Thrive 2050 and equity and community input should have been recognized and dealt with instead of a push for quick adoption of this significant guide for the next 30 years of development. As noted by one racial equity consultant hired by the Council, “compressed timeframes are the enemy of equity.”

Gaithersburg High School Athletic Director Position and Northwest High School Head Football Coach Positions Vacated in Actions Taken Following MCPS Investigation of Altercation That Occurred on September 16

By MCS Staff

Published October 12, 2022 at 5:36PM

The following letter has been sent out to the Gaithersburg High School and Northwest High School communities by the principals of each school and Systemwide MCPS Director of Athletics:

Dear Gaithersburg and Northwest High School Communities,

Montgomery County Planning Board Commissioners Resign

By Patrick Herron

Published October 12, 2022 at 2:20PM

“The Montgomery County Council is united in taking the steps necessary to ensure that the Montgomery County Planning Board can serve its critical functions and oversee the Planning and Parks Departments’ important work for our community,” said Council President Gabe Albornoz. “The Council has lost confidence in the Montgomery County Planning Board and accepted these resignations to reset operations. We are acting with deliberate speed to appoint new commissioners to move Montgomery County forward. We thank the commissioners for their service to our County.”

“The Council is confident that the Planning Department’s newly appointed Acting Director Tanya Stern will provide steady leadership in the weeks ahead. The Council also appreciates and supports Park and Planning staff.”

County Announces New Website Links on Climate Planning, Progress and Action

By Patrick Herron

Published October 12, 2022 at 11:31AM

Through the new web portal, visitors can see the County’s climate progress, planning, partners, plans, reports, news, information, public resources and ways to everyone can get involved. Key documents have been translated into six different languages. “Just over a year ago, we launched one of the most aggressive Climate Action Plans in the nation with the goal of eliminating 100 percent of our greenhouse gas emissions by 2035,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Since then, we have passed important legislation, such as Building Energy Performance Standards, and committed historic levels of funding to our efforts to combat climate change. Our efforts are being assisted by new federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the recently enacted Inflation Reduction Act. This new web portal provides a better understanding and transparency of our policies, reforms, events, and activities while tracking the progress made toward our goals. When it comes to saving our environment, every moment counts and communication is key.”

In June 2021, Montgomery County released its Climate Action Plan (CAP), a strategic plan to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 80 percent by 2027 and 100 percent by 2035. The plan details the effects of the changing climate on the County and includes strategies to reduce GHG emissions and climate-related risks to residents, businesses and the built and natural environment.

Montgomery County Recreation Will Celebrate Fall with Festivals, Costume Contests, Movies and More

By Patrick Herron

Published October 12, 2022 at 11:28AM

Registration for events can be completed online at ActiveMONTGOMERY.org. Not all events require registration. Registration for fall programs also is currently underway.

Week 6 MoCoShow High School Football Top 10

By Damon Anderson

Published October 12, 2022 at 9:11AM | Updated October 12, 2022 at 12:34PM

1. Quince Orchard 6-0 (LW 1): The Cougars shutout streak was ended by a game Richard Montgomery squad, but QO still dominated 56-7. QB Savan Briggs went 6 out of 7 for 137 yds and 2 TDs. Up next, Homecoming vs Gaithersburg.

2. Blair 6-0 (LW 2): The Blazers are still hot, beating Rockville 27-13. RB Kam Reynolds ran for 96 yds and 2 TDs. They will travel to Sherwood next.

MDOT Officials to Meet With MoCo Officials to Discuss FY 2023-2028 Consolidated Transportation Program Draft (October 11)

By MCS Staff

Published October 11, 2022 at 7:34AM

MDOT OG Image

Officials from the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) will meet with Montgomery County officials to discuss MDOT’s Draft FY 2023-2028 Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP), which details a record $19.9 billion six-year capital budget investment in the state’s transportation network. The meeting is part of MDOT’s tour of 23 Maryland counties and Baltimore City to update local officials and the public on the CTP. MDOT Secretary James F. Ports, Jr. and other MDOT officials will outline the state’s investments and discuss Montgomery County’s transportation priorities.

WHO: MDOT Secretary’s Office: Secretary James F. Ports, Jr.; MDOT State Highway Administration: Administrator Tim Smith; MDOT Motor Vehicle Administration: Administrator Chrissy Nizer; MDOT Maryland Transit Administration: Administrator Holly Arnold; MDOT Maryland Aviation Administration: Division of Planning and Engineering Chief Paul Shank; andMaryland Transportation Authority: Executive Director William Pines.

Montgomery County Providing 50,000 Loaner Computers to Low-Income Residents; Receives Additional $22.6 Million in Digital Equity Grants

By Patrick Herron

Published October 10, 2022 at 5:21PM

Computer distribution events also provide in-person assistance to help eligible families get free home or mobile internet service so they can better use the computers.

“Everyone deserves to be part of the digital world—it is a necessity,” said County Executive Elrich. “Montgomery County was focused on digital equity before the pandemic, and it is critical to our economic and educational recovery efforts. I appreciate the Federal, State and private sector entities for these investments and am proud of what Montgomery Connects is doing to bring much needed funding to expand digital equity programs for our residents most in need.”