Town Council News
Next meeting: Monday » 08.08.11 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend.
The public is invited to attend. Actions at the July 11th meeting included:
- approval of Kathie Evans as the alternate on the Board of Zoning Appeals.
Casey 6 and 7 Update
On Wednesday July 13 Ike Leggett officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony for the County Emergency Maintenance and Equipment Center (EMOC). Because land has been purchased from Roberts Oxygen, the new facility will back up to the houses on Brown Street extended. Shelley Winkler has agreed to act as resident liaison to the County during the two-year building process. She has arranged for the County do a presentation of the plan details and staging in McCathran Hall on Monday August 1 at 7:30 PM. All who are interested are encouraged to attend.
If you have any questions they can be directed to the project manager, Mrs. Rassa Davoodpour (Montgomery County Department of General Services) at [email protected]
BZA Alternate Approved
The Mayor and Council thank the outgoing alternate for the Board of Zoning Appeals, John Tomlin, for his service to the Town. The new alternate will be Kathie Evans who was proposed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council at the July 11 meeting.
Fishing at Maple Lake
Please be aware that multiple incidents of fishing hooks being found in the sand and grass around the Lake have been reported. Swimmers near the dock have run into tangles of line and hook.
Recently a snapping turtle swallowed a hook baited with meat and the hook lodged so close to the heart the unfortunate turtle had to be put down. Fishing is permitted at Maple Lake but it MUST be done safely in order to continue.
In the interests of protecting everyone, fishing is NOT permitted from the dock, in the beach area or on the berm in between. In addition, lines should NEVER be cast into an area near where people are swimming. The Maple Lake Carry-in/Carry-out policy applies to fishing supplies too. Do not leave lines or hooks behind when you are done.
Our Ordinance Article I, section 12b says that "fishing by any means is prohibited in the Town except in conformance with State law." This means that anyone 16 or older must have a valid fishing license.
Once the new rules are finalized by the Town Council they will be posted in obvious places at the Lake. The Council will be discussing these rules again at the August 8 Council meeting. Resident feedback is encouraged and can be sent to the Town office, to anyone on the Council or given in person at the meeting.
Residents, especially parents, should be alert to the potential hook hazard. I’m sure our residents will be mindful, but it’s clear we often have non-residents using the lake who may not be as careful. Even with the Lake combinations changing regularly, trespassers continue to be a problem. The Lake Committee has done a wonderful job of making Maple Lake a welcoming haven for the Grove. Dedicated volunteers do yearly cleanup, organize lifeguard schedules and open and close the gate. It was volunteers who rescued the snapping turtle and took it to Second Chance Wildlife. Please remember, however, that all of us who use and enjoy the lake need to play a part in keeping this area safe and enjoyable.
Planning Commission News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 08.03.11 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend.
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. Please contact the Town Office (301-926-2256) or [email protected], or see the Town website for more details. The Historic Preservation Commission will review most permit applications as well.
Historic Preservation News
Next meeting: Tuesday » 08.16.11 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. Meetings are open to the public.
Another myth about historic preservation:
"Historic designation will lower my property values."
Fact:
Study after study across the nation has conclusively demonstrated that historic designation and the creation of historic districts actually increase property values. Why? In part because historic designation gives a neighborhood or an individual historic site a cachet that sets it apart from ordinary properties. Many buyers seek out the unique qualities and ambiance of a historic property. Historic district designation gives potential homebuyers two rare and economically valuable assurances: that the very qualities that attracted them to their neighborhood will endure over time, and that they can safely reinvest in sensitive improvements to their home without fear that their neighbor will undermine this investment with a new “monster home” or inappropriate new development.
…important points to ponder as the Town considers its next steps in guarding against Mansionization threats.
For more in-depth reading on see:
- Benefits of Residential Historic District Designation for Property Owners
- Econonric Benefits of Residential Historic Districts
- Property Value Appreciation for Historic Districts in
Alabama
Forestry News
Next meeting: Tuesday » 08.30.11 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The Committee will discuss the fall tree/shrub plantings. Anyone interested in participating would be most welcome.
PEPCO Pruning
PEPCO expects Asplundh to start working on trees in Town within the next 2 – 3 weeks. They have been working in Eastern Montgomery County and anticipate moving to our area soon.
East Woods
The health of trees and their environment throughout our two forests is the overarching goal of the Woods Group. In early June, members of the group identified an anomaly in the East Woods: wilt of trees in three areas. The reason for the wilt is not readily apparent. The areas are near greenbriar which was cut and then treated with the herbicide Garlon the last week of April by the professional team hired by the Town annually since 2009. Other areas close by and treated with Garlon show no wilt. The East woods are shallow rooted due to a rock ledge under them making the trees more vulnerable in periods of extended water shortages like the past three years. The current heat spell may be an aggravating factor.
We are trying to determine what has caused wilt in these small but specific areas and in how fast and to what extent recovery occurs. We are consulting with experts from the University of Maryland Extension service, the Maryland Department of Agriculture, County specialists as well as the company that manufactures Tryclopyr (Garlon). We hope to have sufficient information and analyses from these professional sources to make a knowledgeable report to the Town in the September Bulletin.
If you have questions, please call Ann Briggs (301-926-6347), Chair, Town Woods Group.
Lake Committee News
Next meeting: Tuesday » 08.16.11 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend. New members are always welcome!
Fishing at Maple Lake
- The Lake Committee has drafted a list of “Fishing Regulations” to be posted at the Lake.
- No Fishing is allowed in areas where people swim.
- A sign will be posted showing where fishing is allowed (from the far side of the bridge to the spring.)
- A sign will be posted on the dock saying “NO FISHING HERE”
Current Issues
- Combo Change – The combination has changed for the lock on the inner gate. Please contact a member of the Lake Committee, or the Town Office for the new number.
- Trash – Please pick up your trash; there have been several instances, where left-over food, clothes, fishing equipment and other stuff has been left at the lake.
- Parking – Parking is sometimes very tight – Please park so others have more room to park, or WALK!
Recreation Committee News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 09.21.11@ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend. New members always welcome!
The Mousetrap Brochure is Coming!
With all the news about Mousetrap’s 13th BIG Season. FIVE CONCERTS for the 2011-2012 Series
Check your mailboxes toward the end of August!
Woman’s Club News
Washington Grove Directories
The 2011-2013 Town directories are available for purchase at the Town Office (cash only sales @$3.00, no checks or IOU’S) or from any of the following people:
- Jamie Amagai ([email protected])
- Margo Cavenagh (301-963-0294)
- Liz Robertson (202-841-8639)
- Erica Turner (347-586-9284)
- Shelley Winkler (301-330-6446)
Mark Your Calendars…Save the Date!!
The Annual Potluck Dinner will be on Friday, September 16, at 6:30 P.M. at the Woman’s Clubhouse.
All Are Welcome!
Everyone is welcome to attend the Woman’s Club events.
There are a number of ways to be notified about Woman’s Club activities and programs:
- Town Bulletin – Woman’s Club information is listed here each month
- Town Yahoo Group – an email goes out a few days before each event
- By email – if you’d like a private email reminder about upcoming programs, send an email to Jamie Amagai at [email protected].
- By phone – if you’d like to receive a phone call reminder about upcoming programs, please let Jamie Amagai know at 301-330-1330.
WGUMC News
- August 21st-Sara Emmerich, M.Div. will bring a message about the environment and faith at the 11 am service.
- August 28th-Calling all children and parents! David and Judy will host a cook-out for young families at the parsonage (101 Center St) after church. The service is at 11 am, cook-out about 12:30. We’ll do the bbq, sides and desserts welcome…
Save the dates:
- September 18th-"Rally Day" celebrates the start of Sunday school for the year at 12:30 (following 11 am worship) with Games, face-painting, and cook out…All welcome!
- October 15th-Get your Halloween pumpkin at the Fall Festival "pumpkin patch," and get a start on Christmas by visiting crafts shops…bake sale, food, and more!
Please Pick Up After Your Dog!
The formula is really quite simple:
YOUR DOG = YOUR POO
If you place your dog’s waste in a plastic bag, that does not change the ownership of its contents. That bag should make it back to your own trash can, not a neighbor’s or the can in Woodward Park or beside a telephone pole. You can do it! Thank you.