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February

Date: February 8, 2022

Place: Village Hall, 5906 Connecticut Avenue

Time: 7:30 PM

Present: Greg Chernack, Josh Galper, Phillip Giordano, and Ashley Kavanaugh. Vice-Chair Pat Xeller joined by phone along with several Section residents.

Agenda Item: Greetings and Introductions

Chairman Greg Chernack called the meeting to order and welcomed those in attendance.

Agenda Item: Review and Approval of January Council Meeting Minutes

Chairman Chernack moved that the minutes from the January meeting be approved; there was a second, and the motion passed.

Agenda Item: Residents comments

A resident spoke about his concerns with Thrive Montgomery 2050. He noted the plan’s proposed changes to single-family zoning and the recommendations that more housing be built along designated “growth corridors” that include Connecticut Avenue. He asked the Section to continue to encourage residents to weigh in directly with the Montgomery County Council. The Section 5 Council agreed and detailed the Section’s past actions as part of an area municipal coalition. The Manager will send out another email to residents noting the urgency on timing as a final vote on Thrive Montgomery is expected this March or April.

Agenda Item: Monthly Financial Report

The Town Manager presented an overview of the Section’s current financial status, and entertained questions from the Council.

Agenda Item: Manager’s Report

-There were no tree permits this month.

-There were no new building permits issued.

-The new owners of the 4-H property, Galerie Living and Community Three, will present an initial concept plan for redevelopment of the property on February 17 at 7p.m. Information on how to join the 2/17 meeting is available on the Town of Chevy Chase’s website.  There will be a moderated resident Q&A; session following the presentation of the plan. Residents are encouraged to listen and participate as we learn more about the redevelopment.

-The Manager said that a representative of the Montgomery County Department of Transportation indicated that MCDOT, State Highway, the National Park Service, and officials from DC are set to meet in March in response to our questions regarding the possible closure of parts of Beach Drive and the decision to discontinue the use of the reversible lanes on Connecticut Avenue.

-The Manager noted that the State of Maryland released an updated final rule on the use of American Rescue Plan funds that allows for more uses.

-Section 5 has been asked to support a bill being sponsored by Delegate Al Carr that would allow municipalities to purchase, own, and manage their own streetlights. Similarly, Section 3 Manager, Andy Harney, has asked Section 5 to support legislation that Delegate Jared Solomon has proposed that would allow municipalities to advertise any charter changes in a municipal newsletter (assuming it is mailed) or in a postcard or other mailing. The current requirement for charter amendments is that municipalities must run a 4-week series of ads in the Washington Post, which is both expensive and less likely to be seen by residents. After a discussion by the Council, the Manager will note our support of both bills to the respective offices.

-On January 27, VMA hosted a meeting to discuss the placement of a possible speed hump on Thornapple Street, east of Brookville. Section 5 residents that live on that stretch of Thornapple were notified by email. Several joined the discussion and all that did are in favor of the new speed hump. VMA plans to do a two-week traffic study that will start immediately. Once that is completed, they will vote on whether to proceed with the speed hump installation. They are hoping to install it in March. As part of the discussion, several Thornapple residents voiced support for a sidewalk to be installed on Thornapple that leads to Brookville.

-The Manager shared that Glendale resident, Mary Walsh, who has one son, Leo, passed away February 3. The Section will send flowers to her family.

Adjournment

Chairman Chernack adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be held March 8, 2022, at 7:30 PM at the Village Hall, 5906 Connecticut Avenue. The Village Hall has handicapped access. Everyone is welcome.