Notice of Proposed Administrative Regulation to Provide Guidance for Compliance with Article X, Section 1003 Powers as to Sidewalks of the Takoma Park Charter.
An Administrative Regulation is being proposed to provide guidance for the interpretation of Article X, Section 1003 Powers as to Public Ways and Sidewalks of the Takoma Park Charter. The regulation replaces City Council Resolution 2015-32, pending the formal rescinding of the City Council Resolution. It addresses the process to request, evaluate, and advance new sidewalk installation by members of the public, elected offi cials, and City staff. Pursuant to the requirements of the “Administrative Regulations Ordinance” (Authority: Chapter 2.12 “Administrative Regulations,” of the Takoma Park Code), a notice of the City’s intention to adopt an administrative regulation must be publicly noted, allowing residents the opportunity to comment on the proposal.
The proposed regulation is available for review at: Sidewalk blog link:
To obtain further information about the proposed regulation, contact :
Daryl Braithwaite, Director, Public Works Department, 301-891-7615 or DarylB@takomaparkmd.gov.
Written comments on the proposed regulation may be emailed to:
Clerk@takomaparkmd.gov. Thedeadline for receipt of public comments is Friday, April 5, 2024.
Notice of Proposed Administrative Regulation to Provide Guidance for Compliance with Chapter 13.28 Traffic Calming Devices of the Takoma Park Code.
An Administrative Regulation is being proposed to provide guidance for the interpretation of Chapter 13.28, Traffic Calming Devices of the Takoma Park Code. The regulation replaces Administrative Regulation No. 96-1. It addresses the process of requesting, evaluating, and advancing new traffic calming measures by members of the public, elected officials, and City staff. Pursuant to the requirements of the “Administrative Regulations Ordinance” (Authority: Chapter 2.12 “Administrative Regulations,” of the Takoma Park Code), a notice of the City’s intention to adopt an administrative regulation must be publicly noted, allowing residents the opportunity to comment on the proposal.
I want to announce that I have promoted Ira Kowler to the permanent Director of Housing and Community Development.
Ira has performed very well this past year in the acting HCD Director role while still covering his economic development duties. He has the enthusiastic support of his department staff, works quite well with the Senior Leadership Team, and has earned this opportunity. His knowledge of planning, housing, and economic development, coupled with his productivity, will continue to serve us well. He will report to Deputy City Manager Eubanks.
Please join me in congratulating Ira on his permanent role.
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Wes Moore today announced $10 million for small business and community development grants through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Project Restore 2.0 and Business Boost grant programs. The funding will activate vacant spaces in business corridors, support small businesses with start up or expansion funds, create jobs, and increase local economic activity—all to make Maryland more competitive.
“When storefronts close down, our entire state feels it. Now is the time to work in partnership with the private sector to revitalize our business districts, and that’s what this grant funding is about,” said Gov. Moore. Together, we will continue to make Maryland more competitive by moving in concert with entrepreneurs and small businesses – not in conflict with them.”
Project Restore 2.0 will provide $8 million to designated Main Streets, Arts and Entertainment Districts and other economic development organizations in a designated Sustainable Community. Grants of up to $300,000 per applicant will go to organizations that have identified priority vacant storefronts or buildings in local business districts. Those organizations would then sub-grant the funding to businesses for rental assistance, renovation and equipment to activate those vacant spaces. Businesses that receive sub-granted funds will have until December 2025 to open and be operational.
Business Boost is launching its first round of grant funding with $2 million that will be awarded directly to eligible small business owners in amounts between $20,000 and $50,000. The businesses must be new or expanding and located in designated Sustainable Communities. Preference will be given to businesses that are home-based and seeking their first commercial location, are designated as a Minority Business Enterprise, that are innovative, focused on regional strengths to grow local economies, or leverage partnerships between school districts or other education institutions in Maryland.
“By strengthening the successful Project Restore grants to fill storefronts on Maryland main streets and launching Business Boost, we are building on what we know to be the best way to help grow Maryland communities’ economies: from the center out, empowering locally-owned businesses, and bringing life back to vacant storefronts,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. “These grants are just the beginning of the department’s renewed efforts to double down on the hearts of our cities and towns, maximizing the positive impact of our funding to create lovable places and help businesses choose to set up shop in Maryland.”
Applications will open on March 13 for small business owners to apply through Business Boost and for economic development organizations to apply through Project Restore 2.0. For more information on either grant opportunity, go to https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Business/Pages/Small-Business-Grants.aspx.
To report downed branches and other debris in the public right of way – roadways or sidewalks – contact Takoma Park Public Works at publicworks@takomaparkmd.gov or 301-891-7633.
For issues with cable lines or internet, call your service provider.
The public is invited to provide additional comments on the plan during the County Council’s public hearing on the Minor Master Plan.
Meeting info:
Date: Thursday, January 25, 2024 Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Takoma Park Middle School 7611 Piney Branch Road Takoma Park, MD
How to watch Montgomery County Council Public Hearings:
Televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM) on Xfinity channels 6 and 996, RCN channels 6 and 1056; and FiOS channel 30.
Also available live via streaming through the Council website, Facebook Live (@MontgomeryCountyMdCouncil or @ConcejodelCondadodeMontgomery), or YouTube (@MoCoCouncilMD).
Provide written, audio, or video testimony and send it to the County Council at 100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, MD 20850 or submit it electronically.
Note: If the facility is closed due to inclement weather, the hearing will be held on Thursday, 2/1/2024, at Takoma Park Middle School.
UPDATED: December 18, 2023
Montgomery County Planning Board voted to approve the Takoma Park Minor Master Plan Amendment Planning Board Draft on December 14!
Thank you to Takoma Park residents, property owners, businesses, elected leaders, and other stakeholders for helping Montgomery Planning and the City of Takoma Park develop the draft plan. It sets the stage for a reimagined, reconnected, and resilient section of the city from the Takoma Park Community Center east to Washington Adventist University and the former Washington Adventist Hospital site.
Here’s the red-lined version of the plan’s Public Hearing Draft. The final Planning Board-approved plan will be posted soon.
The public is invited to provide additional comments on the plan during the County Council’s public hearing scheduled for Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 7 p.m. at Takoma Park Middle School (7611 Piney Branch Road, Takoma Park, MD 20912). Sign up to testify.
UPDATED: December 15
On December 13, the City Council passedResolution 2023-38, supporting the adoption and transmittal of the Planning Board Draft to the Montgomery County Council of the Minor Master Plan Amendment with a 6-1 vote.
The resolution included conditions that address the development scale on the Washington Adventist Hospital and University campuses, housing style diversity, school limitations at Piney Branch Elementary School, recommendations related to changes to the City’s rent stabilization policy, and the inclusion of a housing resource list.
On December 14, the Montgomery Planning Board held Worksession #6 on the Minor Master Plan. The Board discussed each point in the City’s resolution, making amendments and decisions as they worked through the documents. At the end of the discussion, the Planning Board took two votes:
Vote to approve the Public Hearing Draft as the Planning Board draft and transmit it to the County Council and Executive. Passed 5-0.
Approve listing the following properties to the Locational Atlas and Index of Historic Properties: Heffner Park Community Center (42 Oswego Avenue); Krestview (7625 Carroll Avenue); and The Sligo Seventh-Day Adventist Church (7700 Carroll Avenue). Passed 5-0.
Following a nationwide search, the Takoma Park City Council is pleased to announce the hiring of Robert DiSpirito as its next City Manager. The Council formally confirmed his appointment at its regular Council meeting on January 17, 2024.
The City Manager search process began back in July 2023 and, since September, has been facilitated by the professional recruitment firm GovHR. The recruiter’s work began with the City Council, City Department Heads, and other community stakeholders to develop recruitment materials and an applicant profile that would meet the broad needs of the Takoma Park community.
During the open application period, the City received over 58 applicants. From this diverse pool of outstanding professionals from across the country, the Council invited three finalists to the City for two days of public and staff introductions, city tours, and interviews. Following this review process, the Council settled on Robert DiSpirito, who had most recently served the City of Rockville, Maryland, as its City Manager. Throughout the process, Mr. DiSpirito was a standout. He is a proven leader with knowledge of the challenges and opportunities we have in Montgomery County, 28 years of City Manager experience, and the vision necessary to move our city forward.
Mr. DiSpirito has had long tenures with a number of municipalities throughout the country. He served as the City Manager in Rockville for approximately seven years. Before then, he was the City Manager of Dunedin, Florida, for nearly ten years and the City Manager of Oberlin, Ohio, for nearly eleven years. Mr. DiSpirito also served as Deputy City Manager in two other cities, Meadville, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, Ohio, for a combined total of 35 years of City Management experience.
“My prior experience as a City Manager and a practitioner of economic development, sustainability, and partnerships is suited to the challenges of a dynamic and evolving Takoma Park.” Robert DiSpirito said, “I look forward to being a collaborative and contributing member of the very talented Takoma Park team and this very special community. The Mayor, Council, and City staff truly care about all of the people in Takoma Park, and it will be an honor for me to help them continue to improve the quality of life and care for those in need.”
As City Manager, Mr. DiSpirito will be responsible for City operations and the approximately 200 staff who collectively perform the City’s municipal services. January 22, 2024, will be his first day on the job. Please join me in welcoming him to Takoma Park!
Please also join me in thanking our Housing and Community Development Director, David Eubanks, for his exceptional and tireless service performing as the Acting City Manager during this interim period. We look forward to working together on the many challenges and opportunities facing our community with this talented city leadership team in the coming year.
From December 22nd through January 2nd, Housing and Community Development (HCD) staff will be working remotely.
While we will not be available in-person, you can reach HCD staff regarding Rental License Renewals, Landlord-Tenant Issues, Code Enforcement Issues, and other questions or concerns by filling out this form.
Your issue or question will be routed appropriately. You can also call our main line at 301-891-7119 and leave a voicemail, and staff will work to return your call as soon as possible.
Please also note our offices will be closed on December 22nd, December 25th, and January 1st. We wish you all a wonderful holiday season.
Update – December 18: Street resurfacing work is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.
Carroll Avenue Street Resurfacing work is expected to be completed by the end of 2023. While some work will carry over into the new year, the bulk of construction disturbances should be completed in the coming weeks.
Street Resurfacing Schedule Change for Carroll Avenue
Starting Thursday, November 30, the shoulder of Carroll Avenue from the DC line to Lee Avenue will be paved during the day. Due to below-freezing temperatures at night, paving operations will occur between 7 am to 7 pm.
The work zone will be posted with No Parking signs, and towing will be enforced. One lane will remain open to travel, and a flagging operation will be directing traffic during the work zone.
Travel through Carroll Avenue is expected to be impacted during the paving operation. Side streets near the work areas may also experience temporary closures.
Portions of Carroll Avenue will be milled and resurfaced beginning on or about Wednesday, November 8, and extending through early December. The project is being done by the State Highway Administration through a contract with F.O. Day.
The sections of Carroll Avenue to be paved include the following:
DC line to Westmoreland Avenue
Philadelphia Avenue to Jefferson Avenue
Former Hospital entrance to Flower Avenue
Long Branch Parkway to University Blvd.
Beginning next week
Daytime Milling – on or about Monday, November 20
Beginning on or about Monday, November 20, the operation will shift to daytime milling and paving between the hours of 7:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m.
The work zone along Carroll Avenue will start at Lee Avenue through Jefferson Avenue, Then proceed from the former Hospital entrance to Flower Avenue,
The Long Branch Parkway to University Blvd.
There will be a single-lane closure and flagging operation directing traffic through the work area. The daytime paving operation is expected to take four weeks and end in early December. Work days are Monday through Friday but will not include the Thanksgiving holiday.
During the paving operation, travel through Carroll Avenue is expected to be impacted. Side streets near the work areas may also experience temporary closures.
State Highway – Contact Information Usman Khan, Project Manager, 443-510-9530.
F.O. Day – Contact Information Joel Brauman, Foreman 240-888-7378.
