Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich’s proposal to allow many County restaurants and bars to serve alcohol after 10 p.m. was approved by the Montgomery County Council on Oct. 1. The proposal, which County Executive Elrich made after consulting with County Health Officer Travis Gayles, updated the Executive Order regarding safety regulations during the continuing COVID-19 health crisis. Establishments can begin applying to be part of the late-night program immediately.
County bars and restaurants were limited to serving alcohol to patrons on-site up to 10 p.m. under the County’s Phase 2 reopening guidelines in an attempt to limit late-night socializing. Early during the health crisis, when establishments were able to serve alcohol after 10 p.m., some became lax in enforcing safety guidelines. Guidelines prohibiting sales after 10 p.m. were implemented to help stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Many restaurants and bars can now apply for a Late-Night Alcohol Sales Program permit that would allow them to serve alcohol between 10 p.m. and midnight. A food service establishment that violates the rules can lose its Late-Night Alcohol Sales Program permit, have its alcohol license suspended and/or could be fined up to $20,000.
Businesses that receive a Late-Night Alcohol Sales Program permit will be subject to frequent and unscheduled inspections.
Permits will be available to food service establishments with no prior history of citations or closings due to coronavirus-related violations.
The late-night alcohol program could be suspended Countywide under certain circumstances. Those circumstances include having increases in the positivity rate in COVID-19 testing or in the number of COVID-19 cases.
There are more than 45 sites in Montgomery County where residents can get tested for COVID-19, including County-operated and privately operated clinics. There will be County-operated testing at 14 clinics on the upcoming schedule.
Testing at County clinics is free, does not require a doctor’s referral and is available by making advance appointments or on a walk-up basis. Reservations can be made online at www.MoCoCOVIDtesting.org.
There may be a fee at privately operated sites. Residents should check in advance on any possible cost and available times at privately operated sites.
The upcoming County-operated clinics will be at the following:
Wednesday, Oct. 7. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Wheaton Library and Community Recreation Center, 11701 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring.
Wednesday, Oct. 7. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. CDC Mobile Trailer, Lakeforest Mall. Outdoor drive-up clinic (walk-ups welcome). Parking lot near food court entrance, directly in front of Ride On transfer station, 701 Russell Ave., Gaithersburg.
Thursday, Oct. 8. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. White Oak Community Recreation Center,1700 April Lane, Silver Spring.
Thursday, Oct. 8. 1-5 p.m. CDC Mobile Testing Trailer Outdoor drive-up clinic (walk-ups welcome), Montgomery County Recreation Department Administrative Building, 4010 Randolph Road, Silver Spring.
Election day—Tuesday, Nov. 3—is about one month away, and for those who have ordered mail-in ballots (it is not too late to do that), they will arrive soon, if they have not already arrived.
In Montgomery County, there will be only about 40 polling places open throughout the County on Election Day (usually there are 255 voting locations).
Some important election information:
Voter registration is available until Tuesday, Oct. 13, and also at early voting centers and on Election Day. More information on how to register is available at Maryland Board of Elections website. Online registration is recommended if possible.
There are three ways to vote: by mail, in-person early voting (Monday, Oct. 26, through Monday, Nov. 2) and in-person on Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 3).
Voting by mail is the best way to avoid lines and crowds. Apply for a ballot either with the application you should have received in the mail or online.
If applying for a mail-in ballot, request a ballot in the mail—not to be printed through an email link (unless you have to).
Ballots printed through the email link/internet require two people to hand copy the results onto a ballot that can be scanned. That is a lot of work and will slow the final vote count.
Check the status of your ballot application online.
Paper ballots mailed to you will come with postage pre-paid envelope to mail back (or to deposit in a voting drop box).
Vote by mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day. Mail early or put your mail-in ballot in a voting drop box.
Secure drop boxes will be located at all early voting sites beginning Oct. 1 and at all voting centers on Oct. 15. A list of all locations will be included with your ballot.
When voting by mail or with a ballot printed via the internet, be sure to sign the oath that comes with the ballot. Ballots will not be counted if the oath is not signed. For ballots delivered via the email/internet, the oath will be on a separate piece of paper. For ballots that come to you via the mail, the oath will be printed on the envelope that holds the ballot. Do not sign the ballot.
Early voting from Oct. 26 through Nov 2 will be available at 11 sites around the County. Hours will be 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. All voters can vote at any early center, regardless of where you live in the County.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The annual Garden of Lights winter light display and garden railway exhibit at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton has been cancelled by Montgomery Parks for 2020 due to the continuing COVID-19 health crisis.
The Washington, Virginia, and Maryland Garden Railway Society’s G-scale train exhibit that is traditionally hosted in the Brookside Conservatory also will not be held.
“After careful consideration, we have decided to cancel Garden of Lights for the 2020 winter season,” said Stephanie Oberle, director of Brookside Gardens. “The decision was based on many factors, including an overarching concern for the health and safety of our visitors, volunteers and staff. While we are disappointed, we look forward to welcoming everyone back to the popular attraction in 2021.”
Brookside Gardens will celebrate the winter season with a variety of online and in-person programming for children and adults, adapted to meet physical distancing requirements. The gift shop will carry festive merchandise and unusual house plants. Brookside Gardens also will be installing an outdoor fall chrysanthemum display.
Brookside Gardens’ outdoor garden areas are open daily from sunrise to sunset for exercise, meditation and wellness. The Visitor Center is open daily from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., and the gift shop is open every Wednesday through Monday (closed on Tuesday).
For full details on the latest programming, events, and facility operating statuses visit MontgomeryParks.org
Montgomery County Recreation has started a new pool reservation system designed to create an easier and better user experience at the County’s four indoor aquatic centers. The new system is for reservations beginning Monday, Oct. 5.
The reservation system is now in effect for the Germantown Indoor Swim Center, the Kennedy Shriver Aquatic Center in North Bethesda and the Olney Swim Center. It will apply to the Martin Luther King Jr. Indoor Swim Center in White Oak after it reopens following renovations in November.
Montgomery County Recreation pools are currently open to County residents and to pool pass holders. Reservations are not required, but they are highly encouraged as pool capacity is limited due to COVID-19 restrictions.
“We heard from many customers, listened to their feedback and found a system that we believe will create a better user experience,” said Montgomery County Recreation Director Robin Riley. “We appreciate our customers' patience and understanding as we navigate these new waters.”
Reservations will be available beginning seven days in advance of the activity’s scheduled start time. Users can select from a variety of activity types including:
Lap Swimming: Current health guidelines allow for one person per lane. This activity requires continuous swimming.
Deep Water Running: Open space for exercise in deep water. Swimmer’s body must remain vertical in the water. Lap swimming is not permitted.
Open Recreation Area: Shallow water available for general use. Lap swimming is not permitted.
Recreation Swim: Available for general use. Diving boards, slides and leisure pool open. Lap lanes will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis for lap swimming only.
Reservations for indoor and outdoor swim sessions through Oct. 4 will continue to use the current reservation system.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich is holding a series of virtual forums about priorities for the Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) Operating Budget and the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) budget. The next forum will be held starting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 8, and will focus on the operating budget. Each of the forums will be hosted via Microsoft Teams.
“I am hopeful that our virtual format will allow more residents to participate in these forums,” said County Executive Elrich. “Even though we cannot be together, this new format should enable us to discuss with residents the County’s budget process for Fiscal Year 2022. COVID-19 has changed how the government delivers services, and this virtual forum may make it easier for more residents to participate and engage with the process. We hope you will join us to listen, learn, ask questions and let us know what is important to you.”
County Executive Elrich will transmit his Recommended FY22 Capital Budget and amendments to the FY21-26 CIP to the County Council on Jan. 15. The County Executive will transmit his Recommended FY22 Operating Budget to the County Council on March 15. The Council will approve the budgets at the end of May.
Sign language interpreter services will be provided only upon request with notice as far in advance as possible, but no less than 72 hours prior to the event. If these or other services or aids are needed to participate in this activity, call 240-777-6507, Maryland Relay 711 or email a request to Karen.falcon@montgomerycountymd.gov.
October is “Energy Action Month” and Wednesday, Oct. 7, is annually designated at “Energy Efficiency Day.” To join the national celebrations of each, Montgomery County, through the Montgomery Energy Connection network, will be hosting events in partnership with the County’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Montgomery County Recreation, the County’s Department of Health and Human Services, and community partners to provide residents with information and opportunities to lower energy costs.
In this time of COVID-19, most of the activities in this year’s celebration will be virtual events that include scavenger hunts, trivia games and senior webinars. However, for “Active Aging Week,” which is Oct. 4-11, there will be popup Fit Kit and LED events giving residents an opportunity to swap out old incandescent and CFL bulbs for energy-efficient lighting. Active Aging Week is part of a national initiative promoting healthy lifestyles. Now that more people are taking part in indoor and online activities, it is a prime opportunity to make sure residents have the tools needed to keep energy bills down.
“Energize with 15 in Fifteen” online trivia games are scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and 5:30 p.m. on Thursdays throughout October. Each week will feature the connection between energy and parts of the environment including recycling, trees, water and lawns. Participants can win prizes for answering questions correctly.
In celebration of Storm Water Awareness Week, from Oct. 18-24, Montgomery Energy Connection will launch the #MontgomeryPlogs Challenge in partnership with the Montgomery County Watershed Restoration. This is a program of DEP.
A year-long scavenger hunt activity for residents of Montgomery County will be launched in October. The Montgomery Energy Connection Scavenger Hunt will highlight how energy and water efficiency impact buildings and businesses. More than 60 partners are participating including museums, pools and breweries. Participants will connect with the program online and via Instagram while searching for the hunt’s designated locations and businesses. Residents are encouraged to play for a chance to win $25 gift certificates from participating Montgomery Energy Connection Partners by completing a Scavenger Hunt circuit.
The latest iteration of LEDs and Libations will be available at any of the 26 County Alcohol Beverage Service locations. With every purchase of Maryland-produced beer, wine or liquor, residents will receive a free LED light bulb (while supplies last). LED bulbs use up to 90 percent less energy to deliver the same amount of light as old-fashioned incandescent bulbs--and they last 10 to 25 times longer.
Senior Planet Montgomery, a free service that produces weekly programs focused on seniors, will join Energy Action Month by hosting weekly webinars on energy. The Senior Planet program schedule will be available at https://seniorplanet.org/locations/montgomery-county/.
Energy Efficiency Day will coincide with the “Go Grow & Get Active” signature event, hosted by Montgomery Parks at Brookside Gardens. The event will be held virtually from 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 7. Follow the event on County Cable Montgomery (Channel CCM) via streaming at montgomerycountymd.gov/CCM or watch it on Comcast or RCN (Channel 6 or HD 996/1056) or on Verizon (Channel 30).
The Energy Action Month schedule for October includes:
Monday, Oct. 5. 9 a.m.–noon: Fit Kit/LED Pop Up Event: Damascus Senior Center, 9701 Main St. No. 2, Damascus.
Tuesday, Oct. 6. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Fit Kit/LED Pop Up Event: Schweinhaut Senior Center, 1000 Forest Glen Rd, Silver Spring.
The U.S. Census Bureau has announced a new deadline in which it will be closing self-response and field operations for the 2020 Census on Monday, Oct. 5. All households who have not yet responded are urged to do so online immediately at my2020census.gov or via phone at 844-330-2020. There are multiple language options available online and via phone.
A full and accurate count of everyone who lives in Montgomery County is critical to ensure all communities secure their fair share of Federal and State funding for education, health care, housing, job training, infrastructure and more.
Montgomery County will continue Census outreach efforts until the last day of the deadline. For information on the County’s Census outreach efforts, email 2020census@montgomerycountymd.gov.
The Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) is extending the deadline to apply for 2020 Homeowners’ and Renters’ Property Tax Credits from Oct. 1 to Oct. 31.
The Homeowners’ Property Tax Credit Program provides tax relief for eligible homeowners by setting a limit on the amount of property taxes owed based on their income. Several counties and municipalities provide supplemental homeowners’ credits, which will be automatically applied if the applicant is approved for the state homeowners’ credit.
The Renters’ Property Tax Credit Program similarly provides tax relief for eligible renters who pay high monthly rent relative to their total income and do not receive federal or state housing subsidies or reside in public housing. The credit is issued in the form of a direct check payment of up to $1,000.
County residents are invited to submit artwork in a variety of media to Montgomery County’s Climate Change Plan Art Contest. The deadline for entries is Jan. 31—although early submissions are encouraged. Winners will receive $100 prizes.
The Climate Change Plan Art Contest seeks to use art to educate residents about the connection between daily lives, communities and the changing climate. Contest entries may be featured in the County’s climate change plan and in other County materials.
Entries can be in the form of photographs, drawings, videos, poems, digital art and memes.
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) has partnered with State and local agencies, nonprofits and communities across Maryland to celebrate “Walktober,” a month-long series of activities and virtual webinars in October promoting the State’s official exercise: walking. “Walktober” features celebration of the sixth annual Walk Maryland Day on Wednesday, Oct. 7, as well as four webinars focusing on pedestrian safety, health and walking a commuting option.
Maryland named walking as the official State exercise in October 2008.
Although walking would be preferred, the COVID-19 health crisis will have the celebration rely on the webinars – or “walkinars” – rather than in-person events, to encourage safe practices. Residents can sign up for the 90-minute walkinars, which feature local, State and national speakers. Sandra Brecher, MCDOT’s chief of Commuter Services, will participate on the Oct. 29 panel focusing on actions being taken across Maryland to integrate walking into residents’ daily commutes.
MCDOT is also sponsoring its annual Walk & Ride Challenge with nearly 100 employer-based teams in various locations around the County. More information on the initiative will be available at the walkinar on Thursday, Oct. 29.
As part of the statewide focus on walking, walkable communities and pedestrian safety, MDOT is hosting a website with information about Walktober and Walk Maryland Day, as well as registration for the webinar series. The site is mdot.maryland.gov/walktober.
Walk Maryland Day on Oct. 7 will encourage Marylanders to spend part of that day taking a walk. Walk leaders across the State will help lead registered walks following COVID-19 protocols, including social distancing and face-covering requirements. Participants also can register for walks at locations of their choice, alone or with other registered partners. Marylanders can become Walk Maryland Day “Sole Mates” by registering to join one of the official walks at mdot.maryland.gov/newMDOT/Planning/Bike_Walk/Walk_Maryland_Day.html.
The four walkinars, scheduled for 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Thursdays, Oct. 1, 15, 22, and 29, are tailored to pedestrian enthusiasts, advocates, planners and residents. The series includes:
Oct. 1: “What Can We Do?” Panelists will discuss key resources and initiatives at the State and national levels to promote pedestrian safety, access and wellness.
Oct. 15: “Pedestrian Infrastructure, Safety and Health.” Webinar will highlight MDOT’s pedestrian safety initiatives, as well as Maryland Department of Health (MDH) efforts to encourage people of all ages and abilities to make walking part of a wellness plan.
Oct. 22: “New Trends and Technologies to Support Walkability and Walking.” Talk will focus on tools and technologies that can help communities develop safe infrastructure and identify areas to target for access improvements.
Oct. 29: “Walking the Walk of Maryland’s Pedestrian Agenda.” Panelists will discuss actions being taken across Maryland to integrate walking into residents’ daily lives and commutes.
The COVID-19 health crisis has led to many changes, and in some cases,
cancellations of events this year. However, the Taste the World in Fenton Village celebration in the Fenton Village neighborhood
adjacent to Downtown Silver Spring will go on with a new look and modified
schedule. This year’s celebration will be held throughout October.
Traditionally, the event that showcases more than 40 independent small
restaurants in Fenton Village has taken place on a single day in May. However,
with COVID-19, the spring event did not occur, with the usual
festivities canceled and the restaurants open only for carryout.
The 2020 month-long event will highlight Fenton
Village’s diverse, eclectic neighborhood, which is only three blocks from
the Silver Spring Metro Station. Parking is available at a parking garage in the middle of Fenton Village.
“Fenton Village is a welcoming community made up of hard-working small
businesses owners who have always planned special menus and excellent food,”
said County Executive Marc Elrich. “I hope everyone comes out for this great
event to enjoy the good food and celebrate the restaurants in this wonderful
neighborhood.”
Everyone who orders food (eat in or carry out) from four different restaurants in Fenton Village in October will be eligible for a raffle ticket to win a 49cc, 4-stroke, 2-seater gas scooter (street legal) valued at $1,800.
A list of restaurants and cafes in Fenton Village and details on entering the raffle are available at the Taste of the Village website.
Montgomery Parks, which is part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, is updating the master plan for Wheaton Regional Park and is asking residents for their ideas on the park’s future.
The 536-acre park, which is the largest park in lower Montgomery County, was established in the 1960s when the County was much different than it is today. The park is aging and in need of updates to address older infrastructure, include more contemporary facilities and amenities and ensure it reflects the culturally diverse community it serves today.
Residents can share their suggestions about the future of the park in a variety of ways, including through an online survey or by accessing an interactive map. Print versions of the surveys can be found at facilities throughout the park.
Wheaton Regional Park features a variety of facilities and recreational opportunities including:
An expansive network of hard surface and natural surface trails.
The park’s master plan was created in 1987. Since then, the County has grown and changed substantially. An updated master plan will ensure that the park’s future renovations and growth align with the needs and interests of the adjacent communities as well as residents throughout the county.
Topics that will be addressed in the master plan include updated infrastructure, new recreational facilities and amenities, natural resource conservation, maintenance and operations and enhanced natural and cultural interpretation.
This pandemic is changing life for us in many ways. I hope each of you is taking time to take care of yourself and the people around you. This is hard – I know it and we all know it.
We are constantly evaluating and re-evaluating the information and data we receive. We are also in regular communication with residents, businesses and other organizations about the obstacles they are encountering and how we can be helpful while also prioritizing the public health of our community. This week I issued a new executive order expanding and clarifying measures allowed under Phase 2 guidelines– the details are below. And in my video I talk about testing – check it out.
For those of you who ordered a mail-in ballot, some will start arriving as soon as next week. When you fill out your mail-in ballot, please be sure to sign the return envelope. Do NOT sign the ballot itself – it will not be counted if you do that. If you’re nervous about putting your ballot in the mail, there are drop boxes around the County. Some are already in place; others will be going up through out the month of October. Find more information about drop boxes here.
Also, I wanted to remind you that in the public interest of this county, please vote FOR Question A, AGAINST Question B, FOR Question C and AGAINST Question D. These positions are supported by me and the County Council. Here’s a link to the sample ballot.
Take care,
Marc Elrich
County Executive
P.S. Yesterday, I joined Governor Larry Hogan to visit Novavax, one of the many companies that make Montgomery County the vaccine capital. We have some brilliant minds working here in our County!
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, after consultation with County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles, has issued an updated executive order that clarifies provisions of the Phase 2 Guidelines related to the COVID-19 health crisis. The County Council unanimously approved amended Executive Order 114-20 that went into effect Tuesday, Sept. 22.
The amended executive order includes additional measures to protect the public from the spread of the virus. One measure modifies the previous executive order to allow for larger religious gatherings. Montgomery County public health and emergency management staff have worked closely with members of the Faith Community Working Group to develop enhanced spacing allowances. They have also worked collaboratively to offset any increased risk of more congregants by including additional safety requirements and guidance for houses of worship.
The amended order also includes a new exception to the face covering mandate for children under the age of 18 while playing sports as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Updated executive order:
Explicitly caps indoor food service at 50 percent;
Changes gathering size calculations and spacing, screening, and cleaning requirements for religious facilities;
Modifies the definition of face covering to remove plastic full face shields;
Includes a face covering exception for children under 18 while playing sports; and
Officials are continually reviewing designations and adjusting guidance based on data and science.
Voting by mail can make things easier, and safer. Here are a few things you want to remember to ensure that you can vote by mail in the Nov. 3 election. To receive a vote-by-mail ballot, the Board of Elections must receive your request by Tuesday, Oct. 20.
To request a ballot:
Text the letters VBM to 77788; or
Use the following Mail-in
Ballot Request link. Provide your complete information so your voter
registration can be verified, and a ballot can be mailed.
In Step 9, the “Mail-in Ballot Request”, select “I would
like to receive a mail-in ballot.”
Under delivery type, select “in the mail”. The other types
are only recommended for overseas voters and voters with disabilities. They
require a bipartisan team of poll workers, or Election Judges, to review your
ballot and hand copy your choices before your votes can be counted.
If you request a ballot, you want to vote as soon as
possible using that ballot. Postage is prepaid, so you can return it by mail or
to a Board of Elections drop box. Secure drop boxes will be located at all
early voting sites beginning Oct. 1 and at all voting centers on Oct. 15. A
list of all locations and installation dates is available here.
You can also find the nearest USPS collection box or Post
Office by texting the word BOX plus your zip code (example: BOX 20879) to 77788
or by using the website.
You can also check the status of your mail-in ballot
application and/or the status of your returned voted ballot by: texting the word CHECK to 77788; or using the Maryland Voter
Lookup tool.
More than 45 sites are available for residents to get free COVID-19 testing, including County-operated and privately operated clinics. Testing at County clinics is free, does not require a doctor’s referral and is available by making advance appointments or on a walk-up basis. Reservations can be made online.
COVID-19 Testing Available at More than 45 Sites in County The schedule for upcoming County-operated test clinics:
Wednesday, Sept. 30. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Wheaton Library and Community Recreation Center, 11701 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring.
Wednesday, Sept. 30. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Outdoor drive-up clinic--walk-ups welcome. CDC Mobile Trailer, Lakeforest Mall, 701 Russell Ave., Gaithersburg (parking lot near food court entrance, directly in front of Ride On transfer station).
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich wants to hear what your priorities are for the Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) Operating Budget and the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) Budget. County residents are invited to participate in virtual forums hosted via Microsoft Teams.
The schedule for upcoming budget forums, which begin at 7 p.m.:
County Executive Elrich will transmit his Recommended FY22 Capital Budget and amendments to the FY21-26 CIP to the County Council on January 15; on March 15, the County Executive will transmit his Recommended FY22 Operating Budget to the County Council. The Council will approve the budgets at the end of May.
The Sept. 30 meeting will be streamed live on the County’s website and Facebook page and on the YouTube channel. County residents can view the meeting live with closed captioning on County Cable Montgomery (cable channel CCM) by tuning to Comcast Channel 6 or 996 HD; RCN Channel 6 or 1056 HD; or Verizon Channel 30. Residents also can join on social media and help raise awareness by using #MoCoBudget22.
More information on how to request sign language interpreter services is available here.
Montgomery County and nonprofitMain Street Connect have announced a joint initiative that will offer low-income and special needs residents of the newly opened Main Street Apartments in Rockville access to free, high-speed home internet service.
Founded in 2017 by Jillian and Scott Copeland, Main Street Connect was inspired by the Copelands’ son, Nicolas, who has developmental disabilities. Like many parents in similar situations, the Copelands’ search for long-term housing for Nicolas produced very few options in which he could thrive. Hoping to alleviate similar situations for other families, the Copelands started Main Street Connect with a mission to create affordable and inclusive housing that offers residents—of all abilities—the opportunity for dynamic opportunities and community engagement.
The project brings together Montgomery County and Main Street Connect with technology leadersPlume and Positron Access Solutions. Montgomery County will be providing symmetrical speeds of 50 Mbps+ (upload and download), as well as internet bandwidth to support Wi-Fi service in all public areas in the building. Plume, a leading smart home experience company, will provide an enhanced home Wi-Fi offering to residents free of charge. That service includes strong, consistent Wi-Fi coverage, online security, parental and access controls and 24/7 customer service. Positron, a leading enabler of high-speed internet services, is providing the broadband access equipment necessary for residents to connect to Montgomery County’s free internet.
The pilot project, which will impact 60 to 70 units in the building, aims to address digital equity within the Main Street Apartments community. Digital equity means everyone—no matter their socioeconomic background—has equal access to the technology necessary to participate in all aspects of society. For low-income households especially, access to the internet can be a burden when added to the costs of rent, childcare, food and other necessary expenses.
Montgomery County’s Department of Technology Services is looking to learn from the pilot project and develop additional opportunities to expand the availability of no-cost/low cost internet solutions soon.
Read more about this progressive enterprise in the press release.
The Montgomery County Office of Human Rights (OHR) is accepting nominations for its Hall of Fame. Nominations should be individuals – either living or deceased – whose ongoing work, service and contributions have positively impacted human and civil rights in the County. The deadline for nominations is Thursday, Oct. 15.
The Human Rights Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made great personal sacrifices in contributing to human and civil rights in the County, either as trailblazers of the past or as current light bearers in the struggle for human rights. The honorees will be recognized for their visionary leadership, outstanding achievements, and altruism on the road to eliminating discrimination and advancing human rights.
A select number of nominees will be recommended for induction into the Hall of Fame by a panel of Hall of Fame members who will act as the selection committee. The virtual induction ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 6.
The OHR Hall of Fame began in 2001 and is held every other year. More than 90 individuals have been inducted. For a nomination form or a list of inductees, visit the OHR website.
The Montgomery County Planning Department, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), is inviting residents along the I-270 Corridor, the County’s main north-south corridor, to participate in the kickoff meeting for “Corridor Forward: The I-270 Transit Plan” through an online meeting from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 30. RSVPs are required.
The Corridor Forward Plan will evaluate transit options that could serve I-270 Corridor communities and employment centers between Frederick and Tysons, Virginia. The plan will assess different transit options to support existing communities and also position the County’s I-270 Corridor as a prime location for economic development.
Following the evaluation, Montgomery Planning will develop an implementation plan to ensure resources are directed to the most efficient and valuable transit projects.
The online kickoff event will take place on the Microsoft Teams Live platform. Montgomery Planning staff will provide an overview of the project purpose and describe the importance of planning for transit in the I-270 Corridor. Participants are invited to complete the Transit Values Questionnaire in advance of the meeting, as well as review a series of videos produced to explain transit planning considerations. The meeting will also include a moderated panel discussion with agency and transit partners as well as an opportunity for participants to engage in a live question and answer session.
Montgomery Planning welcomes questions in advance of the kickoff meeting. Questions can be submitted through the Transit Values Questionnaire.
Continued reports in the national news say that recyclables such as plastics are being sent to landfills or incinerated, rather than being recycled. We want to assure you that yes, here in Montgomery County, we are recycling, and we continue to recycle everything that we ask residents and businesses to recycle.
The County values recycling and considers recycling a key initiative in protecting our land, air, and water, and preserving natural resources for the future.
We recycle acceptable materials collected in our County-provided curbside recycling program and send these materials to companies who will take them, further process them, and recycle them into new uses or products.
This includes:
mixed paper and cardboard
glass bottles and jars
metal steel/tin cans
empty, non-hazardous aerosol cans
aluminum cans
foil and foil products
plastic bottles, jars, containers, tubs, lids
#1 clamshell containers
bakery domes
flowerpots, and much more!
We also regularly monitor the recycling markets and look for opportunities to recycle additional materials.
What happens to the materials after we sort them at the Recycling Center?
The materials are sold to commodity brokers monthly. Once the materials leave our facility, virtually all of them are sold to domestic markets. As a rule, only mixed paper is sold to international markets, but that is via domestic commodity brokers.
Below are some ways you can help to keep recycling working in Montgomery County:
Keep our recyclables “clean” – What does that mean? Keep items like plastic bags, hazardous materials, electronics, Styrofoam®, or home medical supplies out of your blue recycling bins. Learn more about how to keep your recycling clean here: https://mygreenmontgomery.org/2018/keep-recyclables-clean/
Check our A-Z list of how to properly recycle or dispose of materials: Type the item you want to recycle or dispose of in our A-Z materials list. Don’t see your item on the list? Send us an email to AskDEP@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov.
The Plastics Recycling Factsheet has examples of plastics that can be recycled in Montgomery County, as well as items that need to be kept out of the recycling bin.
Learn about Montgomery County’s Recycling Center: Learn how we sort and prepare materials for recycling markets at the Recycling Center. While in-person tours are temporarily suspended due to the COVID-19 health emergency, check out our information on how we separate recyclable materials.
It is time for those 50 years and older to celebrate an active lifestyle with a dynamic week of virtual programs and activities. Active Aging Week takes place Oct. 5-11, as part of a national initiative promoting healthy lifestyles.
Highlights of the event include the “Go, Grow & Get Active” signature event, hosted by Montgomery Parks at Brookside Gardens. This event will be held virtually on Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. View the event on County Cable Montgomery and follow along for Zumba Toning, Laughter Yoga and TaijiFit demonstrations. Physicians from “Walk with a Doc” will provide health tips and encourage everyone to celebrate “Walk Maryland Day!”, also held on Oct. 7.
Events are co-sponsored by the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, Montgomery County Recreation, Montgomery County Public Libraries, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Montgomery Parks and the Montgomery Energy Connection - Department of Environmental Protection. Local nonprofit organizations and hospitals will also host events.
For a full schedule of free Active Aging Week events, visit the County’s seniors website and click on “senior calendar”. Activities include walks, fitness classes, book discussions, language conversation groups, games, technology skills classes, volunteer information, and more.
Even though at times, the pandemic seems all-consuming, we still have to think about what kind of future we want for Montgomery County. Your vote on the ballot questions in this upcoming general election is going to play an important part in determining the shape of our future. The first batch of mail-in ballots will begin arriving in as soon as ten days and there will be six ballot questions on your ballot this year – four county questions and two statewide questions. And as your County Executive, I will not hesitate to take a position on policies in the public interest.
The four countywide questions are lettered A, B, C and D. I am asking you to vote FOR A and C and AGAINST B and D. I am also asking that you vote FOR statewide Questions 1 and 2. Today I want to focus on Questions A and B.
Questions A and B address property tax collection. Once again, I urge you to vote FOR Question A and AGAINST Question B, and here is why.
Our County’s property tax structure is fundamentally flawed. The current structure purposely manufactures austerity and creates a system that is broken and broke intentionally. It caps our total property tax revenue to the amount collected in the previous year plus inflation (which most recently was only 1.27 percent); it does not limit individual tax bills to the rate of inflation. Every year this arcane system forces us to recalculate the property tax rate to fit within an overall number that is not tied to economic growth in the county. As a result, the county does not benefit from increased economic growth even as the county must pay the costs of that same growth.
Due to the economic disruptions caused by the COVID pandemic, if not fixed, this arcane system could bankrupt our county. Unlike residential properties, commercial property assessments are based on the income generated by the property, such as rent. As vacancies increase due to the pandemic, assessments may go down. When combined with an inflation rate that is likely to be zero or negative, Montgomery County could be collecting less revenue than last year – this would be crippling to our budget at a time our services are more important than ever before.
Our current charter simply redistributes who pays more or less. This is why we don’t have a revenue base that would support more robust school construction or the bond financing needed to build the transit we must have if we’re going to provide the infrastructure that new development requires. Here’s another way to think about it - our problem is not stagnant property values, it is our inability, under the current system, to realize the new value of property.
If you want to understand why we lag behind the other side of the river, you need look no further than counties in Virginia and their ability to produce revenue to build major infrastructure projects that our county’s tax structure makes impossible. This is not about raising taxes. It is about is realizing the benefits of growth for the entire community.
To add another level to the perversity of our system, the use of tax credits to stimulate development activity when combined with new construction winds up reducing property tax revenues, which in turn reduces the base against which inflation is applied. As a result, the County will never see the full tax benefit from major projects – like the new Marriott headquarters project - even after the tax credits expire.
Our neighbors (and competitors) in the region are focused on the future for their communities – they are investing in infrastructure that businesses and residents want and need. Our charter prevents us from tackling a range of issues like the opportunity gap in our schools, the need for transportation infrastructure, the lack of affordable housing, and more. It leaves our residents and our business community with the false perception that we cannot manage our resources when, in fact, our potential resources are severely limited by the existing property tax system.
The charter amendment currently in place, which has created this revenue straitjacket, was proposed by the Council 30 years ago – 1990. Since then our school population has grown by 65 percent and overall population by 40 percent. In the last 30 years, we have increased our services and we have more challenges – from traffic congestion to climate change to greater economic disparity. Over the same time period, the tax rate has declined 35 percent.
Don’t be deceived! Our current County Charter limits the growth of property tax revenue – not property tax rates, and resident property taxes are NOT capped at inflation – they are tied to property assessments.
To explain this point, when we looked at actual property taxes bills for a few properties from 2018 and 2019, we found surprising differences in tax increases and decreases that were random. A home in Silver Spring assessed around $600,000 had their property taxes increase significantly; a home in Potomac valued at more than $2 million had a slight tax decrease, and property taxes for a commercial property in Rockville valued at around $370 million saw a tax decrease even though their assessment increased.
I also want to make a point that both the status quo and Question A require a unanimous vote by the Council to raise the limit – for the revenue cap (status quo) or the tax rate cap (Question A). Passing Question A will not raise taxes. Question A would – without raising the tax rate – allow us to capture some of the revenue we need to reinvest in our community to move us forward as an economic leader in the region.
Question A allows us to focus on the tax rate rather than the total revenues collected. And the rate cannot be raised unless all Councilmembers vote to raise it. It is simple, and it enables us to capture the economic growth in our county. Additionally, I would note that if Question A passes, our tax rate will still be lower than that of Howard, Prince George’s, Anne Arundel and Frederick counties.
Question B by contrast would take us in the wrong direction. It would keep the current revenue cap and not allow it to ever go above the rate of inflation – even with a unanimous vote by all members of the Council. Put simply, Question B deprives you of your democratic right to representation. Question B could bankrupt our county. In times of emergency or great need, we will not be able to raise revenue beyond the inflation rate. It threatens our AAA bond rating. If we are downgraded, borrowing will be more expensive and will mean we will be unable to provide needed services and amenities. Question B denies us our ability to meet the needs of our residents and businesses – no matter how much we grow the tax base. Question B makes a bad situation worse.
Please educate yourself on these ballot questions. I respectfully ask you to vote FOR Question A and AGAINST Question B.
Marc Elrich
County Executive
PS In my video this week, I talk about current Covid-19
case counts. Also, I want to note that it is Hispanic Heritage Month, which is
a reminder of how our county’s diversity makes us stronger and better.
Additionally, last week I testified in person to the Maryland DOT about the
need to rethink the proposal to expand 495 and 270. Here is a link.
PPS And to those who celebrate Rosh Hashannah – Happy New
Year!
Election day—Tuesday, Nov. 3—is less than two months away, and for those who have ordered mail-in ballots (it is not too late to do that), they will begin arriving in just a few weeks.
In Montgomery County, there will be only about 40 polling places open throughout the County on Election Day (usually there are 255 voting locations).
Some important election information:
Voter registration is available until Tuesday, Oct. 13, and also at early voting centers and on Election Day. More information on how to register is available at Maryland Board of Elections website. Online registration is recommended if possible.
There are three ways to vote: by mail, in-person early voting (Monday, Oct. 26, through Monday, Nov. 2) and in-person on Election Day (Tuesday, Nov. 3).
Voting by mail is the best way to avoid lines and crowds. Apply for a ballot either with the application you should have received in the mail or online.
If applying for a mail-in ballot, request a ballot in the mail—not through an email link (unless you have to).
The email link/internet ballot requires two people to hand copy the results onto a ballot that can be scanned. That is a lot of work and will slow the final vote count.
Check the status of your ballot application online.
Paper ballots will begin to arrive in the mail in late September or at the beginning of October. They come with a postage pre-paid envelope to mail back.
Vote by mail ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day. Mail early or put your mail-in ballot in a voting drop box.
Secure drop boxes will be located at all early voting sites beginning Oct. 1 and at all voting centers on Oct. 15. A list of all locations will be included with your ballot.
When voting by mail, be sure to sign the affidavit printed on the envelope that holds the ballot. Do not sign the ballot.
Early voting from Oct. 26 through Nov 2 will be available at 11 sites around the County. Hours will be 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. All voters can vote at any early center, regardless of where you live in the County.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
There are more than 45 sites in Montgomery County where residents can get tested for COVID-19, including County-operated and privately operated sites. There will be County-operated testing at 14 clinics on the upcoming schedule,
Testing at County clinic is free, does not require a doctor’s referral and is available by making advance appointments or on a walk-up basis. Reservations can be made online at www.MoCoCOVIDtesting.org.
There may be a fee at privately operated sites. Residents should check in advance on any possible cost and available times at privately operated sites.
The schedule for upcoming County-operated test clinics:
Wednesday, Sept. 23. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Wheaton Library and Community Recreation Center. 11701 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring.
Wednesday, Sept. 23. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Outdoor drive-up clinic--walk-ups welcome. CDC Mobile Trailer. Lakeforest Mall, 701 Russell Ave., Gaithersburg (parking lot near food court entrance, directly in front of Ride On transfer station).
Thursday, Sept. 24. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. White Oak Community Recreation Center. 1700 April Lane, Silver Spring.
Thursday, Sept. 24. 1-7 p.m. Silver Spring Civic Building. One Veterans Plaza, Silver Spring.
The year 2020 likely will be long remembered as the time America—and the rest of the world—was inflicted with a new virus: COVID-19. However, an old, recurring disease—the flu—is back again, sometimes with similar symptoms to COVID-19. Protect yourself, protect others – get a flu vaccine every year.
Health officials recommend everyone six months and older be vaccinated against the flu. The circulating strains of flu are a good match with those included in this year’s vaccine. This week, County Executive Marc Elrich continued his annual ritual of getting a flu shot.
Montgomery County is now accepting applications for the second phase of its COVID Rent Relief Program to provide financial assistance to eligible residents. Administered by the County’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the program will accept applications on a rolling basis while funds remain available.
The $20 million in funding from the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security or CARES act expands rental assistance and homelessness prevention to low-income households that have experienced a loss of income due to the COVID-19 health crisis. The County program was introduced by County Executive Marc Elrich and approved by the County Council in July.
More than $1 million in financial assistance was given to eligible households in the initial phase of the program. DHHS has continued to maintain an active waitlist and the process for requesting assistance has been streamlined since the first phase was introduced.
Eligible renters must certify that they have income under 60 percent of the average median income, which is $65,529 for a family of three; that they lost income due to COVID-19; that they are rent-burdened and behind on rent; and that they have been a resident of Montgomery County since February 2020. Households may have formal or informal lease arrangements.
Approved households may receive up to $4,000 for rent arrears and a rent credit for future months paid directly to the landlord when a formal lease agreement exists.
In an effort to continue providing Montgomery County residents with as many fitness and recreation opportunities as possible, Montgomery County Recreation has extended its summer outdoor pool season. Weather permitting, certain outdoor pools will remain open on modified schedules through Sunday, Oct. 4.
The Bethesda, Germantown and Martin Luther King, Jr. outdoor pools will remain open through Oct. 4. The Glenmont Wheaton Outdoor Pool will remain open on a modified schedule beginning Sept. 21. The Long Branch, Upper County and Western outdoor pools will close for the season on Sunday, Sept. 20.
In addition to two-hour recreational swim sessions, 45-minute early morning lap swimming sessions also are available at the Bethesda, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Wheaton Glenmont outdoor pools. Reservations may be made online up to seven days in advance. While reservations are not required, they are highly encouraged.
Outdoor pools are open to current pool pass holders. Daily admission also is available for Montgomery County residents only. Residents should be prepared to show proof of residency prior to entry into any pool.
Outdoor Summer Pool Passes, originally scheduled to expire on Sept. 7, have been extended through Oct. 4 at no cost and will continue to be accepted for admission to any outdoor pool.
