-
Planning Board to Possibly Reconsider Downtown Silver Spring Plan Approval
The Planning Board is scheduled to reconsider its earlier approval of a $10 million renovation plan for Downtown Silver Spring at its meeting Thursday, July 16. The plan includes a proposal to permanently close Ellsworth Drive to vehicular traffic from Fenton Street to just beyond Fountain Plaza, and lay down nontoxic artificial turf to create…
-
Council Votes to Add More Funding to Assist in COVID-19 Recovery
The County Council this week approved two special appropriations and introduced a third designed to help businesses and organizations recover from the COVID-19 emergency. The council unanimously okayed $14 million to create the Reopen Montgomery Business Assistance Program. The funds will reimburse county businesses and nonprofit organizations reopening expenses incurred to comply with new state…
-
New Bill Would Provide Tax Incentive for Housing on WMATA Property
Councilmembers Hans Riemer and Andrew Friedson introduced legislation Tuesday that would extend Metro’s existing property tax abatement for 15 years for new high-rise development. Bill 29-20, the “More Housing at Metrorail Stations Act,” would require the Director of Finance to offer a payment in lieu of taxes for a high-rise building constructed by a private…
-
Two Silver Spring Businesses Closed for COVID-19 Restriction Violations
Two Georgia Avenue businesses in downtown Silver Spring have been shut down for violating COVID-19 restrictions, county officials announced. The Palisades Lounge and the Cabana Hookah Lounge were both closed.
-
Some Restrictions on Parks, Libraries Lifted This Week
The county’s parks and library branches this week will begin lifting some restrictions imposed as part of the COVID-19 lockdown and offering certain services and amenities. Beginning today (June 29), Montgomery Parks will be reopening playgrounds to patrons under certain guidelines, and library book drops will open for returns (with some exceptions).
-
Planning Report Recommends Ways to Increase Comfort Levels Walking to Purple Line Stations
The county’s Planning Department has released a report that analyzed and made recommendations concerning the level of comfort for pedestrians walking to future Purple Line stations. The Purple Line report focuses specifically on the comfort level for pedestrians walking within a half-mile of each station.
-
Council to Introduce Nearly $18 Million in COVID-19 Recovery Funding
The County Council today will introduce special appropriations of nearly $18 million to provide additional assistance for COVID-19 recovery efforts. Also today, the council will hold public hearings and vote on 10 previously introduced special appropriations totaling about $40 million.
-
County Launches Summer Employment Program for Young Residents
The county has launched a summer employment program for residents aged 16–23 who will work throughout the county to assist in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recovery. The “COVID Corps” will be run by the county’s Recreation Department, which will provide mentors, guidance and training for selected applicants.
-
County Exec, Council Announce Policy, Bill to Address Police Use of Excessive Force
Montgomery County police officers are now required to intervene when they witness excessive force being used by other officers under a new policy announced yesterday. In addition, the County Council introduced a bill that would codify additional curbs on police use of excessive force.