All posts by Ryan Kelly

News Alert, Public Notices

TKPK Submits Public Comments for Ride on Reimagined Study

City Submits Comment on County’s Draft Bus Plan

On November 15th, the public comment window closed to submit testimony for the Ride On Reimagined Draft Network Concept. The Draft Network Concept is the stage in the project’s planning process that proposes changes to existing bus routes across the County, including most routes serving Takoma Park.

The City submitted a letter of support for the proposal, with a few conditions raised. Staff analysis identified that the proposal retains the existing extensive bus network coverage and reflects some adjustments specifically requested by Takoma Park residents, such as a bus route that connects:

  • the interim library location,
  • the Recreation Center,
  • and the Community Center.

Some of the proposed changes will reduce the number of bus lines that serve certain high-volume corridors in an effort to consolidate routes that duplicate each other, including on Maple Avenue and Flower Avenue. When City staff reached out to the County’s project planner, they were notified that the frequency of bus service would not be determined until later in the process when budgetary impacts were established. For this reason, The City’s letter specifically supports the changes to routes so long as bus frequency remains similar to or better than current bus headways, especially on the corridors that serve many of the City’s residents who most rely upon public transit. 

The City’s full Letter of Support can be reviewed here [PDF].

According to the County’s project page, “the Ride On Reimagined Study is a comprehensive, forward-looking assessment of the bus network that will result in significant recommended changes to how transit operates in Montgomery County based on current and future needs. This study will take an in-depth look at Montgomery County’s existing and planned transit systems, including Metrobus services that operate within the County limits and the future Purple Line.”

The project team expects to adapt the Draft Network Concept feedback into a Service and Implementation Plan by January 2024. Any action taken on the Service and Implementation Plan will require an allocated budget in the County’s annual budget.

 

News Alert, Public Notices

Passport Services Moving to the 3rd Floor of the Takoma Park Community Center- Friday December 1

Beginning Friday, December 1: Passport Services will move to the 3rd Floor of the Takoma Park Community Center, 7500 Maple Ave. 

On Friday, December 1, passport services will move to the desk space outside the IT Department and beside the City Finance window. The 2nd Floor Front Desk will still have coverage.

Appointments are still required and can be scheduled by calling 301-891-7100. Passport service hours are subject to change without notice. Office closures will be announced on Facebook, Twitter, and the City’s website whenever possible.

For additional information, visit takomaparkmd.gov/services/passports. Questions? Email sofiav@takomaparkmd.gov.

News, Public Notices

Message from Code Enforcement: Let It Snow!

 

Although we can’t say for sure, forecasts for our area are saying there is a good chance for some snow this year. With the potential for snow comes an opportunity for residents and business owners to show what good neighbors they can be. When it snows, we need to remove snow and ice from sidewalks so neighbors, children, and customers can travel safely. When sidewalks aren’t clear, people have to walk in the street or try to navigate dangerous patches of ice, so please be considerate of neighbors and the community and keep your sidewalks clear.

Would you be willing to help out your neighbor?
If your neighbor needs assistance clearing off their sidewalk, offer to give them a hand after you clear yours.

 

The City has regulations regarding snow removal.

  • Residents have until 12:00 noon on the day after a night in which it has fallen and accumulated or until 9:00 PM on the day in which it has fallen or accumulated.
  • Commercial establishments must keep their sidewalks clear between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. The full width of your sidewalk must be clear unless full-width clearing is not feasible, in which case, at a minimum, a continuous three-foot-wide path of the paved sidewalk must be cleared.
  • Lastly, to protect our sidewalks and trees, the use of *rock salt is strictly prohibited on sidewalks or within 10 feet of trees.

 

*11.20.060 Manner of removal—Use of salt.

A. No person shall use rock salt on any public sidewalk.

B. No person shall dump, pour or spill salt or salt water or other deleterious matter upon any tree or tree space in any public place, or keep or maintain within 10 feet of any such tree or tree space any receptacle from which salt water leaks or drips, or dump, pour or spill salt or salt water into any parking or unconcreted gutter so as to injure any tree or grass occupying public space.

News Alert, Public Notices

Public Works Notice: What To Do With Your Halloween Pumpkin

 

Pumpkins should not be set out with yard waste for disposal – the City currently grinds the leaves and brush at Public Works, and pumpkins make a mess in our grinder.

For those residents who participate in our food waste program – please put pumpkins out with food waste so they can be composted.

Alternatively:

  • Squirrels really enjoy them – so you can leave them out for them;
  • Place them in a flower bed to decompose and become part of the soil over time;
  • Put them in your trash.
News, Public Notices

Long Branch 5K Fun Run Will be Held on Sunday, November 19, 2023 at 8am!

 

The Long Branch 5K Fun Run is a family-oriented community event. Proceeds from the event fund efforts of Discover Long Branch and the Long Branch Business League, in addition to supporting the Long Branch Festival, one of our major community events!

The Long Branch 5K will be held on Sunday, November 19, 2023, in Long Branch, MD, starting at 8 a.m.

Race Date 
Sunday, November 19, 2023

Race Location
Long Branch Garland Neighborhood Park (8601 Garland Ave.) at the head of Long Branch trail.

Race Timeline:

  • 7:00 am: Same-day registration and packet pickup Long Branch – Garland Neighborhood Park, 8601 Garland Ave.
  • 8:00 am: 5K Run and Walk starts at the bottom of Long Branch – Garland Neighborhood Park, 8601 Garland Ave.

CLICK HERE FOR ONLINE REGISTRATION!

Post Race Fun
Post-race celebration and BRUNCH at El Golfo Restaurant!

  • Think Huevos Rancheros,
  • Breakfast Quesadillas,
  • Pupusas, French Toast,
  • MIMOSAS,
  • MICHELADAS, BLOODY MARYS,
  • and more!

Volunteers
If you would like to volunteer for the race, please email cperez@mhpartners.org

Race Proceeds
Proceeds from the race fund efforts of Discover Long Branch and the Long Branch Business League, in addition to supporting the Long Branch Festival, one of our major community events!

Parking
Parking is available at the Long Branch Community Center(8700 Piney Branch Rd). Parking is limited, so you are encouraged to walk, cycle, or use the bus. Many bus lines service Piney Branch in front of the Long Branch Community Center.

Race Registration:
Online registration and day-of in-person registration are available at ($30)
Racers ages 17 and under may participate for $15.

For more information and race details, visit the Discover Long Branch website.

News, Public Notices

Metropolitan Branch Trail Update: City Awarded Funds to Complete Local Trail Designs

 

In September 2023, the Maryland Department of Transportation announced that the City of Takoma Park was awarded a grant to complete the technical plans for a full upgrade of the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT).

The $465,000 award through the state’s Kim Lamphier Bikeways Network Program will build on the preliminary design efforts completed in June 2023. The preliminary designs propose widening and resurfacing the existing trail, which currently does not meet Montgomery County or industry standards for a high-volume trail of its type. The design also proposed pedestrian-scale lighting, improved crossings, stormwater management infrastructure, and new striping on the trail. The City’s section of the MBT will connect with new sections of the trail in both the DC and Montgomery County, currently under development.

The next steps for the project include the finalization of the funding agreement with the state and then the selection of a contractor to complete the design work. Upon selection of a contractor, additional rounds of community engagement will be initiated to refine the preliminary designs.

News, Public Notices

Exploring Safe & Secure Alternatives for Package Deliveries

 

Online shopping has become a normal part of our lives. Having items delivered to your doorstep saves time and effort. But, with the rise in packages being delivered, there is also a rise in package thefts. To help you protect your valuable deliveries and ensure they reach you safely, we’ve put together a set of tips and strategies. Hopefully, this will minimize the chances of falling victim to package thieves while continuing to enjoy online shopping with peace of mind.

  • Request a Signature: Request that all packages require a signature upon delivery. This ensures that packages aren’t left unattended.
  • Install a Security Camera: Install security cameras that provide real-time alerts and allow you to communicate with delivery personnel remotely.
  • Track your Deliveries: Keep track of your packages by using tracking numbers and delivery notifications to know when they’ll arrive.
  • Choose In-Store Pickup: Opt for in-store pickup if the retailer offers this option. You can collect your packages at your convenience.
  • Schedule Deliveries: Many delivery services allow you to schedule specific delivery times when you’ll be at home.

Alternative Delivery Methods in Takoma Park:

Takoma Postal and Business Center
7304 Carroll Avenue, Takoma Park, MD (301) 270-5314 
Takoma Postal and Business Center will sign for your shipments when they arrive, record packages in their package receiving management system, notify you via phone, text, or email when you have a package and safely secure and store your packages until you pick them up at your convenience.

If you’re also worried about mail theft from your mailbox, they also allow you to rent a private mailbox and receive all of your mail and packages as part of the service without the extra package fees.

For information: https://www.takomapostal.com/Pack-Ship/Shipping/Package-Receiving

 

Amazon Lockers
Shipping to an Amazon Locker is free for Prime Amazon members (they only accept Amazon packages). You would need to contact the company if you are not a Prime Amazon member for pricing. There are places in or near Takoma Park that offer this service.

For information: https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GXCWH4CXLKJD8Z52

UPS Access Point
6315 New Hampshire Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912 (inside Dennis Express).
For info: https://locations.ups.com/us/en/md/takomapark/access-point-location-184495.html

UPS My Choice: https://www.ups.com/us/en/track/ups-my-choice.page (there is a Basic (free) or Premium (paid) plan you can research on their web page.

  •  View all details for your inbound and outbound shipments
  •  Receive delivery alerts and photos
  • Change the delivery date or location
  • Tell your driver where to leave your package
  • View the estimated time for delivery
  • Follow shipments as they move toward their destinations
  • FedEx On-site: There are places in or near Takoma Park that offer this service. For information: https://www.fedex.com/en-us/faq/onsite.html

 

More alternative delivery methods:

  • Delivery to Workplace: If your workplace permits it, have packages delivered to your office, where they can be stored securely.
  • Smart Locks: Install smart locks that allow delivery personnel to access a secure storage area for packages (some people have this on their garages for packages to be left inside the garage doors out of sight).
  • Local Pickup Points: Check if your local stores, libraries, or community centers offer package pick-up services.
  • Neighbor Networks: Coordinate with your neighbors to create a shared delivery drop-off point or neighborhood package hub.
  • Same-Day Delivery Services: Opt for same-day or on-demand delivery services that reduce the time your package spends outside.

By implementing these tips and exploring alternative delivery methods, you can help keep your packages safe and reduce the risk of theft in the community.

News, News Alert, Public Notices

Belle Ziegler Field to be Closed through March for Restoration

 

The City of Takoma Park will soon begin a project to restore the turf on Belle Ziegler field. The work will start the Week of October 16 and will likely continue through March.  The project is being undertaken by the City’s Vegetation Maintenance Division and will be assisted by NZI Construction.

The work will include aeration, field grading, addition of topsoil, and seeding. The field will be fenced off with temporary fencing and closed from mid-October through mid-March so the turf can recover.

If you have any questions, please contact the City’s Vegetation Maintenance Supervisor, Anna Mische John, at gardens@takomaparkmd.gov.

News, Public Notices

Old School vs New School Basketball Game: Register by Friday, November 10

 

Prepare for an epic battle of Old School vs New School this Fall! The Teen Program will be hosting a basketball game with 10 adults against 10 teens to determine the ultimate Old School vs New School match up! Who will take the crown?! The winning team is awarded a trip to a Washington Wizards basketball game!

Teens (Grades 8-12) and adults wanted! If you would like to participate as a player and submit your team, please register on ActiveNet. PLAYERS MUST be registered by Friday, November 10th, no exceptions!

Where:
Piney Branch Elementary School
7510 Maple Ave

When:
Friday, December 1
6-8pm

No registration is required to attend the event as a spectator. Come out and have fun with a DJ, food, a 3-point contest, and raffle prizes!