News & Announcements From Takoma Park

Piney Branch Pool Closure

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Due to construction at the Piney Branch Elementary School, the  Piney Branch Pool will be closed until September 3, 2013. Valid pool passes will be honored when the pool reopens.

If you have any questions please contact:

Joyce Seamens
Email: JKSeamens@aol.com
Phone: 301-565-0190

Proposed Revisions to the Housing Code

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

The City Council is considering a number of changes to the Takoma Park Code, Title 6, Housing. These changes include, for example, an expanded definition of rent, clarification of when and how utility costs may be transferred to a tenant, and minor modifications to rent stabilization. Among the changes being considered are two new provisions. The first provision would require landlords to distribute city-provided electoral information to new tenants. The second provision would, with restrictions, require landlords to allow candidates for office to have access to multi-unit rental buildings to canvass individual tenants.

Task Force on Voting Seeking Applicants

Thursday, June 6, 2013

As part of the PDF icon Right to Vote Resolution (PDF) adopted on May 13, the City Council established a Task Force on Voting to make recommendations to the City Council on any policies or regulations needed to strengthen the right to vote and voter participation in City elections. Up to 11 members will be appointed by the Council. Members should be Takoma Park residents or represent organizations with expertise in election law or policy, voting rights or voter registration. The Council will aim to appoint at least two youth members (aged 16 to 21 on the date of appointment). Two members of the Task force will be selected by the Takoma Park Board of Elections and recommended to the Council for appointment.

The Task Force will be asked to issue a preliminary report with recommendations for the 2013 election by September 15, 2013 and a final report with its findings and recommendation to the City Council by June 30, 2014 unless its term is extended by the Council.

Additional information may be obtained by contacting contacting Jessie Carpenter, City Clerk, jessiec@takomaparkmd.gov or 301-891-7267. The deadline for initial applications is June 19, 2013. Appointments are expected to be made July 1.

Safe Grow Zone Initiative Update

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Residents have requested that the City Council adopt an ordinance prohibiting the use of cosmetic pesticides on lawns and gardens within the City. The definition of the word "pesticide" would include herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides.

The City Council has held two work session discussions (Nov. 13, 2012; May 20, 2013) and a public forum (March 18, 2013) on the proposed Safe Grow Zone ordinance. Proponents and opponents have testified during the public forum, during public comments at many meetings of the City Council, and by email.

SHA Project Update

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

The State Highway Administartion has informed the City of Takoma Park of an update to its MD 410 Safety and Resurfacing Project. The project is located between Park Avenue to MD 650 (New Hampshire Avenue).

From SHA:

Curb and gutter, sidewalk and sidewalk ramp work between Woodland Avenue and Park Avenue begins:

Tuesday, May 28 (weather permitting)
 
For questions or more information, please contact:

Mr. Yassin Ahmed
SHA Project Engineer
Phone: 443-201-6843
Email: yahmed@sha.state.md.us

Housing Code Revisions Proposed

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

The Takoma Park City Council is considering a number of changes to its housing code (Title 6 Housing). These changes include, for example, an expanded definition of rent, clarification of when and how utility costs may be transferred to a tenant, and minor modifications to rent stabilization. Among the changes being considered are two new provisions. The first provision would require landlords to distribute city-provided electoral information to new tenants. The second provision would, with restrictions, require landlords to provide candidates for office access to multi-unit rental buildings and allow them to canvass individual tenants.

A public hearing on the proposed revisions was held by the City Council at 7:30 pm on Monday, May 20 at the Takoma Park Community Center.

For more information on the proposed changes to the Housing Code please see the City Clerk notice from April 25, 2013.

Voting & Elections Charter Amendment

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

On May 13, the City of Takoma Park Council, in a 6 to 1 vote, adopted an amendment to the City Charter which significantly updates Takoma Park’s voting and election laws, including:

  • Reducing the minimum voting age in Takoma Park municipal elections to 16 on the date of the election;
  • Reducing the residency requirements for voting from 30 days to 21 days before an election;
  • Allowing convicted felons on probation or parole to register and vote in City elections;
  • Establishing early voting for every City election;
  • Providing for same day voter registration in City elections.

More details are available in the full press release.

New City Manager, Brian Kenner, Appointed

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

The City of Takoma Park Council has selected Brian Kenner, currently the Chief Operating Officer for the Deputy Mayor's Office of Planning and Economic Development for the District of Columbia, to fill the role of Takoma Park’s City Manager. More details are available in the full press release.

SHA Projects in Takoma Park

Thursday, February 7, 2013

The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is beginning two major road construction projects in Takoma Park. The projects are a rehabilitation of the Carroll Avenue Bridge over Sligo Creek Parkway and maintenance of the New Hampshire Avenue (MD 650) bridge over Sligo Creek. More information can be found at the following links:

All questions about either project should be directed to SHA.