Town Council News
Next meeting: Monday, April 11, 2005; 7:30 p.m., in the Council Room.
The public is invited to attend.
Actions at the March meeting of the Town Council include:
Approval of a new packet of information to go along with all building permit application forms.
Agreement with Reverend Malone from the Washington Grove United Methodist Church to set June 11, 2005 as the deadline for input concerning the proposed ordinance change.
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 your help!
Shady Grove Master Plan:
Congratulations on the terrific Town presence and comments to the County Council at their Town Meeting! While the PHED Committee continues to discuss the location of public facilities in the plan, including the elementary school, interest in appropriating the LOS field has waned! We will be actively working to keep this true as the plan continues through the PHED and the full Council. The PHED has tilted towards including alternative options for sites in view of the uncertainty in the timing of relocating the County Service parks. A public library near the Shady Grove Metro is firmly back in the plan. Critical to success of the build-out is staging of development, the presence of required transportation improvements and adequate public facilities. Discussion of staging has been left to last. Stay tuned »
Deer Park Bridge:
Selection of a plan for replacing the bridge no longer appears to be on the fast track. Public comments on the 3 options proposed by DPWT and presented at the Public Workshop on Jan. 31st have yet to be evaluated. Congratulations again on a HUGE turnout! A joint meeting between the City Council of Gaithersburg, the Town Council of Washington Grove and the Department of Public Works & Transportation is expected to precede further evaluation of bridge options. The town is also engaged in having Oakmont Ave. reclassified from its present impractical arterial designation, which would eliminate 4 lane bridge options from further consideration.
Water Main Replacement Update
Now that the weather is warmer, the real digging should begin soon. That means that residents will be inconvenienced by the big equipment in the road, the dirt and all that goes along with this project. Please be patient with the contractors and remember that our Town is a difficult place to work. If there are any problems feel free to call the Town Office 301-926-2256 or the Maintenance Garage at 301-963-5850. You may also call the name displayed on the signs located on Brown Street.
Town Elections
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 elections. The Mayor must have resided in the Town for at least two years immediately preceding the elections. The following terms expire in June: Mayor – 1 year term, Town Councilor – 3 year term, Town Councilor – 3 year term.
Planning Commission News
Next meeting: Wednesday, April 6, 2005; 7:30 p.m. Council Room.
The public is invited to attend. The Planning Commission approved the following applications for building permits;
204 Ridge Rd. Fence
124 Chestnut Ave. Shed
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.
Board of Zoning Appeals Notice of Public Hearing
Application for a variance for a fence at 406 Grove Avenue.
Date: April 23, 2005
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Place: McCathran Hall
Historic Preservation News
Next meeting: April 19, 2005, 7:30 p.m. Council Room.
Meetings are open to the public. The HPC reviewed permit applications for the following properties;
352 Ridge Rd. New Construction
124 Chestnut Ave. Shed
107 Grove Ave. Renovation
Contemplating a Renovation?
What if you had a knowledgeable design team with a real willingness to help you early in your planning process at no cost? Guess what? You do—-it’s the Historic Preservation Commission! The HPC is an excellent resource to help you with your plans. For more information call Bob Booher at 301-963-3935. The HPC meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Come early, come often!!
Mansionization Conference Planned
Montgomery Preservation, Inc. has chosen Washington Grove as the site for its Annual Mansionization Conference. The event will take place all day on April 9th in McCathran Hall.
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
Feb. 26 or 27: A locked car on McCauley Street was broken into and ransacked. Nothing was taken.
Many thanks to Susanne Cottrell who volunteered to create a database of incidents that have been reported. She did a nice job! We now have a database of incidents reported since October 2003. For further information or specific questions call Betsy Klinger 301-977-3517.
Recreation Committee News
Next meeting: May 25, 2005, 7:30 p.m. Council Room.
The public is invited to attend.
Magician Barry Taylor
April 17, 2005; 2 p.m.; McCathran Hall
Bring the kids, bring your friends & have a great time!
No Admission Fee, Sponsored by the Recreation Committee
Summer In The Parks Workshop
Subject: Middle School Camp
When: Sunday, April 10, 2005; 6-8 p.m.
Where: McCathran Hall
We are planning a workshop for kids eligible to attend the afternoon camp (Town residents/visiting relatives of Town residents entering grades 6-9). Since this is a new camp, we are looking for input from the kids to help us plan the program. There will be no fee for the workshop, but we will be asking for contributions toward pizza and drinks. Come help us make this camp a success!
Summer In The Parks Survey
This year we are planning two camps; a morning camp (9 a.m. – Noon) for kids entering grades K-5 and an afternoon camp (2-5 p.m.) for older kids entering grades 6-9. This will allow for more age appropriate programs. Courtney Osbourne has agreed to teach swimming lessons in the afternoon. Older kids who are eligible for swimming lessons (under age 13) and who plan to go to camp in the afternoon will have an opportunity to join a 1:00 p.m. swimming lesson. Enrollment forms will be available in an upcoming Town Bulletin. The camp dates are July 6 – 29 with the “finale” sleepover on the 29th. We are looking forward to a great program!
Please take a moment to help with our survey. We would like to see who plans to attend camp this year. If you have an eligible child and have not yet been contacted, please call Tami Williams at 301-869-8541 or e-mail at [email protected] . High school students are encouraged to apply for aide positions or to volunteer. The program will also need middle-school aged volunteers for the morning program.
Next Mousetrap Concert
WEDNESDAY April 13, 2005 at 7:30 p.m.
Natalia Gutman – Cello
Elisso Virsaladze, Piano
Attention Grove Watercolorists
(Experienced painters and “wannabes”)
The watercolor group of the WG Art Club is planning some Plein aire (outdoor) painting sessions as soon as the weather becomes more pleasant. This group is open to all Grove residents, regardless of previous experience or training in watercolor techniques. Informal instruction will be available during these sessions.
If you are interested in being added to the notification list, please contact Sandy at 301-977-1194 or e-mail Jerry at [email protected]. Please indicate your level of experience (i.e. novice, intermediate, accomplished) and the means by which you would like to be notified of further plans. Sandy will provide a list of basic supplies for anyone who would like some help.
Lake Committee News
Next meeting: Thursday, April 7, 7:30 p.m. in the Council Room.
“New blood” welcome!
Woman’s Club News
Next meeting: April 21, 2005, 7:30 p.m.; The Clubhouse.
You’re all invited to the Annual Woman’s Club Plant Auction!
Annual Egg Hunt
KIDS: This years’ Spring Egg Hunt will be on Saturday, April 2, 2005. Meet at the Gazebo at 10:30 a.m.. Refreshments, games and crafts in McCathran Hall following the egg hunt. The rain date is Sunday, April 3, 2005 at 10:30 a.m..
PARENTS: Please help by filling one dozen plastic eggs with age appropriate toys or treats for each child that you plan to bring. Pick up empty eggs on the porches at 415 Grove Ave. (Deely) or 215 Ridge Road (Chambers) on Friday, March 18th. Please return filled eggs to the pick up location by Thursday, March 24th. Volunteers are needed for refreshments, games, egg hiding, set-up and clean-up. Call Deborah Chambers (240-631-7895) or Pat Deely (301-977-9505) to help.
Spring Bulk Trash Pickups Scheduled
Sat., March 26, 2005 & Sat., April 30, 2005
Collections may include furniture, appliances (not those with freon), rugs, large toys, small auto parts, etc » Materials may not include construction by-products, large auto parts, or tires. ALL ITEMS MUST BE “CURBSIDE” BY 7:00 a.m.
Spring Leaf Pickup Extended
The deadline for spring leaf pickup has been extended to April 10th due to wet, cold weather. Please have leaves in piles within 3 ft. of roads or walkways BY April 10th, but have patience with the pickup. Our contractor will be fitting leaf pickup into their busy spring lawn care schedule during the month.
Mayor Seeking Nominations for Award
At this year’s Town Meeting, the Mayor and Town Council would like to initiate a new recognition award. Today as historically, the social, cultural and physical well-being of Washington Grove is the product of uncounted hours of hard work and energy, and of the sustained commitment and vision of the Town’s residents. While we often have the opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of those who make possible our treasured events, the Mayor’s Washington Grove Service Award aims to recognize recent outstanding volunteer service above and beyond the call of duty, of any kind that has contributed to the present and future well-being of our Town. The Mayor is seeking nominations of candidates for the Award. Please call or write with your suggestions before April 30th. Town Office 301-926-2256; Mayor John Compton (cell) 240-432-5700.