The one-year anniversary of the tragic October 7 terrorist events in Israel is approaching. Over the past year, I have had many conversations with members of the Jewish, Muslim and other communities. While our diverse communities fear for the safety of their family and friends abroad, they also fear for themselves and their loved ones at home here in Montgomery County. They do not want to see violence in their own neighborhoods, synagogues and mosques.
This is a sad reality, even though our County is one of the most diverse and welcoming places in the country. We have seen a rash of antisemitic, Islamophobic and other hateful acts at our schools and across our communities.
As the anniversary of this tragic day approaches, we must stand united against hate. Multiple County departments are engaged with our community including the Office of Community Partnerships, Office of Human Rights, Department of Health and Human Services and the Regional Service Center offices. Our Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and police department are also focused on this significant date.
During my media briefing this week, Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) Assistant Chief Willie Parker-Loan said that there will be increased patrols in place leading up to and on Oct. 7. Police are also engaging in community outreach and contacting houses of worship to answer questions and pass along safety tips. There is also information sharing going on at a national level that MCPD is participating in. Chief Parker-Loan encouraged anyone who sees anything suspicious to call 911 or 301-279-8000.Montgomery County is committed to fighting crime and creating a safe community by countering hate and extremism.
Applications Open for Security Grants to Nonprofit and Faith-Based Organizations at High Risk of Experiencing Hate Crimes
Over the last three years, we have provided grants to nonprofit and faith-based organizations at high risk of experiencing hate crimes. This week, we reopened this program for applicants.
We are the only jurisdiction that we aware of that provides local funds to nonprofits that are at risk of hate incidents. Last year, we awarded $900,000 to help protect nonprofit organizations. This year, we have increased that funding to $1.2 million.
Eligible organizations can request up to $15,000 per facility, and funds must be expended over a 12-month period. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Oct.18.
These grants are an example of our unwavering support for the entirety of this diverse community and for the organizations who serve them. To apply or find more information about the grant opportunity, visit the Montgomery County Office of Grants Management website. In March, we updated the community on the impact of these grants, helping 136 organizations. You can watch that here.
MCPD ‘MoCo Connect’ Security Camera Program
There is another program that MCPD launched over the summer that is important to highlight. The “MoCoCnnect” program allows residents and organizations to voluntarily register their security cameras with our police department. The goal is to help the police’s Violent Crime Information Center as it investigates incidents. The video can also be used when people are missing. You can see from the photo above how many cameras are already part of this network. Learn more about the program, privacy parameters or sign up at mococonnect.org.
Fire at Abandoned School in Silver Spring
A large fire burned through the night Tuesday at the former JoAnn Leleck Elementary School in Silver Spring, which was closed and set for demolition. Here is a link to one of several news stories on the fire.
Nearly 100 firefighters were needed to knock down the two-alarm fire. Fire Chief Corey Smedley joined me on my media briefing this week to explain the situation. Because the building was closed, there were no working sprinklers, which could have slowed down the fire had they been working. You can watch that update here.
Fortunately, because of the timing, the building was empty and no injuries were reported. An investigation is underway to determine the cause and origin of the fire.
Maryland Task Force 1 to Assist with Hurricane Response
I want to thank our staff who responded to the FEMA call to help with rescue efforts in Florida and Georgia in response to Hurricane Helene. Maryland Task Force 1 is the urban search and rescue team that is headquartered in Montgomery County, but also includes members from Frederick, Howard and Prince George’s counties, and Washington, D.C.
The team is highly trained and experienced in helping during an emergency, but this can still be a dangerous mission. Updates on its work can be found on social media. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to these professionals for the work they do.
Showing Our Progress on Affordable Housing and Development
We were delighted to welcome Maryland Secretary of Housing and Community Development Jake Day and his team visiting Montgomery County this week. We took the secretary and his team to Long Branch, Takoma Park, North Bethesda, Rockville and Gaithersburg to see examples of affordable housing development and neighborhood revitalization that have resulted from County and State funding collaborations.
We toured the Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC) project in East County. This project—known as Hillandale Gateway—will create more than 450 residences in two new buildings. It is the largest residential investment in East County in decades and just down the street from a White Oak complex that is set to see major redevelopment soon.
The Hillandale complex will be all-electric, mixed-use and mixed income. It is the kind of project that never comes about on its own. We worked with HOC, the Montgomery County Green Bank and private investors to get creative with the planning.
The total cost of the project is $303 million in the form of private and public debt, as well as other sources including more than $52 million in Maryland Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program equity. There also is $16 million from the County’s Housing Initiative Fund, $10 million from the Green Bank and $35 million in construction financing from the Housing Production Fund. State grants will cover $2.5 million of the cost. Because of the State and County funding, 54 percent of the units will be affordable to families earning between 30 to 80 percent of the area median income (AMI).
Serving families at up to 80 percent of AMI is significant because these families often make too much to qualify for affordable housing preferences, yet they struggle to keep up with the market price for housing in our area.
Montgomery County has helped produce or preserve more than 1,700 affordable units over the last two years. We are producing more than 600 additional affordable housing units.
I enjoyed being able to share with Secretary Day how we have devoted record amounts of money to affordable housing since I became County Executive. There are exciting projects in the works that will help us add jobs, grow the economy and show the need for expansion of our Flash Bus Rapid Transit system to give our workforce and residents easier ways to access all parts of our County.
Hispanic Heritage Festival Happening Soon
Over the next few weeks, we are celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with activities throughout the County. We have events broken down by region on the Latino Health Initiative website so you can learn what is happening through Oct. 15 in East County, Midcounty, Silver Spring, Upcounty and in the Rockville/Bethesda area.
One event for the entire community will be the “Ama tu Vida, Ama tu Herencia” Festival and Health Fair in Wheaton on Sunday, Oct. 6. You will be able to enjoy Latin food, music and demonstrations focused on health lifestyles. Health screenings will also be available.
Census numbers show that more than 20 percent of Montgomery County residents are Latino or Hispanic. Our goal is to celebrate and embrace Montgomery County’s growing diversity, honor Hispanic heritage and promote a greater understanding and appreciation of its diverse traditions, history and achievements.
Minority-owned firms account for more than 51,000 businesses in Montgomery County, according to the Maryland Department of Commerce. The County is focused on helping all businesses succeed— that includes helping Hispanic entrepreneurs with a newly launched business incubator taught in Spanish.
A few years ago, Margarita Womack was a professional scientist longing to do something else. She turned away from her lab, got involved in a local incubator and put her heart and soul into growing an empanadas business. Her products are now available in several grocery stores up and down the East Coast including Whole Foods.
Last week, I joined the Rockville Chamber of Commerce, the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation and the County Council in helping Margarita celebrate the grand opening of her new expanded Maspanadas headquarters. I am proud of the way Montgomery County responded when she needed help, leaning on the County’s business center for answers, help and even some aid in expansion. Margarita has had her employees in mind since Day One and has helped them gain a stronger footing with their own personal finances through help she has provided.
This is the kind of success story that I hope our business incubators produce. Every small business starts with a big idea. I look forward to visiting with more Hispanic business owners over the next few weeks for Hispanic Heritage Month.
Health Report
Free COVID-19 tests will be available from the Federal government through the mail again by the end of the month. It is in anticipation of the start of flu season when COVID-19 cases and other respiratory illnesses are expected to make their yearly surge. The tests will detect current virus strains and will be available through the end of the year at covidtests.gov.
As we mentioned last week, the County’s distribution of free COVID tests have come to an end, so it is more important this year that our residents request these free tests to be sent to them through the mail.
Car-Free Day in Montgomery County
Montgomery County marked our annual Car-Free Day on Monday. The County waved all fees on Ride On buses to encourage people to try public transit.
Car-Free Day is celebrated across the globe. It encourages traveling in ways that are more environmentally friendly than driving. You have until Oct. 11 to register for raffle prizes like gift cards, an annual Capital Bikeshare membership and a pre-funded SmarTrip card, which are available for youth and seniors.
I encourage residents to try out alternatives to driving alone, such as walking, biking, taking public transportation or working from home.
Ride On operates more than 80 routes throughout the County, and our new Ride On Trip Planner app makes planning your ride easy and convenient.
We have a wonderful asset here in Ride On, and if we work together across our region, we can make it a better option for more commuters and people from outside of Montgomery County who want to take advantage of our shops, restaurants and activities.
National Drive Electric Week Underway
The start of “National Drive Electric Week” is Sept. 27, and it runs through Sunday, Oct. 6. Several things have changed since last year’s spotlight on electric vehicles (EV).
The Maryland Department of Transportation announced that Montgomery County will host two new fast-charging EV stations at the Colesville Park and Ride and in a Downtown Silver Spring parking lot at Seminary Road and Sutton Place.
The County remains committed to expanding the network of EV infrastructure. We secured $2.68 million in grant money to add up to 17 EV charging stations at County-owned locations like parking garages, libraries and community centers. The money was available because of the Federal Highway Administration’s Carbon Reduction Program.
As of the end of April, there were more than 100,000 EVs registered in Maryland and more than 31,000 of those EV owners live in Montgomery County. There is an increasing demand from consumers for cleaner, more efficient transportation options and providing the right infrastructure to support that demand is crucial. Maryland also offers a 50 percent rebate on the cost of EV charging equipment and installation, making it easier and more affordable for you to charge at home.
One factor possibly driving increased demand is a new law that allows an EV buyer to transfer clean vehicle tax credits to the dealer when they want to buy, reducing upfront costs for EV purchases. You can check out dealer incentives available for EV cars sold in Montgomery County on the Department of Environmental Protection website.
As always, my appreciation for all of you,
Marc Elrich
County Executive
