Town Council Notes
Next meeting: Monday, February 10, 2003 7:30 p.m., in the Council Room.
The public is invited to attend. February’s meeting will begin with a public hearing regarding the proposed annexation of Railroad Park. The Mayor and Council will also be visited by a community outreach coordinator from the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission.
Casey Field Update.
A slightly revised development plan has been received, and Oxbridge will take it before the Wetlands Committee on Feb. 3rd. This is among the last steps in the revision and review process mandated by the staff. Presentation before the Planning Board could be scheduled for late February. The new plan differs just slightly from the one previous and, unfortunately, features a paved (!) bike path through the field and a wood-chipped walk around the circumference!! This, together with the incompatibility of the large homes on small lots on the field (behind the current “WSSC” property house), are issues of major concern to the Town. The Town Council agreed that a letter should be written to M-NCPPC to voice an opinion about the decision to remove the 1985 Master Plan requirement for a school reserve in this area and urge the MCPS to comprehensively address their options for keeping present schools from further over-crowding.
As before, once the Planning Board session is imminent, Town residents will be encouraged to write and attend in support of the Town’s interests!
A new purchaser is looking into the Casey industrial tract (formerly Shady Grove/Crabbs Branch Village proposal). The Mayor has received no further information.
Shady Grove Sector Master Plan Update.
A Shady Grove Sector Plan Neighborhood Workshop meeting was held on Jan. 22nd at Mill Creek Towne ES and focused on impacts on the Derwood community. Mayor Compton attended the Shady Grove Road Corridor Charrette on December 11, 2002. The purpose of this meeting was to offer a forum for public input regarding further development and changes that will take place in the area surrounding the Shady Grove Metro Station. The citizens who participated helped devise a plan of recommendations for this area. Another meeting was held on January 14, 2003. This meeting updated citizens, property owners and others about transportation planning, school capacity planning, land use related to traffic generation, and schools, and APFO/AGP policies and practices.
Washington Grove – 1612
A reminder to Washington Grove residents. Please fill in Washington Grove – 1612 in the appropriate box on your State income tax form. If someone else prepares your tax forms, include this notice with your tax information and if you file electronically, be sure to select Washington Grove under City, Town or Taxing Area. This does not increase your taxes, but does help ensure that the Town receives its proper share of local income tax revenue. Thanks for your help!
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PROPOSED ANNEXATION
The Washington Grove Town Council will conduct a public hearing on
Monday, February 10, 2003, at 7:30 p.m., in McCathran Hall.
The purpose of the hearing will be to take public comment regarding Annexation Resolution 2002-06, proposing annexation of Railroad Park, a 2,295 square foot (more or less) parcel fronting on Railroad St. and adjoining the Town-owned remainder of the former B&O Railroad parcel, the same property as described in Liber 12385, Folio 465 among the Land Records for Montgomery County, Maryland. The Town is the sole owner of the property and has expressed its consent to annexation in Resolution No. 2002-05 adopted on December 9, 2002. The proposed annexation would include Ordinance No. 2002-07 classifying the property in the Town’s FR Zone (Forest and Recreational).
Planning Commission News
Next meeting: February 4, 7:30 p.m. Council Room.
The public is invited to attend.
Building Permits:
If you are going to erect a building or structure (including fences), make structural alterations to, or move any existing building or other structure, you must first obtain a building permit from the Washington Grove Planning Commission. The Town zoning ordinance governs setbacks, lot coverage and height. Applications are available at the Town Office at 301-926-2256. The permit fee is $10.00, payable to the Town of Washington Grove. Interior renovations, which involve electrical, plumbing, or load-bearing changes, generally require a County permit. The Town must first sign off all applications for County-required building permits. The Historic Preservation Commission will review most permits as well.
Historic Preservation News
Next meeting: February 18, 7:30 p.m. Council Room.
The public is invited to attend. Building permit applications are being reviewed for:
415 Center Street
Recreation Committee News
Next meeting: March 5, 2003, 7:30 p.m. Council Room.
The Committee would like to report that a program called “Snails & Tails” will be presented in April and that performers have already been engaged for the Saturday night concert of Music Weekend.
Mousetrap In February
The Hesperus Early Music Consort will perform
February 23, 2003 at 3:00p.m.
Hesperus’ program “Miracles” was assembled by this dynamic trio as a gift of sound that calls up rich and ancient musical heritage for Mousetrap Concert goers. Concert tickets are still available.
For more info. call 301-926-6347 or 301-926-2858.
Celebrate Peace Corps Day!!
In celebration of Peace Corps Day, the Recreation Committee will sponsor a slide show by Town residents who were in the Peace Corps on February 28th at 7:00 p.m. in McCathran Hall. Tom Land, Larry French and Diana Talbert will tell stories about their Peace Corps experiences in Botswana, Brazil and Malawi.
Everyone is invited to attend!
New Group Forming
for Moms, Dads, Grandparents & Care-givers at home with babies and toddlers. Come to an informal gathering on Wednesday, February 5, 2003 at McCathran Hall from 9:30 a.m.-11:00 ‘ish to make friends and share ideas. For more information call Karen Kelly at 301-987-9529.
Woman’s Club News
Next meeting: Thursday, February 20, 7:30 p.m. at the Clubhouse
“The Art of Henna”, bring a friend or a daughter to learn about henna designs.
The Annual Chili Supper/Fundraiser
February 21, 2003 at McCathran Hall from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Come join the fun! For further information contact Joli McCathran at 301-869-5358.
Snow Responsibilities.
Please remember that shoveling the sidewalk on Washington Grove Lane is the responsibility of the residents along that road.
Leaves & Yard Waste
The leaf vacuuming for the autumn portion of our contract is completed. The contract allows for a spring pickup between March 15-31. Questions should be directed to Nick Suzich at [email protected] or (301)869-9638. While the collection got off to a slow start in November and was somewhat hampered by the early snow in December, the end result appears to have been a good one. Our final pickup was not made until January 15th therefore, residents who raked after New Year’s actually benefited from the extension!
The presence of brown recycling bags along some roads brings this reminder: The recyclable yard waste contract is for nine months each year and excludes December, January and February. We had one pickup just before the snow in December to make up for a miss during Thanksgiving week, but that was the last one until March. Please remind anyone doing yard work for you these next two months, and make other arrangements for disposal of any bags already out. The transfer station at the corner of Shady Grove Road and Route 355 allows for such disposal at no cost to County residents.
Put On Your Thinking Caps!
Town elections will be upon us in a very short time. Persons may be nominated for elective office in the Town by filing a certificate of nomination on or before the second Monday in April with the chairman of the Supervisors of Elections, Mary Kay DuBois, 119 Maple Avenue, 301-926-8941. The certificate of nomination must be in writing and signed by at least two qualified voters of the Town. No person may file for nomination to more than one elective Town public office. All nominees must be qualified voters of the Town. Councilors must have resided in the Town for at least one year immediately preceding the election. The Mayor must have resided in the Town for at least two years immediately preceding the election. The following terms expire in June: Mayor – 1 year term, Town Councilor – 3 year term, Town Councilor – 3 year term.
Parking.
The Mayor and Town Council would like to remind residents to be mindful of the parking problems that plague many areas in our Town. They would especially like to remind residents and guests who attend Town events at the Hall to be considerate of those who live close to McCathran Hall. Their situation is unique in that when events take place in the Hall, they either lose their own spots or become victims of creative parking ideas of the general public. They ask for your help in keeping the shoulders on Center Street between Grove Road and Grove Avenue clear of parked cars. Thank you!
Calling All 4th Graders!
The Maryland Municipal League (MML) and the Maryland Mayors’ Association (MMA) invite 4th grade students throughout Maryland to participate in a statewide essay contest: “If I Were Mayor, I Would.” This year, students are asked to include ideas for reaching out to all community members. The contest gives students a chance to creatively use grade-specific language arts skills and civics/social studies knowledge. For entry forms and more information, contact the Town office at 301-926-2256.
Woods Dog Walkers Beware!
On Tuesday, January 21, 2003 between the hours of 4:30 & 5:00 p.m. in the East Woods, an unknown man used a type of pepper spray on a residents’ dog that was running off-leash. The dog that was sprayed was not barking at or jumping on the man who sprayed him. In conclusion, use caution when walking your dog(s) off-leash in the woods.
Bandit J. Mroczka…
died on Jan 10, 2003 at the age of 12 » dog years. Last July, when he was diagnosed with cancer, he raised his paw and volunteered to participate in a study through the Animal Cancer Institute, bravely subjecting himself to twice-daily injections by his clumsy but loving owners, Ed & Judy. The cancer managed to fight its way back, but not before Bandit had made his contribution to science and had given his many friends (including those at the school bus stop) several more months of his friendly smile. In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by his fianc » , Sailor Herold, of Findlay, OH.
Kudos!
To the Recreation Committee and all involved in the holiday decorations for McCathran Hall… to Brenda Gumula and Leila Keese for single-handedly decorating The Gazebo.and to all the performers and planners of our first “Holiday Music Weekend”!!
The Washington Grove Film Society
presents Billy Wilder’s “Some Like It Hot”
Sunday, Feb. 9th &:00p.m. @ McCathran Hall.
Clerk’s Corner
Speed-er: n. 1. One who or that which speeds; esp., a motorist who exceeds a safe or legally specified limit. 2. Some Washington Grove residents. It’s a new year, please, slow down!