Weekly Town Updates -- May 17, 2024 (2024)

2024 Spring Fest, May 19
Seriously Fun Singers, June 2
Discussion and Desserts, June 4
Ann Wild Farewell Gathering, June 9
TOCC Book Club, June 17

Discussion and Desserts, June 18
Round House Theatre Discussion Group, June 23

Join 3 Q&A Sessions Hosted by County Planning to Discuss Traffic, School, Parks & Other Impacts

The Montgomery County Council has authorized the Montgomery County Planning Department to update the 2017 Bethesda Downtown Plan through a Minor Master Plan Amendment (MMPA). Thus far, more than 30 million square feet of development has been approved, but because much of the approved new development is still pending construction, the full impact on infrastructure, such as schools and roads, is yet to be seen. This MMPA will specifically address whether the development cap in the Bethesda Overlay Zone (BOZ) should be raised or removed.

Montgomery Planning will be in the community in the coming weeks to share information, answer questions, and hear your feedback about the Minor Master Plan Amendment:

-- Sunday, May 19: Bethesda Farmers Market at Bethesda Elementary School

-- Wednesday, May 29: Bethesda Connie Morella Library, 7400 Arlington Road, from 7-9 p.m.

-- Saturday, June 1: Chevy Chase Town Hall Meeting Room, 4301 Willow Lane, from 11-1 p.m.

About the Bethesda Overlay Zone

The Bethesda Overlay Zone (BOZ) was created to implement the recommendations of the Bethesda Downtown Plan as it relates to density, building heights, affordable housing, parks, and open space and design.

The BOZ cap on development was set to ensure that total density in the Plan Area, including existing, approved, and new development would not exceed 32.4 million square feet of gross floor area. The Plan recommended that once development came within 2 million square feet of the cap, the Montgomery Planning Department would check in with the County Council to assess the implementation of the Plan and to see if additional recommendations are needed to help implementation of public amenity and infrastructure recommendations like new parks and transportation-related improvements.

During the fall of 2023, development (existing, new, and approved) triggered the soft cap limit as well as a call for a review of the Plan that would include the possible removal or raising of the hard cap. The Towntestified about this issue at a Planning Board hearing.Afterward, it was decided that the appropriate approach was to study the issues and update the Plan using a Minor Master Plan Amendment.

About the Minor Master Plan Amendment

A Minor Master Plan Amendment (MMPA) provides an update of an existing Master Plan or Sector Plan, with a narrower focus, either in terms of geography or the topics to be covered. These plans follow the same process steps as a Master Plan and Sector Plan, with community outreach, a public hearing, and the Planning Board and County Council’s review.

The MMPA will not re-open the entire 2017 plan. The existing zoning, park plans, transportation improvements, and other recommendations will remain unchanged while the Montgomery Planning Department explores how better to implement those recommendations. The Planning team is working closely with the Bethesda Downtown Plan Implementation Advisory Committee, which is a volunteer panel that consists of representatives from the resident and real estate development communities on this update. With many opportunities to engage and provide comments, the current schedule anticipates a Planning Board Public Hearing later in the fall and a County Council review in early 2025.

A Public Health Approach to Gun Violence with Dr. Katherine Hoops

Please join us at the Town Hall on Sunday, June 9, from 4 to 6 p.m. as the Town honors Ann Wild for her many years of civic service. There will be tea sandwiches, festive desserts, and wine -- as well as proclamations of thanks. Please RSVP to bit.ly/AWFarewell by June 3.

The Garden Club of Chevy Chase is thankful to all who donated to the plastic bag community recycling challenge during Trash and Treasure weekend. Almost 40 pounds of plastic, most of which is not collected through the Town's single-stream recycling program, were collected. The goal is to reach 1,000 pounds of plastic during 2024. To date, 200 pounds have been donated for recycling. The Garden Club of Chevy Chase wants to spread the word that so much more than store-provided plastic bags can be recycled by the NexTrex Company. NexTrex creates eco-friendly outdoor products from this recycled plastic.

If you are interested in donating to this program, there is a white bin on the front porch of 7617 Lynn Drive, and you can donate all plastic bags through the end of December. In addition to the items listed below, Town resident Judy Van Namen will collect large bundles of bubble wrap or significant amounts of plastic film you might have received from a delivery.

Must be CLEAN, DRY and STRETCHABLE. If not included on the list, please do not donate.

-- Grocery bags or retail store bags
-- Bread bags
-- Store dispensed fruit/veggie produce bags (with no mesh or holes)
-- Paper towel/toilet paper overwrap
-- Plastic bottle or other beverage container case wrap
-- Pallet wrap
-- Dry cleaning bags
-- Newspaper sleeves
-- Ziploc and other resealable food storage bags
-- Bubble wrap or air pillows
-- Plastic shipping envelopes – no need to remove label (but not shipping envelopes where the outside is all paper)
-- Furniture and electronic wrap
-- Ice bags
-- Wood pellet bags
-- Salt bags
-- Plastic cereal box liners (that stretch; your finger will not pop through)

In an emergency, please call 911. Please report all crimes, incidents (including non-emergency vehicle accidents), or suspicious activity to MCPD’s non-emergency line at 301-279-8000. See MCPD’s guidance on when to call the non-emergency line. Both 911 and the non-emergency line are equipped for callers with hearing and/or speech impairments.

Additionally, please report all crimes, incidents, and suspicious activity to the Town Office so that we can notify our contracted police officers and work with the 2nd District to respond accordingly.

Lock Your Cars
We want to remind residents to ensure that your cars are locked at all times. Also, please do not leave house or car keys, or any valuable items, in your vehicles. If you observe any suspicious activity, please report it to the police immediately at 911. Report any crimes that have already occurred to the police at 301-279-8000.

Mail Theft & Check Washing
We also want to remind residents of ongoing theft of mail from U.S Postal Service mailboxes. Montgomery County has seen a rise in cases that can also include check washing. More information on check washing and how to protect yourself from check washing is available here. Those who believe their mail was stolen should report it immediately by submitting an online complaint here or by calling USPIS at 877-876-2455. If you observe any suspicious activity, please report it to the police immediately at 911. Report any crimes that have already occurred to the police at 301-279-8000.

CC@H is a member organization providing social and educational programs to neighbors of all ages and support services to older adults. You can learn more at www.chevychaseathome.org.

Do You Want To Assist Older Adults in Your Neighborhood?
Have you considered volunteering with Chevy Chase At Home? Would you like to spend an hour or two each month assisting a local neighbor? We invite you to learn more about providing services to older adults in your neighborhood including friendly visits, rides to the grocery store or medical appointments, running an errand, tech help, minor repairs, and household tasks depending on your interests. Please contact us at info@chevychaseathome.org or (301) 657-3115 to learn more about volunteer opportunities with Chevy Chase At Home.

Upcoming Events -- Free to All

Internet Fraud: How to Keep Yourself Safe In The Digital World, presented by Chief John Nesky, Chevy Chase Village Police; Tuesday, May 21, 2024, 1 p.m., Chevy Chase Village Hall. Please RSVP at 301-657-3115 or info@chevychaseathome.org.