On December 9th, Takoma Park restaurant, Motorkat, received an email potentially threatening the safety and well-being of its patrons. Motorkat and 17 other surrounding businesses were closed as law enforcement investigated the threat. After careful examination and diligent efforts by the Takoma Park Police Department and its partners, it was confirmed that there was not a credible threat to the area.

Although the threat was not credible, this bomb threat has sent a shockwave through our community. The City of Takoma Park is a welcoming community to all. We support and stand in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ residents and visitors alike. The City of Takoma Park Police Department will continue to work with our LGBTQ+ community and families to ensure they feel safe when participating in events in Takoma Park.

I want to thank the Takoma Park Police Department and its partners for their investigation of the bomb threat. I also want to send my appreciation to the impacted businesses for your support during this challenging time. During this holiday season, let us remember that we are one Takoma Park and must stand together and support one another during events such as this.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• Recruitment Timeline (PDF) updated October 13, 2023