An Administrative Regulation is being proposed for the implementation and enforcement of Takoma Park Code, Chapter 11.12 Streets – Permits and Improvements, to regulate the installation of certain telecommunications facilities and equipment in City rights-of-way.

The regulation will address permit applications, process for review of applications, requirements for approval of applications, aesthetic requirements, fees, and continuing obligations of permittees.

Pursuant to the requirements of the “Administrative Regulations Ordinance” (Authority: Chapter 2.12 “Administrative Regulations,” of the Takoma Park Code), notice of the City’s intention to adopt an administrative regulation must be publicly noted, allowing the public an opportunity to comment on the proposal.

Review the Proposed Regulation

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT COMMENTS

The deadline for receipt of public comments has been extended from Wednesday, June 12 to Thursday, June 20, 2019.

Schedule for Review of the Regulation:
• Publication of Proposed Regulation – April 30, 2019
• Presentation and Public Hearing – Wednesday, June 12, 2019
• City Council Work Session Discussion – Wednesday, June 19, 2019
• Publication of Regulation and Notice of Final Action – July 2019 City Newsletter
• Effective Date – July 15, 2019

To obtain further information about the proposed regulation, contact Daryl Braithwaite, Director, Department of Public Works, 301-891-7615, DarylB@takomaparkmd.gov.

On Wednesday, March 13, 2019, at 7:30 p.m. in the Takoma Park Community Center Auditorium, the City Council will hold a public hearing on a proposed ordinance to ban the commercial use of plastic beverage straws and plastic stirrers in the City.  All interested parties should attend the public hearing and sign up to speak.

Review the proposed ordinance.

Pepco staff will provide information about the project taking place on Takoma, Fenton, and Eastern Avenues, and respond to questions. The presentation and Q&A will take place in the Auditorium on Wednesday, February 27, 6:00 PM to 7:15 PM.

On December 5, the City Council will hold a public hearing on proposed City Code amendments to regulate installation of telecommunications equipment in City rights of way. The hearing will begin at 7:30 PM in the Auditorium.

COUNCIL SCHEDULE FOR ADDRESSING THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS:

Wednesday, November 28, City Council Meeting

• Work Session Discussion of (1) Amending Takoma Park Code, Chapter 11.12, Permits and Improvements to Regulate the Installation of Telecommunications Equipment in City Rights of Way and (2) Resolution Identifying the Council’s Goals for the Ordinance

Wednesday, December 5, City Council Meeting

• Public Hearing on Proposed Amendments to the City Code to Regulate the Installation of Telecommunications Equipment in City Rights of Way
• Vote on Resolution Identifying the Council’s Goals for an Ordinance
• Tentative Vote on First Reading of Ordinance

If First Reading of the Ordinance is adopted on December 5, Second Reading of the Ordinance will be scheduled for January 9, 2019.

Additional information can be found in the Project Directory: Small Cell Antennas in the City’s Rights-of-Way

Also see the City Manager’s Blog: Why Now? Regulating Small Cell Antennas in Takoma Park

The Takoma Park City Council is seeking an adult volunteer to serve as the Advisor to the Takoma Park Youth Council. The Youth Council Advisor will work directly with the Youth Council to plan and coordinate meetings, guide and help prepare the Youth Council in its activities, encourage and empower Youth Council members in building their communication and leadership skills, and to facilitate their decision-making processes without controlling their decisions. The Youth Council Advisor will attend all meetings of the Youth Council.

Application to serve as Youth Council Advisor

Read more about the Youth Council

The deadline to apply for appointment to the Youth Council has been extended to October 15.

The City Council will appoint nine young people to serve as the  2018-2019 Takoma Park Youth Council.

Youth Council member qualifications:

• Takoma Park residents
• Students in grades 7-12
• Maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average for the current school year

The Takoma Park Youth Council provide opportunities for young people in Takoma Park to:

1. acquire a greater knowledge of and appreciation for local government through active participation in the system;
2. help the City Council to address problems and accomplish the goals of this community by working directly with the representatives of youth; and
3. serve the youth of Takoma Park by:
   •  informing the Takoma Park municipal government of the needs and wishes of youth,
   • planning and implementing social, educational, cultural and recreational activities for the youth,
   • working with the Mayor, City Council, City department heads, schools, civic clubs and service organizations to provide service and leadership opportunities for the youth of the City, and,
   • helping to instill a feeling of positive self-worth and esteem, teaching respect for the rights of others, and promoting community pride.

The application to serve on the 2018-2019 Takoma Park Youth Council is now available.  Apply by October 15.

Youth Council Application

Additional information is available on the Youth Council web page.

On October 8, beginning at 7:30 PM, the City Council will tour the LED streetlights that the City is piloting. During the tour, staff will share information about the lights and respond to residents’ questions.

If you are interested in attending, meet at the back lot of the Community Center shortly before 7:30 PM. The tour, which will require some short distance walking, is expected to last about 90 minutes. In the event that residents would like to only participate in a portion of the tour, below is a tentative schedule:

• 7:35 PM: Buses leave Community Center, proceed down Flower Avenue from Piney Branch Rd to Erie Avenue, park on Erie Ave
• 7:45 – 8:05 PM: Brief walk around Erie and Flower Avenue to observe the two types of LED lights
• 8:05 to 8:10 PM: Drive to Elm Avenue near Hickory, park on Elm
• 8:15 – 8:45 PM: Walk up Hickory, to Columbia, turn on Columbia to Pine, turn down Pine to Montgomery, arrive back at Hickory and walk to buses on Elm
• 8:50 to 9 PM: Return to Community Center

For more information about LED streetlights:

Takoma Park Streetlight Replacement Project Page

Sustainability and Takoma Park’s Streetlights

The City Council will appoint nine young people to serve as the  2018-2019 Takoma Park Youth Council. The application deadline has been extended to October 15.

Youth Council member qualifications:

• Takoma Park residents
• Students in grades 7-12
• Maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average for the current school year

The Takoma Park Youth Council provide opportunities for young people in Takoma Park to:

1. acquire a greater knowledge of and appreciation for local government through active participation in the system;
2. help the City Council to address problems and accomplish the goals of this community by working directly with the representatives of youth; and
3. serve the youth of Takoma Park by:
   •  informing the Takoma Park municipal government of the needs and wishes of youth,
   • planning and implementing social, educational, cultural and recreational activities for the youth,
   • working with the Mayor, City Council, City department heads, schools, civic clubs and service organizations to provide service and leadership opportunities for the youth of the City, and,
   • helping to instill a feeling of positive self-worth and esteem, teaching respect for the rights of others, and promoting community pride.

The application to serve on the 2018-2019 Takoma Park Youth Council is now available.  Apply by September 30.  October 15.

Youth Council Application

Additional information is available on the Youth Council web page.