All posts by Donna Wright

Public Notices

TRAFFIC ALERT: Update-Dec 18: Street Resurfacing Work is Expected to be Completed by the End of 2023


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.

Stay up-to-date on the latest developments on the State of Maryland project webpage.

 

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.

News Alert, Public Notices

Councilmember Cindy Dyballa Appointed to Serve on the NLC Board of Directors

 

 

November 30, 2023 – The City of Takoma Park is proud to announce that Councilmember Cindy Dyballa has been appointed to serve on the National League of Cities (NLC) Board of Directors for a two-year term.  “The NLC Board gives our small community a rare opportunity to be heard on national issues that affect us (such as housing and climate) in concert with our peer communities across the country,” said Ms. Dyballa.

Ms. Dyballa has been a Councilmember in Takoma Park since 2017, representing Ward 2.

The NLC is an organization comprised of city, town, and village leaders representing more than 2,700 cities nationwide, with nearly 100 years of dedication to the strength and advancement of local governments. Their mission is to relentlessly advocate for and protect the interests of cities, towns, and villages by influencing federal policy, strengthening local leadership, and driving innovative solutions.

News Alert, Public Notices

City Manager: Search Process and Timeline – email has been establisted for comments.

 

City Manager Search Process and Timeline:

The recruiter (GovHR USA) and City Council have established a timeline and recruitment process for a new City Manager.

The recruiter has established a resident email box for comments throughout the process,

The job position has been posted and distributed.

The deadline for applications is Wednesday, November  15, 2023.

Learn more about the City Manager position on the GovHR USA website – visit:  Takoma Park – City Manager.

 

News Alert, Public Notices

Housing & Community Development (HCD): Housing Announces RFQ #HCD-2023-08-23 City of Takoma Park Tenants to Owners Program

 

Request for Qualifications

RFQ #HCD-2023-08-23
City of Takoma Park Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Program

Purpose:

The City of Takoma Park is seeking responses from qualified non-profit housing organizations with strong, affordable housing track records and demonstrated experience in providing technical assistance and coordination for tenant purchases of rental buildings who are interested in serving in a pool of qualified parties to serve as assignees or designees (the “Roster of Responders”) as part of the City’s Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Law.

Deadline:

Submissions will be accepted on a rolling basis through December 31, 2023.

Contacts:

Devin McNally
Housing Manager, Housing & Community Development
City of Takoma Park
Email: devinm@takomaparkmd.gov

Web Portal:

 https://seam.ly/RYKpdAKg  

News Alert, Public Notices

Housing & Community Development (HCD): Housing announces RFQ #HCD-2023-08-21 City of Takoma Park Right of First Refusal Program

 

Request for Qualifications

RFQ #HCD-2023-08-21
City of Takoma Park Right of First Refusal Program

Purpose:

The City of Takoma Park is seeking responses from qualified non-profit and mission-oriented for-profit developers with strong, affordable housing track records and demonstrated experience in acquiring, owning, operating, rehabilitating, and developing quality rental and/or homeownership housing with affordability covenants who are interested in serving in a pool of qualified parties to serve as assignees or designees as part of the City’s right of first refusal through the City’s Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Law.

Deadline:

Submissions will be accepted on a rolling basis through December 31, 2023.

Contacts:

Devin McNally
Housing Manager, Housing & Community Development
City of Takoma Park
Email: devinm@takomaparkmd.gov

Web Portal:

https://seam.ly/i8JVjdsZ

 

Public Notices

A Message from Code Enforcement: Birds and Pesticides: Don’t Mix!

 

Here’s one more good reason why we should avoid the use of pesticides: pesticides kill birds.

According to the American Bird Conservancy, from hummingbirds to warblers to owls and eagles and hawks, all birds are threatened by pesticides. A recent study by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology found that over the last 50 years, the United States and Canada have lost more than 3 billion of their birds. That’s a decline of 30 percent, meaning almost one in three birds have vanished since the 1970s. Pesticides are a major reason for this problem.

 

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute’s question is one that we all have to ask ourselves: “Should we heed the warning signs provided by birds or continue to pay the high environmental and social costs of rampant pesticide use?” Future children and grandchildren should be able to watch cardinals and orioles fly, and eagles soar. Start with small steps. Before calling a company to have pesticides applied to the lawn, check to find more environmentally friendly ways to prevent and fight mosquitoes. Talk to city representatives to make sure that no pesticides will ever be sprayed in this town.

 

And always remember to prevent mosquito breeding sites, further preventing the use of pesticides. Keep checking for sources of standing water and remove them wherever possible.

News Alert, Public Notices

The City of Takoma Park Safe Grow Program helps to protect our environment and Pollinators Play a Huge Role!

 

Tips for Making a Pollinator-Friendly Garden

Thinking about changing up your garden? You can design a garden that is not only beautiful for you but also provides a helpful habitat for pollinators! Here are our tips for making a pollinator-friendly garden.

Plant Native

Not just any plant will make a pollinator-friendly garden. You need plenty of native plants to supply pollen and nectar for our little native friends. Ideally, you’ll have a mix of plants that will bloom from spring through summer and as late into the fall as possible to provide a continual resource for pollinators. For us in Maryland, see the recommended list of native plants. These will help attract bees, butterflies, and birds to your garden and help them on their pollinating journey!

Planting in groups allows the pollinators to work thoroughly and efficiently!

Plant in Groups

Instead of spacing out your pollinator-friendly plants, plant them in groups. Plant at least three to five types of pollinator plants together and layer them throughout your garden. Not only will you get beautiful drifts of color, but you’ll be helping bees and other pollinating insects out. When you space out plants, you make pollinating insects have to move around a great deal, and that can tire them out and slow them down. Groupings allow the pollinators to work these areas thoroughly and efficiently!

Go Natural

To combat pests, go natural instead of using synthetic chemicals. Many pesticides are toxic to bees and other beneficial organisms, so use sticky traps and pheromone traps instead. You can also work with nature to control pests and diseases by using organic fertilizer and quality compost and removing weeds and infected plants.

Add Water

Adding water spots is a must for a pollinator-friendly garden. Providing water sources will attract more pollinators and help them stay hydrated in warm weather. Any water source, natural or man-made, will do. Adding a birdbath is a great way to add a water source as well as decoration to your garden. A hanging dripping bottle also works. Even a simple puddle will provide much-needed water to pollinators.

Provide Resting Spots

Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators need shelter to rest, protect themselves from the elements, hide from predators, and rear their young. If you can, allow part of your garden to grow a little wild. This will provide protection for pollinators as well as allow you to sit back, relax, and let nature do the work for you! You can also provide a pile of grass cutting or a decomposing log in a sunny place on the ground. Even keeping a dead tree standing creates necessary nooks for butterflies and bees.

Mayor Searcy and City Council proclaim Pollinator’s Week

Public Notices

Tree Takoma Program – City partners with Casey Trees to replenish the Tree Canopy – Free Consultation

 

Takoma Park has seen its tree canopy cover drop by 5.6% since 2009. Tree canopy cover is important to a number of environmental services, including shading and cooling the city, reducing energy bills, intercepting stormwater, and providing a robust ecological habitat. A large portion of the space suitable for tree planting in Takoma Park is located on private property. Properties that choose to plant canopy trees do the City a great service in restoring our urban tree canopy.

 

The City of Takoma Park has partnered with Casey Trees to provide native canopy trees to properties throughout Takoma Park for free through the Tree Takoma program. Along with the free trees, participants also receive a free consultation with an urban forester to determine the best locations and species for the property. The trees available each season are selected from the Medium and Large categories on the Takoma Park Approved Species List.

 

It’s all free, so what are you waiting for?

Learn more: Takoma Tree Program.

 

All private properties are eligible for Tree Takoma. Commercial, institutional, and rental properties are especially encouraged to participate. Applications are accepted, and consultations are conducted on a rolling basis. Trees are planted from Fall through Spring.

News Alert, Public Notices

Arbor Day Foundation Names Takoma Park a 2022 Tree City USA®

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mayor Talisha Searcy
7500 Maple Ave
Takoma Park, MD 20912

 

Dear Tree City USA Community Member,

 

On behalf of the Arbor Day Foundation, I’m thrilled to congratulate Takoma Park on earning recognition as a 2022 Tree City USA. Residents of Takoma Park should be proud to live in a community that makes the planting and care of trees a priority.

 

Founded in 1976, Tree City USA is a partnership between the Arbor Day Foundation, the U.S. Forest Service, and the National Association of State Foresters. Takoma Park is part of an incredible network of more than 3,600 Tree City USA communities nationwide, with a combined population of 155 million.

 

Over the last few years, the value and importance of trees has become increasingly clear. Cities and towns across the globe are facing issues with air quality, water resources, personal health and well-being, and energy use. Takoma Park has taken steps to create to a brighter, greener future.

 

We hope you are as excited as we are to share this accomplishment with your local media and your residents. Enclosed in this packet is a press release for you to distribute at your convenience.

 

We’re excited to celebrate your commitment to the people and trees of Takoma Park. Thank you, again, for your efforts.

 

Read the entire PDF – 
Arbor Day Foundation Names Takoma Park a 2022 Tree City USA®