“Community Safety Works is an important component of our our Re-fund The Police Initiative, providing resources to local business owners and community organizations for crime prevention efforts in neighborhoods across the state,” said Governor Hogan. “This additional $10 million in funding will help residents and other stakeholders who are actively trying to make their communities safer and more secure.”
Improvements include:
“The Mayor and Council oppose the county’s plans to house a future Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Criminal Justice Complex and restoration center, and plans for a Montgomery County Public Schools/Ride On bus depot, at the site, which abuts eight city neighborhoods.”
Criminal Justice Complex (1451 Seven Locks) – This proposed County project provides for the design and construction of a new Criminal Justice Complex (CJC) on the site of the former District One Police Station located at the north end of Seven Locks Road. The new facility would include a Central Processing/Detention component to support processing new arrestees and detaining remanded individuals and other related uses. The facility would be constructed in proximity to the proposed Restoration Center to maximize diversion and deflection opportunities.
The members of the PHED Committee include Chair Hans Riemer and Councilmembers Andrew Friedson (Lead for Parks) and Will Jawando.
More detail on each agenda item is provided below.
The changes approved in ZTA 22-05 represent the first comprehensive rewrite of the County Sign Ordinance in the past 25 years. The provisions of ZTA 22-05 will go into effect Monday, Oct. 10.
Prior to approval of the new ZTA, owners of digital sign boards were legally limited to changing the messages on digital signs to once every 24 hours unless they obtained a variance. The new regulations will allow changes once every 30 seconds.
Grants will be awarded to nonprofit organizations and facilities that have experienced, or are at high risk of experiencing, hate crimes. The grants are available to augment costs for security personnel or other security planning measures.
Eligible organizations could include nonprofit community service providers, houses of worship, or other faith-based organizations located in Montgomery County. The funds are administered by the County’s Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS).
The deadline to register has been extended to Thursday, September 22, 2022.
Initially an essay contest, Councilmember Rice partnered last year with Montgomery County Public Schools and Montgomery College to enhance the program by incorporating afterschool virtual instruction on digital storytelling. Open to students in eighth through twelfth grades, each participant will be provided with a loaner iPad and mentored by a trained instructor on inclusive storytelling through digital journalism. The culminating project for students is a video on a public policy issue from whom a winning video will be selected. The winner will be the guest of honor at a Council breakfast, receive a Council proclamation, serve as an honorary Councilmember for a Day, and receive prizes to enable their continued digital storytelling.
ROCKVILLE, Md., Sept. 20, 2022—The Montgomery County Council voted unanimously today to pass legislation sponsored by Councilmember Sidney Katz and Council President Gabe Albornoz that establishes registration and operating requirements for low-speed, electric scooter use in Montgomery County, including age requirements, speed limits and requirements for use of helmets and reflectors. Bill 36-21, Motor Vehicles and Traffic – E-Scooters – Operating Requirements and Registration, aims to reduce injuries associated with the usage of e-scooters and improve safety for riders and pedestrians.
“Electric scooters are a growing transportation method; however, there are few laws on the books regarding their operation,” said Councilmember Katz, who chairs the Council’s Public Safety Committee. “The Council wants to encourage all types of transportation options, but we must do so in a way that is safe for everyone, including electric scooter riders.”
WMATA General Manager and CEO: Randy Clarke
Introduction: The Council will meet with WMATA General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke. This meeting is an opportunity for Mr. Clarke to introduce himself to the Council and to share his goals and objectives for improving WMATA safety and service. Councilmembers will also discuss their concerns related to WMATA.
A full list of upcoming public hearings is available at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/council/calendar.html.
Additional documents are available at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/council.
The grant program is accepting proposals for projects that could include tree planting, installing permeable pavers or creating rain gardens. The projects should aim to improve the County’s water quality and stream health as called for in the County’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit. Eligible projects that are outside of the municipalities of Rockville, Gaithersburg and Takoma Park will be considered.
Applications are due no later than 4 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 17.
More detail on each agenda item is provided below.