Category Archives: Public Notices

Public Notices are primarily generated by the City Clerk and are mostly compromised of messages notifying residents and other stakeholders of public hearings.

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!

 

News, Public Notices

October is Crime Prevention Month

 

Please take a few minutes to review the information below about home security and how to take steps to reinforce the security of your residence.

Quick Fact #1:  The greatest crime of opportunity is burglary.

Quick Fact #2:  More than 50% of burglaries committed do not involve forced entry.

Quick Fact #3:  When a burglar forces entry, it is typically through a rear or side door or window, where he/she is less likely to be visible.

CRIME PREVENTION = The ability to recognize the risk of crime AND initiate action to reduce that risk.  By doing so, you are taking steps to eliminate a criminal’s opportunity to commit a crime.

HOME SECURITY = The ways and habits of an individual to safeguard his/her home from burglars.

To be successful at crime prevention and home security, individuals should be proactive and seek out information, tips, and techniques on how to strengthen the security of their homes before it is too late.

The most cost-effective and successful way to safeguard your home is to follow good security habits.  This includes:

1.  Locking and securing your windows and doors, especially when no one is home;
2.  Drawing your blinds so burglars cannot “window shop;”
3.  Securing gates and fences, which is one more obstacle a burglar would have to consider when choosing a home to burglarize;
4.  Trimming shrubs and bushes so your home is more visible to the street because burglars do not want to be seen; and
5.  Utilizing and arming an alarm system if you have one installed – Audible alarms generally deter burglars from entering the residence.

Other ways to be proactive in home security:

1.  Participate in services offered by the police department (see below);
2.  Notify the proper authorities of problem items in your neighborhood such as non-functioning street lamps, trees/shrubs that need trimming, homes that look in disarray, graffiti, etc.; and
3.  Get to know your neighbors – They are more likely to call in suspicious activity to your home if they know you and your daily routine/schedule.

FREE services offered by the Takoma Park Police Department:

1.  Residential Security Surveys:  An assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of security measures of a residence (fences, doors, lighting, etc.).  An officer will go to your house, assess the security of the home, and provide cost-effective solutions for observed weaknesses.  https://takomaparkmd.gov/government/police/services-and-programs/residential-home-security-survey/

2.  House Checks:  Service provided for those who will have their home unoccupied for an extended period of time (vacation, renovations, etc.).  Your residence will be visited two times a day by a patrol officer, who makes sure your home is still secure.  You will be notified immediately of any discrepancies.   https://takomaparkmd.gov/government/police/services-and-programs/vacant-house-check-program/

Crime will never be completely eliminated and anyone can fall victim to crime, but the chance and risk of falling victim to a crime such as burglary can be greatly reduced by being aware of what is going on in your neighborhood, understanding the importance of home security, and making it a habit to follow daily security routines to safeguard you and your home.

News Alert, Public Notices

Direct Cash Assistance Applications Close on Tuesday, October 31

The last day to apply for funding from the City of Takoma Park Direct Cash Assistance Program is Tuesday, October 31, by 11:59 pm!
Program Description

The City of Takoma Park will use State and Local Recovery Funds (SLRF) received under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to assist residents economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic by distributing Direct Cash Assistance. A majority of low- to moderate-income households in the City experience a housing cost burden and may have experienced the inability to pay rent, monthly mortgage payments, or lost employment during this unprecedented period. Learn more about the Direct Cash Assistance program.

The City of Takoma Park Direct Cash Assistance Program will provide a one-time, lump-sum payment per eligible household in the amount of $1,000. This is NOT a new program but a last chance to get those families who have not applied.

Events

Library In-Person Event:

Date: Thursday, October 26
Time: 4-8pm
Location: Interim Library Location
7505 New Hampshire Avenue
Suites 201-208
Takoma Park, MD 20912

Volunteers will be in person to assist with completing an application.

 

Apply to the Takoma Park Direct Cash Assistance program online.

There are also physical applications available to be completed in person at:

Takoma Park Community Center
7500 Maple Ave
Takoma Park, MD 20912

 

Stay tuned for more Direct Cash Assistance events throughout October.

 

News Alert, Public Notices

Adventist Hospital Campus Changes and Bus Stop Closures for Ride On routes 17 & 18 begin Sept. 29

 

The Washington Adventist Hospital campus in Takoma Park is now vacant as the property transitions ownership and purpose. The empty hospital buildings will be secured and fenced off.

 

Starting this Friday, September 29, Ride On Routes 17 & 18 will no longer be able to access the Adventist Hospital property in Takoma Park. Both routes will detour using Flower Avenue to Maplewood to return to their normal route on Maple Avenue. Stops 26950, 26952, 26954, and 26956 will be discontinued. Riders should use alternate stops 22332, 22274, 23854, and 23856. This will become a permanent change with our next service change in January.

 

For the most up-to-date service information, riders should follow @RideOnMCT on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. In addition, information is available at RideOnBus.com, by subscribing to receive email alerts at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/govdelivery, or texting MONTGOMERY RIDEON to 468311 to receive text alerts.

For information on MCDOT programs and services visit montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot, follow @MCDOTNow on  Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and subscribe to MCDOT’s “Go Montgomery!” newsletter.

News Alert, Public Notices

Public Space Management Plan: Digging in to the Project Evaluation Scorecard

 

 

Planning Division staff invite members of the public to test out the functionality of the Project Evaluation Scorecard by joining an in-person exploration session:

  • Additional dates to be determined

To download the Project Evaluation Scorecard Exploration Kit, visit the City’s Public Space Management Plan website: https://bit.ly/publicspacemanagementplan.

A key component of the Public Space Management Plan is a new tool to help with decision-making. City staff and the project consulting team identified that often decision-makers are pressed to advance a new project or initiative without data to compare the project under consideration with other priorities. The Project Evaluation Scorecard attempts to fill that gap.

The scorecard uses a set of eight benefit categories, each with several criteria listed below. New projects or initiatives would be scored by city staff. Three benefit categories receive an added weight to their score to reflect recent City policies that prioritize Racial Equity, Environmental Sustainability, and Safety. The completed scorecard would be shared publicly as an attachment to council cover memos. The scoring becomes a tool for city staff and the City Council to begin comparing different projects against each other.

The scorecard is not meant to be a judgment upon the merit of a project. Instead, it evaluates how a project stacks up against existing city priorities, and then that score can be compared to the scores of other projects. The scorecard would not be prescriptive or determine whether or not a project advances, but it would be one of the considerations, publicly shared, for how to advance new projects.

The tool may be used to compare two or more projects under consideration at a given time. It may also be used over the longer term to test potential projects against a benchmarked level of benefit. Over time, certain scores may emerge as minimum thresholds for project consideration. The tool, itself, is also meant to be public-facing so that community members and City Council members could take on the task of generating their own project scores, or use it as a tool for planning new initiatives.