WEEKLY TOWN UPDATES
February 24, 2023

Town Submits Comments on Corso's Final Rezoning Application

On February 15, the Town submitted comments to the Planning Department on Corso Chevy Chase's final application to rezone the former 4-H property at 7100 Connecticut Avenue.

The Town's comments: 1) support the developers' rezoning application, as a result of the developers reducing the outside height of the perimeter buildings; 2) note that the Town will be carefully monitoring a number of key issues during subsequent reviews by the Planning Board, including traffic, parking, lighting, stormwater management, and forest protection; and 3) cite the developers’ commitment to enter into agreements with the Town about construction management and to submit to the Town’s tree removal variance process.

The Town will now prepare testimony for the public hearings to be held by the Planning Board on March 9 (the Planning staff report will be posted on February 27) and the County Hearing Examiner on March 24. The Town will provide more information about our testimony, the Planning staff report, and the public hearings in subsequent Town Criers and in the Forecast newsletter.

Bethesda Market Park Community Meeting, March 15, 6:30 p.m.

On March 15 at 6:30 p.m. in the Lawton Community Center, the County Parks Department will host a community meeting to review and discuss ideas for features and amenities in the new parks to be created adjacent to the Farm Women's Market. One new park will occupy most of the parking lot behind the market; the other will be built on the parking lot between Leland and Walsh streets. This is an exciting step in the process to turn our vision into reality.

The March 15 meeting will feature a brief presentation of a concept plan, currently under development, followed by an interactive session for attendees to learn more about the project and provide their ideas and feedback. Different stations will be set up for attendees to engage on specific topics. A second community meeting will be held at Bethesda Elementary School on March 16 at 7 p.m. Following these meetings, the Parks Department will conduct an online survey, open for 30 days, for Bethesda and Chevy Chase residents to post their comments. We encourage residents to attend these meetings and to participate in the online survey.

We would also welcome hearing from you both in advance of and after these meetings, so that the Long-Range Planning and Land Use committees, and the Council, can gain an understanding of what amenities our residents would like to see provided in these parks. Please share your ideas at https://bit.ly/toccpark.

This is the opportunity for Town residents to review and influence the amenities in these new parks and to demonstrate our interest in creating urban parkland that will truly serve the neighboring communities. More information on this project and the community meetings is available here.

Purple Line Construction Updates

Excavation and blasting to Commence at the Bethesda Connection to Metro's Red Line

On or about March 20, 2023, crews will resume excavation in the Purple Line’s elevator shaft to connect to Metro's Red Line in Bethesda. This operation will include blasting the rock within the shaft located at the work zone on Elm Street at Wisconsin Avenue. Blasting is planned during daytime hours, typically once a week with additional work in the area occurring over multiple shifts between excavation and removal of spoils from the site. In advance of each blast, a warning siren will be activated. Use of backup alarms will be limited during nighttime hours. Work may occur in two shifts weekdays and weekends, as needed.

Evan Glass to Attend March 8 Town Council Meeting

Montgomery County Council President Evan Glass will attend the Town Council’s March 8 meeting to brief the Council and Town residents on several County initiatives that are of interest to, or impact, the Town. Among other issues, Mr. Glass will address the County’s proposed ban on gas-powered leaf blowers. Residents are invited to attend this meeting, which will begin at 7 p.m., either in person or by Zoom video conference.

Spring Tree Planting Program

Request a Tree

The Town is preparing its spring tree planting list. If you have a spot in your yard suitable for a tree, we encourage you to take advantage of the Town’s Private Native Tree Planting Program. Under this program, the Town will purchase and plant a tree on your property at no cost to you. Residents are responsible for the long-term care of the trees once planted.

You also may request to have a tree planted along the street in front of your home. The Town is responsible for the long-term care of the trees once planted.

RainScapes Supplemental Rebate Program

The Town offers a program that provides residents who complete a County RainScapes project with a supplemental rebate of up to 50% of the County rebate amount, with the total combined rebate limited to 85% of the total cost of the project. Residents who wish to take advantage of this Town program should sign up to participate in County’s RainScapes program. (Note: The County program is open until March 31, 2023.)

If you need assistance identifying a suitable RainScapes project for your property, you may sign up for the Town's Consulting Water Management Program, wherein the Town's consulting engineer will visit your property and provide a written report with recommendations on improving water drainage and runoff, including recommendations for RainScapes-eligible projects.

After completing an eligible RainScapes project, the homeowner should submit copies of project receipts and a copy of the paid County rebate receipt to the Town to receive the supplemental rebate.

TOCC Book Club, February 27

Our Town of Chevy Chase Book Club will meet February 27 at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall to discuss My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout. Our group enjoyed Lucy by the Sea so much that we are reading the first in the trilogy. Please join us! Sponsored by the Community Relations Committee; all are welcome!

Chili Dinner, March 12

After a COVID-induced delay of three years, the Town will be holding its popular Chili Dinner on Sunday, March 12 at 5 p.m. in the Social Hall of the Jane E. Lawton Center. Dinner will include chili (including vegan chili), hot dogs, sides, and desserts. Also, the Town will continue its support of the Manna Food Center, so please don’t forget your checks or cash to help feed families in Montgomery County. As always, chili will be served by Community Relations Committee members. Please RSVP by March 3 to https://bit.ly/toccchili.

Mahjong, March 19

Mahjong, a Chinese game of strategy and skill, will be taught by Town resident Flora Tsui and played with fellow neighbors on Sunday, March 19 from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Town Hall. Space is limited to the first 16, so please RSVP to https://bit.ly/toccmahjong.

Discussion and Desserts with Barney Rush, March 23

Join a discussion with Town Mayor Barney Rush on our journey to decarbonization: How do we grapple with the challenges of seeking more renewable energy while still maintaining the highly reliable electric system that we count on? Barney spent much of his professional career working on power generation and electricity, most recently serving as a member of the board of the ISO-New England, the public authority that is responsible for the operation and reliability of the electric grid serving the six New England states. Desserts will be served at the event on March 23 from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Town Hall. RSVP to https://bit.ly/toccdiscussion.

Reduced-Price Tickets Available for On The Far End, April 16

The Community Relations Committee has secured twenty-five tickets for a front-row balcony performance of On The Far End on Sunday, April 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the reduced price of $55.50 each.

On The Far End is playing at the Round House Theater. This astonishing one-woman play portrays Muscogee leader Ella Jean Hill as she traces her family’s history from the Trail of Tears to her grandfather’s allotment in central Oklahoma. Ella shares her story -- the Native boarding school she fled on foot, her marriage to a young Bengali scholar, and the advocacy that became her life’s work.

Tickets are limited to 25 and are selling out for this performance. Tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis with confirmed payment via check or Venmo. Teens are welcome.

Contact townoffice@townofchevychase.org with your name and number of desired tickets to receive payment details.

American Red Cross Certification Training for Town Residents, April 16

On Sunday, April 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lawton Center, the American Red Cross will be providing First Aid, CPR, and AED training to 50 Town residents at the reduced price of $25 per person (normally priced at $113 per person).

This training, which includes a 2-year certification and all digital training materials, will train you to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries, and sudden illness. There will be one instructor per 10 participants.

Registration is limited to 50 and will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis with confirmed payment via check or Venmo. Older teens are welcome to participate although this training is geared toward adults. Contact townoffice@townofchevychase.org with the names of all participants to receive payment details.

This training is brought to you by the Community Relations Committee.

Winter Clothing Drive Continues Thru February 28

Did you get a nice warm coat or sweater as a holiday gift? There are people who could use your last year’s clothes. Interfaith Works provides free clothing to thousands of Montgomery County families. Please donate clean, gently used or never used warm coats, gloves, mittens, scarves, hats, sweaters, pants, and socks to those in need. Also needed are waterproof warm winter wear, for those who are outside in the cold rain or snow. Since the town hall is still open only part time, the clothing box will be located on the front porch of Marjorie Shaw and Barney Rush, at 6917 Maple Avenue (between Maple and Pine Place).

Town Neighbors Listserv

Residents are encouraged to connect with fellow residents through the private Town Neighbors listserv.

Free COVID Test Kits & Masks

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.

Town Office Hours

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.

WEEKLY TOWN UPDATESFebruary 24, 2023