Category Archives: News

Category for general news items.

News, Public Notices

Minor Master Plan Blog Update: How Will These Recommendations, Improvements, and Amenities be Implemented?

 

Source: Montgomery County Planning; City of Takoma Park

Plan recommendations, improvements, and amenities are implemented in one of two ways: private development or public capital projects. Generally, private development of new buildings will include public amenities required by the Zoning Ordinance and those recommended by the plan.

Among others these public amenities can include:

  • open space,
  • public facilities,
  • improvements to sidewalks,
  • sewers and utilities,
  • bike lanes,
  • roadways along the property frontage.

These amenities and improvements are implemented on a project by-project basis through the public development review process.

To learn more about development review process, visit the Montgomery Planning website. 

 

In addition to the county’s analyses and requirements that come during the development review process, the city’s stormwater management and tree protection policies also would be triggered. Each proposed project would be required to show detailed plans for how they plan to manage stormwater run-off on the site and maximize protections for trees. A project that does not adequately address the requirements from both the county and the city would not be approved for construction. 

New public facilities or improvements to existing ones like parks and roadways are funded through the capital budgets of their respective jurisdictions. Within the plan area, Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), and the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MD SHA) each have responsibilities for some parks and/or roadways. Improvements to roads or land owned or controlled by the City of Takoma Park would be funded through the City.

News

This Just In: David Eubanks is appointed Acting City Manager by City Council Wednesday, July 27, 2023

 

The Takoma Park City Council is happy to announce that it has appointed David Eubanks as Acting City Manager, effective Wednesday, July 23, 2023. City Staff congratulates Mr. Eubanks on his appointment of the Acting City Manager

David Eubanks

Mr. Eubanks joined the City of Takoma Park in 2021 as the Deputy Director of Public Works and is currently the Director of Housing and Community Development (HCD). As HCD Director, Mr. Eubanks has been instrumental in advancing key City initiatives such as the library construction project. Prior to joining the City, Mr. Eubanks had over a decade of experience in housing and community development. The Council looks forward to working with Mr. Eubanks in this new role.

Email: David Eubanks
Phone:  301-891-7202

Resolution: Confirming Acting City Manager David Eubanks

News, News Alert

How Does the Minor Master Plan Address Public-School Capacity?

 

Source: Montgomery County Planning

Planning for adequate public school facilities is a joint effort between Montgomery Planning and the Division of Capital Planning and Real Estate at Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS). MCPS planners project student enrollment for the near future at the countywide and individual school levels and develop strategies and long-range facility plans to meet capacity needs appropriately. They also coordinate relevant county and state budgets for the six-year Capital Improvements Program (CIP) and publish the Educational Facilities Master Plan annually. 

Montgomery Planning administers the Annual School Test based on MCPS’ projections and scheduled CIP projects and conducts a School Adequacy Analysis for development applications accordingly. Planning staff also produce student generation rates and relevant housing data, which is shared with MCPS to inform their forecasting and facility planning efforts as well. When a master plan is underway, Montgomery Planning collaborates with MCPS regarding the plan’s potential impact on public school enrollment. To estimate the potential impact, a maximum build-out scenario is hypothesized in which the residential capacity of each parcel is built out to the full extent allowed, and the number of students that can be generated from that scenario is calculated.

Based on this Plan’s max build-out scenario, the enrollment impact can be estimated between:

  • 120 to 350 elementary students
  • 50 to 180 middle school students
  • 50 to 150 high school students

The lower range of the estimates assumes that new residential development will be multi-family buildings that generate the lowest number of students. The higher range of the estimates assumes that new residential development will be multi-family buildings that generate a higher number of students. For additional information, please see the 2020 Growth and Infrastructure Policy. 

In reality, it is difficult to gauge the number and type of residential units that will be built and the pace and context of development. Furthermore, master plans generally envision a 20–30-year timeline, whereas MCPS uses six-year projections to determine its capital budget and CIP. Therefore, a plan’s estimated enrollment impact alone will not warrant immediate action by MCPS to request capital investment in schools serving the area. Instead, MCPS will continue to monitor actual enrollment trends as residential development appears and reflect the change in its projections annually. In the meantime, Montgomery Planning will continue to evaluate the projected utilization levels of schools through the Annual Schools Test and impose Utilization Premium Payments appropriately on residential units proposed in school service areas projected to be overutilized. 

For more information on growth and infrastructure planning for schools, visit the Montgomery County Planning Website.

For information specific to the Takoma Park Minor Master Plan Amendment, see the Plan Appendix.

News, Public Notices

What is the Minor Master Plan and Why are We Doing It?

 

Source: Montgomery County Planning

Each community within Montgomery County has a master plan that creates a comprehensive view of land use trends and future development, like the 2000 Takoma Park Master Plan. These plans make recommendations related to land uses, zoning, transportation, schools, parks, and community and public facilities, and they address housing, historic preservation, pedestrian and trail systems, and environmental issues. Planners create new master plans every 15 or 20 years.

A Minor Master Plan amendment, like the Takoma Park Minor Master Plan Amendment (TPMMA), revisits a specific portion of the approved and adopted master plan and reexamines certain elements, often to address a change that was not anticipated at the time the adopted master plan was approved. A minor master plan amendment may offer new recommendations, or it may reconfirm the existing plan recommendations. In this instance, the TPMMA addresses the need for improved infrastructure, varied housing types, and additional public amenities such as parks and open space. The plan encourages reinvestment and reimagining of underutilized parcels and properties along Maple and Lee avenues, the Erie Center and the Washington  Adventist Hospital and University campuses, as well as surrounding areas.

The key recommendations in the plan are:
  • Envisioning a vibrant, mixed-income community where the housing stock, open spaces, and mix of uses meet the needs of an economically, socially, and racially diverse population.
  • Promoting safe, healthy, and convenient connectivity within and between the plan’s districts, and to high-capacity transit beyond the plan area, the existing trail network, and nearby activity centers.
  • Embracing climate-forward planning and design to address the impact of climate change.
  • Implementing a green promenade to provide a green, efficient, and attractive pedestrian connection through the plan area.
  • Protecting historic resources and providing for the interpretation of community history to promote a unique sense of place.

Learn more on the Takoma Park Minor Master Plan Page.

News, Public Notices

Notice of Proposed Code Amendments Regarding Tenant Displacement and Relocation Expenses

 

Notice of Proposed Code Amendments regarding Tenant Displacement and Relocation Expenses, which modifies Takoma Park Code, Chapters 6.16 Landlord-Tenant Relations) and 6.36 (Unsafe Buildings-Public Nuisance Abatement) – To clarify the requirements of landlords in the event of a rental unit condemnation.

An ordinance updating the Takoma Park Code is being proposed to clarify the requirements of landlords in the event of a rental unit condemnation. The proposed amendments lay out the timeline, payment requirements, and rights of tenants in the event of a rental unit condemnation.

 

To obtain further information about the proposed regulation, contact:

Devin McNally, Housing Manager
Housing and Community Development Dept.
301-891-7222
devinm@takomaparkmd.gov.

Written comments on the proposed regulation should be submitted to:

City Clerk
Email: clerk@takomaparkmd.gov.

 

 

News, Takoma Park Newsletter

How Do City Council Priorities Affect You?

Takoma Park City Council Priorities are considered a tool to guide policy and budget decision making and outline strategies to work toward desired outcomes for a wide range of major projects, initiatives, and ongoing activities. Policies established by the City Council affects many aspects of civic life in Takoma Park, so developing and sharing priorities inform residents, businesses, and regional stakeholders on what the council considers important.

The priorities are not policy, but they serve as the framework to shape future policy. All are encouraged to engage with the City Council to help shape how the priorities are implemented. You can engage in the process by attending a City Council meeting; by contacting your City Council member; or by joining a board, commission or committee.

On April 12 2023, the council updated its priorities through 2024. Below, you can read the main priorities, but more information can be found on the city website (search for Council Priorities).

Takoma Park City Council Priorities

1. Advancing a Community of Belonging.

  • Build on lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic to increase residents’ and small businesses’ resilience to the impact of emergency situations, so that they can recover and thrive in the future.
  •  Further the City’s racial equity work.
  • Identify and prioritize programming needs in the community and develop approaches to meet those needs, emphasizing youth, families, seniors, and residents who tend to face barriers to opportunities such as Black, Indigenous, and people of color, immigrants, those with unsustainable lower-paying jobs or incomes, and people with developmental or physical disabilities.
  • Defend our status as a Sanctuary City and maintain our commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive community where all residents experience a sense of belonging.

 

2. Establish the City’s long-term fiscal sustainability strategy.

  • Explore expanding City revenue options to identify long-term solutions necessary to diversify the City’s revenue streams.
  • Explore ways to provide a more equitable property tax assessment system including providing property tax adjustments to residents in need.
  • Continue to build on improvements in the budget process, presentation of budget information, and communication to residents.

 

3. Environmentally Sustainable Community.

  • Climate Change Mitigation: Work towards net-zero greenhouse gas emissions goal by 2035.
  • Climate Change Resilience: Improve our ability to adapt and be resilient to local impacts of climate change.
  • Manage our Community’s Natural Resources Sustainably: Protect, maintain, and improve the health of our urban forest, natural resources, and water quality, with an emphasis on equity.

 

4. Engaged, Responsive, Service-oriented Government

  • Hire and onboard a new City Manager.
  • Advance City communications with residents and adopt innovative, culturally appropriate initiatives to improve public engagement and collaboration with residents, particularly with residents who may face barriers to participating in municipal government activities and community affairs.
  • Improve policies and processes to enhance resident interaction with the City government and the Council, including requests for government services, complaint systems, and code enforcement.
  • Review and reform the City’s approach to public safety to ensure racial justice and work toward a safer, more livable community for all residents.
  • Improve service delivery and reduce administrative burden by updating internal policies, IT infrastructure and software to support staff in doing their jobs

 

5. Community Development for an Improved and Equitable Quality of Life

  • Ensure that a range of safe, high quality, affordable, green and energy efficient housing options are equitably available in neighborhoods throughout the community.
  • Improve transportation planning, design, and implementation to create a safer, more environmentally sustainable and more racially and economically equitable community for all residents, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicle occupants.
  • Plan and prepare for development in the City and region while maintaining the special character and economic and racial diversity of Takoma Park
News, News Alert, Public Notices

Project Update! DDOT’s Plans for the Fort Totten-Takoma Leg of Metropolitan Branch Trail Construction: Starts Summer 2023

 

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) invites you to a virtual project meeting on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at 6:00 PM to discuss the status of the Metropolitan Branch Train Project (MBT). DDOT will present an overview of the project and discuss project features and milestones. This segment of the trail will connect with Takoma Park’s half-mile of the MBT, currently undergoing a redesign process of its own. (More information on the Takoma Park section is available on the city’s project page.)

District Department of Transportation (DDOT) Meeting

DATE: Tuesday, July 18, 2023
TIME: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM


VIRTUAL MEETING: WebEx
Click here to view the virtual meeting and presentation:
tinyurl.com/MBTFortTottenToTakomaProject

Event Number: 2308 603 0092
Event Password: Join250! (56462500 from phones and video systems)

Dial-in option (audio only): 1-202-860-2110
Access code: 230 860 30092

  • The WebEx system will prompt you for a Numeric Webinar Password: 82659282. Press the # key to join the meeting.

 

For more information, please contact:
Kelsey Bridges, DDOT Transportation Planner
202-438-8972
near.northwestiii@dc.gov.

 

News, Public Notices

Proposed Amendment to Outdoor Cafe Permit Regulation – Opportunity to Comment

 

Administrative Regulation 2018-1 – Outdoor Cafe Permit Regulation, regulates the establishment and permitting of outdoor cafes operating within the public right-of-way as authorized in Takoma Park Code Section 8.16.090. The regulation has been in effect since 2018. An amendment to the regulation is being proposed to increase the permit and lease fees, enable annual fee updates by publication of fees on July 1 of each year, and remove the requirement for a “processing fee.”

Review the Proposed Amendment to the Regulation (PDF)

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

 

To obtain further information about the proposed regulation, contact:

Ira Kowler, Acting Director
Housing and Community Development Department,
Tel: 301-891-7230
Email: IraK@takomaparkmd.gov.

 

Written comments on the proposed regulation may be emailed to Clerk@takomaparkmd.gov. The deadline for receipt of public comments is Monday, July 31, 2023.

Arts & Humanities, News, News Alert

Rhizome Party, Parade, Film Screening and Concert this Friday

CELEBRATING RHIZOME DC PARTY

Friday, June 30 

6 pm – Party at Rhizome at 6950 Maple Street NW

7 pm – Parade to the Takoma Park Community Center at 7500 Maple Avenue

7:30 pm – Film Screening and Concert at the Community Center

Since its founding in 2015, Rhizome DC has offered a home for experimental music, unconventional art, and eclectic performances tucked inside an unassuming house bordering downtown Takoma Park. Now we’re celebrating Rhizome with a multi-media party stretching across the city so bring your walking shoes!

Please join us at 6 pm on June 30 for a free party with music and conversation at Rhizome. Bring some noisemakers (kids can use their outdoor voices) for a festive parade at 7 pm from Rhizome to the Takoma Park Community Center at 7500 Maple Avenue.

At the Community Center, a free film screening will feature the Rhizome Is Home documentary along with a Q&A with film director Tatev Sargsyan. Using interviews and clips of previous performances, the film explores Rhizome’s representation of marginalized voices in the arts and resilience under threat of dislocation from the shape-shifting forces of gentrification.

Following the film screening, the CMW Players will take the stage for a short experimental music concert. Don’t miss it!

This event is part of the Takoma Park Arts series organized by the City of Takoma Park’s Arts and Humanities Division. The series includes free art exhibitions, film screenings, poetry readings, concerts, theater, and dance performances at the Takoma Park Community Center. Please go to takomaparkmd.gov/arts for more info and to sign up for our e-newsletter.

For more info about Rhizome, go to rhizomedc.org.

News, Public Notices

Ward 1 Information Session with EYA Representatives – Tuesday, June 6, 7:45 pm

It seems likely that the EYA project will pass through the DC permitting process and a mixed-use development will be built at the Takoma Metro Station. Evan Goldman, Executive Vice President Development and Acquisitions for EYA, and Caren Garfield, VP Multifamily Development, have both agreed to join Ward 1 at 7:45pm on June 6th in the Auditorium at 7500 Maple Avenue. Questions will be taken from the audience in the Auditorium and questions sent by chat will be taken over Zoom for those who cannot attend in person. The meeting will be recorded.

This meeting is hosted by Councilmember Fulcher (Ward 1)

Zoom link for those who cannot attend in person.