Washington Grove's new leaders discuss issues
May 25, 2011

Negotiations over rezoning, park area to top year's agenda

Elections in Washington Grove
May 11, 2011

Resignations lead to musical chairs in five uncontested races

Washington Grove voters OK property tax increase
May 12, 2010

Measure maintains reserve funds in tight fiscal times

Washington Grove wants tracks down, not bridge up
December 9, 2009

‘Humpback Bridge’ too low for double-decker rail cars

‘Humpback Bridge’ opens
August 26, 2009

The East Deer Park Drive Bridge reopened after three months of repairs

Grove takes Leggett's plan to task
August 19, 2009

County aims to be 'unseen and unheard' at Casey properties

‘Humpback Bridge’ closed for summer renovation
June 24, 2009

Trains not affected; motor vehicle traffic re-routed to Oakmont Avenue

New legal turn in Grove land dispute
April 1, 2009

The state Court of Appeals has ruled that the Maryland-National Capital Planning Commission can join Fields legal dispute.

100-year-old porches pose problem in the Grove
October 8, 2008

Town considers whether to sell property or "ease" the situation

Elementary schoolers are turning tech savvy
April 30, 2008

"Hello, Washington Grove!" a chorus of five tiny voices belted out...

Gypsy moths return for new round
April 30, 2008

Record devastation could be at hand; drought and sparse treatment to blame

Towering over the competition
February 6, 2008

Two Washington Grove trees get state-champion status

Washington Grove play stitches together its talent
December 12, 2007

Holiday magic will take center stage on Saturday in a winter theatrical event that will welcome a fictional family to Washington Grove.

Site plan OK'd for phase one of Piedmont Crossing
November 7, 2007

The county Planning Board last week approved the site plan...

Washington Grove wins nod in taking land for open space
October 17, 2007

Town wants control of protecting a 12-acre parcel from development

Federal courts could hear ICC lawsuits by Oct. 1
September 19, 2007

Residents and environmental groups worry that construction will begin before cases are heard

Environmental group seeks historic stone
September 5, 2007

Legend has it that George Washington used rock to sharpen sword

King picked for District 39 Senate seat
August 22, 2007

If she is appointed by the governor, Democrats will have to fill her House seat; vote is set for Sept. 11

District 39 seat draws a crowd
August 8, 2007

Application deadline is Monday, with a decision expected on Tuesday

Gaithersburg master plan change needs scrutiny
August 1, 2007

Praisner says County Council was not told about move in March

Master plan 'split' irks Village residents
July 25, 2007

Johns Hopkins research campus must not be delayed, county planners say

P.J. Hogan resigns his Senate seat
July 18, 2007

District 39 leader takes a job as the top lobbyist for the University System of Maryland...

State sees worst gypsy moth outbreak in 12 years
July 11, 2007

Washington Grove officials consider hiring specialist to eradicate gypsy moths next year

Virtual blessing in the Grove honors all animals
July 11, 2007

Stoney Boy's tail, black and sausage-thick, thumped against the church floor...

Washington Grove's mayor re-elected after rare challenge
May 16, 2007

Washington Grove Mayor John Compton is headed for his ninth term in office after defending his seat from first-time challenger John Tomlin

Washington Grove elections Saturday
May 9, 2007

Some Washington Grove election officials expect a more robust turnout

The Grove has a mayoral race
April 11, 2007

Incumbent Compton to face challenger, town's first in years

County gives up on Piedmont Crossing site
February 7, 2007

Planners decide not to pursue the land for a new county school to serve Shady Grove

Shady Grove neighbors angered by laborer plan
January 17, 2007

Derwood, Rockville residents not pleased by county choice to open employment center nearby

Officials seek longer reservation of school site
January 10, 2007

Park and Planning officials say county needs more time to consider fate of Shady Grove Sector property

County Council delays action on school site
November 29, 2006

After quick proposal to give up possible location, idea is taken off fast track

Developers, Planning Board discuss plans for Casey 6 and 7
November 15, 2006

Builder wants to use sites for non-residential and housing uses, but many questions still unanswered

Hunting season nears, but not in one backyard
November 15, 2006

Gaithersburg man denied neighborhood hunt that experts say is growing more common in deer-thriving suburbia

Construction traffic for school worries Walnut Hill residents
October 18, 2006

MCPS works to alleviate concerns surrounding long-awaited addition to Washington Grove Elementary

Having a ball at McCathran Hall
October 11, 2006

Kids, former mayor hit the dance floor

Neighbors are unhappy with latest plans for Casey Mill
September 13, 2006

The project, now being called Piedmont Crossing, includes 65 homes.

Humpback bridge is in 'good shape,' says consultants' report
August 16, 2006

Study opposes county's aim to replace historic span

Barranger back at Washington Grove as principal
August 9, 2006

Former teacher takes on top post at diverse elementary school

ICC noise still a concern for the quiet hamlet of Washington Grove
August 2, 2006

Town airs concerns to in another heated session

New school leaders stress rigorous learning
July 12, 2006

Brake, Newsome start new positions upcounty overseeing school performance

Washington Grove girds for gypsy moths
June 21, 2006

Wood-eating caterpillars can weaken and kill trees, especially oaks

Washington Grove braces for higher energy, trash costs
June 14, 2006

Expenses include waste pickup, power and legal fees

Washington Grove awaits engineering report on bridge
May 31, 2006

Study probes future of Deer Park 'Humpback' bridge

Town ponders new humps to curb speeders
May 17, 2006

Devices among fiscal priorities in Washington Grove

Getting stung is a fact of life
April 26, 2006

There's a new buzz over the vital role of bees

Town oils eggs to rid lake of geese
April 26, 2006

To reduce bird droppings on shoreline, Washington Grove prevents goose eggs from hatching with addling and umbrellas

Doing battle with garbage
April 19, 2006

Beer bottles and other odd finds await Jean Myers, Washington Grove volunteer

Washington Grove, fearing road noise, to review sound studies
March 8, 2006

State says ICC would be too far away to pose a problem

Deer Park Road bridge might change owners
March 8, 2006

County raises 'possibility' of giving Humpback Bridge to Gaithersburg, Washington Grove

Washington Grove crimes are spiking, watch group says
March 1, 2006

Slain deer found amid concerns that some cases are not being reported

Warm winter melting hopes for skating rink
February 15, 2006

Washington Grove says it will try to build homemade skating venue next year

County home assessments up 70 percent
February 1, 2006

Shellshocked homeowners weigh chances of appeal as deadline approaches

Grove rules on infractions inch forward
December 14, 2005

Washington Grove moved closer Monday night to finding a way to implement a proposed municipal infractions ordinance...

Town split on infractions rules
December 7, 2005

Washington Grove debates ordinance

Attack unleashes fear for pets
November 30, 2005

Roaming dogs blamed for killing napping cat

Town adopts church zoning limits
November 16, 2005

Washington Grove rule also can restrict schools, nonprofits

What's being built where
November 2, 2005

New school construction

Washington Grove studies land deal
October 19, 2005

Town worries plans for developments will take meadow

Town moves toward church zoning limits
October 5, 2005

More than two years since the issue sprung to life in the quiet, canopied town of Washington Grove, leaders expect to vote soon on a zoning ordinance that would restrict the development of churches, schools and nonprofits to prevent increased traffic in the pedestrian-friendly town.

Group rejects latest sector plan version
September 21, 2005

Residents living near the Shady Grove Metro Station took advantage of a Montgomery County Council voting delay to cast their own ballots against a plan that would allow the buildup of as many as 6,340 new housing units in their area

New group making plans to operate shelter for cats
August 10, 2005

Volunteers have gone to court in a bid to rescue a Gaithersburg cat shelter that closed last week.

Rockville adds 10,000 residents and edges back up in rankings
July 6, 2005

New U.S. Census estimates released last Thursday rank Rockville as the third largest city in Maryland, behind Baltimore and Gaithersburg and edging out Frederick by just 91 people.

Preserving the Grove's forest
June 22, 2005

Town conducting first tree inventory

Washington Grove cuts tax rate
June 15, 2005

A traditional toll of the bell above McCathran Hall gave way to Washington Grove's 69th annual Town Meeting last weekend.

Rabid raccoon found in Washington Grove
June 15, 2005

Washington Grove residents issued rabies warnings by e-mail last week after a woman found and caught a rabid raccoon stumbling near her yard.

Keep vital access routes to Shady Grove Road open
June 15, 2005

I disagree with Les Slaback who suggested that both the humpback bridge across the CSX tracks near Washington Grove and the grade crossing from Railroad Street to Oakmont Avenue be closed ("Address questions on bridge," June 8 letter).

Washington Grove gears up for voting
June 8, 2005

Three open seats, three candidates

Historic status suggested for span
June 8, 2005

Designation could impact upgrades for Deer Park bridge

Address questions on bridge
June 8, 2005

Some questions relating to the proposed replacement of the East Deer Park Drive humpback bridge and the Oakmont Avenue grade-level crossing have not been seriously addressed.

Congregation struggles with waning membership
May 11,2005

Washington Grove church ponders its future and focus

Safety issues enter debate over replacing bridge
May 11,2005

A new bridge from East Deer Park Drive to Washington Grove could make it safer for school buses to cross railroad tracks and improve the response time of fire and rescue services coming from outside Gaithersburg, say representatives from the county school transportation department and the fire department.

Helping hands unite in Washington Grove
April 27, 2005

Volunteers foster community spirit

A wider Humpback bridge is panned by councils
April 27, 2005

Despite its age, tight corners and one-lane passage, Gaithersburg and Washington Grove council members and residents would rather repair the existing one-lane "Humpback Bridge" than replace it with a larger bridge, they said at a Monday night meeting.

Water pipes being replaced in Montgomery Village, Grove
April 20, 2005

A project began last month to replace 3,055 feet of 40-year-old water mains in Montgomery Village and 1,773 feet of 80-year-old mains in Washington Grove with new pipes that will protect against corrosion.

Shady Grove plan shortchanges area, group argues
April 13, 2005

Civic alliance vows to press council on public facilities

Character Counts program a year 'round priority
March 30, 2005

Washington Grove Elementary saluted as school of year

Carving a niche in genetic testing
March 30, 2005

Gaithersburg lab sees demand soar

Group seeks alternatives for land
March 30, 2005

County seeking site near airpark for industrial uses

Town becoming a showcase for historic preservation
March 23, 2005

Standing in the hall named after her great-great-grandfather, 17-year-old Emily McCathran hopes to strike an emotional chord when she delivers the keynote speech at the second annual Countywide Community Preservation Conference.

Neighbors push to keep Oakmont a two-lane road
March 23, 2005

Potential for increase in traffic under plans worries residents

Grove ponders new zoning fees
March 16, 2005

The burgeoning costs of enforcing Washington Grove's zoning laws, which restrict the growing trend of "mansionization," are putting a dent in the town's $400,000 budget, according to Mayor John Compton.

Mansionization conference announced for April 9
March 16, 2005

Can't get enough of the sidewalk setback debate? Not to worry; the Second Annual Community Preservation Conference -- aka, Preserving Communities in the Face of Mansionization -- is scheduled 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 9 at McCathran Hall, 300 Grove Ave., Washington Grove. The lineup of featured speakers includes Emily McCathran, a sixth-generation resident of Washington Grove; Chevy Chase Councilwoman Linna Barnes; John Carter, division chief of community-based planning for the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission; and Garrett Park architect Bob Rheinhardt.

Fate of park crux of Shady Grove plans
March 16, 2005

Planning around variables in the Shady Grove sector can be like chasing a bouncing ball or building a house of cards, depending on which member of the County Council is speaking.

Destroying bridge solves nothing
March 9, 2005; LETTERS: Georgette Cole, Washington Grove

I attended the public workshop held to discuss three options for the Humpback Bridge between Gaithersburg and Washington Grove ("Three options studied for replacing Humpback Bridge," Feb. 2 story).

Grove issues tax-time reminder
March 9, 2005

As the tax-filing deadline approaches, Washington Grove is reminding its residents to mark "Washington Grove" on their state income tax forms, so the town can receive its local income tax revenue.

Zoning category for Shady Grove meets opposition
March 9, 2005

Neighborhood and civic association leaders are opposed to a proposed Transit-Oriented Mixed-Use Zone that articulates development standards set forth in the draft of the Shady Grove Sector Plan.

Another year, another loss for municipal-controlled electricity
March 9, 2005

Maryland's cities and towns will have to wait at least another year before getting into the electricity business following a state legislative committee vote last week.

EPA backs ICC, but a different route than council favors
March 9, 2005

The federal Environmental Protection Agency last week announced it favored the so-called Northern Alignment of the Intercounty Connector, an 18-mile toll road that would connect Gaithersburg and Laurel.

Don't sacrifice existing communities for new
March 2, 2005; LETTERS: Deborah Chambers, Washington Grove

County Council's Planning, Housing and Economic Development Committee is considering commandeering land that is slated for protection under the Legacy Open Space program to build a school needed for the buildout of the new Shady Grove Master Plan.

New option offered for meadowland
March 2, 2005

A 12-acre meadow that buffers the historic town of Washington Grove from a planned housing complex appears to be preserved from development.

Council gives ICC support in 6-3 vote
March 2, 2005

The Montgomery County Council gave the Intercounty Connector broad support Tuesday as members worked through the issues facing the State Highway Administration in constructing the controversial highway.

Bridge not needed
February 23, 2005; LETTERS: Ann Briggs, Washington Grove

The county transportation engineers say they've undertaken a study to replace the East Deer Park Bridge out of safety concerns because the bridge abutments are deteriorating and will require rehab sometime after two to five years.

Feds concerned with ICC funding changes
February 23, 2005

Transportation chief warns of delays, takes shot at Duncan. The Federal Highway Administration is taking a dim view of proposals from legislative staffers to change the funding formula for the Intercounty Connector highway.

Mansionization Reaches Gaithersburg
February 23, 2005

Case brings mansionization issue to light. Neighbors said it wouldn't blend in with other homes in the more than 50-year-old community. Gaithersburg's Planning Commission last week approved an addition to a Hutton Street house. City leaders are reacting to residents who fear the expansion marks the beginning of mansionization in Gaithersburg.

Council gets an earful... Legacy Open Space issue
February 23, 2005

Lime green "Legacy Open Space" signs scattered throughout the audience. The signs represented the concern among Washington Grove residents about the future of a 12-acre portion of the Casey Farm, a meadow adjacent to Washington Grove....At the end of 2004, Councilwoman Nancy M. Floreen (D-At large) of Garrett Park recommended a site on the property as a possibility for a new school site. The move angered Town residents because they had already made an agreement with developers to give the plot to the Legacy Open Space program which protects open space land.

Ehrlich tours county seeking ICC help
February 16, 2005

On a daylong tour through Montgomery County with his Cabinet on Monday, Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. touted progress in building the $2.4 billion Intercounty Connector while calling on the business community to lobby legislators to lift restrictions on borrowing so the highway can be built.

Grove picks a Web site
February 16, 2005

Washington Grove's Town Council agreed unanimously to formalize the webmaster's position and pay a $50 monthly stipend.

Town, church to meet over zoning plan
February 16, 2005

After a lengthy discussion at Monday night's meeting about what message their decision could send, Washington Grove council members agreed to form a subcommittee to meet with United Methodist church members to talk about a proposed zoning ordinance.

Power for the people
February 16, 2005

Although they've tried before and lost, municipal leaders in Montgomery County are optimistic that their residents will soon have the ability to purchase electricity directly from city, town and village governments.

Planning Board supports ICC's Corridor 1
February 9, 2005

The proposed Intercounty Connector highway project received the Montgomery County Planning Board's support, as the commissioners voted 4-1 to support the Corridor 1 alignment for the ICC, despite mixed feelings for the process and its implications.

Olde Towne revitalization, road projects top strategic list
February 9, 2005

Gaithersburg's mayor and City Council say revitalizing Olde Towne and road improvements, including supporting the Intercounty Connector and an Interstate 270 interchange at Watkins Mill Road, top the city's strategic directions, or key points that help shape the city's budget for the year ahead.

Persuasion, not force, key to recycling rules
February 9, 2005

Better get that empty milk jug out of the kitchen trash. And this newspaper better end up in the recycling bin. Or else.

Casey Field - Residents protest plan to build in county open space
February 2, 2005

Key County Council members say they are not interested in building a new school at Blueberry Hill Park in Derwood, but are considering using part of a 12-acre meadow recently incorporated into the county's Legacy Open Space program near Washington Grove.

Humpback Bridge - Three options studied for replacing Humpback Bridge
February 2, 2005

Transportation planners this week opened a new round of public meetings to present and discuss three proposals for replacing the Humpback Bridge, a 60-year-old span over railroad tracks between Gaithersburg and Washington Grove.

Church says zoning plan proposal is too restrictive
Jan. 25, 2005

Members of Washington Grove United Methodist Church say a proposed zoning law would give the town of Washington Grove free rein to restrict the church's long-term goals and mission.

Casey meadow land reserved for open space
January 4, 2005

After more than four years of negotiation, revision and compromise, plans to develop the Casey Property at Mill Creek made it through preliminary hearings by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission last month.

Washington Grove presses for answers on school site
December 14, 2004

Ridge Road stretches along the southern edge of Washington Grove, a 12-acre meadow tucked behind the tree line to the south, a row of homes cozying up on the north. The road is only 16 feet wide, lacking gutters and sidewalks, and residents of the sleepy town like it that way.

Washington Grove considers permits for extra-large trucks
November 30, 2004

Washington Grove is a town that encourages people to walk, not drive. Most of its winding streets, resembling trails in the middle of a forest, are 16 feet wide, leaving barely enough room for two cars to pass each other, let alone overweight and oversized vehicles.

Town reviews stricter zoning laws
November 30, 2004

When Washington Grove United Methodist Church announced a proposal more than a year ago to add a school for up to 50 students at its property in the center of Washington Grove--a rustic town built in a forest preserve--neighbors grew concerned.

Gaithersburg suggests moving trash transfer station
November 9, 2004

On some warm days, the stench from up to 2,500 tons of trash wafts from a solid waste transfer station, off Route 355 just south of Gaithersburg, across land that today houses a county maintenance facility, warehouses and bus depots.

Public says plan will overextend roads, schools
November 9, 2004

Those for and against the Shady Grove Sector Plan warned the Montgomery County Council at a Thursday public hearing not to overextend the area's roads and schools.