June 29, 2018
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Planning Board Agenda

The Montgomery County Planning Board will not meet on Thursday, July 5, 2018. 
Planning Board and Planning Department Announce July 2018 Events

Calendar of Events logo
The Montgomery County Planning Board and the Planning Department are pleased to announce their July 2018 calendar of events. These events offer opportunities for the Planning Department staff and Planning Board members to discuss projects and policies, and engage the public. 

Discover Montgomery Parks this July during Park and Recreation Month!

Visitors tour Oakley Cabin African American Museum and Park Experience something new this July during Park & Recreation month. This year's theme, A Lifetime of Discovery, aims to take people beyond their favorite parks, playgrounds and picnic spots to explore the "undiscovered" aspects of the parks. Each week in July, Montgomery Parks will highlight a theme to encourage people to experience some of the lesser known features and amenities within the parks.

Planning Board Briefed on Results of Annual School Test on June 21

Children boarding school bus
The Montgomery County Planning Department presented the Annual School Test to the Planning Board on Thursday, June 21. This test is a primary component of the county's Subdivision Staging Policy (SSP) that evaluates the adequacy of schools to accommodate new residential development.

The test results are approved each June after the Capital Budget and the Montgomery County Public Schools' Capital Improvements Program (CIP) are adopted by the Montgomery County Council. The results take effect at the start of the next fiscal year on July 1.

"The Planning Department recognizes the school overcrowding issues faced by the county," says Planning Director Gwen Wright. "The Annual School Test is performed with a high level of accuracy to show the number of students being added to the public school system from a particular service area so we can determine if development in that area should proceed or not."


The Montgomery County Planning Department has secured the Montgomery County Council's approval to proceed with its ambitious work program for fiscal year 2019 (FY19), which begins on July 1, 2018.

The County Council approved the Planning Department's $20.2 million budget for FY19 at its meeting on May 24, 2018. These funds support the work program for the Department's 149 employees.

"We are grateful for the support of the County Council in approving an important work program for Montgomery Planning in FY19," said Planning Director Gwen Wright. "Our focus this year will be on updating the County's General Plan - the most important policy document for how we plan for land use in our communities."

UPPS Preliminary Recommendations to be Presented to Planning Board

Urban Parks and Public Spaces _UPPS_ Design Guidelines banner graphic
Park Planning Staff recently presented preliminary recommendations for the Urban Parks and Public Spaces (UPPS) Design Guidelines to the Planning Board.
Celebrate Latino Conservation Week

People engaged in a telescope activity
Montgomery Parks is hosting a series of special events and programs as part of the 5th Annual Latino Conservation Week, July 14-22, 2018. The week aims to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. Parks will kick-off the week with a 5k Fun Run/Walk at Brookside Garden and will culminate with an outdoor family movie night featuring Coco at Wheaton Regional Park. All residents are encouraged to seize the opportunity to get outside and connect to the outdoors!

View event dates and locations

Connect with community leaders, activists, planners and other individuals as part of the Montgomery Parks Speaker Series. The Speaker Series is held at the Montgomery County Planning Department Auditorium, 8787 Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring. Every month, topics like gardening, urban planning, naturalism, and activism will be explored and discussed with speakers from around the nation. RSVP for lunch - space is limited
 
July 18, 2018, 11:30-1:30 p.m. 
Design: 11th St. Bridge Project and Anacostia Watershed

Scott Kratz is a community activist who is working with Washington DC government and Building Bridges Across the River to transform an old freeway bridge into a park above the Anacostia River. Jim Foster is the president of the Anacostia Watershed Society. The society's goal is to help make the river fishable and swimmable by 2025.

Read more about the Parks Speaker Series
Festivals and Events
   
Park News and Community Meetings
 
Residents are encouraged to participate in the development of the parks. Plan on attending a community meeting, visit our park projects web page or leave a comment on our Open Town Hall web page.
  • Parks had a community meeting to present the updated plan for Carroll Knolls Local Park. The community was invited to attend and hear a presentation and off feedback on the proposed park renovation concept plans. Visit the park project webpage for additional information.
  • Parks staff recently hosted a Community Meeting to discuss Columbia Local Park in Burtonsville. Staff sought input from the community to help determine future uses of the existing courts located on the northern section of the park. For additional information, please visit the Park Projects Page.
  • A community meeting to present plans to improve Silver Spring Intermediate Neighborhood Park was recently held. Parks staff presented updated concept plans to improve the park for public viewing. Visit the park project web page for additional information.  
  • Montgomery Parks staff held a community meeting to discuss the project overview of the trail crossing of the Capital Crescent Trail at Little Falls Parkway. Staff presented the overall project and concept alternatives for the Capital Crescent Trail crossing at Little Falls Parkway. More information.
  • A community meeting to hear the Edith Throckmorton Neighborhood Park Renovation Project was held. Staff presented the final concept design and project timeline. Visit the park project webpage for more information.
Accessibility Improvements Continue
 
Work is underway at the Sligo-Dennis Avenue Local Park to improve accessibilityOther access improvement projects include Indian Springs Terrace Local Park, Ray's Meadow Local ParkWheaton Regional Park-Rubini Athletic Field Complex, the Archery Range at Rock Creek Regional Park and the Archery Range at South Germantown Recreational Park. For more information on these and other accessibility projects, please visit: Accessibility Information for Montgomery Parks webpage.
Playground Updates
 
Playgrounds at South Gunner's Branch Local ParkDale Drive Neighborhood Park and Hunters Woods Local Park are closed as part of the Playground Renovation Program. Work is scheduled to continue through the spring. 
Park Projects 

Visit the Parks Projects web page to see all active and upcoming parks projects, including those open for public review.
Trail Work in Parks

Bikers and Runners should use caution around work areas as improvements are taking place on several trails in Montgomery Parks:
For more information on Montgomery Parks Trails, please visit www.MontgomeryTrails.org.
Summer Activity Guide cover
The Summer GUIDE is Here!
 
Montgomery Parks is offering a wide variety of programs, classes and events great for families, adults and children, this spring.  Details are available in the eGuide from your computer or cell. Visit Active Montgomery to register.
There is still time to register for Montgomery Parks summer camps, including Outdoor Adventure Camp, Golf & So Much More, Week in the Park, Wee Little Naturalists, Into the Woods, and many more on our Camps and Classes website.

You may also find the perfect camp for your kids at Montgomery Parks' Summer Camp Expos! Montgomery Parks offers more than 100 camps geared towards a wide variety of interests to summer campers of all ages.  Many camps even offer before/after care, and camps run throughout the entire summer!  
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, 8787 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910
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