Category Archives: Uncategorized

City Manager & Staff Blog, Uncategorized

Why Now?: Regulating Small Cell Antennas in Takoma Park

From Suzanne Ludlow, City Manager of Takoma Park

(See also: Message from the Takoma Park City Attorney Regarding the Proposed City Code Amendments to Regulate the Installation of Cell Antennas and Support Structures in City Rights of Way)

I am writing to follow up and provide more background on what the City is doing regarding “small cell antennas” and why I am encouraging the City Council to proceed with amending its regulations regarding telecommunications equipment in the City rights of way.

First, the goal of the City’s proposed regulations on small cell antennas is to protect the City of Takoma Park from unregulated installation of small cell antennas in our rights of way. We currently have no process or protections in place, so if applications are submitted, we simply must comply with existing regulations which are very unfriendly to local governments. The FCC’s recent order, “Streamlining Deployment of Next Generation Wireless Infrastructure Declaratory Ruling and Third Report and Order,” goes into effect on January 14, 2019. If we do not put criteria in place regarding location, placement, aesthetics and fees before an application is received, the installation companies would not likely have to adhere to reactive regulations. At the very least they would be challenged.

Second, we are not legally able to bar the antennas. The County’s provisions under discussion apply to private property in Takoma Park but do not apply in the City’s right of way where many of these antennas are likely to be placed. The City Code’s current provisions regarding permits for activity in the right of way do not directly address these structures or attachments and have little in the way of criteria that would address location, placement, aesthetics, notification process or fees. To be very clear, the City strongly opposes the FCC’s preemption of the City’s authority over its rights of way, and we are glad there are lawsuits filed against the FCC action. And again, in order to have any way to respond to an application for these antennas at the present time, we need to have criteria in place.

Third, the discussion about preparing for small cell antenna applications has been ongoing for years. The City has been a party to group of local governments fighting the impending FCC ruling since early 2017. This was noted in my City Manager Comments from February 2017. The Maryland Municipal League and the National League of Cities have also been discussing this matter for the last several years. The City Attorney was directed to prepare draft legislation to protect Takoma Park and presented proposed language on October 24, 2018. There were a number of questions raised and there is still some investigation being done, but there is also a sense of urgency to put basic measures into place to give Takoma Park some leverage and to protect the City and residents from cell towers being placed with no criteria in place. If adopted, the Code language can and likely will be changed if actions at higher levels take place that would affect Takoma Park in a positive way, but at the current time, we have very little authority or criteria to control location, placement or aesthetics of these antennas.

I would like to address some of the comments made at the City Council meeting on November 7. This is not about making money – after all, the FCC limited what local governments can charge and the maximum amounts may not cover the costs. While we understand there are health concerns, we unfortunately do not have any legal authority to try to block small cells based on potential health effects. We are not acting in response to, or in coordination with, telecommunications companies. And finally, we are not “rushing” to get something passed so that we are the first to do it or because we are asking for small cell antennas here. In fact, we should have updated our right of way regulations quite some time ago and many communities have long had protective provisions in pIace for these kinds of telecommunications fixtures. For these reasons, I urge the Council to act so that we have at least some protections in place in the event that we start to receive applications.

As technology changes, municipal regulations must be updated to adequately protect the public and be workable for staff. The City’s regulations concerning work in the City’s rights of way were written before small cell antennas were imagined. While there is great controversy about small cell antennas themselves, as well as the recent federal ruling preempting most local control of them, the City of Takoma Park has room to make some changes to its regulations about work in our right of way to gain some leverage if a company intends on placing small cell antennas in Takoma Park. These steps do not encourage small cell antennas; they are protective steps for the City of Takoma Park and its residents. It is my responsibility to identify areas of risk to the City and the means to limit those risks. Updating our right of way regulations is one part of the City’s response to limit those risks.

Although there is not much new to report since the FCC ruling, we continue to seek information and guidance from the City Attorney, County representatives and others to help inform our discussions. The Council will again take up the issue in a Work Session at their November 14 meeting, followed by a First Reading Ordinance on November 28 and a Second Reading on December 5.

 

Suzanne Ludlow
City Manager
Email: SuzanneL@takomaparkmd.gov
Phone: 301-891-7229

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WHEN WORDS MEET ART Opening Reception Nov 8

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It Made Sense by Eric Gordon

Art and the written word usually reside in different spheres, one appealing to the heart while the other focuses on the analytical mind.

Five artists who specialize in illustration or mixed media will explore the intersection of art and text in WHEN WORDS MEET ART, a new group exhibition at the Takoma Park Community Center at 7500 Maple Avenue. An opening reception will be held with the artists on Thursday, November 8 at 7:00 p.m.

Inspired by his love for music and city living, Eric Gordon has created a new series of colorful paintings with emotive music phrases, recycled paint scraps, and other found objects. Other paintings include abstract comic book-style panels.

Martin Graff creates amusing illustrations with captions that revel in the lighthearted and absurd in his ongoing art project called The Face Zone. “I create surreal daydreams to trip people’s imaginations,” he says. “I hope my art inspires us to notice the world through creative eyes, to ask deeper critical questions, and to enjoy the ride along the way.”

Esther Iverem has crafted doll-like figures from recycled jeans and other found objects in her suspended installation titled Olokun of the Galaxy. Olokun is an African spirit that protects the oceans and honors the millions of Africans who were forced into slavery during the Middle Passage to North America. Some dolls carry small photos of African Americans killed by state violence.

Growing up in a small fishing village in Iceland, Kolbrun Kristjansdottir was shaped by the natural beauty that surrounded her. After moving to the D.C. area, she felt overwhelmed by the last

Joan Waites is an award-winning author and illustrator who has illustrated more than 45 books. Some of her illustrations will be on display, including several books authored by Edward Allan Faine. He is the author of 19 books and is loved by kids as the “How-To Cowboy” children’s entertainer.toxic presidential campaign and wanted to share some positive messages. In her Timeless Calendar, she has paired inspiring quotes from every U.S. president with 365 of her photographs of D.C. landmarks, nature scenes, and other locales.

https://takomaparkmd.gov/uncategorized/when-words-meet-art-opening-reception-on-nov-8/

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New Deputy Police Chief Selected

Police Chief Antonio B. DeVaul is pleased to announce that Antonio Williams has accepted an offer to serve as the Deputy Police Chief of the City of Takoma Park. Mr. Williams is a 31-year veteran of law enforcement. He spent 20-years with the Baltimore City Police Department, where he retired as the Chief of the Detective Division. Mr. Williams also served as the Chief of Police for three law enforcement agencies; the Baltimore City School Police (2005-2007), the University of Baltimore, Baltimore County (2007-2009), and the University of Maryland, Baltimore (2010-2017). He holds an Associate’s degree in Law Enforcement from the Community College of Baltimore, a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Baltimore, a Master of Science degree in Management from Johns Hopkins University, and is currently a candidate for a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland, University College, and a Master of Divinity from the Capital Seminary and Graduate School. He is also a 2005 graduate of the FBI National Academy.

Mr. Williams stood out among an excellent field of candidates for the Takoma Park Police Deputy Chief position, performing very well in each step of the rigorous selection process. Mr. Williams is an experienced, community-oriented executive with a proven track record of strategic crime reduction and civic engagement in law enforcement.

“I am honored to be selected as the Deputy Chief of Police of the Takoma Park Police Department,” said Mr. Williams when asked for comment. “This is a dream come true. I am excited and looking forward to working with the City of Takoma Park to improve the quality of life in the community.”

Mr. Williams will report for duty on November 13, 2018.

Contact:

Catherine Plevy
Public Information Officer
Takoma Park Police Department

Email: cathyp@takomaparkmd.gov
Phone: 301-891-7142
Cell: 240-338-2901

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Stop the Bleed Training

The Emergency Preparedness Committee for the City of Takoma Park is offering a one-hour course on how you can control severe bleeding due to an accident or intentional harm. The techniques taught will show various ways to control severe bleeding on someone using just your two hands, to someone that has access to a full trauma kit.

Uncontrolled bleeding is the number one cause of preventable death from trauma. The sooner the severe bleeding is controlled the greater the chance someone has surviving.

Classes are held in the Azalea Room of the Community Center, 7500 Maple Ave, Takoma Park Md.

To reserve a seat at the training, complete the application. Classes are open to Takoma Park residents and you must be 16 years of age or older.

November 07              7:30 to 9:00 pm

November 17              10:30 am to 12:00

December 15              2:30 to 4:00 pm

Ron Hardy

Emergency Preparedness Manager

RonH@takomaparkmd.gov

City Manager & Staff Blog, Uncategorized

Utility Work in North Takoma

A Message to Residents from the City Manager
October 19, 2018

Dear Residents,

Several unscheduled utility projects will be taking place in Takoma Park on Takoma, Fenton, and Philadelphia Avenues over the next several days. This is in addition to the ongoing scheduled utility work in the area.

Tomorrow, Saturday, October 20, Pepco work will be occurring on Takoma and Fenton Avenues, similar to past Saturdays. Work is to take place between 9 am and 3 pm. This is part of Pepco’s major Takoma to Sligo Underground Line Project through the area. Work is scheduled on Saturday to help address delays due to the higher than normal days of rain experienced over the last several months as well as some unexpected construction difficulties. Detour routes and construction measures are the same as have been in place for the ongoing work.

Beginning Monday after rush hour, the Maryland State Highway Administration will be working on replacing the broken storm water line under Philadelphia Avenue near Chicago Avenue. This work is likely to continue until Wednesday morning and work may take place around the clock. While emergency work was just done to the roadway, it did not address the underlying storm drain problem. The work early next week will be a badly-needed permanent repair of the storm drain line.

The various utility crews have been made aware of the work of the other entities. Takoma Park Public Works staff and the Takoma Park Police Department are working to help ensure the work can be done correctly, safely and quickly while also helping address traffic and neighborhood issues.

If there is an urgent matter regarding traffic, etc., please contact the Takoma Park Police Department at 301-270-1100. They will alert officers or Public Works staff as needed. If it is a less-urgent matter, please feel free to contact me at SuzanneL@takomaparkmd.gov. We are working hard to coordinate the various projects and problems so that the essential utility work is done without undue hardship.

Best,
Suzanne Ludlow
City Manager

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MDOT SHA EMERGENCY WORK ON MD 410/PHILADELPHIA AVENUE

October 22, 2018: From MDOT SHA: MD 410 (Philadelphia Avenue) at Chicago Street. Emergency roadwork. Full intersection work zone closure and detour, overnight, 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., Mon. 10/22 through Thurs. 10/25 (weather and progress permitting). Please visit www.md511.org or 1-855-466-3511 for real-time traffic information. Drivers should add extra commute time and expect delays. Equipment used for construction may be disruptive.

October 18, 2018: Beginning today, Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) maintenance crews will begin emergency repair work on a storm drain pipe on eastbound MD 410 (Philadelphia Avenue) at Chicago Avenue in Takoma Park/Silver Spring between Fenton Street and Takoma Avenue. Currently, the estimated time of completion for the repair is unknown.

The storm drain pipe on MD 410 at Chicago Avenue has separated and it is unsafe for vehicular and pedestrian traffic on the roadway. Beginning today, crews will assess the damaged storm drain pipe area. Initial work may include placement of a steel plate over the pipe area or drainage inlet and roadway patching as an interim repair. Once the work zone is stabilized, crews will need to determine permanent repairs which could include excavation, removal and replacement of the damaged pipe and roadway remediation once all permanent repairs are complete.

For the safety of work crews and the traveling public, MDOT SHA is permitted to intermittently close one lane of eastbound and westbound MD 410 up to 24 hours daily until all work is complete. Drivers should be aware of changing traffic patterns inside the work zone and are strongly encouraged to use MD 97 (Georgia Avenue), MD 195 (Carroll Avenue), and MD 320 (Piney Branch Road) as alternate routes until all work is complete. Drivers should add extra commute time and expect delays. Pedestrian maintenance of traffic will be provided in the work zone at all times, however; sidewalk users may be directed to the safest crossings on the opposite side of the road inside the work zone. Equipment used for construction may be disruptive.

For the latest real-time traffic information updated 24 hours a day, drivers should visit www.md511.org or call 1-855-466-3511 using a hands-free device while driving. Breaking news and information is also available on MDOT SHA’s Facebook page (Maryland State Highway Administration) or “following: us on Twitter (@MDSHA).

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October 16 – General Election Voter Registration Deadline

Maryland residents can still register to vote through the Maryland Board of Elections online registration.

For general information please visit the 2018 General & Primary Election Information web page.

For additional information please contact the Montgomery County Board of Elections.

18753 N. Frederick Ave, Suite 210
Gaithersburg, MD 20879

HOURS: Monday through Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

PHONE: 240-777-8500

News, Uncategorized

Neighborhood Development Company and TPSS Co-op Reach Agreement

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We are pleased that Neighborhood Development Company and the Takoma Park Silver Spring Co-op have completed the mediation process. After several weeks of meeting to negotiate on a variety issues, the parties have agreed that the set of reasonable accommodations to the business operations of the Co-op before, during and after the construction of the new Takoma Junction Project is sufficient to justify entering into a Cooperation Agreement. The parties have released a joint statement and are sharing the detailed terms of the agreement. The joint statement is below and the “Terms of Cooperation Agreement” (Term Sheet) and Full Cooperation Agreement are available on the City’s website.

The Co-op has stated it will not seek further accommodations from the City unless there are material changes to the site plan as a result of the County review process; therefore, the Council will not hold a work session at this time. The City Council looks forward to the next steps of this project, and unless material changes are made to the current site plan that could affect the Co-op, the Council views the current agreement between NDC and the Co-op as meeting reasonable accommodations for the Co-op’s operations as referenced in the Development Agreement.

The City is aware of the situation pertaining to 1100 Eastern, an affiliate of Neighborhood Development Company (NDC). 1110 Eastern purchased a property that is planned to be developed into an affordable housing project in Washington, DC. The property’s business tenants, including a barbershop and daycare center, were abruptly shuttered when the sale was finalized due to the finding of environmental contamination of the site from past businesses. NDC provided a statement to the City regarding the issue and its officials met with the tenants last week to discuss the contamination, next steps, and compensation.

The City will continue to monitor the situation in DC involving 1100 Eastern, including continued discussions with NDC and DC government officials regarding the status.

Joint Statement by Neighborhood Development Company and Takoma Park-Silver Spring Co-op

In keeping with the City’s resolution of July 25, 2018, the Co-op and NDC engaged in mediation to identify solutions to a number of operational issues. Both parties engaged in the mediation in good faith, recognizing that the nature of such negotiations requires compromise. While neither party got everything it wanted, they agreed on terms that provide benefits to both. These terms were memorialized in a Cooperation Agreement. The Cooperation Agreement, together with the Combined Site Plan approved by the City Council on July 25, 2018, provide a sufficient set of reasonable accommodations to the business operations of the Co-op before, during and after the construction of the new Takoma Junction Project to justify entering into the Cooperation Agreement. The full text of the Cooperation Agreement is available on the City’s web site.

The parties agreed to the following mutual accommodations: NDC construction of the lay-by as part of the first stage of construction to ensure the ability of the Co-op to continuously receive all product deliveries; exclusive Co-op use of the lay-by during construction; priority morning Co­op use of the lay-by for deliveries; Co-op access through the Project to the Co-op’s current door on the west side of the Turner building for deliveries; the parties’ commitment to make good faith efforts to coordinate and adjust delivery schedules among suppliers of the Co-op and all Project tenants so that all deliveries can be accommodated; Co-op and Project use of the lay-by for trash pickup; Co-op use of the parking garage and one free underground parking space adjacent to the Co-op for some deliveries; availability of parking for Co-op customers on the same basis as others parking in the building; the Co-op’s ability to rent parking space for its customers in the parking garage; and Co-op funding of a second elevator sized for Co-op customers with carts that also will be available for public and Project tenant use that NDC will repair and maintain. The parties have also agreed that the Co-op will not rent space in the Takoma Junction project at this time.

As a result of the Cooperation Agreement, the Co-op will not oppose the Takoma Junction Project or seek further accommodations from the City or NDC absent changes to the Project by NDC, the City or any other governmental body that would materially adversely affect the Co­op’s operations. In addition, the parties are committed to working with the State Highway Administration as it explores ways to reconfigure and improve the Takoma Junction intersection at MD Routes 195 and 410. The Co-op and NDC will work to address any operational issues that that may arise to make the Takoma Junction project, the Co-op, and local businesses successful.

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First Time Home Buyer Class

Please join us for a free first-time home buyer’s class

Saturday, November 10th from 8:30 AM-2:30PM
at the Takoma Park Community Center, 7500 Maple Avenue

Learn the entire process for buying a house or condo from experts representing lending institutions, title companies, and real estate, insurance, and inspection firms.

This program is sponsored by a HUD-approved housing agency.

Class size is limited, so please register by calling 301-891-7119 or emailing housing@takomaparkmd.gov

Continental breakfast and lunch will be served, and attendees will receive a Certificate of Completion.

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GIANT OCTOPUS ATTACKS DOWNTOWN CLOCK TOWER!

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Takoma Park is more than 100 miles away from the Atlantic Ocean, but a 17-foot-long octopus somehow found its way here and wrapped its giant tentacles around the downtown clock tower.

In a public art project commissioned by the City of Takoma Park, fiber artist Stacy Cantrell crocheted the huge octopus in the City’s colors of orange, yellow, green, and blue. With help from her husband and a friend, she installed the creature recently on the clock tower in Ward Sinclair Plaza at the intersection of Laurel Avenue and Carroll Avenue. Then she watched the smiles and dropped jaws from surprised people walking by.

“I’ve always been in love with the ocean and sea creatures,” Cantrell says. “I also like crocheting things that are the exact opposite of what people would expect. People are used to seeing a crocheted afghan lying on their couch but not a humongous yarn octopus eating a clock tower.”

The installation titled Oct O’Clock will be on view for several months before the colorful cephalopod is donated to a local school or children’s organization. Cantrell used more than 120 pounds of yarn to create the deep-sea beast with some intricate details, including 360 crocheted suckers on its tentacles. The octopus is stuffed with more than 100 pounds of recycled plastic, including bags, water bottles, etc.

The City of Takoma Park also commissioned Cantrell to install two giant crocheted caterpillars in the City’s colors on a fence at 7676 New Hampshire Avenue south of University Boulevard. One 80-foot-long caterpillar and its 65-foot-long friend are climbing down a hill past a bus stop in the installation titled Scoochin’ Down the Avenue, Two by Two!

After that installation is removed in a few months, Cantrell will wash and disassemble the pieces to make baby blankets that will be donated to local organizations serving families in need.

“I love bringing these creatures to life, but I also want to reuse these materials to help others,” she says.

The City of Takoma Park commissioned the fiber installations as part of its commitment to support and promote the arts, including public art that can inspire or surprise people in their daily lives without visiting a museum or art gallery.

“Stacy’s work is so delightful. It really exceeded all of our expectations,” says Sara Anne Daines, director of the City’s Housing and Community Development Department.

Cantrell learned how to crochet when she was 4 years old and has displayed her work at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, Arlington Arts Center, Torpedo Factory, and other locales.

“It’s been great working in Takoma Park where there’s a real love for the arts and a willingness to take some chances,” she says.

All photos by Sam Kittner