Dear Neighbors:
The City Council had its final meeting of the year last week. The key agenda items were the Library renovation/expansion project and a discussion with our State legislators about priorities for next year’s session in Annapolis. For more on those issues see below.
We’ll resume City Council meetings on January 13. In addition, there will be a Council priorities-setting “retreat” on Saturday, January 16 from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, which will kick off our annual process for determining issues we’ll focus on over the course of the year. The retreat is a public event and will include opportunities for residents to offer their views.
COVID Updates
The Takoma Park COVID-19 Dashboard has been updated, as of December 11. Key data points include 88 new cases reported, for a cumulative total of 957, and an updated infection rate of 5.4%. There were no new deaths reported in the 20912 zip code. COVID-19 testing is now available at the Takoma Park Recreation Center on New Hampshire Avenue every Wednesday and Saturday from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. A total of 167 people were tested at the Rec. Center last Saturday, and 272 people were tested on Dec. 12. Testing at Sligo Church this past week was cancelled due to weather, and that site is now closed until warmer weather returns. Since October, 1,414 people were tested there. There’s information on other County testing locations here: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/testing/home-based-testing.html, and you can find general information on the County testing program here: https://montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/testing.html
Mayor Stewart posted a blog over the weekend, (https://takomaparkmd.gov/news-alert/we-are-here-for-each-other/) which includes information on the latest County health guidelines, food distribution and other City efforts to respond to the pandemic, and links to key resources.
WARD ONE MEETING WITH POLICE DEPARTMENT ON CAR BREAK-INS
In response to the concerns many have expressed about the recent rash of automobile break-ins in our area, there will be a virtual meeting on Wednesday, December 16 at 7:30 PM for Ward One residents with representatives of the Police Department, Mayor Stewart and me to discuss this problem and strategies for responding. Here’s the Zoom link:
https://zoom.us/j/95909924581?pwd=bXNqa1hYY01VL1BKUU82bVA3M3lWZz09
MONTGOMERY COLLEGE MATH-SCIENCE BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
The next phase of the Math-Science Building construction project in North Takoma will involve demolition of existing structures on campus. The work is expected to involve some noise that exceeds standard County and City limits, which isn’t unusual for large construction projects. The College has submitted a plan to the County which would allow some exceedance of the noise limits, and which also describes proposed steps to mitigate noise connected to the project. Montgomery County and City of Takoma Park officials are responsible for reviewing and approving the plan and they can require some modifications to it. Residents may submit comments during the ten-day period that began on December 10. The link below includes background information along with details on where to send comments.
I've been working with North Takoma residents to urge the College to take steps to reduce the noise impact of the construction work, and MC is proposing some actions aimed at doing so. However, one initially unanticipated factor is COVID-19. Due to the pandemic, residents now spend more time working and doing school work at home, and louder, prolonged construction noise may make it more difficult to engage in those activities. And there are of course many residents who, owing to age or health concerns, aren't able to easily leave their homes.
These concerns can be exacerbated by the reality that, in colder weather with few open commercial areas because of COVID, those who may wish to leave their homes for a few hours during periods of louder construction activity may not have many options on where to go. As a result, a groups of residents has recommended that the noise plan include designated quiet hours during each week to help enable people to better plan their work and study activities.
I'll be submitting comments of my own, which will emphasize, among other points, supporting the idea of quiet hours during the week to make it easier to study and work from home; pressing to avoid louder construction noises in the earlier morning; and stressing more heavily the need to follow State law limiting idling time for trucks and other construction vehicles.
The following link will take you to four relevant documents: an overview letter from the Barton Malow construction company; the proposed Noise Suppression Plan; a Notification letter from the County Department of Environmental Protection on the proposed noise plan (with details on how to submit comments); and the College's Noise Mitigation Fact Sheet: https://d31hzlhk6di2h5.cloudfront.net/20201209/21/3d/bd/5f/bb514ab6fbbf4258a37c1c21/Noise_SuppressionMitigation_Documents.pdf.
If you have concerns, whether similar to those I’ve mentioned above or otherwise, I encourage you to submit comments. That's the only way to be sure your views can be taken into account before the demolition work begins. And the more comments that are submitted, the greater likelihood there is that some improvements to the plan will be made.
UPDATE FROM LAST WEEK’S COUNCIL MEETING
Library Renovation/Expansion Project: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/agendas/2020/Meeting-Documents/Takoma-Park-Library-Replacement.pdf. Last week’s Council meeting included a vote on directing City staff and the architect to move ahead with the construction documents and permit application preparation, and competitive bidding for the Library project. After agreeing to several amendments, the Council approved the resolution on a 6 - 0 vote. I voted yes. The next Council vote anticipated on the project would be after the bids are submitted by construction firms that are interested in taking on the project, perhaps in the spring.
It’s estimated the project can be completed within the existing budget. That budget consists of $7 million the City borrowed through the State bond process several years ago and up to $2.8 million in grants. The grant funds, which come from outside the City budget, include $300,000 in State grants and the remainder in surplus cable TV grant funds. A key goal of mine has been to limit direct City costs for the project to the State bond, which we’ll pay off over 30 years with interest. So I’m pleased that currently appears doable, though we’ll only know for sure when construction bids are submitted. Page 43 of the presentation details the key components of the project and their costs. These include in addition to construction costs (with escalation and contingency funds built in), design work, green building improvements, furniture purchases, permit fees, moving and storage during construction, and hiring a construction manager. Those components are estimated to cost $9.3 million, which is below the available budget by $500,000.
That plan also includes some reorganization of areas within the Community Center, making up about 10 percent of the estimated construction costs and around a quarter of the square footage covered by the project (the project’s total area is 22,625 SF, with the Library portion about 17,000 SF and the remainder 5,625 SF). While I had some concerns about the financial impact of these components, since they currently fall within the budget I decided on balance it made sense to keep them in the project. If the estimated costs go higher in the bid stage I’d be supportive of the idea of removing some of those components to stay within the budget. During debate on the resolution I offered three amendments, all of which were approved, as follows:
Tree Preservation. The earlier plans had called for the loss of one mature tree in the space between the Library and Philadelphia Avenue. So I was disappointed to learn earlier this month that -- due to utility cable placement in that area -- the plans now call for taking down several mature trees. My first amendment calls for a thorough review of tree preservation options.
Children’s Garden. This small garden, maintained by a group of City residents, would be eliminated under the current design, largely because of a new pathway and entrance to the Library on the Maple Avenue side of the structure, an idea recommended by many residents. I think that entrance is a good idea, but I’d still like to see us relocate the garden on or near the Community Center property, and my second amendment calls for exploring that goal.
Council Updates. Because the Council isn’t expected to vote again on the project prior to the bid process, I think it’s important that we receive regular updates from the staff as the construction documents are prepared, and my third amendment requires monthly updates.
I also voted for Councilmember Dyballa’s amendment, which was approved, to strengthen the green building language in the resolution. You can see the final form of the resolution, with the addition of all the amendments, through this link: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/resolutions/2020/resolution-2020-30.pdf
State Legislative Priorities. We were honored in last week’s meeting to be able to discuss 2021 State legislative priorities with our District 20 representatives, Senator Will Smith, and Delegates David Moon, Jheanelle Wilkins and Lorig Charkoudian. You can see the City’s presentation on our key issues here: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-council/legislative-advocacy/2021/presentation-2020-12-09-takoma-park-legislative-priorities.pdf. The members of the City Council emphasized various issues during our discussion. For my part, in addition to top concerns around the COVID pandemic (specifically addressing food insecurity and eviction) and policing reform in the context of the Black Lives Matter movement, I also underlined the importance to the City of getting help in addressing the challenges presented by the higher stormwater flows -- likely connected to climate change -- which are increasing in frequency, and the legislation which would make it easier to establish lower speed limits on City streets.
City Manager Comments. You can read City Manager Suzanne Ludlow’s official comments from last week’s meeting here: https://documents.takomaparkmd.gov/government/city-manager/city-manager-comments/2020/city-manager-comments-2020-12-09.pdf
ANNOUNCEMENTS
While the holiday season typically brings about an increase in opportunities for charitable giving, this year -- because of the pandemic and the economic miseries it has caused -- the need is greater than ever. Below are some vital local sources of help residents may wish to consider donating to. My thanks to Councilmember Dyballa, who pulled together many of the items on this list.
Police Department Holiday Toy Drive and Winter Coat Drive. The Police are accepting toys and gift cards for children ages 2 - 12 through December 23: https://takomaparkmd.gov/news-alert/help-tppd-bring-joy-this-holiday-season-donate-unwrapped-toys-cash-giftcards/. And in partnership with Adventist Community Services, they are also collecting clean, gently used warm coats in any size from infant to adult through December 18: https://takomaparkmd.gov/news-alert/winter-coat-drive-begins-monday-november-4/. They will also accept clean, gently used gloves/mittens and scarves.
Crossroads Farmers Market has been a critical food support for many who rely on SNAP, WIC, and other federal nutrition benefits, and to seniors and apartment dwellers with direct CSA deliveries. Donate here to support their COVID program efforts.
Montgomery County Public Schools meals. MCPS now gives out meals for all children AND their adults who need the help. TPES has curbside service Mon., Wed. and Fri. (meals for two days on Mon. and Wed., triple on Fri.). You can donate here or volunteer here.
Small Things Matter has a GoFundMe campaign to buy food for local families so they can continue to distribute fresh food and staples throughout the winter. Or donate directly.
Adventist Community Services has some 1300 families on their list for holiday food baskets, and also distributes food boxes weekly. Donate at http://www.acsgw.org/
Takoma Small Business Micro-Grants for Covid Relief. Donations will support another round of Old Takoma Business Association grants to City small businesses in early 2021. Donate here.
Alternative Gift Fair. Through the end of the year you can donate to local and global charitable groups to support a gift of a service to someone in need, and then “give” that donation as a gift to relatives and friends. For more information contact Alternative Gifts of Greater Washington.
Tax Preparation Assistance. City Staff have been working to help coordinate the availability of free tax preparation assistance for residents during the pandemic. The Community Action Agency's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is using a virtual tax preparation model during the COVID-19 emergency. It allows residents to access an online platform to securely upload their tax documents and have their taxes prepared for free by a certified tax preparer. No in-person contact is required. They are now scheduling virtual appointments for 2018 amended taxes and 2019 taxes. Montgomery County residents with household incomes of $57,000 or less may call 240-777-1123 to schedule an appointment.
Friends of the Library Annual Holiday Book Sale. This year’s sale is being conducted virtually. You can shop at the online collection of over 800 new and used books. Books are priced to sell at $3 each or 10 for $25. To shop join the Friends or renew your membership. Information on how to access the book sale will be sent via email to members.
Takoma Park Community Police Academy -- Applications Due December 23. https://takomaparkmd.gov/government/police/community-policing/community-police-academy/. The Academy begins January 5 and will be run via Zoom. It’s a 14-week program with classes on Tuesdays from 7:00 - 9:00 PM. Participants will gain insight into how law enforcement officers perform their duties on such topics as patrol, traffic enforcement, use of force, criminal investigations, canine, firearms, crisis negotiation, etc. It’s free to those who are 16 or older, live or work in Takoma Park, and don’t have serious misdemeanors or any felony offenses. Seats are limited to the first 25 students on a first come/first serve basis. Contact Public Information Officer Cathy Plevy, at 301-891-7142 or cathyp@takomaparkmd.gov.
Register for City Alerts and Updates: https://takomaparkmd.gov/sign-up/. You can sign up for various City alerts, including Police bulletins, weather information, Council updates, and the Takoma Insider. In addition, if you’d prefer to receive my blog directly instead of through your neighborhood email list, you can sign up here: http://www.councilmemberkovar.com/.
As always, if you have questions or comments about any of the topics covered in this blog, feel free to be in touch. While it’s obviously harder to meet in person during the current period, I do hope I’ll have a chance to encounter some residents here in town over the next few weeks, and I trust everyone will have an enjoyable and safe holiday season.
Peter Kovar, Takoma Park City Council, Ward One
240-319-6281; www.councilmemberkovar.com
(He, Him, His)
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