WEEKLY TOWN UPDATES
December 2, 2022
|
|
|
|
On November 29, the Montgomery County Council unanimously approved an $11.75 million contribution to build two new urban parks on the parking lots next to the Farm Women’s Market. A definitive financial plan for this $27.7 million project is now in place. The other financing components include $4.5 million from the Town, $8 million from the developers, and $3.5 million from the State. The project also includes a new underground garage that will replace most of the existing surface parking spaces and undergrounding the utility wires around the new parks.
At the November 29 County Council meeting, Councilmember Friedson thanked the Town for its support and stated the importance of our financial commitment to the successful realization of the financial plan. Councilmember Friedson had also noted, at a committee meeting held on November 28, that the County Council had received letters or testimony supporting this project from 12 municipalities and neighborhood associations in the Bethesda area.
The four-way partnership comprised of the Parks Department, the County, the Town, and the developers will now work together to prepare the legal documents. The Parks Department also will host a public charette process early in the new year to hear from area residents about possible amenities for the new parks. We look forward to the engagement of our residents in this process.
The developers hope to submit their site plan to the Planning Board by next summer or fall and break ground a year later in 2024. The redevelopment and expansion of the Farm Women’s Market and construction of the new park behind the Market should be completed in late 2026 or early 2027, and the park on the adjacent lot between Leland and Walsh should be finished later in 2027.
A great deal of work lies ahead of us, but this vote marks a crucial milestone for this transformative project.
|
|
|
|
Leaf vacuuming will continue through December 23. Please rake leaves to the edge of the curb for collection. If you or your landscape company are using gas-powered leaf blowers this fall (allowed from October 15 to December 31), please refrain from using them before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. on weekdays and before 12 p.m. or after 6 p.m. on weekends.
|
|
|
|
Join neighbors in the Town Hall for coffee next Tuesday, December 6, at 10 a.m. Snacks and refreshments will be served. Bring a holiday treat if you would like! If popular, we will make the first Tuesday monthly coffee a regular event.
Reservations are not required but will help us gauge attendance. If you intend to come, please RSVP to the Town Office at townoffice@townofchevychase.org. This event is sponsored by the Community Relations Committee.
|
|
|
|
On December 11 from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Town Hall, support young entrepreneurs (ages 6-14) by shopping at the holiday bazaar featuring artwork, jewelry, treats, and more. Gift wrapping will be offered at this event organized by Town teen Piya Scielzo with the support of the Community Relations Committee. Admission is free.
|
|
|
|
On Sunday, December 18 from 5 to 7 p.m., residents of all ages are invited to walk a short route through Town singing the songs of the season. We will meet at the Lawton Center at 4:45 p.m. for a brief presentation by our singing troupe leader before proceeding. Also, there will be three singing stops for residents who would like to hear and join in on the merriment: Lawton Center Basketball Court at 5:15 p.m., Dennison Garden at 5:45 p.m., and at the corner of Oak Lane & Meadow Lane at 6:30 p.m.
There is no need to RSVP, but each resident is asked to wear a headlamp and reflective clothing (if possible) for safety reasons. Rain date: December 19.
|
|
|
|
Montgomery Parks has a festive lineup of special events and programs in December, including the continuation of the holiday favorite Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens, Holiday Barket, a dog-themed holiday market, several winter solstice celebrations and the return of our Urban Wood Sale. There are many ways to celebrate the holiday season at Montgomery Parks.
|
|
|
|
Montgomery County Recreation fitness passes will be free for Montgomery County residents in 2023. Starting Jan. 3, 2023, the free pass will provide access to fully equipped fitness rooms, open gym (drop-in) activities and game rooms at any recreation center during regularly scheduled hours.
|
|
|
|
Temporary Lane Closures on Connecticut Avenue
Work continues on the Light Rail Bridge over Connecticut Avenue during the month of December. Temporary lane closures may be implemented on Connecticut Avenue between Chevy Chase Lake Drive and Laird Place. One lane will be closed during daytime hours, and up to two lanes will be closed overnight. Lane closures will occur during non-peak hours from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Work Continues on Noise Walls Adjacent to the Town
Crews continue construction of noise walls adjacent to the Town in the area near East-West Highway. Work may take place 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and weekends, as needed.
Long-Term Lane Closure on Wisconsin Avenue at Elm Street
Crews have resumed work at the future Purple Line Bethesda Metro Station located at Elm Street and Wisconsin Avenue. A long-term lane closure of the southbound right lane of Wisconsin Avenue at Elm Street will continue through completion of the station construction to facilitate a work zone buffer and construction access. Pedestrians will need to use the signed pedestrian detour to access the northbound side of Wisconsin Avenue. Work will occur in two shifts from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. weekdays and weekends, as needed.
For more information on the Purple Line project, including current construction activities, please visit https://www.purplelinemd.com/.
|
|
|
|
Please take a moment to review the Town’s Winter Weather Preparedness flyer.
We would like to remind residents that, in the event or threat of a snowstorm or icy road conditions, cars must be parked either in driveways or on the even-numbered side of the street to ensure safe passage for the snow removal crews. Please do not park cars on the odd-numbered side of the street, unless otherwise posted.
Please also note that the Town's contractor will remove snow from Town sidewalks if accumulations total 6 inches or more. Otherwise, residents are responsible for clearing the sidewalks adjacent to their homes within 24 hours after precipitation has ended.
|
|
|
|
We can do something to help Montgomery County families who are struggling with the pernicious effects of domestic violence and trying to make ends meet. Here’s how to make the holidays a little brighter for these families:
- Donate gift cards of $10 to $50 from stores like Target, Marshalls, Kohl’s, Safeway, or Giant.
- Make checks -- of any amount -- out to “FJC Foundation” (Montgomery County Family Justice Center). Designate “Safe Start” in the memo line if you want the money to go to the children’s counseling program.
Donations can be dropped off at Cathy Wolf’s house: 7624 Lynn Drive, Chevy Chase, MD 20815 (please put in basket in carport) or Quynh Tran’s house: 7203 Ridgewood Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD 20815. You can also take your donation to the Town Office on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday at 4301 Willow Lane. The deadline is Friday, December 23, but donations will be accepted gratefully at any time of year. Please note that checks received before December 9 will be deposited by December 23. Checks received from December 10 to December 23 will be deposited by January 15. If you want to receive a tax-deductible receipt, please include your name and email.
Beneficiaries of your generosity are clients of the Montgomery County Family Justice Center and Chesapeake Counseling (Safe Start). One hundred percent of the donations are applied to direct service. There are no administrative costs. Questions? Email Cathy at cathrynwolf2@gmail.com or Quynh Tran at vanstinger2205@gmail.com.
|
|
|
|
Every year, from November to February, the Town’s Community Relations Committee sponsors a Winter Clothing Drive for those in need. We donate to Interfaith Works that distributes to 13,000 income-qualified county residents, including nearly 6,000 children.
Please donate clean, gently used, or never worn items: coats, gloves, mittens, scarves, hats, sweaters, pants, and socks. Also needed is waterproof warm winter wear for those who are outside in the cold rain or snow.
Since the Town Hall is open only part time, the clothing box will be located on the front porch of Marjorie Shaw and Barney Rush, at 6917 Maple Avenue (at the corner of Maple and Pine Place).
|
|
|
|
Climate & Environment Tip of the Month (December 2022)
Fast Fashion: Inexpensive clothing produced rapidly by mass-market retailers in response to the latest trends.
Think Fast Fashion is sensible? Why not invest less in clothes that will be quickly out of style?
Think again. Fast fashion produces waste, pollution, and natural resource depletion.
- People today buy 60% more clothing than just 15 years ago but keep it only half as long.
- Of all clothing produced, less than 1% is actually recycled, and only about 12% re-used.
- 73% of all clothing ends up in landfills or is incinerated. (That’s a low estimate)
- Donated clothing mostly ends up in landfill or is sent to less-developed countries where it competes with local businesses and produces few jobs.
- Greenhouse emissions are high in production, transport, and disposal.
- Synthetic fabrics such as acrylic, polyester, nylon and spandex are petroleum-based. Their production and use introduces toxins and (plastic) microfibers into our air, soil, and waterways.
What can you do? Say “not so fast” to fast fashion. When shopping for yourself and for others, choose well-constructed clothes in timeless styles. Look for fabrics made from natural, renewable fabrics like cotton, wool, hemp, linen, and bamboo. Buy less and wear it longer. Shop consignment and thrift stores both local and online. Keep this in mind for Holiday gift-giving!
|
|
|
|
Residents are encouraged to connect with fellow residents through the private Town Neighbors listserv.
|
|
|
|
The Town has COVID test kits and N95 masks available for pick up at the Town office on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The kits and masks are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
|
|
|
|
The Town office is staffed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. On other days, most employees telework. There may be someone to assist on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but please contact the office in advance.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share via Email
