Neighbors:
Summer is in full swing, but the Council is keeping busy this month with a packed legislative agenda.
Next week, the Council’s Planning, Housing and Parks (PHP) Committee will take up the Job Creation Project zoning measure (ZTA 26-05) that I introduced, which would provide expedited approvals for “Job Creation Projects” that are in strategic industries or generate at least 200 jobs for Montgomery County. This measure aims to attract employers in strategic industries, spur job creation for residents and boost economic development. The work session is on Monday, July 13 at 1:30 p.m. Business and chamber leaders across the County have shared their support for this zoning update.
Another critical topic on the agenda this summer: data centers. Back in June, County Executive Elrich announced a six-month moratorium on data center development in Montgomery County. I welcome that decision as it allows the Council, stakeholders, and the public the time to work through a zoning measure (ZTA 26-01) put forward by Council Vice President Marilyn Balcombe, Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles and I that establishes clear limitations and environmentally-driven rules on data center development. Currently, there are no specific rules for data centers and they are allowed in every zone in the County.
ZTA 26-01 limits data centers to industrial zones under conditional‑use review, with strong standards around noise, environmental protections, and community safeguards. After the public hearing, we committed to strengthen the proposal even further with requirements for 100% clean energy, non‑potable cooling systems, and retroactive applicability for any project, among other measures that will be addressed in worksessions. The Planning Housing and Parks (PHP) Committee worksession will begin working through these details on Wednesday, July 22 at 1:30 p.m.
As I committed earlier this year, the Council will be discussing the future of trash disposal in Montgomery County; we will hold a briefing on Tuesday, July 28 looking at our options. Earlier this summer, I sent a letter to County Executive Elrich outlining four viable waste strategies to consider as we assess next steps, including the continued use of the Resource Recovery Facility or long hauling our trash into another community. The letter further requested that the executive branch provide the Council with detailed and neutral data and analysis of the different waste disposal option, which, heretofore, neither the Council nor the public has received. This briefing will kick off a series of fall worksessions where the Council will review the County Executive’s recommendations and alternatives to this once in a generation decision. Public input is essential as we take a thoughtful and informed approach to evaluating all long-term waste disposal options.
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Montgomery County Launches ICE Reporting Portal
Yesterday, I joined County Executive Elrich to announce a new Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reporting portal, which will allow community members to report ICE activity in Montgomery County. Specifically, community members can report incidents where ICE officers are wearing face coverings or operating on County property. This data will be collected and analyzed to help constrain ICE activity and prevent ICE from staging on County property. This is an important moment in our ongoing effort to protect Montgomery County residents from ICE lawlessness and overreach. The ICE reporting portal came directly from legislation that the Council enacted earlier this year. Thank you to Councilmember Sidney Katz for authoring the amendment that made this critical resource for our residents a reality.
Check out the new ICE reporting portal and other useful resources.
Red Line Metro Closures This Summer
Metro is undergoing major construction on the Red Line impacting service beginning this week through Sept. 6. During this period, trains will not operate between North Bethesda and Friendship Heights. Trains will operate in two segments: between Shady Grove and North Bethesda; and between Friendship Heights and Glenmont.
Free parking will be available at the North Bethesda and Grosvenor-Strathmore stations. Free shuttle buses will replace trains at the Grosvenor-Strathmore, Medical Center and Bethesda Metro stations. Alternative transportation options and additional information can be found on the WMATA webpage or by calling or texting 202-GO-METRO (202-466-3876).
Plus: MCDOT is now offering the Ride On Glenmont Express Shuttle, connecting Upcounty riders to the Red Line Metro stations on the east arm of the Red Line.
The Glenmont Express Shuttle will provide direct service between Milestone Park-and-Ride, Shady Grove Metro Station and Glenmont Metro Station. The shuttle will operate every 40 minutes between 6-9 a.m. and 3-7 p.m. on weekdays. View the Glenmont Express Shuttle schedule.
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Join us at National Night Out
Mark your calendars: Tuesday, Aug. 4 is National Night Out! The annual event promotes community trust with local law enforcement and is a great opportunity to get to know the police officers and first responders serving your community. Enjoy family-friendly activities, food, music and games. I hope to see you at one of the many National Night Out events across the County!
Montgomery County Celebrates NIST’s 125 Years of Innovation
While we are all looking forward to Montgomery County’s 250th anniversary, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), headquartered in Gaithersburg, is also celebrating 125 years of driving innovation. I recently had the opportunity to visit NIST to learn more about how they’re advancing technology to solve national and global challenges. As part of the 125th anniversary, NIST is hosting a series of events that explore how NIST has shaped science, industry and everyday life. Events include a monthly opportunity to visit one of NIST’s unique laboratories. Learn more and register for an upcoming event.
Watch highlights from my visit to NIST headquarters.
Visit Downtown Wheaton: Free Parking on Weekends and After 6 p.m.
Parking is now free on weekends and after 6 p.m. on weekdays in Montgomery County-operated parking garages, lots and meters in Downtown Wheaton! These changes were approved as part of the Council’s FY27 budget process, following community feedback on the Wheaton Urban District. Updates to parking rates and hours can be viewed on the County’s webpage.
Read the original article at mcgov