I spent from 9:30 until 1:10 today at the Council worksession on the CR zone and I really think they got nowhere. Councilmember Berliner is introducing an amendment on the Density Transfer which was my major concern. They will be meeting again next week in Executive session to discuss the legality issues with the zone, and then to discuss the zone and to vote on it. But nothing was decided today with lots of vague conversations about incentive densities and how do we know which incentive will be implemented. There was also a lot of discussion about whether or not they should use the TMX zone instead as the Zoning Rewrite Committee is still producing a report which will have many changes for the CR zone, or possibly use a unique CR zone for White Flint only.
This afternoon was the PHED Committee and they discussed staging, but didn't really agree to anything, except they seemed to agree on dropping Phase 4. The staff was pushing for mode share requirements for staging criteria rather than specific projects, even though some specific projects seemed to be okay if they were for "placemaking". Councilmember Floreen seemed to favor specific projects. Maybe they all agreed on the 2nd Metro entrance during Phase 2.
After the PHED Committee worksession, during conversation, it was suggested that they take the optional incentive densities from the CR zone (like green roofs) and put them in the White Flint Plan so we know they have a chance of being implemented.
Next week at the PHED Committee is financing followed by staging and supposedly the Plan also goes to the Council for discussion next week and the following week. Then we're done.
Some time ago I suggested that the process needed more time. I still feel that way if they are going to get a quality project.
Natalie
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Staging: Staff Report is Out
The Staff report on Staging is out, and you can read it here. The PHED work session is February 16, at 1:30 in the 7th Floor Conference Room, at the Montgomery County Council (Maryland) Building, 100 Maryland Ave., Rockville.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
PHED Committee Work Sessions in February – Staging and Financing
Staff reports are not out yet but will be on this blog, so stay tuned!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Development - Coordination, Oversight Bill 1-10
Today I testified for the WFCC at the Montgomery County Council on Bill 1-10, Development-Coordination, Oversight. The WFCC supports the bill believing that an objective coordinator could provide the monitoring of mode share for White Flint as well as for the other Sector Plans for which White Flint makes assumptions, plus financial monitoring, plus provide for regular reporting to the Council. We recommend funding this position as part of the financial plan for the White Flint Sector Plan. Major suggested change is to allow residents in nearby communties to use this position as a primary point of contact.
Snow Emergency Information: All the News that Fits
* If there is an emergency, County residents should call 911. The Police non-emergency number is 301-279-8000. Please do not call 911 with snow plowing questions, as that delays responses to emergency calls.
* Residents are encouraged to sign up for Alert Montgomery
* Stay safe. Stay off the roads if at all possible. Also, be careful of not to overexert yourself when shoveling.
* To report snow removal problems, downed trees, social service needs or other storm-related issues, call 240-777-6000.
* To report "hot" wires or sparking wires, especially those across roadways, call 911.
* For power outages, call Pepco at 1-877-737-2662, Allegheny Power at 1-800-255-3443 or Baltimore Gas and Electric at 1-877-778-2222.
* Clear snow away from fire hydrants if you are able. If not, mark them with some sort of flag (even a broomstick will do).
* The shelter at Richard Montgomery High School, 2500 Richard Montgomery Drive in Rockville, remains open. Transport to the center is being handled by County volunteers with four-wheel drive vehicles and by Maryland National Guard Members. Two more shelters have opened at the Gwendolyn E. Coffield Community Center in Silver Spring and Seneca Valley High School in Germantown.
* If you have a four-wheel drive vehicle and would like to volunteer, call 240-777-2600.
* Montgomery County's Fire and Rescue Service urges residents without power to be aware that using gas or charcoal grills, propane heaters and stoves, kerosene space heaters or generators indoors can be fatal. They are a source of carbon monoxide, which can build up indoors and cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
* Montgomery County government's cable television channel-County Cable Montgomery, which can be viewed on Channel 6 on the Comcast and RCN cable systems and Channel 30 on Verizon-is continuing to feature live coverage of road conditions at all major traffic intersections.
* Suspension of enforcement of parking restrictions in all public parking garages and lots will continue through Thursday.
* You can find information on County plowing policies and procedures on the County Web site
* For a street that may have been missed by County plows, report it via the County Web site
* For County Council weather-related schedule changes, call 240-777-7900.
* Within 24 hours of the end of a snowstorm, all residential and commercial property owners are required by county law to clear their sidewalks. Residents are encouraged to help elderly or ill neighbors with this task. Snow shoveling services for a fee are listed through a web search ("snow removal services, Montgomery County, Maryland") or through the yellow pages ("landscaping and maintenance services"). Casa de Maryland, a non-profit organization, may also be able to provide fee-based services, and can be reached at 301-431-4177 or 301-431-4185.
* Montgomery County Police report that as some roads become more passable, drivers are increasing their speed. However, motorists are advised that they may encounter varying conditions on the same stretch of road, as plowing operations continue.
* If a County plow has damaged your mailbox, the County will install a standard post and mailbox at your residence as soon as all snow plowing is completed. Call 240-777-6000 to file a report. If you have a non-standard mailbox, call the County's Risk Management Division at 240-777-8920. In the meantime, a temporary mailbox will be installed.
* Montgomery County Public Library customers are asked not to return library materials until libraries reopen and are asked not to leave materials outside the library buildings. Materials due Feb. 5 through Feb. 10 will have their due dates extended one week. No fines will be charged for the period from Friday, Feb. 5, through Wednesday, Feb. 10.
Montgomery County Division of Solid Waste Services
*** February 9, 2010 - Collection and Facility Status Update ***
Montgomery County-provided residential garbage, recycling and yard trim collection services are cancelled for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday February 10 - 12. The normal collection schedule will resume on Monday, February 15.
The Transfer Station will be closed on Wednesday, February 10. Weather and road conditions may cause these schedules to be altered. Any changes will be posted on our web site: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov
We thank you for your patience and understanding during these extreme weather conditions.
If you have any questions or concerns about your County-provided collection, please contact our Customer Service staff online
The direct link for the Division of Solid Waste Services is: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/solidwaste
Monday, February 8, 2010
Show us the Data
Miranda Spivack has an interesting article in today’s Washington Post. While the focus is on the enormous Gaithersburg West Master Plan being pushed by Johns Hopkins, there are some nuggets in the article that clearly show the thinking of this Planning Board and Planning Department. The Hopkins Science City could create 23,000 new jobs, according to those favoring the plan. Here in the White Flint Sector, the magic number is 20,000 new jobs. At least at the "Science City" we know where the jobs will come from. Here in White Flint we just have the magic number. And, not a peep from the representatives of those on the East side of the County, Nancy Navarro and Valerie Ervin, asking, why 20,000 new jobs on the west side of the County? Why not any job creation on the East side of the County?
And here’s another nugget. When looking at real numbers and data, Planning Department Director Rollin Stanley is quoted as saying, “Don’t even look at them.” Where have we heard that before? Ignore the data, ignore the numbers. In fact, don’t even provide data. That’s where we are with the White Flint Sector Plan. Where are the data to support the huge mode share percentages promised? Not even the council staff believes the promises. We already have people living within ¼ and ½ mile of the White Flint Metro station. So, how do those people get to work? Do they bike? Do they walk? Take the metro? Show us the data. Show us some evidence that this plan will work.
And here’s another nugget. When looking at real numbers and data, Planning Department Director Rollin Stanley is quoted as saying, “Don’t even look at them.” Where have we heard that before? Ignore the data, ignore the numbers. In fact, don’t even provide data. That’s where we are with the White Flint Sector Plan. Where are the data to support the huge mode share percentages promised? Not even the council staff believes the promises. We already have people living within ¼ and ½ mile of the White Flint Metro station. So, how do those people get to work? Do they bike? Do they walk? Take the metro? Show us the data. Show us some evidence that this plan will work.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Staging: The WFCC Response
The next work session of the Montgomery County Council (MD) Planning, Housing, and Economic Development (PHED) Committee is now scheduled for Wednesday, February 10 at 2 PM and the subject is Staging. This is a huge issue for the success of the plan. When should the redevelopment of the Rockville Pike take place? How about the construction of the new, full-service library? Will there be enough public transit for the enormous number of people? When will additional public transit required be implemented, if the plan is to work? What exactly is ‘Stage 4?’
The staff report is available here. Take a look… The White Flint Community Coalition presents its response to the staff report here.
Tell the Council the plan must be in balance.
Email the council at county.council@montgomerycountymd.gov
The staff report is available here. Take a look… The White Flint Community Coalition presents its response to the staff report here.
Tell the Council the plan must be in balance.
Email the council at county.council@montgomerycountymd.gov
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