Town Bulletin January 2004 | Town of Washington Grove

Town Council News

Next meeting: Monday, Feb. 9, 2004; 7:30 p.m., in the Council Room.
The public is invited to attend.

ICC Meeting Set

The Mayor and Council have scheduled a meeting to discuss the Inter-County Connector with a State Highway Administration person and a private consultant for Tuesday, January 27th at 7:00 p.m. in McCathran Hall. The public is encouraged to attend. This is your chance to voice your concerns about this controversial project.

Proposed Ordinance Revisions

The Mayor, Council and Planning Commission have proposed changes to the Ordinances of the Town of Washington Grove. Copies of the complete proposed changes will be available in the Town Office on January 23, 2004. A summary of the changes is as follows;

Article I, Sec.12: clarification of penalties for Ordinance violations.
Article III, Sec.4 & 11: increased parking fine, clarification of weight regulations for vehicle traffic allowing pickup and delivery of goods.
Article IV, Sec.1 & 2: added requirements for removal and demolition of structures and added requirements for building permit applications.
Article VII, Sec.3, 4, 5, 7 & 9: clarification of carport requirements, clarification of limits on obstructions at intersections, a new ordinance addressing open porches, definition of certain terms, clarification of alterations of non-complying buildings, addition of restrictions for parking and/or storing of commercial vehicles, changes to the schedule of standards regarding building height restrictions and floor area ratio.

Tax Reminder-Washington Grove – 1612

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 you help!

Casey Field

Residents of Ridge Road recently received the newest revision of the plan for the Oxbridge Development (Casey Property at Mill Creek). M- NCPPC is still expressing concerns about the environment, about road-calming devices and about storm water management. Mayor Compton will send a letter to the Planning Board that will outline the Town’s position concerning the density of the development, the impact on Washington Grove, the preservation of the character of the Town and the size of the buffer.

New Plans for the Casey Industrial Land

The Mayor and Council met with the latest contract purchaser of the property previously proposed for development by KSI (project since withdrawn). They discussed a development plan that would involve 1) a land swap with the County to move a County service park (likely DPWT) from Crabb’s Branch Way to the site adjacent to Robert’s Oxygen and the Town, 2) approx. 65 town homes sited along this side of I370, 3) approx. 300 residential units between I370 and Shady Grove Road. This plan requires a zoning change, (I-1 to I-3a), as proposed in the revised Master Plan now before the Planning Board and agreement to the land swap by the County Council and County Executive. Stay tuned.

Planning Commission News

Next meeting: Feb. 3, 2004; 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. 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 permits as well.

Building Permits were issued for the following:

346 Ridge Rd. Renovation

Historic Preservation News
Next meeting: February 17, 2004, 7:00 p.m. Council Room.
The HPC wrote a review for the renovation at 346 Ridge Road.

Recreation Committee News

Next meeting: March 3, 2004, 7:30 p.m. Council Room.
The public is invited to attend.

No Summer In The Parks

Unless more people step forward to help organize the program, there will be no Summer In the Parks this year. An organizational meeting is scheduled for Sunday, February 1st at 1:00p.m. at the Williams/Hodges home. The address is 213 Grove Avenue. The meeting agenda will include setting dates, organizing people to hire the teachers and to do the other necessary tasks to have a successful program. Past volunteers have put together a comprehensive, step-by-step, manual to help with the process. If you have eligible children (must be 4 yrs. old by July 31st through the 5th grade) and are interested in being a part of this valuable program, you are urged to attend this meeting.

A Tribute to Yoga by Judy Mroczka

Bogus reasons for not going to yoga.Washington Grove style: “I’m not flexible enough, I’ve never done it before, People will laugh at me, I don’t have time, I can’t afford it.” There is only one legitimate reason for not going; “I hate being relaxed”. I was a yoga flunkey; having tried it when I was in my twenties and giving it up because I wasn’t flexible enough. Trust me when I tell you that my flexibility did not improve on its own between my youth and now. Two devotees of the Terry Strother’s yoga sessions convinced me to try it. “It’s like taking your mind on a mini-vacation”, one said. Anticipating my next concern – the embarrassment factor – she added, “We all take our glasses off and the lights are down low.” And, Terry is adept at explaining the poses, offering hands-on assistance when needed. The sessions are in McCathran Hall on Wednesdays from 7 – 8:30 p.m.. Wear comfortable clothes, bring a mat, a blanket and $10 (or talk to Terry), and prepare for that mini-vacation of the mind, unless you are one of those people who actually do hate being relaxed.

Toddler Group On Wednesdays

When: Wednesday mornings, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Where: McCathran Hall
This group is open to all toddlers/preschoolers in Washington Grove as long as they are accompanied by an adult. Activities will include music, singing, dancing and, of course, playing. The first meeting will be January 7, 2004. Come join the fun!

Annual Chili Supper/Fundraiser

February 27, 2004 in McCathran Hall from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m..
Come join the fun! Volunteers are needed to help with this event. For more information or to volunteer, please call Jessica Jones at 301-869-5036.

W.G.E.S. Needs Your Help!

Between working parents and busy older siblings, some young children just don’t have much contact with adults. Washington Grove Elementary School is looking for adult volunteers to provide conversation and companionship to children. If you have time to help, please call the school at 301-840-7120 and ask for the Principal or the Counselor.

Neighborhood Watch News

Report Crimes & Suspicious Activity!
Mont. Co. Police non-emergency: 301-279-8000
Town Office: 301-926-2256
Betsy Klinger: 301-977-3517

Your block captain will be distributing forms to collect information on which residents have special skills or training (such as CPR), and also which residents may have special needs such as difficulty using stairs, fragile health or other impairments. These reports are purely voluntary but we encourage residents to fill them out, if relevant, so that we can be more helpful during emergencies or other special situations. We plan to share the information with emergency dispatchers as well. The form also asks you for your suggestions on ways the WG Neighborhood Watch can be more useful and relevant.

Tip of the Month:
Outside lighting placed near entryways is always a good idea. Lights that turn on at dusk and off at dawn are available at local home improvement stores. For more information about the Neighborhood Watch, call Chris Kirtz at 301-990-7935 or e-mail at [email protected].

Second Chance Wildlife

If you come across an injured wild animal (bird, squirrel, chipmunk etc.) and would like to help it, you can take the animal to Second Chance Wildlife at the dead end of Barcelona Drive just off of Rt. 124. Their phone number is 301-926-9453.

Washington Grove Film Society Presents

Blossoms of Fire; Directed by Maureen Gosling; February 1, 2004, 7:00p.m.. The Zapotec people of Juchitan, Oaxaca, represent one of the few surviving indigenous cultures of Mexico. In this colorful, exuberant documentary, Gosling explores the lives of its strong and confident women. With telling images and lively folk music, the film both informs and entertains.

Yard Waste

As per our contract, yard waste recycling pickup by Waste Management on Wednesdays is suspended until the beginning of March. If you have yard waste that needs to be picked up, Town Maintenance will take care of it. Please place your manageable yard waste piles (not bags!) “curbside” so that they can easily be seen and reached. If you feel that you have been missed by Town Maintenance, please call David Stopak at 301-330-6446 or Jim Fletcher at 301-963-5850.

Leaves

Leaf pickup is over for the season. U.S. Lawns will make a service visit at the end of March.Watch for more details in the February Bulletin.

Trash Reminder

Please retrieve your empty trash cans and recycling containers promptly after trash/recycling collection. Cans and bins in the road make it even harder to navigate our narrow streets. Problems with trash & recycling collection should be reported to Tom Land 301-869-4334 and the Town Office 301-926-2256.

Water Main Replacement Coming

The water mains on 4th Avenue from The Circle to McCauley Street and on Brown Street from Ridge Road to Grove Road were installed in 1926. In July 2004, WSSC will begin a project that replaces these lines. There will be a disruption in service and roadway disturbances as well. WSSC will schedule meetings with residents in the spring to define the scope of this project. WSSC will also send letters to residents who will be affected by this project. The Mayor and Council would like to thank you in advance for your patience with this necessary work.

Belated Thanks to Trick-or-Treaters

Thank you to the following Grove kids for Trick or Treating for UNICEF: Myles Ambrose, Sarah & Samantha Brown, Ann Hilpert, Joy & Max London, Jered Lottes, Michael Rapkievian, Sarah & Eli Stopak, and Timothy Suzich. The kids collected $63.71 which could provide 1,000 packets of salt tablets to help children severely affected by dehydration. Thank you to all the residents who made this contribution possible as well.
Leila Farmer (1911-2003)

Mrs. Leila H. Farmer, formerly of 104 Pine Avenue died at the Wilson Health Care Center on Dec. 25, 2003 at age 92. In addition to being a resident of the Grove for 42 years, Mrs. Farmer was also a long-time member of the Washington Grove United Methodist Church and a relative of another old Grove family, the Hershey’s.

Clerk’s Corner

F I F T E E N ! Residents are reminded that the new speed limit applies to you as well as the cut through drivers. Please be aware that police enforcement is coming.

Town Bulletin February 2004 Town Bulletins
1 February 2004
2004

[ Bulletin Archive ]

Town Council News

Next meeting: Monday, March 8, 2004; 7:30 p.m., in the Council Room. The following actions will be formalized in an ordinance to be enacted at the March Council meeting: voted to hold public record on Town Ordinance Revisions open for additional comments. voted to delete Article I, Section 12 from the Code of Ordinances. adopted Article III, Sections 4 & 11 to the Town Code of Ordinances as proposed at the public hearing. adopted Article IV, Section 1.c as proposed. adopted Article IV, Section 2.a.5 with the addition of “as specified by the Planning Commission”. voted to add Section 2.a.10, Square Footage Requirements, to Article IV. adopted Article IV, Section 2.b with the addition of, “A copy of the approved Montgomery County permitted plans must be provided to the Town and also any amendments thereto”. adopted Article VII, Section 3.328.b with the addition of “of the pavement”. adopted Article VII, Section 3.329 (new section) as amended. voted not to revise the definition of a basement. voted to accept the definition of a Commercial Vehicle, dormer, front yard, and a new definition of an Open Porch. adopted Article VII, Section 9, Maximum Height for Main Buildings, Accessory Buildings and Structures. voted to remove the following from consideration at this time; Article VII, Section 3.326. Article VII, Section 3.328. Building Height definition. Floor Area Ratio definition & formula. Article VII, Section 5.31. Floor Area Ratio limitations in the Schedule of Standards

ICC Meeting Re-scheduled

The Mayor and Council have re-scheduled a meeting to discuss the Inter-County Connector with a State Highway Administration person and a private consultant for Monday, February 23rd at 7:00 p.m. in McCathran Hall. The public is encouraged to attend. This is your chance to voice your concerns about this controversial project.

Tax Reminder-Washington Grove – 1612

Casey Field

Oxbridge must submit, and have approved, a new storm water management plan before their development proposal can be scheduled for presentation to the Planning Board. The plan could go for final review in March but is more likely to go in April. Use of the Legacy Open Space field is an issue again. A letter stating the Town’s position on this and other areas of concern has been prepared.

Shady Grove Master Plan

The Planning Board is under pressure from both the property owners and the County Executive for higher density (5-6K units vs. planned 3K) near the Metro. The new Chairman raised the question as to why the Legacy Open Space field shouldn’t have active recreation rather than passive. We are told that the staff will be responding to this request at the M-NCPPC Board work session in April. We must engage in a renewed Legacy Open Space defense, and individual and collective support letters may be required before this.

Planning Commission News

Next meeting: March 2, 2004; 7:30 p.m. Council Room. The public is invited to attend.

Building Permits:

Historic Preservation News

Next meeting: March 16, 2004, 7:00 p.m. Council Room. The HPC wrote reviews for the renovation at 207 Grove Ave. and the new construction at 344 Ridge Road. Summaries are as follows; 207 Grove: Two story addition and entry porch facing Grove Road. This project follows a previous alteration which was badly damaged by a fallen tree during Hurricane Isabel in 2003. The project is visible from various public rights of way and the building is a contributing structure as are neighboring structures. The HPC made two recommendations which might make the planned rear porch more compatible with existing unique and historic portions of the rear elevation facing Grove Road. The owner plans to use siding to match the original. 344 Ridge Road: Construction of a one-story brick home with multiple gables and Spanish roof tiles on a newly subdivided lot. The design is a creation of the owners/future residents. The house will be partially visible from Ridge Road. Neither this, nor any of the adjacent homes, is considered contributing structures. As the design is original, and the materials somewhat different, the new structure may be in welcome contrast to recent new construction on Ridge Road. Large open porches mentioned in the plans will make the house compatible with the overall architectural tenor of the Grove.

Recreation Committee News

Next meeting: March 3, 2004, 7:30 p.m. Council Room. The public is invited to attend.

Storyteller Coming in March

The Recreation Committee’s annual spring children’s program will be held on March 14th at 3:00 p.m. in McCathran Hall. This year’s performer will be Native American storyteller Dovie Thomason. The Kiowa Apache and Lakota tales she heard as a young child were “lessons intended to teach proper behavior without punishment or confrontation”. The characters faced the same choices in their lives as she did in her own. Passing on these “blueprints” for establishing values and making choices comes naturally for Dovie as she gently dispels false images of the First Nations People of North America and replaces them with traditional stories to which all cultures can relate. Her stories are captivating for children of all ages. Please bring a friend (of any age) and join us!

Art Classes for Children

Two sections of art classes for children from first through eighth grade will be offered on Fridays during April and May. Classes will be taught by Grove artists. Registration forms are due by March 31st. Please see attached flyer for all the details.

Summer In The Parks Will Happen!

Tami Williams has volunteered to co-direct the Summer In The Parks program this year. A co-director is still being sought. The schedule will be Monday – Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; July 5th – 29th with the traditional overnight campout on the evening of July 30th. The fee is $100.00 per child for the 4 week session. An extension of the program hours that would accommodate working parents is being considered. Please contact Tami Williams to discuss the idea of extending the hours 301-869-8541. This will more than likely involve an additional fee. Parents who wish to be involved in the decision making and planning of the program are encouraged to attend our monthly meeting. Volunteer support is needed from all parents of children who attend the program. Our next two meetings will be on Sunday, Feb. 22nd at 1:00 p.m. at the home of Shelley Winkler and on March 21st at 1:00 p.m. at the home of Tami Williams. Please call ahead if you plan to attend.

Summer Opportunities

Enjoy working with children? Looking for a responsible position that will look great on your resume? Teachers (certification preferred but not required), aides (ages 14 & up), and volunteers (ages 12 & up), are being sought to help with Summer In The Parks. Volunteer hours will qualify for service learning hours. The hours will be Mon. – Fri., 1:15 – 4:45 p.m. for volunteers & aides and 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. for teachers. Interviews will be conducted for all positions beginning in March. For more information, or to be considered for a position, please call Tami Williams at 301-869-8541.

Woman’s Club News

Annual Chili Supper/Fundraiser February 27, 2004 in McCathran Hall from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Come join the fun! Volunteers are needed to help with this event. For more information or to volunteer, please call Jessica Jones at 301-869-5036.

Neighborhood Watch News

Report Crimes & Suspicious Activity! Mont. Co. Police non-emergency: 301-279-8000 Town Office: 301-926-2256 Betsy Klinger: 301-977-3517 The following items were reported to Neighborhood Watch: Several garages along Chestnut Road were hit with paintballs during the night. A police report was filed. Dogs running loose and chasing deer near the McCauley St. entrance to Town. Tip of the Month: Use your personal judgment when folks you don’t know come to your door. Most are likely on the up and up. Some may not be. How to tell the difference? Who knows? My recommendation is to trust your gut instinct. For more information about the Neighborhood Watch, call Chris Kirtz at 301-990-7935 or e-mail at [email protected].

Spring Brings New Equipment

Our new piece of playground equipment has been purchased and will be delivered soon. We need volunteers to help prepare the site & to help with the installation. If you can help with this long awaited project, please call David Stopak at 301-330-6446

Washington Grove Film Society Presents

The Day I Became a Woman, directed by Marzieh Meshkini; March 7, 2004 7:00 p.m.. Simple yet rich, this film relates three tales of Iranian women in different stages of life. A girl must don a chador for the first time; a young wife, riding in a bicycle race, tries to escape her life’s restrictions; an elderly widow goes on a shopping spree. Each story has the timeless quality of fable, and each protagonist exhibits stoic defiance in the face of patriarchal traditions.

Spring 2004 Leaf Pickup

Per our contract, U.S. Lawns will make a service visit during the last week of March to be completed by April 1, 2004. Watch for more details in the March Bulletin.

Recyclable Yard Waste Collection Starts

Per our contract, recyclable yard waste pickup will resume on Wednesdays beginning March 3, 2004. Bag it! (Place leaves, grass, brush and other yard trimmings in the large brown paper bags available at grocery and home improvement stores.) Can it! (Use reusable containers such as trash cans with appropriate stickers or marked “recycling”.) Bundle it! (Brush can be tied in bundles not larger that 30″ in diameter, 4′ in length with pieces not to exceed 4″ in diameter.)

Bulk Trash Pickup Scheduled

A bulk trash pickup is scheduled for Saturday, March 27th. Collection may include furniture, appliances (not those with Freon), rugs, large toys, small auto parts, etc.Materials may not include construction by-products, large automotive parts, or tires. ALL ITEMS MUST BE “CURBSIDE” BY 7:00 a.m..

Hazardous Materials Disposal

Sunday, March 7th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Shady Grove Transfer Station.

Recycling News

Do you shred your mail and other papers? Waste Management says that you CAN recycle it. Shredded paper will be picked up but it must be in paper bags or CLEAR plastic bags. It will not be picked up if you put it in any other type of container. Shredded paper makes a fairly light bag so please be careful on windy days. You can also give your shredded paper to the local SPCA. Evidently, our little furry friends just love it! Call 301-928-4266 for more information.

Arbor Day is Coming Soon

Washington Grove’s annual Arbor Day is scheduled for April 24, 2004. Mark your calendars, dust off you shovels and plan to come to this event. More details will be available as the date gets closer.

We Need YOU!

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 Supervisor 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.

Wanted: McCathran Hall Scheduler

McCathran Hall scheduler Jenny Long is leaving her post. The Town needs to hire someone to take her place. This is a paying job ($7 per hour) and could require 4 hours per week. Responsibilities include: handling all inquiries about availability; showing potential renters the facility; maintaining the calendar for hall rental and handling rental agreements, deposits and payments. Interested persons should call the Town Office at 301-926-2256.

Thanks to the Trash Patrol!

Many thanks go to the volunteers who have taken on the “yucky” project of trash pickup on Washington Grove Lane. Thanks to Dan Tutas who faithfully picks up trash along Railroad Street, as well.

SPECIAL FORUM

Presenting Father Robert Drinan, S.J. (Former Congressman from Massachusetts now a Georgetown Law School Professor) Discussing: “Human & Civil Rights– Here & Abroad– Post 9/11” Sunday, March 14, 2004 7:30 p.m. McCathran Hall Sponsored by GROWPeace

Clerk’s Corner

To those who have remembered to slow down, thanks! To those who haven’t, give it a try, it’s hard but it doesn’t hurt at all 😉 !