Town Council News
Next meeting: Monday » 12.07.09 @ 7:30 p.m. & Monday » 12.21.09 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend.
Actions at the November Council meeting included:
- acceptance of snow removal bid from returning company Lion Contractors.
- acceptance of 2008-09 Audit report.
- rescheduling of December Town Council meetings (see above).
LOS Lawsuit Update
On November 5th, Town residents spoke in front of the Planning Board hearing on the approval of the plats for Piedmont Crossing (Toll Brothers development). The approval of the plats included the LOS field, which was to be dedicated to Park and Planning for the LOS program. Because the plats were submitted with Toll Brothers giving the field to Park and Planning (ownership), the Town objected. After 45 minutes of testimony, Royce Hanson accepted a motion to remove the text on the LOS plat referring to Toll Brothers giving ownership to Park and Planning, and reverting back to the dedication. This is very important to the Town in its attempt to keep the LOS field in the LOS program and allow the condemnation lawsuit to move forward.
No sooner had we averted this ploy to gain ownership of the LOS field, Park and Planning began the process to have Toll give them a quitclaim deed to the LOS-again giving them ownership. The Town filed an injunction request to stop the transfer of the fee and title to Park and Planning. We were successful in gaining a temporary injunction but must appear in Circuit Court on December 3rd to pursue a permanent injunction. Further updates will be provided at the December 7th Town Council meeting.
Next Town Meeting on the LOS Condemnation Lawsuit
Because so much activity has occurred in our LOS condemnation lawsuit that was unexpected, such as the attempt to make an end-run around the Circuit Court by having Toll transfer ownership to Park and Planning, it will be necessary to hold a Town Meeting sometime in January so the Town Council does not exceed the financial limits set at last May’s regular Town Meeting. The Mayor will discuss this with the Town Council at the December 21st Council meeting and set a date for the January meeting. Notice will appear in the January Town Bulletin, as well as through our other informational methods.
Humpback Bridge Update
As you receive this bulletin, you probably have been aware of the informational meeting with CSX at the Bohrer Center in Gaithersburg on December 2nd at 7:30. A thorough update of the results of CSX’s planned options for the bridge will be listed in the January Town Bulletin, but anyone who wants to see the plans can ask to review them in the Town Office after the meeting. Many thanks to everyone working on this, again!
Planning Commission News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 01.06.10 @ 7:30 p.m. in 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 for a major building permit (addition/renovation) is $40.00. The fee for a minor building permit (fence/shed) is $10.00. Checks should be made payable to the Town of Washington Grove. Interior renovations, which involve electrical, plumbing, or load-bearing changes, generally require a County permit. A shed requires a County permit as well. The Town must first sign off all applications for County-required building permits. The Historic Preservation Commission will review most permit applications as well.
Historic Preservation News
Next meeting: Tuesday » 12.15.09 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. Meetings are open to the public.
Joint HPC/PC Work Session
December 9, 2009; 7:30 pm; Council Room
This hearty group continues to struggle with the challenges of “mansionization”. Observers are welcome!
Recreation Committee News
Next meeting: Wednesday » 01.20.10 @ 7:30 p.m. in Council Room. The public is invited to attend.
Washington Grove Holiday Extravaganza!
“The Grover Express, The Train that Dreams are Made Of” Come one, come all to this year’s Holiday Show on Saturday, Dec. 12th at 7:30 p.m. in McCathran Hall. This original play with music and dance will feature Town talent along with some friends of Washington Grove…and of course, a visit from a “special holiday guest”.
Washington Grove Drawing Group Continues
The third session will run from January 6 through February 10. Cost is $150 for a 6-week session. For more information, please contact Carolyn [email protected], 301-869-5854 or Marida 301-519-8730 [email protected]. We’d love to see you there!
New Year’s Party Plans
Join your neighbors and friends for a New Year’s Celebration, December 31st, 8:30 pm in McCathran Hall. Avoid the roads, and enjoy refreshments, music, and, dancing right here in the Grove. Top hats and festive dress not required but encouraged !
Woman’s Club News
Next meeting: Thursday » 01.21.10 @ 7:30 p.m. at the home of Janet Lottero (201 Cherry Avenue). We will be hosting the Annual White Elephant Auction with Maria Montefusco as the auctioneer. Mark your calendars! All are invited to attend.
There will be no meeting in December. The Woman’s Club would like to wish you and your family Happy Holidays! The 2010 Officers are:
- Joli McCathran-President
- Margo Cavenagh-Vice-President
- Sharon Hurst-Recording Secretary
- Cynthia Werts-Treasurer
- Leigh Partington-Corresponding Secretary
WGUMC News
- All are Welcome to a Holiday Party on Sunday, Dec. 20th–At 3 pm celebrate the holiday season with song and merriment and snacks, with adults and children, at the Gilmore/Cavey home,121 Chestnut Rd. With the help of guitarist Gary Temple, we’ll sing Christmas, Hanukkah, and Winter songs…
- Special Christmas Services at the church–at 11 am on Sunday Dec. 20th enjoy our Nativity Drama; at 7:30 pm on Wednesday Dec. 24th come to the annual Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols.
- Play Group continues on 1st and 3rd Wednesday–We’ll meet on Wednesday December 2nd and Wednesday, December 16th, from 9:30-11:00 am, downstairs in the church. All families welcome–so children can play, and parents and grandparents can talk! Questions? Call Emily Cavey at 240 632 9587 or Judy Young at 240 912 9895.
- Movement Class–Kim Thompson’s Gentle Movement for chronic pain sufferers class in December will be on Dec.9th (it’s the 2nd Wednesday of the month), from 2 to 3 pm upstairs in the church. The class is free, sponsored by the County, and open to all.
Wishing everyone a lovely holiday season!
Peace, Judy Young
Neighborhood Watch News
Report Crimes & Suspicious Activity!
Mont. Co. Police non-emergency: 301-279-8000
Town Office: 301-926-2256
Joe Clark: 301-869-7944
Keith Gillis/Leigh Partington: 301-208-1437
Incident Report:
- November 21: Reckless driving. 100 block Hickory Rd – At about 7:45 p.m. resident witnessed a car traveling down Hickory Rd behind the Post Office recklessly at a high rate of speed. It was a small dark colored car with the vanity license plate. The driver was a man. When resident yelled that he was driving too fast, he slowed momentarily and then sped off even faster.
Reminder: This time of year we often experience a rise in incidents, especially break-ins and theft. Please remember to lock your home doors and accessible windows when you are away even for a short time. Lock your car doors. Do not leave any valuables in your car. Small electronic devices are prime targets.
Please report criminal or suspicious activity to your Neighborhood Watch Block Captain or Coordinators. Filing a police report, too, helps the police department keep track of criminal incidents and is necessary for police to take action. Of course, for emergency situations call 911.
The Montgomery County Police Department has implemented a new online system for residents to report non-emergency crimes. The new system called On-Line Citizen Reporting System went into effect September 21. Note that you must have a valid email address to file a report online. You may file an online report for a crime if: (1) it is not an emergency, (2) it occurred within Montgomery County, (3) it is not motor vehicle accident, (4) property stolen is valued less than $10,000, (5) there are no known suspects, and (6) it did not occur on the interstate. The new reporting system may be accessed at
https://stag.coplogic.com/agency/MdMontgomeryCountyPd/start-report.html
Maintenance Requests?
In order to facilitate work orders for Town Maintenance, please send all questions, observations or requests to the Councilperson in charge of Maintenance. Councilman Joe Clark is currently in charge of Maintenance. He can be reached at [email protected] or at 301-869-7944. In case of an emergency, calls may be made to the Town Office (301-926-2256) where they will be passed on to the Maintenance Supervisor.
Leaves Are Falling
New and long-time residents alike are reminded of the Town contract for the removal of leaves in bulk each autumn. US Lawns will make regular but unscheduled pickups of leaves raked or blown into windrows within six feet of any walkway or roadway, excluding Railroad Street, 2nd Ave., 3rd Ave., 4th Ave., 5th Ave., and Boundary Street. This service begins November 1 and ends January 1, 2010, or as soon thereafter as we agree that the work is complete. This is your opportunity to have leaves removed without the additional work and expense of bagging.
Weather frequently affects this process, as rain can restrict movement of large trucks on the avenues. Also, one or two spectacular fall weekends in November or early December usually see most of us raking at the same time. As the contractor will time pickups based on the availability of full truckloads for vacuuming, if you rake when most other people rake the windrows will probably disappear relatively quickly. If you feel that a particular pile has been ignored for an inordinate amount of time, please call Charlie Challstrom at 301-926-4498 or e-mail him at [email protected]
Please place your windrows with an eye towards traffic visibility and flow, and don’t include brush or limbs that foul the vacuum. Happy raking! It’s the rite of autumn, particularly in a town graced by so many beautiful deciduous trees.
New Year, New House
Join us for a Champagne toast to welcome the New Year!
Who – Wendy Weisbard & Howard Harary
Where – 119 Grove Avenue
When – January 1, 2010; 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Tuned In: Montgomery County’s Place in Musical History
An Exhibit at the Beall-Dawson House, Presented by the Montgomery County Historical Society
October 24th, 2009 – April 3rd, 2010
This exhibit examines the importance of music in the everyday life in Montgomery County, from the 19th century through the present day. The exhibit features artifacts and documents loaned by the Browningsville Cornet Band, the Rockville High School Pipe Band, and the Town of Washington Grove.
The Beall-Dawson House
- 103 W. Montgomery Ave., Rockville MD, 20850
- Open Tuesday-Sunday 12-4
- Admission $5 (seniors/students $3)
Mysterious Plastic Bags
Residents have reported little plastic bags with a suspected noxious substance in the Town woods, in our parks, on our walkways and even on the side of the road. Should we call “GroveLand Security”? No. Should we call the “Manners/Etiquette Police”? Yes! Why, you might ask? It appears that these bags are a result of well-intentioned dog walkers picking up after their dogs. The action of picking up your dog’s waste is greatly appreciated, however, there is just one thing missing…the mysterious bags will not disappear on their own. Please don’t leave these bags around Town. It’s your pooch, your waste and, by default, your responsibility. Please take the little bags home. Thank-you!
Talkin’ Trash
Per our contract, November 27th was the last date for collection of your recyclable yard waste. This service will resume in early March. Town Maintenance will continue to collect your reasonably sized brush piles.
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Christmas Tree Disposal
Beginning in late December, Christmas trees will be picked up roadside by Town Maintenance staff. When you place your tree out for collection, please remove all tinsel, ornaments, the stand and any other metals.
Caroling in The Grove
Come join the fun on Sunday, December 20, 2009. Meet at McCathran Hall at 7:00 p.m.. Return to the Town Hall after caroling for refreshments. For more details, please contact Amy or John Porter at 301-977-6768.
Local Boy Does Good!
Our own George Steel (son of Sarah, 411 Grove Ave.) is now the general manager of the New York City Opera. Congratulations!!