WEEKLY TOWN UPDATES
March 17, 2023
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Bethesda Market Park Development
On March 15 and 16, the County Parks Department hosted community meetings 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 was an exciting step in the process to turn our vision into reality. More information on the project is available here. A link to the presentation from the community meetings will be provided as soon as available.
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Corso Chevy Chase Final Rezoning Application
On March 9, the County Planning Board held a public hearing on Corso's rezoning application (the Corso hearing starts at minute 43:45 of the video). Vice Mayor Joel Rubin testified at this hearing, and a copy of the Town's testimony is available here. The County Hearing Examiner will hold a public hearing on the application on March 24 at 9:30 a.m. Residents are encouraged to submit testimony or testify at this hearing. After the Hearing Examiner makes her findings and recommendation, the County Council will consider the application and render a final decision. The County Council hearing date has not yet been set, but we will publicize this information via Town Crier.
The Town has prepared a Declaration of Covenants for execution by the developer that will memorialize commitments related to perpetual use of the land and improvements that are enforceable by the Town. We also have prepared a Letter of Agreement that obligates Corso to execute the Declaration and includes short-term requirements that we want the developer to commit to but that don’t need to be conditions in perpetuity. More information on the rezoning is available here.
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East West Highway Safety & Crosswalk Improvements
On March 14, Town officials met with State Highway Administration (SHA) officials, state and county elected leaders, and County transportation (MCDOT) representatives to discuss pedestrian safety on East West Highway between Wisconsin and Connecticut avenues, including safety issues related to the crosswalk on East West Highway at Maple Avenue. At this meeting, the group discussed specific next steps for further improvements at the crosswalk, made even more urgent by the opening of the Sleaford pedestrian underpass on the north side of East West Highway.
We are pleased to report that the SHA and the MCDOT agreed to work together to design and install some form of a red-light signal at this crossing and to study pedestrian safety along the entire corridor. Initial designs should for the crosswalk improvements should be completed by May, and we will provide further updates as this effort proceeds.
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2023 Council Election & Annual Meeting
The Town’s Election and Annual Meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 2, 2023. Town residents will select two candidates in the 2023 election, each to serve on the Council for a 2-year term. The terms of Joel Rubin and Joy White expire in May.
Candidate nominating petitions are due by 5 p.m. on April 11. A nominating petition was included in the March Forecast newsletter and is available here. More information on the election is available here. The Annual Meeting will be held on May 2 at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall and via Zoom and will include a public hearing on the proposed FY24 budget (see below).
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FY24 Budget Development and Adoption
The Town Council will hold a work session on March 20 to review the proposed budget that the staff and Treasurer have prepared. There will be a public hearing on, and adoption of, the final budget at the Annual Meeting on May 2. The budget will be available for review on the Town website after April 12, and a budget summary will be included in the election edition of the Forecast newsletter.
Throughout the budget development process, the Council will consider suggestions from residents about what programs they would like to see funded in next year’s budget. Please send suggestions to https://bit.ly/toccbudget.
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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.
Work Continues on Walls Along the Former Georgetown Trail
Crews continue construction of walls, storm drain installation, and Overhead Catenary System foundations long the former Georgetown Branch Trail between Elm Street Park and Rock Creek Park. Work may take place 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and weekends, as needed through March. Work Continues in the Jones Mill Road Area
Crews continue work in the Jones Mill Road underpass area through March. Work includes utility relocation, construction of retaining walls, and completing the east side of Jones Mill Road. Work may take place 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and overnight 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. weekdays and weekends, as needed. Work Continues in the Connecticut Avenue Station Area
Work continues in the area of future Connecticut Avenue Purple Line Station through March. Work includes concrete placement, stormwater drainage and retaining walls. 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 continue work at the future Purple Line Bethesda 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. 5 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 a.m., weekdays and weekends, as needed. Work Zone Safety
As work increases along the alignment, the Purple Line team remains committed to keeping everyone safe. Pedestrians and motorists are advised to follow construction signage and use the open sidewalk(s). For the safety of the public and our construction team, entry into construction work zones is not permitted.
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Spring Tree Planting ProgramRequest 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.
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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. Although the County program closed to new applicants on March 3, 2023, residents are encouraged to take advantage of the Town's Consulting Water Management Program (see below) to identify a suitable Rainscapes project for their property in anticipation of the County's reopening of the program on July 15, 2023.
If you need help identifying a suitable RainScapes project for your property, you may sign up on the Town website to participate in the Town's free 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 a RainScapes project, a homeowner should submit copies of project receipts and a copy of the paid County rebate receipt to the Town to receive the supplemental rebate.
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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.
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Virginia Hartman, author of The Marsh Queen, at the Lawton Center, March 27, 7 p.m.
Join the Town of Chevy Chase Book Club on Monday, March 27 at 7 p.m. to discuss The Marsh Queen and meet its author Virginia Hartman. Set in the lush landscape of the Florida wetlands, The Marsh Queen delves into past crimes, old memories, and parental love. It has received praise for “its unique blend of literature and mystery.” Hartman, a Montgomery County resident, has been compared to Barbara Kingsolver for her use of the natural world to explore connections between her characters.
Hartman will do a reading and answer questions. Refreshments will be served. You do not have to be a regular book club participant to attend. Please RSVP to https://bit.ly/TOCCBookClub or (301) 654-7144 by Thursday, March 23 to ensure we have chairs and refreshments for all. Sponsored by the Community Relations Committee. The Marsh Queen is available in hardcover at Politics and Prose, online, and through Kindle and Audible.
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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.
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Upcoming Special Events
RainScapes Gardening, Wednesday, April 19, 7:30 p.m. , Chevy Chase Village Hall
“How to design a beautiful space that captures stormwater and creates a haven for nature year round,” presented by Ann English, RainScapes Program Manager at Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection. Trash & Treasures, April 22 & 23
The Town’s spring Trash and Treasures is scheduled for the weekend of April 22 & 23. The Town offers this curbside bulk trash collection so that residents can dispose of items that are no longer usable. Details to follow soon. Spring Festival, Sunday, April 30, Lawton Center
The Town of Chevy Chase is partnering with the Jane E. Lawton Center to host the 2023 Spring Festival. The event will take place on April 30 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Lawton Center parking lot. Join us for live music, food, games, and art & crafts . All ages are welcomed! Lee Wick Dennison Sustainable Garden Dedication, Saturday, May 13, 3:30 p.m.
Celebrate the Lee Wick Dennison Sustainable Garden, located at the corner of Lynn Drive and Maple Avenue in Zimmerman Park, on Saturday, May 13 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Paint and Plant a Pot of Pollinators! Tour the Sustainable Garden! Consult a Garden Expert About Your Garden Concerns! Nosh on Delicious Food! Fun & Learning for All Ages! Details to follow soon. The Great Zucchini, Sunday, May 21, 10:30 a.m., Lawton Center Social Hall
The Great Zucchini, Washington’s funniest and most magical preschool and kindergarten entertainer, performs a colorful magic show where every child is a star and guaranteed to laugh!
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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.
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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.
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