Vision Zero Annual Report Shows 11 Percent Reduction in Serious and Fatal Crashes Compared to Pre-COVID Years

Montgomery County's annual report for the "Vision Zero Initiative" includes details on progress made in Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) on 127 projects undertaken between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024. Serious and fatal crashes dropped 11 percent compared to the pre-COVID-19 years of 2015 to 2019. The reduction was driven by a 28 percent decline in serious and fatal crashes on high-injury network (HIN) corridors, which are prioritized for safety interventions under the Vision Zero Action Plan.

The "Vision Zero Initiative" is the County's multi-departmental effort to end serious and fatal crashes on roadways by 2030. The complete FY24 Vision Zero annual report can be found on the County’s Vision Zero website.

"We need our streets to work for everyone whether walking, biking, using an assistive device or driving," said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. "Our investments in new crossings, speed management and targeted law enforcement are paying off with a reduction in serious and fatal incidents in our high crash areas. We can make our Vision Zero goal a reality through these projects, campaigns and with your help. Keep yourself and everyone on the road safe by putting your phone away while driving, obeying the speed limit, buckling up for every trip and every seat and never driving while impaired."

A priority in the Vision Zero 2030 Action Plan is creating more protected crossings by adding traffic signals and pedestrian beacons to crosswalks. Along with projects, the County continues building a culture of safety through events, outreach and focused law enforcement activation.

"While there is much work to be done to reach the ultimate Vision Zero goal, City, County and State agencies are dedicated to making our streets safer by design," said County Vision Zero Coordinator Wade Holland. "We are advancing projects--big and small--across the County and working with lawmakers in the General Assembly to remove barriers to implement safety programs and hold dangerous drivers accountable."

Highlights for the year included:

• 10 projects underway on high injury network (HIN) corridors. HIN corridors represent three percent of the County roads and 41 percent of serious and fatal injuries.
• Eight traffic signals and pedestrian hybrid beacons were installed. The devices provide a red signal for drivers to safely allow people on foot and on bike to cross.
• 29 bikeway projects are underway. The majority of projects will connect to future Purple Line and bus rapid transit projects to make car free trips safe and convenient.
• 6.7 miles of new sidewalk constructed.
• Outreach staff held 259 engagement events at grocery stores, the Motor Vehicle Administration and at schools to engage residents on safety projects and provide important safety guidance.
• Closed the loophole in Noah’s Law, which will require more impaired drivers to install ignition interlocks in their vehicles and reduce repeat drunk driving offenses.
• 15,795 traffic stops for excessive speeding by law enforcement and 360,363 speed citations from automated enforcement.

"We are committed to the safety of all our roadway users, and we are striving to make changes to our roads as quickly as we can," said MCDOT Director Chris Conklin. "That is why the Vision Zero funding is so crucial. I am thankful that the County Executive and the Council have been working together to allow for increases in this funding to advance the safety of our residents. I am saddened by every report of another crash resulting in serious injury or loss of life and remain committed to the work we’re doing to reduce and eliminate these tragedies. In addition to making our facilities safer, these projects can also provide assets for our communities. As one example, our team designing bus rapid transit along Veirs Mill Road also is advancing crucial pedestrian and bicycle safety upgrades including new sidewalks and traffic signals."

The FY24 report is the third under the Vision Zero 2030 Action Plan that outlines the projects and activities necessary to reach the Vision Zero goal of ending serious and fatal crashes. The initiative’s FY25 work plan is underway with projects across the County.

"As first responders, we see firsthand the damage caused by life-altering crashes to both lives and property," said Police Chief Marc Yamada. "Our officers, along with our automated enforcement program, continue to enhance our efforts to improve traffic safety by working to reduce speeds and keeping impaired drivers off our roads. As we look towards the end of 2024, holiday get togethers are upon us, so please plan a safe ride home. Remember, the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) offers free $15 Lyft credits as a way to make certain that you have a guaranteed sober ride home and to ensure that you and your family are all present at your family dinner tables this holiday season."

To learn more about Vision Zero efforts and how to get involved, visit the Vision Zero website.

Holiday Special Schedules for Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, Nov. 28, and on Friday, Nov. 29

The Montgomery County Government, and programs that impact County residents, will have holiday schedule and program changes for the observance of Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 28. In some cases, special schedules also will be in effect on Friday, Nov. 29

Schedule changes for the holiday celebrating Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, Nov. 28, are stated below. If schedules are altered for Friday, Nov. 29, those changes are noted in addition:

• County offices—Closed.
• MC 311— Closed.
• State offices and courts—Closed.
• State Motor Vehicle Administration offices and Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program stations—Closed.
• Libraries— Closed.
• Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS)—All stores closed.
• Department of Permitting Services—Closed.
• Ride On Bus Service—Will operate on a Sunday schedule. View route schedules here.
• Ride On extRa Pink and extRa Lime—Will operate on a Sunday schedule.
• Ride On Flash Bus Service—The Orange Route will operate on a Weekend/Holiday schedule. The Blue Route (typically, weekday only) will not be in service.
• Ride On extRa (Route 101) and Flex - Will not operate
• TRiPS Silver Spring commuter store—Closed.
• TRiPS mobile commuter store—Closed.
• MARC Train—No service on all three lines on Nov. 28. The Penn Line will operate on a Saturday schedule on Friday, Nov. 29. There will be no service on the Brunswick and Camden lines on Nov. 29.
• Metrorail—Will operate on a “Reduced Saturday Schedule,” with trains running from 7 a.m.-midnight.
• Metrobus—Will operate on a Sunday schedule. Find more information at https://www.wmata.com/schedules/index.cfm.
• Public parking garages, lots, curbside meters—Free on Thanksgiving Day. Charges and enforcement resume on Nov. 29.
• County-provided trash and recycling collections—No collections on Thursday, Nov. 28. Collections for the remainder of the week will slide one day, with the final collections on Saturday, Nov. 30.
• Shady Grove Transfer Station and Recycling Center— Entire facility is closed.
• Recreation Centers: Closed on Nov. 28 and Nov. 29.
• Aquatic Centers—Closed Nov. 28. Open Nov. 29
• Senior Centers—Closed on Nov. 28 and Nov. 29.
• For Montgomery Parks information, visit www.MontgomeryParks.org.

Additional information for Montgomery Parks:

• The Open Parkways program will be extended for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. During this time, parkways are open to pedestrians and bicyclists and closed to motor vehicles. Impacted roads include Beach Drive between Knowles Avenue and Cedar Lane (2.2 miles), which will be closed to vehicles from 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27, through 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, and Sligo Creek Parkway between Old Carroll Avenue and Piney Branch Road and between Forest Glen Road and University Boulevard West. It will be closed to vehicles from 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27, through 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1.
• Open on Nov. 28: Parks, trails, gardens, nature center trails and outdoor nature play areas, playgrounds, dog parks, skate parks, outdoor exercise stations and outdoor tennis/pickleball and basketball courts.
• Open on Nov. 28: The inline hockey rink at Ridge Road Recreation Park and street hockey/futsal rink at Dewey Local Park may be permitted or are available on first-come, first-serve (if not reserved).
• Open on Nov. 28—Picnic shelters and campfire rings—available for rental at several locations.
• Open on Nov. 28—Little Bennett campground.
• Open on Nov. 28—Cabin John Ice Rink and Wheaton Ice Arena
• Open on Nov. 28—South Germantown Driving Range
• Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton—Closed Nov. 25-28.
• Montgomery Parks headquarters and permits office—Closed.
• Montgomery Parks customer service office—Closed.
• Brookside Gardens Visitor Center and Conservatory—Closed Nov. 28-29.

Wheaton ‘Streetery’ Will Temporarily Close for Winter

Montgomery County will implement a winter closure of the Wheaton "Streetery," located on a portion of Price Avenue at Elkin Street in Wheaton, beginning Monday, Nov. 25. The Streetery comprises streets closed off to vehicles, enabling restaurants to offer outdoor dining spaces for customers and areas for residents to gather.

During the closure, the roadway will temporarily open to vehicular traffic to allow for winter maintenance, including snow plowing. The Streetery is scheduled to reopen in late March.

The Wheaton Streetery was one of four “streeteries” created in the spring of 2020 by the County as a temporary concept to support businesses struggling from the economic impacts of COVID-19 and allow residents to gather freely on public streets when indoor dining was closed. The spaces were reevaluated in the late summer of 2022, with some closing altogether, some becoming seasonal and others taking on more permanent changes. Two “streeteries” remain—Price Avenue in Wheaton and Norfolk Avenue in Bethesda.

One Montgomery Green, which is leading efforts to plan programming for the Wheaton Streetery’s reopening, works closely with the Wheaton Streetery Steering Committee. The committee includes representatives from local businesses, residents and County government staff.

The winter closure and spring relaunch are supported by and are being developed in collaboration with County Executive Marc Elrich, County Councilmember Natalie Fani-González, the Wheaton Urban District Advisory Committee, local businesses and community partner One Montgomery Green.

One Montgomery Green has outlined the following objectives for the Streetery’s relaunch:

• Create a Vibrant Community Space: Develop a welcoming area where residents and businesses can come together, fostering a sense of connection and belonging.
• Promote Sustainability: Include stormwater management features, native plantings and permeable surfaces to make the space environmentally friendly.
• Encourage Learning: Use the Streetery to educate the community about sustainable urban design and environmentally responsible practices.
• Support Local Businesses: Provide a space that encourages outdoor dining and other activities to strengthen the local economy.

For more information, visit the Wheaton Urban District’s website. Details about future plans for the Streetery are available on the Wheaton Streetery Project website.

Improvements to MD 650 / New Hampshire Avenue Will Lead to Traffic Delays Through Summer

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration has started construction on a $5.2 million safety and resurfacing project along a 2.76-mile section of MD 650 / New Hampshire Avenue from MD 198/Norbeck Road to MD 200 (Intercounty Connector) in Montgomery County. The project is expected to be completed by next summer, depending upon weather, and will lead to traffic delays throughout the construction period.

In addition to milling and resurfacing the pavement, the work will include:

• Replacing curb and gutters
• Reconstructing sidewalk ramps, driveway entrances and bus stops to meet Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines
• Updating traffic barriers and pavement markings
• Upgrading signage
• Repairing and cleaning drainage systems

During construction, single-lane closures with daytime flagging operations will be in effect along MD 650. Work times may be adjusted pending the project schedule. Contractor Pleasants Construction Inc., of Clarksburg, will perform the work. Learn more about the project here.

A Great Skate Awaits Around the County This Winter

Experienced and novices who have been awaiting cold weather so they could lace on a pair of ice skates can put on the warm clothes and get ready to glide. Visit MoCo is encouraging residents and visitors to take advantage of the many skating opportunities throughout Montgomery County.

Top places to skate outdoors include Rockville Town Square and Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring. The Rockville Town Square rink is said to the be largest public ice surface between Baltimore and Washington.

Indoor skating can be done year-round at the Cabin John Ice Rink in Bethesda and the Wheaton Ice Arena in Wheaton Regional Park.

Visit MoCo has more details on ice skating in the County here.

Employers May Be Eligible for Grant Funding to Create Jobs and Support Their Growth

Employers based in Montgomery County that are company headquarters or national nonprofit organizations or who are in the category of “targeted industries,” may be eligible for up to $500,000 in grant funding to create jobs and support their growth and expansion.

Eligible companies creating at least five new full-time, permanent jobs with a base annual salary of $100,000 (excluding benefits) can receive up to $10,000 per new job created. For businesses located in Community Equity Index disadvantaged areas, the award increases to $12,000 per job.

Eligible businesses must be located in Montgomery County, operate in one of the target industries (listed below) and hire a minimum of five full-time employees within six months of submitting an application.

Details of the grant funding program include:

• Target Industries: Life sciences, advanced technology, cybersecurity, quantum computing or hospitality.
• Funding: Awards range from $10,000 to $12,000 per qualifying job, with a maximum total award of $500,000 per company.
• Rolling Applications: Companies can apply as soon as they are ready.
• Funds awarded: On a first-come, first-served basis until they are fully expended.

More information about the program, including how to apply, is available at the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation website at https://thinkmoco.com/job-creation-fund/.

Nominations Being Accepted for 2024 Class of Human Rights Hall of Fame

The Montgomery County Office of Human Rights (OHR) is now accepting nominations for its esteemed Human Rights Hall of Fame, which honors individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing human and civil rights in Montgomery County. The nomination period will close on Monday, Nov. 25.

The Human Rights Hall of Fame celebrates residents—both historic trailblazers and contemporary advocates—who have worked to eliminate discrimination and promote social justice. Nominees may be living or deceased and should have made lasting contributions to civil rights within the County.

“Our community’s strength comes from those who have fought tirelessly for fairness and equality,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “By honoring them in our Hall of Fame, we celebrate their achievements and remind ourselves of the work still ahead. Their legacy drives us to build a Montgomery County where every resident's rights are upheld, and every voice is valued.”

To learn more about the Human Rights Hall of Fame program, view a complete list of past honorees or submit a nomination form, visit the Office of Human Rights website.

A selection panel of previous Hall of Fame inductees will review nominations and recommend a select group of honorees for induction. This year’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15, at the BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown.

This is the 13th biennial Hall of Fame selection. Established in 2001 by former OHR Director Odessa Shannon, the Hall of Fame has honored 108 individuals to date.

For more information on submitting nominations, contact OHR Director James Stowe at james.stowe@montgomerycountymd.gov.

‘Garden of Lights’ Display at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton Opens Friday, Nov. 22

 

The annual Montgomery Parks’ “Garden of Lights,” a breathtaking outdoor winter light display at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, is now open. This year’s exhibit features more than 1.5 million twinkling LED lights.

Brookside Gardens is located at1800 Glenallan Ave., in Wheaton. The half-mile pathway for the walking tour is transformed into a glowing winter wonderland. Guests can warm up with hot chocolate and grab a snack or a holiday gift at the gift shop.

Tickets are $10 per person (ages 5 and older). Children under 5 are free, but must register. To purchase tickets online, visit Garden of Lights and click on the link for tickets.

The Garden of Lights exhibit features dazzling light displays showcasing flowers, animals and nature-inspired scenes. This year’s exhibit will include a new lighted archway and lighted jumping pads.

The magical experience will run nightly through Jan. 5. It will be closed Nov. 25-28, Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1. The display is open from 5-9 p.m.

For a sneak peek of the display, check preview video and photo album from last year.

 

New Pickleball Courts Open in East Norbeck

Montgomery Parks has expanded pickleball opportunities with the creation of six new dedicated pickleball courts at East Norbeck Local Park. A ribbon-cutting celebration was held on Nov. 13.

East Norbeck Local Park is located at 3131 Norbeck Rd. in Silver Spring.

With the completion of the six courts at East Norbeck Local Park, Montgomery Parks now has 18 dedicated pickleball courts, plus more than 50 shared tennis/pickleball courts. Residents who previously had been playing tennis at East Norbeck can find 19 tennis courts just five minutes away at Olney Manor Recreational Park.

“East Norbeck Local Park is the perfect location for our newest pickleball destination hub,” said Chuck Kines, park planner for Montgomery Parks. “There is ample parking, and the courts already have excellent lighting. The demand for pickleball continues to grow and the project at East Norbeck is one of several we have recently completed or have in the works.”

Other recent and upcoming pickleball-related improvements include:

• Sundown Local Park, Ednor Local Park, Meadowood Local Park— Upgraded lighting.
• Columbia Local Park— Four new dedicated pickleball courts and one new tennis court with pickleball striping.
• Owens Local Park— Pickleball striping added to two tennis courts.
• Meadowbrook Local Park— All four tennis courts renovated, two with pickleball striping plus, upgraded lighting. Estimated completion spring 2025.
• Rubini Athletic Complex, Wheaton Regional Park— Converting two tennis courts into six dedicated pickleball courts and upgraded lighting. Also includes renovation/ improvement of parking lots. Estimated completion spring 2026.
• Greenwood Local Park— Three new dedicated pickleball courts are planned during park renovation. Estimated completion fall 2025.

To learn more about pickleball in Montgomery County, visit the Montgomery Parks webpage.

29th Annual Winter Lights Festival at Seneca Creek State Park Returns with 450 Illuminated Displays

The City of Gaithersburg’s 29th Annual Winter Lights Festival will feature 3.5 miles of enchanted woodland with more than 450 illuminated displays and spectacularly lit trees that brighten the evening sky starting Friday, Nov. 29. The display in Seneca Creek State Park will have seasonal scenes like Winter Woods, Teddy Bear Land, Toyland, Victorian Village and the North Pole.

Seneca Creek State Park is located at 11950 Clopper Road in Gaithersburg, easily accessible from I-270.

For an added experience, come during one of the Enchanted Evenings. These are special themed events available before Winter Lights opens to vehicles.

Sip and Sparkle, from 6-9 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 24, will be a 21-and-over tasting event where guests can try beer and wine from local tastemakers like Saints Row Brewing, Clear Skies Meadery and Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard. Ride around on an open-air trolley under the dazzling lights.

Take your furry friends to the Walk and Wag Enchanted Evening from 6-9 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 25, where you can take a one or three-mile stroll under the lights. Afterward, get a selfie with Santa and food from Maria’s Kitchen food truck that offers Mexican and Puerto Rican food for purchase. The last entry for the event is at 8 p.m. it is a walking event only (trolley rides through the lights will not be available). Admission is $10 per person, free for children 3 and under. Dogs enter free.

The Winter Lights Festival will be open every night from Nov. 29 through Dec. 31 (except Dec. 25) at Seneca Creek State Park. Tickets must be purchased in advance and will not be available at the gate. The price is $15 per car/van (Monday-Thursday) and $25 per car/van (Friday-Sunday) or $30 for a 15+ passenger van.