Town Council News
Next meeting: Monday, April 12, 2004 7:30 p.m., in the Council Room.
March Council actions included:
Voted to enact Ordinance No. 2004-01, General Revisions to the Washington Grove Town Ordinances.
Voted to enact Ordinance No. 2004-02, General Revisions to the Washington Grove Zoning Ordinance.
Summary of Ordinance Revisions
A summary of these ordinances is included with this Bulletin. These ordinances will be effective on April 8, 2004, unless a petition signed by 25 qualified voters is submitted to the Mayor and Council requesting a referendum on either ordinance.
Building Permit Regulations (Ordinance 2004-01)
Clarified the requirement for a building permit when demolishing or removing any existing building or structure.
Clarified the requirement for a building permit when enclosing a porch.
Added a requirement that a copy of approved Montgomery County permitted plans and copies of any amendments thereto, be given to the Town before construction begins.
Zoning; General Provisions; Fences (Ordinance 2004-02)
To improve visibility at intersections, added a section clarifying how to measure the distance from an intersection which must be free of obstructions to vision.
Zoning; General Provisions; Open Porches (Ordinance 2004-02)
Added a section permitting “open porches” to extend up to 10 feet beyond the required front setback line. Up to 15% of a 7,500 square foot or smaller lot located in the RR1 zone may be occupied by an open porch and not be counted as building coverage; however, the total building coverage may not exceed 40%.
Allows houses on small lots in the RR-1 zone to have “open porches”.
Zoning; Rules for Interpretation; Definitions (Ordinance 2004-02)
Added a definition for “Dormer”. Roof projection set into a sloping roof, not to exceed 10 feet in width.
Revised definition for “Front Yard”. Front yard is the portion of a lot defined as the premises address of the house as shown on current tax records.
Added a definition for “Open Porch” specifying that the porch shall not be enclosed by material of any type including lattice-work or screening.
Zoning; Residential Zones; Use Regulations (Ordinance 2004-02)
Refined the definition of commercial vehicle and added a section stating that parking or storing of commercial vehicles that are visible from adjoining properties is not permitted except when engaged in actively rendering a service.
Zoning; Schedule of Standards (Ordinance 2004-02)
Maximum height of a main building will be 30 feet.
Maximum height of an accessory building or structure will be 20 feet.
Town Budget Work Session –
Scheduled Monday, April 26, 7:30 p.m. in the Council Room.
Come, learn, and participate as the Town Council balances competing priorities putting together a budget for the Town’s approval in June.
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!
Legislators Coming in May
Senator P.J. Hogan, along with Delegates Barkley, Stern and King, will address the Mayor and Council at the May 10th meeting. This meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m..
The public is invited to attend.
LETTERS NEEDED NOW!
The Planning Board is eyeing the Field along Ridge Rd as a site for active recreation because of the infrastructure needed to support the high-density residential development proposed in the Shady Grove Metro Master Plan! Our hard-won designation of historic status for the 13 acre Casey Field has been critical to negotiating the Field to be free from development. This would be undermined by an ill-considered plan to meet the active recreation needs of 5000+ residential units around the Metro with recreation space at the remote edge of the planning area, and adjacent to a Town on the National Historic Registry to boot! Please write the Planning Board urging them to preserve the Field as passive open space for all; and as the only option consistent with the Board’s own decision last year (??) to include the Field as Legacy Open Space property! Remind the Board of the need to protect the historic integrity and setting of the Town, which would be seriously diminished by any active uses on the field, and would be incompatible with Washington Grove’s historic designation and listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Note that in support of the needs of the Master Plan revision, the Town does strongly support an elementary school behind the Field. Your individual letters can be addressed to Derek P. Berlage, Chairman, Montgomery County Planning Board, The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, 8787 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3760. (Please copy your letter to the Town as well)
Shady Grove Master Plan
The Chairman of the Planning Board has asked his staff to justify the passive use of the Legacy Open Space field by their April meeting (above). We need your help.
Planning Commission News
Next meeting: April 6, 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:
309 First Ave Roof ext. & Deck
Historic Preservation News
Next meeting: April 20, 2004, 7:00 p.m. Council Room.
The public is invited to attend.
Recreation Committee News
Next meeting: May 5, 2004, 7:30 p.m. Council Room.
The public is invited to attend.
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.
Summer In The Parks Will Happen!
Tami Williams has volunteered to co-direct the Summer In The Parks program this year. The next planning meeting will be on March 21st at 1:00 p.m. at the home of Tami Williams. Please call ahead if you plan to attend 301-869-8541.
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.
Calling All Kids!
This years’ Music Weekend (3rd weekend in June) will include a children’s recital on Saturday, June 19th at 10:00 a.m.. Children who would like to play their instruments, or sing a song on the program should call (301-869-8541) or e-mail ([email protected]) Tami Williams in order to sign up. Please include; the name of the performer(s), the instrument(s); the name of the piece and the composer; length of the piece (rounded up to the nearest minute), and the name of your accompanist (if needed). Parents will be expected to sign up for one of the following: set up; clean up; bring something for the refreshment table (i.e. baked goods, snacks, juice or coffee/tea). All are encouraged to participate in this new event!
Woman’s Club News
Next meeting: March 18, 2004; 7:30 p.m.; Clubhouse.
Come and enjoy a presentation of culinary delights and wine pairings presented by a representative of the L’Academie De Cuisine. A fee will be charged due to the nature of the program. Upcoming events include:
Egg Hunt; April 3rd; 10:30 a.m.; AT THE GAZEBO
Plant Auction; April 15th
Flower Show; May 16th
Annual Egg Hunt
Saturday, April 3rd; 10:30 a.m.
Bring your baskets and join the fun at the Gazebo (Rain date April 4th). Refreshments will follow at McCathran Hall. This event is sponsored by the Woman’s Club of Washington Grove. Pat Deely (301-977-9505) 415 Grove Avenue and Deborah Chambers (240-631-7895) 215 Ridge Road are “running the show” but they need your help. Parents are asked to fill one dozen eggs with age appropriate toys for each child that you plan to bring. Pick up empty plastic eggs on the porches at either of the above addresses; return filled eggs to the same location by March 25th; label the bags with the child’s age. Each bag contains a dozen eggs. If you have any questions, call Pat Deely.
New Chairmanship Available
The Outreach Committee is looking for someone to oversee a group who will make sure that all residents of the Town are in regular contact with others for the purpose of friendship and support. If you are interested in this new group, please contact Terry Kirtz 301-990-7935.
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
As usual, warmer weather seems to have brought out an increase in incidents. The following items were reported to Neighborhood Watch:
Firewood & construction equipment taken from property on Grove Avenue. Remodeling refuse illegally dumped in dumpster on same site.
Solar lights damaged on Chestnut Ave.
Kid’s bike stolen near the tennis courts.
Prowler on Ridge Road extended.
Tip of the Month: It’s all in the details! License plate numbers and physical descriptions are very helpful information when reporting things to Neighborhood Watch. We can do a better job with recurrent problems if we have accurate details. For more information about the Neighborhood Watch, call Chris Kirtz at 301-990-7935 or e-mail at [email protected].
Maple Lake News
Next meeting: April 6th; 7:30 p.m.; Lower Hall
New members welcome and encouraged!! Lake Cleanup – Sat. April 17th; 10:00 a.m. Bring your leaf rake, shovel, and wheelbarrow (if you have one). The rain date is April 18th. Call John Hutchinson at 301-926-8767 for details or questions.
Lifeguards Needed
We have two applicants, but need one or two more. Hours are Monday – Sunday, 12 – 5p.m.. Applicants must be certified in Lifesaving, CPR and First Aid. The job pays $10 – $12 per hour. Please call John Hutchinson at 301-926-8767 for more details.
New Playground Equipment is Coming!
Our new piece of playground equipment will be delivered in mid-April. That gives us one month to do the preparation for the site. Volunteers are needed for a workday on MARCH 28TH; 9:00a.m. – NOON. The rain date is April 4th. To volunteer your time for this long-awaited project, please call David Stopak at 301-330-6446.
Forestry Committee Cries for HELP!
Next meeting: April 7, 2004; Council Room.
We need new members! At our last meeting there were 2, count ’em 2, people who attended. As the Town forests grow older there are increasingly more things to consider and maintain. If you have time to volunteer for this committee, please call Carol Uhlendorf at 301-926-1933.
Spring Litter Campaign – If You See It, Pick It Up!
We are enlisting the help of all Grove residents in a spring spruce up. Please see that your trash containers are secure from animals. If you’re out for a walk, take along a small trash bag to tidy up along the way. Working together we can keep the Grove a place of rare natural beauty!
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 5:00 p.m. on April 1, 2004. Please be sure to place your piles in a visible spot and remember, NO VINES OR STICKS, they foul the equipment!
Recyclable Yard Waste Collection
Per our contract, recyclable yard waste pickup resumed Wednesdays 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.)
TWO Bulk Trash Pickups Scheduled
Bulk trash pickups are scheduled for Saturday, March 27th AND Saturday, April 24th. 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..
Recycling Questions
Do you care about recycling paper? Do you throw your junk mail in the trash at the Post Office? If you dump your junk mail at the Post Office it doesn’t get recycled. If you take it home with you it does. So..if you take it home, not only are you lightening the load for the PO employees but you are helping Mother Earth as well. Ahh.. Can’t you hear her? Thanks for considering it!
Arbor Day is Scheduled
Washington Grove’s annual Arbor Day
is scheduled for April 24, 2004; 10:00 a.m. – Noon.
Mark your calendars, dust off you shovels and meet at McCathran Hall
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.
Still Wanted: McCathran Hall Scheduler
McCathran Hall scheduler Jenny Long is leaving her post in June. 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.
LAST MOUSETRAP CONCERT
SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 2004 3:00 p.m. McCATHRAN HALL
Paul Galbraith, Guitar
Acclaimed as a soloist and billed as the “best guitarist of his generation” he brings his unique touch and eight-string guitar for a program of Bach, Debussy, Lennox Berkeley, and Granados.
Clerk’s Corner
Thank you for slowing down and thank you for making it a habit.