Category Archives: News Alert

Category for Takoma alert items.

News Alert, Public Notices

Join Us on our journey in Search of a New City Manager: Start with our Survey!

 

The Takoma Park City Council is interested in getting feedback from you, our residents, on our next City Manager’s search. It’s an opportunity to have a community discussion on what’s important and your opinion matters.

City Manager Search Survey

The City Manager is retiring, and the Takoma Park City Council is looking for resident input in the recruiting and hiring of a new City Manager.

We want to hear your opinion regarding the attributes you would like to see in the next City Manager and the most important issues facing the community today. The survey should take no more than ten minutes to complete.

Surveys

The survey results will be used to inform and will be incorporated into the City Manager recruitment and selection process. The survey results will be shared with the City Council, consultant, and applicants. Your individual responses will be anonymous and results of the survey will be shared with others in the aggregate when feasible.

 

Thank you for your interest and participation in the process.

News Alert, Public Notices

Creating Affordable Home Ownership Opportunities

 

Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland, in partnership with the City of Takoma Park, plans to convert a multi-family rental property  located on Garland Avenue into two affordable homeownership opportunities.

 

The project began when the City of Takoma Park assigned its Right to Purchase to Habitat to buy the Garland property in November of 2020. The City also provided $200,000 from the Housing Reserve Fund to invest in the development of affordable homeownership opportunities.

 

Habitat will divide the existing structure, which now includes three rental units, into a duplex, creating two separate and distinct homeownership properties.

 

This project is a demonstration of how Missing Middle Housing typologies can be incorporated into established single-family neighborhoods. Splitting the property into two units helps to drive down the development cost per unit and ultimately the sales prices for each home. The property is also within one mile of a future Purple Line stop further emboldening the need to create, restore and preserve affordable housing opportunities, ensuring that all residents can access our public infrastructure investments.

 

Habitat will completely gut the home and rebuild it like new. The rehab will include a focus on sustainability starting with participation in the City of Takoma Park’s initiative to forego the use of fossil fuel in homes by abandoning the existing gas service to the home. This will be the first example of gas abandonment in the City in residential development. HFHMM will also incorporate an energy efficiency standard in its building practices, including continuous spray foam insulation for the entire envelope of the structure drastically reducing air leakage. Habitat will also install water sense fixtures, LED lighting, smart thermostats, and Energy Star mechanical equipment and appliances.

 

Once the project is complete, Habitat will sell the completed units to individuals living and working in our community but unable to afford a home through the traditional market. Habitat provides an affordable mortgage, ensuring that borrowers are not cost burdened. Providing access to affordable homeownership is critical for our communities so that families can build generational wealth. By providing homeownership opportunities for families at more income levels we can work to break down the racial wealth and ownership gaps and build more equitable communities.

 

Learn more at the project page.

News Alert, Public Notices

City of Takoma Park Partners with InSite Street Media to Celebrate Black History Month

 

Knowing the Past Opens the Door to the Future. With that in mind, the City of Takoma Park and InSite Street Media are celebrating African Americans who paved the way in American Society during Black History Month. This was done through the sponsorship of African American profiles displayed on our curbside billboard bus shelters in the City.

 

The first six African American Professionals, Pioneers, and Inventor profiles include:

  • Henry Ossawa Tanner – Internationally Acclaim Painter
  • Mary Elizabeth Mahoney – Professionally Trained Nurse
  • Garrett Morgan – Inventor of the 3 Way Traffic Signal
  • Daniel Hale Williams – Successful Heart Surgeon
  • Jane Matilda Bolin – Female Judge 1939
  • Oscar Micheaux – Pioneering Filmmaker

 

News Alert, Public Notices

Proposed Changes to Stormwater Utility Fee Structure

 

Click here to Access the Interactive Map

A letter was sent to owners of single-family residential properties in the City to inform them of discussions to be held this month by the City Council on changing the stormwater fee from a flat rate to a tiered rate based on the impervious surface area. The total amount of revenue from the combined residential and commercial stormwater fee remains the same – about $700,000 – but is more equitably charged among the properties.

A presentation will be given to Council on February 10 and a public hearing held on February 24. After that, more site-specific information may be sent to individual property owners based on the Council discussion. Please watch the presentation on February 10 and contact Daryl Braithwaite at DarylB@takomaparkmd.gov with any questions.

News Alert, Public Notices

Update: Application Deadline Extended to Feb 5 – Reimagining Public Safety Task Force

 

The purpose of the Reimagining Public Safety Task Force is to develop recommendations that make Takoma Park a safer, more livable community for all residents, with an emphasis on addressing racial inequalities that exist in government and services evolving around public safety. In light of what is happening in our country, we believe that as a city, it is our duty to take inventory of our public safety practices, with emphasis on the experiences of our Black and Brown communities. This Task Force is our opportunity to bring new voices into the process as we take stock of what is working, what is not, and as we explore best practices in public safety.

The City of Takoma Park is seeking the support of community members, non-profit leaders, local business owners, educators, etc. in Takoma Park who can help us make our community a safer and more livable city that serves all residents. The Task Force will be made up of 15 individuals sourced from our diverse community and approved by the City Council.

The Task Force will meet regularly throughout the months of February, March, April and May to create a set of recommendations on Public Safety.

To ensure this Task Force is as representative as possible, the process will begin with an open call for applications. If you are interested in being considered for a spot on the Task Force, please apply by Friday, February 5, 2021.  If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Suzanne Ludlow, City Manager SuzanneL@takomaparkmd.gov.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

Links of Interest:

Arts & Humanities, News, News Alert

B.Y. Morrison Park Transformed Into Kid-Friendly Space

Gallery

Kids and kids at heart should visit B.Y. Morrison Park to play games, eat lunch, or share their creativity on a new chalkboard mural.

A new public art project organized by the City of Takoma Park’s Arts and Humanities Division has enlivened the underused park at the Takoma Junction at the corner of Carroll Avenue and Ethan Allan Avenue. The pavilion features a new chalkboard mural outlined by colorful flowers that was painted by artist Chris Pyrate. Chalk and erasers are available in mailboxes next to the mural.

Pyrate said his design was inspired by the need to get children outside for exercise and social interaction during the coronavirus pandemic. “It’s been difficult for kids because many of them are stuck at home staring at computer screens all day for online learning,” he said. “Play is important for children. I wanted the mural to be interactive so kids could draw and write to express themselves, and they can meet other kids outside.”

City of Takoma Park employees painted colorful stencils on the concrete in the park, including a giant hopscotch robot, balloons to jump on, and animal tracks to follow. The picnic tables in the park also have been painted with colorful designs to encourage people to eat or relax there.

Public art is an important source of inspiration, creativity, and solace during difficult times, especially during this ongoing pandemic, Arts and Humanities Division Coordinator Brendan Smith said.

“We all need to get outdoors and take a break during the day, especially kids,” Smith said. “Anyone who wants to have some fun or just relax should visit the park. People should wear masks and practice social distancing as long as those restrictions are in place.”

City Manager & Staff Blog, News Alert

The City Manager says Stay Safe. PW Crews continue to treat roadways as bands of rain and snow continue to fall!

 

Dear Residents,

This has been a strange winter storm! The snow was not deep, but we have had continuing bands of rain and snow with temperatures right below freezing.

Susanne Ludlow City Manager

Our crews will continue to treat roadways and clear sidewalks along City facilities. We will have staff in through the night again tonight to make sure the streets are safe. Please report slippery streets or other problem areas to our Police Department at 301-270-1100 so our crews can respond.

On Tuesday morning, we will be collecting trash, recycling and food waste from those residents who have Tuesday collections, but it will likely begin a bit later than usual. Other than that, City operations should be back to normal on Tuesday, including Library Books-To-Go and our new library book delivery service.

It is slippery outside! Please be careful when walking, biking, or driving.

Happy February!

Suzanne Ludlow

City Manager & Staff Blog, News Alert

City Manager Update on Snow Conditions!

 

Dear Residents,

Snow began falling early this morning and there might be about 2 inches at this time. Our first shift of slow plow drivers arrived by 6 am and began treating roads.

So far, there have been no significant problems. Some of the roads are slippery and, if you must be out and about, it is best to stick to the main roads. It is better to stay home if you can.

We are not sure exactly what the weather will be overnight. Temperatures are supposed to warm some, and so there may be rain, freezing rain or sleet. Then, temperatures go down again in the morning and there may be a bit more snow tomorrow.

It is best to keep up with snow shoveling if you are able. The snow that is walked on can harden into ice and be difficult to remove when the storm is over. After shoveling, use sand or ice melt on places that may be slippery – do not use rock salt.

On Monday, we will not be having yard waste collection, Library books-to-go or book delivery. It will be a day to clean up from the storm, make sure all sidewalks are safe to walk on and get back to whatever normalcy we can have in a pandemic! Clean sidewalks are always important, but being able to walk safely outside is one of our few ways to exercise while keeping a safe distance from others.

We do not yet know what impacts there may be on Tuesday operations, including trash and recycling collection. The weather guides when our staff is out clearing roads and sidewalks, and that can affect other work. We’ll keep on top of it and let you know when we know.

I have seen beautiful photos of the snow around our neighborhoods, and cute videos of dogs happily playing in the snow. I know kids are trying out sleds and making snowpeople and snowballs. I hope all can enjoy this day outside or through windows from a warm place.

But, please call our Police Department at 301-270-1100 if you see dangerous conditions, such as a slippery street, so that our Public Works crews can address it. And, if you see an emergency situation, call 9-1-1.

 

 

News Alert, Public Notices

Note from City Manager on Pending Winter Storm

 

Dear Residents,

As the region prepares for a winter storm to arrive overnight tonight, the City of Takoma Park staff are getting things ready to clear snow and share information.

As of right now, here’s the plan.

We are watching the forecasts to determine when crews will be called in overnight. A road clearing shift includes five trucks and drivers, a mechanic, and two other staff to handle other equipment. We generally schedule 12 hours shifts but we will keep a watch on what is needed and adjust as necessary.

The same people who collect trash, recycling and yard waste, and do road repair and park maintenance are the staff who drive the snowplows and clear sidewalks at City facilities. For that reason, there may be changes in collection schedules.

Snow looks to continue through Sunday and perhaps into Monday. For that reason, there will be no yard waste collection on Monday.

With Sunday being a snowy, difficult day to travel, check today to make sure you have what you need to stay at home, and please check on any elderly neighbors or others who may need extra help.

As the winter weather comes in, call our Police Department at 301-270-1100 if you see dangerous conditions, such as a slippery street, so that our Public Works crews can address it. If you see an emergency situation, though, call 9-1-1.

As soon as it is safe to do so, please begin shoveling sidewalks so that people can get to stores, the doctor’s office or pick up food from a neighborhood restaurant. Our City regulations call for clearing snow by noon if the snow has stopped falling overnight, or by 9 pm if it stops falling during the day.

Please help neighbors with clearing sidewalks and driveways. Some will be helped through the Snow Angel program, but some young people may be in a remote school on Monday and not be as able to help.

Some of the friendliest times in a community are when lots of folks are out shoveling, clearing off cars and playing in the snow. Make a party of it!

How should you stay connected for information during the next few days?

Keeping up to date on the information will help keep you safe.

One of my greatest pleasures is to work with City staff when responding to weather emergencies. Our Public Works staff know how to prepare, which streets become slippery first, where the speed humps and bump outs are, and how to fix the equipment on the spot when repairs are needed. Our communications and emergency management staff have messages prepared,  as well as safety tips and background information. Our police staff knows how to coordinate on calls for service. And, our Public Works Director, Daryl Braithwaite, knows her stuff. We’ve got this.

Stay safe!

 

City Manager & Staff Blog, News Alert

City Manager Note: Vaccinations and Sharing Good Information

 

Dear Residents,

The topic on so many of our minds is vaccinations. So many of us want to get a vaccination and the information that is out there on vaccinations is so very confusing.

It’s confusing for us, too!

Although the State of Maryland is putting out information on all who are eligible to receive vaccinations at this time, there is not enough vaccine availability for those who are eligible and the various vaccination sites each have their own criteria or process for registration.

We keep trying to get good information to share and then the information changes right away!

Please be careful about where you register for vaccines. Don’t use links forwarded to you from others. There are scams out there to steal your personal information. And, if you go to a vaccine site that someone else forwarded you information about, you will likely be turned away and not get the vaccine – sometimes after a long wait. Although some folks have registered at county sites outside of Montgomery County, some of those sites are now barring non-residents. Go to the Maryland Vaccine Website or the Montgomery County Vaccine Website for information and links.

Obviously, this confusion is terrible for everyone and disproportionately hurts members of our community who are more vulnerable to COVID-19. I know the State and County governments want to be doing the right thing and are working hard to straighten things out.

In the meantime, please know we are trying to learn and help, and we are strenuously advocating for the residents of Takoma Park. We will share good information as we obtain and verify it.

Suzanne Ludlow