Council Notes
The next meeting will be Monday, July 10, 7:30 p.m., McCathran Hall. The public is invited to
attend. May Council actions included:
· approved Mayor’s appointment of Bob DeFilippis to the Local Fire Board
· amended conditions attached to an application for rezoning of the WSSC parcel to
approve four houses rather than five
· awarded 3- year contract for refuse and recycling to Waste Management
· accepted the Tree Advisory Committee Report
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Amending Conditions to Rezoning Request
to Allow
Construction of Four Houses on WSSC Parcel
Date: Monday, June 5
Place: McCathran Hall
Time: 7:30 p.m.
At its May meeting, the Town Council voted to amend the conditions attached to a
developer’s request to have the WSSC property rezoned. The developer has requested that
the Town rezone the property from RR-3 to RR-1C. This would allow the developer to
construct five houses instead of the three allowed under current zoning. Conditions on the
rezoning include prior Planning Commission approval of the design, size, configuration and
placement of all buildings to be erected on the property. The Council voted to seek a
compromise to permit four houses to be constructed with conditions attached. The
developer’s agreement to this amendment will be sought. Action on the rezoning
application is anticipated at the Council meeting immediately following the public
hearing.
Special Council Meeting
Monday, June 5, 7:30 p.m., McCathran Hall, to take action on the proposed annexation of
Washington Grove Hills and the application to rezone the WSSC parcel from RR-3 to RR-1C.
(See above)
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PROPOSED ANNEXATION
Date: Tuesday, May 30
Place: McCathran Hall
Time: 7:30 p.m.
The Town Council will take public comment on Resolution No. 2000-06, proposing
annexation of approximately 13.55 acres of land including the Washington Grove Hills
subdivision, Parcel 238, Parcel 303, and the Ridge Road right of way extending
approximately 1,444 feet from its end at Bounding Bend Court to Washington Grove
corporate limit. Resolution No. 2000-06 provides that the Town extend its services to the
annexed properties beginning on the first day of the month following the date the
annexation becomes effective, that any use or structure within the annexed property
lawfully existing pursuant to the provisions of the Montgomery County Code at the
effective date of the annexation which may not comply with the requirements of the zone
assigned to the annexed property by the Town Council may continue as a lawful nonconforming
use or non-complying structure pursuant to the provisions of Section 5, Article
VII of the Code of Ordinances of the Town, and that the annexed properties will be subject
to the Town of Washington Grove municipal taxes and annual dwelling fee for fiscal year
2000-2001, prorated from the date annexation becomes effective. The proposed annexation
would include Ordinance No. 2000-07 classifying the property in the Town’s RR-4 Zone
(residential, one family, minimum lot size 18,000 square feet).
Town Meeting
The annual Town Meeting will be held on Saturday, June 10, at 8 p.m. in McCathran Hall. Party
to follow! Annual Council reports highlighting activities of the past year and plans for next year
will be available at the Town Office beginning June 5.
Planning Commission
Next meeting: Tuesday, June 6, 7:30 p.m., McCathran Hall.
Building Permits Issued
· none to report
Voter Registration
To vote in Town elections, you must be currently registered to vote with Montgomery County at
an address in Washington Grove. To verify your registration with the County, please call
County Voter Registration Information at 240-777-8683. If you need to register, please call
them soon so you will be eligible to vote at Town elections and at Town Meeting on Saturday,
June 10.
Town Elections
Town elections will be held on Saturday, June 10, from 4-7 p.m. at McCathran Hall. The
nominees are:
· Mayor (1-year term): John Compton
· Council (3-year term): Darrell Anderson
· Council (3-year term): Nick Suzich
Council Recommends FY2001 Budget
The Town’s anticipated income and recommended expenditures for the coming fiscal year (July
1, 2000-June 30, 2001) are included on the attached Town Budget summary. No increase in the
real property tax rate or the dwelling tax is recommended. The FY2001 budget is a major
focus for the June 10 Town Meeting. Questions, explanations and discussion of budget items by
the Town are important to set the course for the coming year. If you have questions about this
budget before the Town Meeting or would like a copy of the budget detail, call the Mayor, a
Council member, or leave a message on the Town answering machine (301-926-2256)
PARTY! PARTY! PARTY!
After Town Meeting on Saturday, June 10, join Town friends and neighbors in toasting outgoing
Town officials and meeting new ones. Stay on and party after the meeting!
Special Council Meeting
Monday, June 19, 7:30 p.m., McCathran Hall, to swear in new Councilors, authorize year-end
financial transfers, and finalize Council assignments.
Town Office Closed
The Town Office will be closed from Monday, May 22 – Monday, May 29. In case of
emergency, call Mayor John Compton at 301-330-8264 or the appropriate Councilor. See the
first page of the Woman’s Club Town Directory for Council areas of responsibility.
We want to hear from you.
FUTURE OF COMMERCIAL ZONE
Joint Town Council/Planning Commission Meeting
Monday, June 26
McCathran Hall, 7:30 p.m.
For years the Town has devoted a lot of volunteer time and financial resources to our small
local commercial zone. The goal has been to facilitate commercial activities with minimal
negative impact on the neighbors. In addition, the Town’s Master Plan goals seek “an
attractive and inviting entrance to the Town” and continuation of “a local post office which
functions as one of the focal points for the community.” Towards this end, the Town has
been exploring ways to encourage renovation and compatible uses in the zone. An option
under discussion is to re-zone the property with conditions to achieve mutually beneficial
goals, including exterior remodeling and construction of a new façade. With the owner’s
cooperation, we are considering replacing the “commercial” zone with a “professional office
buffer” zone with uses and standards acceptable to all existing businesses, and including
enforcement provisions. Negotia ted conditions to be attached to the re-zoning would
include specific renovation plans and timetable. Architectural renderings of the proposed
façade will soon be on view at the Town Office for anyone interested, but the Town
encourages architects, especia lly, who may wish to comment. A reminder: the public
hearing record on the Planning Commission proposal to clarify and expand commercial
zone uses remains open until June 4 for those who wish to submit written comment.
Comments may be mailed to P.O. Box 216 or dropped off at the Town Office.
MAPLE LAKE NEWS
New Lake combination numbers
Thank you to all the tireless volunteers who helped at Lake Clean up on April 28th. As usual, a
great job was done and we’ll soon be ready for the new swimming season. Our dredging
contractor speedily removed the pile of mud, and the sand has been delivered and spread on the
beach and in the shallow end. The very bad algae bloom will be treated as soon as the water
level returns to full depth. The combination lock number has been changed as of May 9th.
Please call Sharon Hurst at 301-948-2424, Dodie Tippens at 301-869-1682, or Barbara Winter at
301-926-1839 for the new number.
Maple Lake Opens for Season
Maple Lake will open for swimming on Saturday, May 27 and will be open weekends through
Sunday, June 11, with a lifeguard present from noon to 5 p.m. Beginning Thursday, June 15, the
lake will be open daily through Labor Day with a lifeguard present from noon to 5 p.m.
The next Lake Committee meeting will be held at the Lake on Tuesday, May 23 at 7 p.m. In case
of rain, we’ll be in McCathran Hall.
Swimming Lessons
Lessons will begin Monday, July 3 and end Friday, July 28. Please fill out a registration form
(available at Town Office) and return it to Sharon Hurst, P.O. Box 336. You may sign your
children up even if you will be away part of the month. Lessons are free to Grove residents.
Summer-in-the-Parks Sign-Up Extended to May 31
This relaxed program of creative projects, sports, nature activities, and fun at the lake for
children ages 4 through 11, meets at McCathran Hall from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Monday through
Friday for four weeks, beginning Monday, July 3. To ensure a place for your child, send the
enrollment form along with the registration fee, to Nancy McCullough, P.O. Box 102, by
May 31. Please make out checks to “Town of Washington Grove”. Resident fees are $80 for the
first child, $65 for a second, and $50 for a third child in the same family. Call Karen Kelly at
301-987-9529 for more information. Enrollment forms and program guidelines are available at
the Town Office. Applications will not be accepted after May 31.
ATTENTION ALL TENNIS PLAYERS!
Tennis lessons will again be offered during the month of July for both children and adults. Our
instructor this year is Grove resident Linda Baim. Classes for children will be scheduled around
swim lessons for Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings beginning July 5-28 (except for
July 14). Adult classes will be held from 6-8 p.m. as follows:
WTh (7/5-6)
M-W (7/10-12)
M-W (7/17-19)
MT (7/24-25)
Cost of lessons for both children and adults is $35. To register, call Barb Leng or sign up during
the Baroque Breakfast on June 18.
Hazardous Materials Disposal
Sunday, June 4
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Shady Grove Transfer Station
MUSIC WEEKEND
Friday, June 16 — McCathran Hall, 8:00 p.m.
GROVE SINGERS PLUS . . a variety of vocal and instrumental performances
Saturday, June 17 — Gazebo, 8-10 p.m.
CRITTON HOLLOW Bring a picnic to enjoy before the concert! (If rain, held at McCathran
Hall)
Sunday, June 18 — Gazebo, 10:30 a.m.
BAROQUE BREAKFAST TRIO Bring a breakfast goodie to share. Beverages and table service
provided. (If rain, held at McCathran Hall)
Fourth of July Festivities
The much- loved hot dog picnic will happen again this year thanks to Nick and JoAnn Suzich
who have stepped forward to coordinate the event. If you can help to purchase supplies, would
like to help cook or assist with set up or clean up, please call the Suzich’s at 301-869-9638.
Muskrat Band Needs You!
If you play a band instrument and would like to march with the Muskrat Band in the Washington
Grove July 4 parade, call Eric Selby at 301-963-7073.
Scheduling McCathran Hall
Planning a SPECIAL EVENT, Town Activity, committee meeting, public function? Please call
Jenny Long (301-869-3824) to get your EVENT, ACTIVITY, meeting, or function on the
MONTHLY CALENDAR for McCathran Hall. Jenny is now the POINT OF CONTACT
(Scheduler) for ALL McCathran Hall use/rentals.
Please mail contracts and checks to:
Jenny Long
P.O. Box 732
Washington Grove, MD 20880-0732
Looking forward to working with you, and scheduling your events in McCathran Hall.
Special Trash Collection
Wednesday, June 28
Collection may include furniture, appliances (but not those with Freon), rugs, large toys, small
auto parts, etc. Materials may not include construction by-products, large automotive parts, or
tires. Items must be placed curbside.
. . . a little MADNESS
in the Spring . . .
Woman’s Club Flower Show 2000
Sunday, May 21
The Woman’s Club
Chestnut Road and Miller Drive
12:30 to 4:00 p.m.
free admission, door prize, refreshments
New Grove Tee Shirts Debut at May Flower Show
Beautiful new tee shirts will be available at the Woman’s Club Flower Show on May 21. Adult
shirts are $15; Children’s shirts are $10.
DON’T MISS . . .
Annual Woman’s Club Yard/Bake Sale
Saturday, June 3, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Clubhouse, Chestnut Road and Miller Drive
Come and enjoy one of the Grove’s biggest social events! Delicious baked goods and
innumerable treasures! Donated items may be left on the Clubhouse porch or a volunteer will be
at the Clubhouse to accept items May 30 through June 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. If you have time to
help with the sale which benefits Woman’s Club projects, please call Kitty Vogan at 301-840-
9416.
WE LOVE YOUR DOGS, BUT PLEASE DO NOT BRING DOGS TO THE YARD SALE!!
Woman’s Club Meeting
Thursday, June 15
At the Woman’s Clubhouse, 7:30 p.m., Chestnut Road and Miller Drive
PRAIRIE TALK
Pete Kollasch will speak about the Midwestern prairie and show slides of wildflowers.
Mixed Paper Recycling Coming to Town July 1
The Town begins a new contract with Waste Management in July and mixed paper is added to
the new contract. In addition to newspaper, other mixed paper should be put in paper bags
and/or small boxes at roadside:
· Magazines
· Corrugated cardboard
· Cereal and other boxes
· Telephone books
· Computer and office paper
· Newspaper inserts
· Unwanted mail
· Paperback books
· All other clean and dry paper
All empty cardboard boxes will be flattened and tied with twine in a bundle not larger than 3 feet
by 3 feet and not thicker than 6 inches in height for each bundle. Grove residents are strongly
encouraged to participate in this effort to meet recycling goals.
Town Information
Office/Clerk-Treasurer
Phone: 301-926-2256
Fax: 301-926-0111
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.washgrov.sailorsite.net
Mail: P.O. Box 216
Washington Grove, MD 20880-0216
Town Hall: Center Street & Chestnut Road
Washington Grove
Office Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Closed Wednesday mornings
McCathran Hall Scheduler Jenny Long
301-869-3824
Maintenance 301-963-5850
County Animal Control 301-279-1066
Rent the Woman’s Clubhouse!
Planning a surprise birthday bash, family reunion, graduation gala, wedding reception, planning
session or business meeting . . . consider the charming wooded setting, spacious main room,
screened porch, kitchen and restroom facilities of the Woman’s Club House. For information or
reservations call Kitty Vogan at 301-840-9416. Heat and air conditioning!!
Town Directory
Published by the Woman’s Club, directories are available for $4 from the Town Office or Mary
Kay DuBois at 301-926-8941.
Watering Help Asked for Arbor Day White Oaks
Twenty- five new white oak trees were planted around Town as part of the Arbor Day
celebration. If you are willing to adopt one, please do so. Questions may be directed to Carol
Uhlendorf at 301-926-1933.
Eastern Tent Caterpillar
Webs of the eastern tent caterpillar are a common sight in spring wherever wild cherry trees are
abundant. The unsightly webs in the forks of trees are an early sign of this insect’s presence.
The caterpillars hide in the webs at night and feed among the leaves during the day. During the
dormant season twigs with egg masses can be pruned out and destroyed. If chemical control is
essential, use B.t. as soon as the silk tents are observed in early spring.
Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
This County agency helps seniors and disabled citizens to understand and manage their medical
insurance. SHIP provides free counseling on Medicare, Medigap, and Long Term Care
insurance but also, when necessary, helps seniors and disabled citizens to file medical insurance
claims and appeals. Counseling is available at many locations including Gaithersburg Regional
Library and the Gaithersburg Senior Center. For more information or to schedule an
appointment call 301-590-2819.
Before Planting on Public Property Please Call
Though planting on and caring for public property in the Grove has long been encouraged,
approval must be obtained first. The Forestry Committee has begun a multi- year tree planting
program and consideration has been given to placement, species and maintenance requirements.
Before you plant, trim or remove plant material, please call the Forestry Councilor or the
Mayor to get a go-ahead.
Kudos!
· To Charlie Hawk for representing Washington Grove on the local fire board
· To Karen Kelly, Clare Cavicchi and Tom Appleby for adopting barrels and planting
flowers
· To Kathie Evans for devising the Hall Scheduler position and for organizing hall
coordinators
· To Joli McCathran and the Tree Advisory Committee for their extensive examination of
the Town’s residential area trees and forest and their report with suggestions for the
future
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. Please
allow at least 10 days for revie w by the Commission. Call John McClelland at 301-963-3328 if
you have questions about zoning code requirements. Interior renovations, which involve
electrical, plumbing, or load-bearing changes, generally require a County permit. All
applications for County-required building permits must first be signed off by the Town.
Warm Weather Crime Alert
A stolen lawnmower and attempted car theft have recently been reported. Please call 911 if you
see suspicious behavior and report crimes to the police and public safety Councilor Chris
Pacchione at 301-963-7787.
Humpback Bridge to Close for Repairs
County has instituted a partial closure of the B&O bridge pending repairs. The bridge will be
completely closed from June 1 through early September for deck replacement and major
rehabilitation.
Protecting Historic Property
Our little town of cottages nestled under big trees faces a threat not anticipated years ago. As
development spreads around us, land values have increased to the point where our historic
structures are threatened. Although the Town possesses a zoning authority, there is nothing to
keep historic structures from being destroyed by large tear-downs or remodeling projects. Two
structures may be razed and their large lots subdivided in the near future.
The Town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places but this designation affords little
protection. At the time the Town sought and obtained inclusion in the National Register, some
thought was given to the matter of protecting our own resources (like Gaithersburg and
Rockville). An alternative scenario would be to join the County Historic Preservation
Commission.
Rather than allow a county-wide oversight committee or add to our own code of ordinances by
creating a formal body for historic protection, we chose to establish a Heritage Committee to
raise Town residents’ awareness of the issues and opportunities associated with our historic
status.
Circumstances change, however, and it is time to reexamine the model we have chosen to protect
our historic status. We have already lost several historic structures. The Town has no review
process for the destruction of historic property. In fact, we are the country’s only municipality
listed on the National Register to lack an enabling ordinance for historic preservation.
The simplest and least intrusive measure would be to require a demolition permit for historic
structures (those listed on the National Register as historic structures in Town). A permitting and
review process for demolitions would allow time for alternatives to be considered, or at least to
ensure that significant aspects of our cultural heritage are recorded (through photos or drawings)
before being lost. It might also allow an opportunity to encourage the reuse of architecturally
significant components that might otherwise be lost when a structure is torn down or burned by
the Fire Department.
We ask the Mayor and Council to take the first step in considering this matter by placing it on
the agenda of this year’s Town Meeting and then to take steps to enact protection of Town
historic properties – so that we can survive as a historic town.
— George Paine and Kristin Perry