As the City of Takoma Park’s Construction Manager, I oversee or coordinate work on a number of construction projects. Part of my job is to be the City’s representative to the State Highway Administration’s (SHA) Carroll Avenue Bridge reconstruction project.
The Carroll Avenue Bridge will close on the morning of Monday, July 25 and remain closed for a period of 1 to 1 ½ years, so that the bridge deck and many components can be replaced. A pedestrian bridge has been built and is now open, allowing pedestrians and bicyclists to cross Sligo Creek during construction.
I attend weekly project team meetings, gaining vital information regarding progress or setbacks, while providing community feedback to the contractor or SHA. More importantly, I pass information back to the various City departments as needed. As the bridge closure date is less than seven days away, a team of City staff is reviewing how to make sure information is communicated to the public and identifying places where police officers can help facilitate use of the correct detour routes. Construction always brings unforeseen challenges, it is how a group responds to those challenges that defines success. On that note, please be proactive in preparing for this undertaking.
Plan Ahead & Stay Informed
Please plan now for changing your routes around the area. The planned detour route is expected to be congested for the first several weeks as commuters get used to the new traffic pattern. Washington Adventist Hospital will remain open during the construction. We have information on our website that we will keep up to date.
Go to the Carroll Avenue Bridge Construction page to learn about the detour routes. Also on the site are links to the State Highway webpage for the project and to the Ride-On website for information on changes to bus routes and bus stops.
If, during the construction, you see a dangerous situation as a result of the bridge detour, contact the Takoma Park Police Department at 301-270-1100. The dispatchers can send officers to the scene and can contact project staff. If you have other comments or complaints about project elements that aren’t immediately dangerous, contact SHA’s District 3 Community Liaison, Christopher Bishop, at cbishop@sha.state.md.us.
This is a big project and it will be disruptive. Please know that I am a resource for residents, the contractor and State Highway Administration. I am happy to answer questions and educate about the project. I hope my role will help smooth the disruptions a bit while the Carroll Avenue Bridge is renovated.
Grant opportunities are available for FY17 programming and FY18 capital projects.
Which opportunity is the best fit for you?
The Community Grants Program provides funding for specific programs, projects and events which improve quality of life via enabling greater access and participation in the arts and sciences for low and moderate income residents. Programs must occur between July 1, 2016 and June 30, 2017. 75% of program beneficiaries must be residents of Takoma Park. Grants must be between $5,000 and $10,000 with a 1:1 match by grantee.
The Community Development Block Grant Program provides funding for capital projects in designated low and moderate income census tracts. Minimum of a $10,000 award.
Before I address two major projects being discussed this month by the Takoma Park City Council, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the deep sadness I feel and that is felt across this community and country about the deaths that have occurred over the past few weeks. Peace and togetherness and community take work on the part of everyone. I am committed, and I am asking all City staff to be equally committed, to be the best we can be to help build our community with you.
Thank you to the many people who have sent flowers and thank you notes and given hugs to our police officers after the shootings in Dallas. And thanks to our youth organizations, Councilmembers, officers and others who are working to help improve our Police Department’s interactions with the residents. All residents and City staff play a part in building and maintaining a safe community where every person can thrive. Takoma Park is well ahead of many places in this effort, but there is much more to do. Let’s work at it together. Please contact me with suggestions, ideas, criticisms, or comments on what we do well and where you think we can improve. I welcome your collaboration as we move towards a better community and nation.
We are at very early stages in both projects with a great deal of community participation and process, and many decisions, yet to take place. Nevertheless, both are at places for the Council to weigh in and make sure we are on the right path.
Takoma Junction
At the Council meeting on Wednesday, July 13, staff will present an overview of the draft Development Agreement and Ground Lease between the City and Neighborhood Development Company (NDC) regarding the redevelopment of the City-owned parking lot on Carroll Avenue at Takoma Junction. The goal of the project, as set by the City Council in Resolution 2015-19, is to have a project that “would act as a stimulus to the commercial district and locally-owned, independent businesses, improve the aesthetic appeal of the district, and be contextually sensitive and environmentally sustainable.”
While the Council chose NDC in April 2015 to be the developer for the project, a contract with them is not in place. This draft Development Agreement is the contract that formalizes the working relationship between the City and NDC moving forward. More than that, the draft Agreement describes how community residents will be engaged in the development of the process used to determine elements of the project, the steps to be taken to develop and finalize the site plan and expectations of what the site plan will include, and the expectations regarding negotiations with the Takoma Park Silver Spring Co-op, the adjacent grocery store that is envisioned to be the anchor tenant in the project. The City will continue to own the land once the project is built, and will receive rent payments in addition to tax revenue over the course of the lease.
After the overview presentation on July 13, there will be an Open House on Monday, July 18 from 7:00 – 9:00 PM in the Community Room of the Takoma Park Fire Station. This is an opportunity to ask your questions and provide comments about the project and the Development Agreement. On July 20 at 7:30 PM, there will be time near the beginning of the City Council meeting for additional public comments on the Agreement. Then, on July 27, the City Council will consider a resolution authorizing me to execute the Agreement. Also on July 27, appointments will be made to the Community Consultation Process Advisory Committee for the Takoma Junction Redevelopment. This committee will help ensure that community engagement and information sharing takes place effectively in developing the elements of the project.
I think you’ll find the information on the website helpful. Legal documents aren’t the easiest reading, so the Question and Answer sheet may be a good document to review.
Library Renovation
As with the Takoma Junction project, we have for years contemplated improvements to our beloved, but aging, Library. Background on the desires of the community, as gathered through a visioning process and series of meetings, is on the Library Renovation project page.
A concept design for a renovated Library was presented to the City Council in December 2015, and was generally liked, but Councilmembers had a couple of suggestions after a walk-through with the architect. In particular, there was interest in a larger Young Adults section, a clear emphasis on books, more lounge-type space, and the opportunity to be a little larger by building over a section of the lower level police parking area (between the Community Center and Library) and expanding a bit in one section of the Philadelphia Avenue frontage. Several Councilmembers wanted the façade design to be more attractive.
As a result of these comments, architect Greg Lukmire has developed a revised design with two interior layout options. His team also created a computer-generated walkthrough of the earlier concept to give folks a sense of the possible layout of the inside of the space. We don’t have revised cost estimates yet, but should have them soon. Mr. Lukmire will present the new concept designs at the July 13 City Council meeting. I have asked the Council to consider a resolution on July 27 giving direction to staff on how to proceed with the project.
There still needs to be community input and discussions. Design-related comments can be put on the survey form on the website’s Library Renovation project page. When we receive cost estimates, those can be the subject of community discussion as well. I would like to get a sense from the Council about how it wishes to proceed before they go on recess, if possible, because tying down the costs, timing and detailed work on the design will be needed if we are to apply for and lobby for a grant from the State (a “bond bill”) to help pay for the project. We also need the information because we will need to borrow money (bond for) the City’s cost of the project, and the information on bonding will be needed to be considered by Council as well.
Decisions on whether or not the City will proceed with the project would need to come in the winter or spring and would be part of the Council’s FY 2018 budget process. If we are able to focus on one of the concept designs this summer, we can get the more detailed cost and timing information the Council needs to make a decision about whether or not to proceed to final design and construction.
Review & Comment on the Projects
Please take some time to review the information on both projects on the City’s website. You may wish to attend the July 13 Council meeting, or you may choose to watch City TV on cable channels 13 or 28 or via City TV’s pages on this website (both live and archived.) Action by the Council on the items is scheduled for July 27.
After the Council’s meeting on July 27, they will be on a much-needed recess for the month of August. I hope they, and you, have a safe and enjoyable summer!
Mayor Kate Stewart is a confirmed panelist at this year’s Energy Efficiency Forum on Thursday, June 23. For more details on the forum visit the event’s website: http://www.eeforum.net/
Mayor Kate Stewart is a confirmed panelist at the Energy Efficiency Forum 2016. Details at http://www.eeforum.net/
About the Energy Efficiency Forum
From the Energy Efficiency Forum website:
The Energy Efficiency Forum is a nonpartisan, noncommercial event that raises awareness for the many benefits of energy efficiency in buildings and transportation. This year’s theme is “Leveraging Innovation to Become an Energy Efficiency Superpower.” We’ll explore leading energy-efficiency technologies, policies and business models that can accelerate progress in the United States and other countries.
On June 18, as a community, we have the opportunity to come together – youth and adults – to discuss and plan the best ways for our City to support young people and help provide them with the skills and tools to navigate life’s challenges and build a stronger community.
Our youth are not only tomorrow’s world and local leaders, they are the cornerstone of today’s community and play an integral part in shaping our society. Ensuring opportunities for all our youth to succeed is a top priority, as the City Council plans for the future and looks to address the current needs of residents.
During the recent Council discussion on Priorities and the City budget, the Council and staff discussed what existing services are available – from the City, County, and a variety of community partners – and what we believe are some of the areas of need. We expect that the members of our community have some excellent insights and ideas that will help us better identify what the needs are and how the City can work to fill the gaps.
That’s where you come in!
Community Conversation: Youth Success
Please join us on June 18 in the Community Center from 12:30-4:00 PM. The meeting, the second in a series of Community Conversations on various topics, is designed to provide participants with an opportunity to learn about current programs and service offerings geared toward youth and families in our area, engage in a discussion about needs and gaps in what is currently being offered, and consider how the City of Takoma Park can work toward addressing those needs and gaps. In addition to City Councilmembers and local youth, subject matter experts from City staff and community organizations will be present to share information, respond to questions, and participate in the conversation. We have some excellent speakers lined up!
#Engage in the Conversation
During the event, there will be booths featuring some youth focused community organizations, refreshments, and prizes for participants. We’ll be utilizing technology and the hashtag #TkPkYTHsuccess on Twitter to receive and respond to questions and comments during the event, and to keep the conversation going afterwards. We’ll also be accepting donations of lightly used school supplies that we will pass along to those who might benefit from them, so as the school year wraps up please consider bringing any items you or your children may no longer have a need for.
The event promises to be educational, fun, and inspiring. We hope you will join us to participate in the conversation!
The 21th annual Takoma Park JazzFest is happening on Sunday!
JazzFest will feature an eclectic range of primarily-local performers, on two stages, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The festival will be on Carroll Avenue, from Willow Avenue to Tulip Avenue, right here in downtown Takoma Park!
Performances will be on two stages: the Willow Stage (intersection of Willow Avenue and Carroll Avenue) and the Gazebo Stage (corner of Westmoreland Avenue and Carroll Avenue). More information and a schedule of performers is available at www.tpjazzfest.org.
JazzFest is happening on Sunday, June 12 from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM in downtown Takoma Park!
Takoma/Langley Crossroads will be hosting a series of Friday Nights on Holton Lane events! These free family events will feature films and concerts right across from the mural on Holton Lane.
So come on up to the New Ave and enjoy a food and craft vendors and a great (and free!) film or concert. Bring a chair or blanket! The schedule is currently:
Movies
All movies scheduled for 7:30-10:00 PM
June 17 – Akeelah and the Bee
July 22 – E.T. The Extra Terrestrial
August 19 – Las Mujeres Reales Tienen Curvas Nombre (Real Women Have Curves)
Concerts
All concerts schedule for 6:30-10:00 PM
June 24 – Ruthie & the Wranglers
July 29 – Elikeh (Afropop)
August 26 – The U-Liners
Crossroads 2016 Summer Series Presents Friday Nights on Holton Lane flyer
For more great community events check out the City Calendar!
Spotters work with the same rider for each of the 5 days and experience the thrill of giving the gift of riding a bike!
About iCan Shine
iCan Shine is a non-profit organization that teaches individuals with a disability to ride a conventional two-wheel bicycle through its iCan Bike program, using adapted equipment, trained professionals and volunteer spotters. With 75 minutes of instruction over five days, over 80% of riders learn to ride a conventional bicycle independently by the end of camp.
40 Volunteers Needed
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED! Two volunteer “spotters” are needed per rider. Spotters work with the same rider for each of the 5 days and experience the thrill of giving the gift of riding a bike!
Volunteers must be at least 16 years old; be able to attend 90 minutes at the same time each of the 5 days of camp (15 minutes of training/daily briefing, 75 minute session); be able to provide physical, emotional and motivational support to assigned rider and be able and willing to get some exercise (light jogging/running) for a great cause!
Photo of the Takoma Junction which has been the focus of community efforts on improving the area.
From Rosalind Grigsby, Community Development Manager in the Housing and Community Development Department
Redevelopment is coming to the Takoma Junction, in the form of renovation of the City-owned parking lot on Carroll Avenue next to the Takoma Park Silver Spring Co-op. A year ago, the City Council selected Neighborhood Development Company (NDC) to redevelop the lot with a mixed-use building, public space, environmentally-sustainable features and green space. The developer selection launched the next stage in the process. With a list of the Council’s priorities in hand, NDC is scoping out the technical requirements, initiating design work, developing the community input opportunities needed to bring the project to fruition, and working with the TPSS Co-op.
For decades the Takoma Junction has been the focus of community efforts, with committees, traffic studies, commercial revitalization plans and market analyses all focusing on improving the area. In 1995, the City purchased the 53,000 square foot parcel located at the intersection of Carroll Avenue and Philadelphia/Ethan Allen Avenues, with the intention of stabilizing this small, historic commercial district and facilitating the redevelopment of the area. After the rebuilding and expansion of the fire station and allocation of part of the space for the lower parking lot at the station, the City reconsidered the use of the property.
The site itself presents challenges which must be understood and managed before a detailed design can be developed. The site, a former dump, requires environmental clean-up and attention to stability of the slope. The green space on Columbia Avenue must be maintained and improved. Existing and predicted traffic patterns and parking needs must be analyzed and addressed, along with the market demand for the commercial space in the project.
To facilitate community input and feedback at critical stages of the development project, NDC has proposed a Council-appointed committee called the Community Consultation Process Advisory Committee. The committee’s efforts will focus on creating, in conjunction with NDC, the process needed to guide community participation on specific aspects of the development project. The committee will not be responsible for making substantive decisions or providing specific recommendations to the Council about the design, layout, or use of the planned development. Council discussed the proposal for this committee at the Council meeting on April 27th and expects to vote on the resolution and committee appointments in July.
Meanwhile, the City and NDC are negotiating a Development Agreement to hammer out details of the partnership; and NDC and TPSS Co-op are working on a separate agreement between themselves regarding the development. At this stage, the negotiations are largely happening between the attorneys, as the involved members work to find common ground and acceptable steps forward.
Once the Development Agreement is executed, the next steps in the process will involve NDC working with M-NCPPC on site plan approval and community engagement in specific parts of the design. Because of the extent of the preliminary work required, it may be two years before there is a shovel in the ground. The visible work – when heavy equipment comes in and the property becomes a construction site – is the culmination of a long process of research, design, planning and outreach. That work, invisible to the eye, is well underway and moving forward now.
Learn about Maryland’s plan for fighting the Zika virus should it appear in Maryland on Thursday, May 26 from 6:30 to 8:00 PM at the Dennis Avenune Health Center in Silver Spring, MD.Learn about Maryland’s plan for fighting the Zika virus should it appear in Maryland on Thursday, May 26 from 6:30 to 8:00 PM at the Dennis Avenune Health Center in Silver Spring, MD.
