Good Afternoon,
A resident recently asked me if I could change my emails to a different platform. This is because with Wix, my website platform, you have to go to the website to view the entire email. I agree that Wix is annoying and have switched to MailChimp. If this is a problem for you, please let me know.
Thank you to everyone who joined us last night, in person and virtually, for a meeting with the Takoma Park Police Department about crime trends in Ward 1. If you missed the meeting and would like to view it, it is not posted yet but will soon be available here: https://youtube.com/@TakomaParkCityTV/videos
I will be tie-dying with Takoma Park youth in Piney Branch Park tomorrow from 1pm-3pm. If you would like to help out, please send me a text.
Thank you,
Shana
240-935-7896
City Council Meeting Agenda - Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Walking around this weekend, I was struck by Takoma Park’s rainbow flags to support LGBTQ+ and rainbow native gardens to support native insects. If you are interested in learning more about our local native bees, please join the City for a presentation on local native bees by Sam Droege of U.S.G.S. and The Bee Lab.
When: Tuesday, June 18th 7pm
Where: Community Center Auditorium (7500 Maple Ave)
Register to join virtually: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__c_W9XR1RHKE9Yz4xI2xZA
After 11 years with the City of Takoma park, and a lifelong career in public service before joining us, Ron Hardy will retire at the end of June. We will be honoring him with a proclamation.
Presentation
The City of Takoma Park secured a grant from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments to have a traffic study done on the impact of closing the southbound lane of Laurel Avenue. The study showed that the way traffic would naturally reroute itself would be most impactful during the mornings, which seems somewhat obvious because it is a southbound lane. This traffic study was inclusive of projected numbers with the incoming development on the DC side of Takoma. The most affected area is an intersection that we share with DC, at Willow Street, Easter Avenue, and Carroll Avenue/Street. Already, that intersection has an above acceptable Level Of Service. I am starting to reach out to DC elected officials to discuss the recommendation of this study for a traffic circle at that intersection, which would benefit the use of that failing intersection for all residents of Takoma Park, MD and Takoma DC. . The 2025 budget does not include money for any work on a Laurel Avenue closure and that project is not a current priority for the City Council.
Voting Session
From last week:The budget deficits in this amendment are to account for monies planned for from red light cameras and speed cameras. The SHA was very slow to grant our red light camera installation requests (which they have recently granted). The City’s speed cameras have been extremely effective causing there to be less revenue than planned.
The TPPD seeks to purchase three vehicles that are included in the FY2024 Budget. After reviewing the Equipment Replacement Reserve, along with Councilmembers Gibson & Seamens, I have seen that we are following best practices on vehicle replacement. I support the purchase of this hybrid vehicle.
This resolution authorizes our HCD Department to apply for grants to support low and moderate income homeownership through a Home Maintenance Assistance Program, a First Time Homebuyer Revolving Loan Fund, and the development of a low-income Senior Housing Apartment. Supporting new homeownership and the stability of homeownership for low and moderate income residents is a personal and Council priority. Our HCD Department is outstanding at knowing what grants we will be successful in with that support our City’s priorities.
Similar to the grant we are seeking above, this is to allow the disbursement of funds the City acquired to support low & moderate homeownership. The Deauville Tenant Association is purchasing at 7520 Maple Avenue with up to $55,000 in financial support from the City, which was secured through a NED grant.
WORK SESSION
As a last hurrah, Ron Hardy has updated our City’s Emergency Operations Plan. I appreciate that he is leaving us on good footing before his retirement.
With support from the City Council, the Recreation Department has updated its Administrative Regulations for rental. The development of these clearer regulations is inline with our city’s dedication to equity. When the rules are more clearly written, it is easier to apply them in a way that is fairer for everyone.
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