Neighbors:
Montgomery County has officially put an 18-month pause on data center development. The Council unanimously passed two key pieces of legislation that will provide us with additional time to develop long-term, comprehensive safeguards on data centers.
Following months of discussion with community stakeholders and significant public input, I am proud that we were able to reach a compromise that allows us to evaluate all the issues surrounding data centers in a thoughtful and meaningful way in collaboration with our partners at the state level.
Stay tuned for updates as we begin to develop a robust framework that addresses the complex issues associated with data center development, along with commonsense guardrails to protect communities.
Progress on Restoring White’s Ferry Service
We recently took a major step toward restoring ferry service at White’s Ferry in Dickerson. Montgomery County agreed to purchase the property for $1.5 million from the Kuhns family, who own the land on the Maryland side. The Kuhns agreed to donate the ferry boats, business assets, and other equipment to Montgomery County, valued at more than $7 million, at no cost to support efforts to establish landing rights in Virginia so ferry service can resume.
We have collectively done all we can to clear the channel for White’s Ferry to pull up anchor and invigorate the Town of Poolesville, while working to reestablish a key regional transportation link between Montgomery County and Virginia. I look forward to working with our partners in Virginia to get this done.
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Long-Term Waste Disposal Alternatives
Last week, the Council held a discussion on the future of Montgomery County’s waste disposal system, including the Dickerson Resource Recovery Facility, and we assessed options for managing trash over the coming decades with Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection. This briefing kicked off a series of fall worksessions focused on what is likely a once-in-a-generation decision about how Montgomery County handles its waste.
While there’s no perfect solution, we will be evaluating the tradeoffs of each potential approach to put us on the best path forward. As always, public input will be essential as we consider the environmental, financial and community impacts of each long-term waste disposal option.
Reduced Speed Limits in Residential Neighborhoods
MCDOT is lowering speed limits around certain residential and downtown streets, including several District 6 neighborhoods. This is part of the County’s ongoing efforts to enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety on our roadways. Remember, slower speeds save lives!
Keep an eye out for reduced speed limits in Kensington, including on Spruell Drive, Rickover Road and Ingersol Drive, Drumm Avenue and Ferndale Street, and in Wheaton/Glenmont around the the following cross streets: Church Lane and Paul Drive and Newport Mill Road, King Tree Street and Newport Mill Road and Parker Avenue, Newport Mill Road and Parker Avenue, Paul Drive and Newport Mill Road, and Pendleton Drive and Veirs Mill Road.
National Night Out
It was great to join the Forest Glen and Aspen Hill communities for National Night Out, an annual community-building event that brings together neighbors, local law enforcement, first responders and community organizations. Thank you to all the people who came out yesterday to help raise awareness of public safety initiatives and take part in fostering a strong sense of community. We appreciate our first responders and law enforcement partners who work everyday to keep our communities safe.
New Montgomery History Center Coming Soon!
Montgomery History, the county’s historical society, will be opening their new headquarters this fall in celebration of Montgomery County’s 250th anniversary. I recently had the opportunity to join Montgomery History’s Executive Director Matt Logan to tour the future headquarters — the historic Farmer’s Banking and Trust building in the heart of Rockville. The new Montgomery History Center will house exhibits, educational programs, community events, a library and interactive learning opportunities for people of all ages.
See a sneak preview of the new Montgomery History Center.
Back to School Fair Returns on Aug. 22
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The MCPS Back-to-School Fair returns this year with six regional fairs on Saturday, Aug. 22. Get connected with MCPS staff and community organizations that will be on-site to share resources, opportunities and services available to families throughout the year. Plus, enjoy family-friendly activities, giveaways and more.
The host high schools and their fair times are:
- Southern Region: Albert Einstein, 9 a.m.–noon
- Eastern Region: Paint Branch, 9 a.m.–noon
- Central South Region: Wheaton, 3–6 p.m.
- Central Region: Richard Montgomery, 1–4 p.m.
- Central North Region: Gaithersburg, 9 a.m.–noon
- Northern Region: Seneca Valley, 3–6 p.m.
Find your school’s region here.
Montgomery County Ag Fair: Aug. 14-22
The countdown to the best nine days of summer is on! The Montgomery County Agricultural Fair is back this Aug. 14-22, with carnival rides, games, animal exhibits, music, food and more. Admission for children 11 and under is free every day, and the fair offers free admission for seniors on Aug. 18 (Senior Day) and free admission for active military on Aug. 20 (Military Day). Find more fair info here and get your tickets today.
Explore Wheaton on Wheels
On Aug. 29 at 9 a.m., explore Wheaton on two wheels during the Wheaton Plan Community Bike Ride, a free community event hosted by Montgomery Planning in partnership with the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA). Choose between a 3-mile family-friendly route or a 7-mile route. Bring your own bike and helmet and meet in front of 2425 Reedie Dr. in Wheaton. Learn more and register.
Read the original article at mcgov