Archives January 2020

Planning Board approves funding of the Predictive Safety Analysis project as part of the department’s commitment to Vision Zero

The Montgomery County Planning Department presented its Vision Zero work plan to the Planning Board at their January 23 meeting and received approval to fund and launch their Predictive Safety Analysis project. While most crash analysis looks at where crashes have recently occurred, this project seeks to prevent serious injury or fatal crashes at locations without a recent history of crashes, but that share similar features to areas where serious injury or fatal crashes have occurred.

The Predictive Safety Analysis tool will use statistical analysis to allow planners and county agencies to target resources to receive the most improvement for the roadways identified as having high risk for future crashes.

“Montgomery Planning is focused on supporting the County’s Vision Zero goal to end traffic deaths and severe injuries,” said Transportation Supervisor David Anspacher. “We are working closely with our colleagues at the Montgomery County Department of Transportation and the State Highway Administration to plan and design roads, sidewalks and bikeways that make it safe for all modes of transportation.”

View the Planning Department’s Vision Zero Work Plan

Vision Zero represents a fundamental change in thinking about roadway planning and design priorities: changing the focus from vehicular mobility to safe travel for all people regardless of their mode of transportation. Much of Montgomery Planning’s work prioritizes providing multiple transportation options, making it safer and easier for people to get around on foot and via bicycle; and connecting communities and their people to each other and to recreation, workplaces, retail and public spaces.

Montgomery Planning’s Vision Zero work plan identifies actions to advance Montgomery Planning’s commitment to putting safety first for all people in all communities, whether they are on foot, bicycle or in a motor vehicle. This January, Montgomery Planning hired its first staff member focusing on coordinating all Vision Zero activities for the department and advancing the work plan. Actions include:

* Developing a Vision Zero Toolkit for Community Organizations

* Educating Community Members, Agency Staff and Appointed / Elected Officials

* Estimating Pedestrian, Bicycle and Motor Vehicle Volumes Countywide

* Developing Procedures for Data Collection and Analysis

* Developing a Systematic Approach to Incorporating Vision Zero into Master Plans and Development Review

What is Vision Zero?

Vision Zero is a proven approach to preventing roadway-related deaths and severe injuries. It represents a fundamental change in how we plan and design our roads, shifting from a focus on maximizing motor vehicle efficiency to ensuring that our roads are safe regardless of whether travel is by car, bus, bicycle or foot. Vision Zero recognizes that people will sometimes make mistakes and that our roads should be designed to ensure those inevitable mistakes do not result in severe injuries or fatalities.

Through its 2016 County Council resolution, Montgomery County committed to eliminating traffic fatalities and severe injuries. In 2017, the County Executive released an initial two-year action plan of activities to advance the County toward Vision Zero. Upon completion of the two-year action plan, the County will prepare a ten-year action plan to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries by 2030.

The Planning Department’s Role in Vision Zero

Vision Zero is a multidisciplinary effort that requires the support of all County agencies to be successful. The Montgomery County Planning Department has an important role to play in Vision Zero and can support Montgomery County’s program with community engagement, stakeholder facilitation, data analysis and a focus on long-term visioning. Montgomery Planning advances Vision Zero through the following ongoing activities:

* Master Planning: Through master planning, Montgomery Planning engages the community to re-envision our auto-oriented roadways as safe, complete streets for walking, bicycling and driving

* Development and Capital Projects: The Montgomery County Planning Board helps to implement the safety recommendations in master plans by reviewing proposed development and capital projects.

* Data Analysis: The Planning Department has extensive data collection and analysis resources to identify roadway characteristics that create safety challenges and to propose proven changes to improve safety.

* Community Support and Engagement: Montgomery Planning provides support for building a Vision Zero constituency in the county.

Read more at Bethesda Beat

A luminous blue cycling strip, which can be found in the north of Poland, is made from a synthetic material that can give out light for up to ten hours at a time once charged by the sun throughout the day. This version is entirely dependent upon solar power and is still in the testing phase at the moment.

Dutch artist and designer Daan Roosegaarde has created a beautiful and innovative glowing bike path that, when illuminated at night by glowing pebbles and LEDs, looks like Van Gogh’s famous Starry Night painting.

Innovative British company Pro-Teq has created an interesting idea for paving park paths called ‘Starpath.’

These striking self-illuminating paths are created by giving them a coating of Pro-Teq’s proprietary path surface, which absorbs energy from UV light and emits it. At night, this makes for a lightly illuminated path that helps pedestrians and bicyclists follow the path.

Yes, the Subdivision Staging Policy (SSP) sounds dull. IT’S NOT — SERIOUSLY, IT’S ACTUALLY INTERESTING. And it’s critically important. The SSP ensures that transportation and schools keep pace with development in Montgomery County. It’s the reason the White Flint/Pike District area is currently in a building moratorium.

The Planning Department wants to know what you think as it develops the 2020 Subdivision Staging Plan. So please, attend this hour-long meeting, learn about the SSP, and give the Planning Department your feedback.

The meeting will take place Tuesday, February 4, 7:00 pm at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, 5701 Marinelli Rd, Rockville, MD 20852. There is free two-hour parking at the conference center.

(Thank you to the Conference Center for donating the space for this meeting.)

The Council will hold a briefing on pedestrian and bicycle safety and the implementation of the County’s Vision Zero plan during its afternoon meeting on Tuesday, January 28 at the Council Office Building in Rockville (100 Md. Ave.). The Council meeting will include representatives from the Maryland State Highway Administration, Montgomery County’s Department of Transportation, the Montgomery County Police Department, Montgomery County Park and Planning, and Montgomery County Public Schools. Vision Zero is a multi-national road traffic safety project that aims to achieve a highway system with no fatalities or serious injuries involving road traffic.

The Council is also planning a Vision Zero town hall meeting on pedestrian and bicycle safety issues on Sunday, February 9 at 2 p.m. in Wheaton to hear directly from residents about the safety issues they are encountering on roadways and sidewalks and in crosswalks located in Montgomery County.

From Montgomery Community Media

SKEPTICAL CROWD FILLS TWO ROOMS FOR BOUNDARY ANALYSIS MEETING

Montgomery County Public Schools had its largest boundary analysis meeting yet on Thursday night at Walter Johnson High School. A spokesperson for MCPS told MyMCMedia that about 650 people showed up to the meeting.

There were so many people, that the group was split up into two rooms so that two boundary meetings were happening at the same time. One large group met in Walter Johnson’s gymnasium, the other group met in the cafeteria.

Like previous meetings, attendees were put in small groups and they heard from leaders of WXY Architecture, the contractors conducting the MCPS Boundary Analysis Study. Throughout the evening, people sat in small groups and were given opportunities to talk amongst themselves.

At the end of the meeting, attendees were polled about the information they learned that evening. The results of the polls indicate that many parents are still skeptical about MCPS’ boundary study.

In the gymnasium, 44% of people said that they were still skeptical about the information that was presented that evening. In the cafeteria, this was also the most common answer, receiving 61% of the votes.

When polled about their view on undertaking a boundary study, in the gymnasium the most common answer, receiving 49% of the votes was “I am still skeptical of this process and wonder whether it needs to be done at this time.” This was also the most popular choice for the large group in the cafeteria, receiving 68% of the votes.

The final polling question asked attendees to rate on a 1 to 10 scale whether they agreed their concerns were adequately heard: in the gymnasium 30% voted “1,” meaning they didn’t agree at all.

This meeting was the last in a series of meetings MCPS organized about the boundary meeting as a part of the first phase of the analysis. The project will soon enter its second phase, and WXY Architecture will start testing ideas and metrics.

Tweet Recap of Walter Johnson Boundary Meeting

Here’s are some Tweets that recap what happened at Thursday night’s meeting:

Deirdre Byrne@DeirdreByrneMCM · 13h

THREAD: I’m at the @MCPS boundary analysis meeting tonight at Walter Johnson High and there are hundreds of people here—so many that two meetings are happening: one in the cafeteria, the other in the gym. For now, I’m in the gym. There’s 35 tables filled with people in here.

Deirdre Byrne@DeirdreByrneMCM

Outside of the school I spoke to members of One Montgomery who are here as activists in support of the boundary analysis study.

37:46 PM – Jan 23, 2020 · Walter Johnson High SchoolTwitter Ads info and privacySee Deirdre Byrne’s other Tweets

Deirdre Byrne@DeirdreByrneMCM · 13hReplying to @DeirdreByrneMCM

There were more signs left outside that were opposed to the boundary study.

Deirdre Byrne@DeirdreByrneMCM

The tables are currently discussing what they believe should be included in the analysis in regard to school utilization.

7:54 PM – Jan 23, 2020 · Walter Johnson High SchoolTwitter Ads info and privacySee Deirdre Byrne’s other Tweets

Deirdre Byrne@DeirdreByrneMCM · 13hReplying to @DeirdreByrneMCM

I’m told by @MCPS officials that about 650 people are here tonight. There are more people in the gymnasium than the cafeteria.

Deirdre Byrne@DeirdreByrneMCM

Of all the boundary meetings @MCPS has had, this one is the largest.

8:19 PM – Jan 23, 2020 · Walter Johnson High SchoolTwitter Ads info and privacySee Deirdre Byrne’s other Tweets

Deirdre Byrne@DeirdreByrneMCM · 13hReplying to @DeirdreByrneMCM

The groups are now discussing ideas they have about how school proximity can fit into @MCPS’ boundary analysis study.

Deirdre Byrne@DeirdreByrneMCM

Here’s a look at the people in the cafeteria meeting. They are also currently talking about school proximity.

8:30 PM – Jan 23, 2020Twitter Ads info and privacySee Deirdre Byrne’s other Tweets

Deirdre Byrne@DeirdreByrneMCM · 12hReplying to @DeirdreByrneMCM

The polling part has started and 44% of the gym attendees say they are still skeptical of the boundary study.

Deirdre Byrne@DeirdreByrneMCM

49% of people say they are skeptical of the boundary study.

8:44 PM – Jan 23, 2020Twitter Ads info and privacySee Deirdre Byrne’s other Tweets

Deirdre Byrne@DeirdreByrneMCM · 12hReplying to @DeirdreByrneMCM

30% of people say they don’t agree with the study; 16% fully agree.

Deirdre Byrne@DeirdreByrneMCM

Now I’m back in the caf as this group is wrapping up discussion.

8:49 PM – Jan 23, 2020Twitter Ads info and privacySee Deirdre Byrne’s other Tweets

Deirdre Byrne@DeirdreByrneMCM · 12hReplying to @DeirdreByrneMCM

61% of people in the caf say they are skeptical about what they learned.

Deirdre Byrne@DeirdreByrneMCM

68% are still skeptical of the study. People cheered when the results when up.

8:53 PM – Jan 23, 2020Twitter Ads info and privacySee Deirdre Byrne’s other Tweets

Deirdre Byrne@DeirdreByrneMCM · 12hReplying to @DeirdreByrneMCM

Here are people cheering at the polling result.

Deirdre Byrne@DeirdreByrneMCM

58% of people say they did not fee heard tonight in the caf.

18:55 PM – Jan 23, 2020Twitter Ads info and privacySee Deirdre Byrne’s other Tweets

(Correction: The tweet above should say “feel heard” instead of “fee heard.” It should also say 57% instead of 58%.)

Deirdre Byrne@DeirdreByrneMCM · 12hReplying to @DeirdreByrneMCM

Again the crowd cheered at this result.

Deirdre Byrne@DeirdreByrneMCM

Q and A has started in the gym. Here’s a question about title 1 schools.9:58 PM – Jan 23, 2020 · Walter Johnson High SchoolTwitter Ads info and privacySee Deirdre Byrne’s other Tweets

Deirdre Byrne@DeirdreByrneMCM

Here’s a question that raises the idea of a lottery system for underperforming schools. This is an idea @MCPS is looking into.110:43 PM – Jan 23, 2020 · Walter Johnson High SchoolTwitter Ads info and privacySee Deirdre Byrne’s other Tweets

Deirdre Byrne@DeirdreByrneMCM

Here’s a question that questions the use of Ever-Farms for looking at school diversity. @MCPS said they are looking at other data to measure diversity.310:44 PM – Jan 23, 2020 · Walter Johnson High SchoolTwitter Ads info and privacySee Deirdre Byrne’s other Tweets

Deirdre Byrne@DeirdreByrneMCM

One man asks about @MCPS’ timeline for making a decision about changing boundaries. MCPS says WXY will submit their recommendation to @mocoboe in June and the School Board can make recommendations from there.110:45 PM – Jan 23, 2020Twitter Ads info and privacySee Deirdre Byrne’s other Tweets

Deirdre Byrne@DeirdreByrneMCM

The crowd cheers when a student asks how this data will help her receive a better education.210:58 PM – Jan 23, 2020Twitter Ads info and privacySee Deirdre Byrne’s other Tweets

Deirdre Byrne@DeirdreByrneMCM

One person asks how @MCPS is planning to hear from the voices of all students.10:59 PM – Jan 23, 2020 · Walter Johnson High SchoolTwitter Ads info and privacySee Deirdre Byrne’s other Tweets

Deirdre Byrne@DeirdreByrneMCM

One man asks about how @MCPS / WXY can be sure that the data that they are looking at leads to the best outcomes.11:00 PM – Jan 23, 2020 · Walter Johnson High SchoolTwitter Ads info and privacySee Deirdre Byrne’s other Tweets

RELATED POST:

After more than a year of advocacy, we have great news from SHA. I’ve cut and pasted their email below. I’m delighted that our efforts are getting results. Having no-turn-on-red on all four corners of Marinelli and Route 355 has been a major priority since that is the busiest pedestrian crossing in all of Montgomery County outside of a central business district.

“We are pleased to share that our MDOT SHA Office of Traffic and Safety (OOTS) recently approved establishing a “No Turn on Red” for eastbound Marinelli Road at MD 355 and for southbound MD 355 at Marinelli Road. OOTS is currently coordinating with our local partners Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) regarding “No Turn on Red” sign fabrication and installation. We anticipate installation by the end of February, weather permitting. MCDOT operates and maintains most state-owned intersections on the state’s behalf, including overheard sign installation.”

Yes, the Subdivision Staging Policy (SSP) sounds dull. IT’S NOT! And it’s critically important. The SSP ensures that transportation and schools keep pace with development in Montgomery County. It’s the reason the White Flint/Pike District area is currently in a building moratorium.

The Planning Department wants to know what you think as it develops the 2020 Subdivision Staging Plan. So please, attend this hour-long meeting, learn about the SSP, and give the Planning Department your feedback.

The meeting will take place Tuesday, February 4, 7 pm at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, 5701 Marinelli Rd, Rockville, MD 20852. There is free two-hour parking at the conference center.

(Thank you to the Conference Center for donating the space for this meeting.)

The Washington Post article Prince George’s overtakes Montgomery as top job creator in Maryland suburbs discusses the possibility of a new University of Maryland (or other institution) campus in White Flint. This would be an extraordinary addition to the Pike District and we have our fingers … and toes … crossed.

From The Washington Post

Both Elrich and his critics say a major goal is to do more to support the biotech industry. Montgomery has a natural advantage in that area as home to the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration.

Elrich is trying to get the University of Maryland system or another institution to create two graduate-level research facilities — in biotech, and cybersecurity and information technology. That would help create a stream of high-tech talent that companies want.

He would like to locate the facilities in White Flint, which was a finalist in the competition for Amazon’s second headquarters — ultimately won by Arlington County in Northern Virginia.

Yesterday, the County Executive released his proposed capital budget, called the CIP or Capital Improvements Program budget. In the North Bethesda area, there are 19 projects totaling $458 million. That said, many of the projects have no funding. You can learn more by clicking here.

We’re happy there are funds for the White Flint fire station and the Western Workaround but very disappointed the County Executive recommended no funds for a second metro entrance. The second metro entrance is essential for kick-starting development and attracting businesses and residents.

Last year, the County Executive did not include funding for the northern metro entrance but the County Council put funding into the CIP. We hope the council will do the same again this year.

You can read more at The Washington Post article, Elrich says he is committed to schools and housing. Critics say his capital budget suggests otherwise.

Pete Fosselman of the County Executive’s Office presented this development update at last week’s White Flint Downtown Advisory Committee. It’s a great summary of what’s going on in the Pike District.

White Flint/Pike District Updates January 2020

PUBLIC PROJECTS

• The Department of Transportation (MCDOT) continues to advance the Bus Rapid Transit (FLASH) corridor of MD 355 from the adopted Countywide Transit Corridors Functional Master Plan. FLASH is advancing into Preliminary Engineering, with that phase expected to be complete in FY21.
• MCDOT completed a provisional pedestrian pathway from the Conference Center to Old Georgetown Road. Lighting was also installed along the pathway allowing visitors to safely access areas under construction north of the Conference Center.
• The new second floor pedestrian overpass from the parking garage to the Conference Center is complete permitting patrons to avoid weather elements when attending an event at the Center.
• Placemaking and branding efforts for the Pike District stayed successful in 2019 with the launch of the new website in November and ongoing business outreach. The Pike’s Facebook Page reaches 10,000 people each month, Instagram has 672 followers and Twitter has 747 followers. The Scoop Newsletter is issued monthly to 1,326 subscribers. Three pop ups took place at Quincy’s South, Artists & Makers, Grand Park/VOB sites. A new resident welcome bag was handed out to area apartment buildings. Discussions are underway with WMATA for events at the White Flint Metro property, along Old Georgetown Rd. a banner was installed, and the Pike District Snowmen Program was initiated with four snowmen placed and four nonprofit groups sponsored, named and decorated the winter figures.
• The second phase of the Western Workaround, schedule to be completed in 2022, will realign the southern portion of Executive Boulevard to connect with Grand Park Avenue, create a new east/west business street (Main/Market Street) neighboring the Conference Center, continue Hoya/Towne Road through from Montrose to Old Georgetown Road, and relocate and reconfigure the current intersection of Old Georgetown Road and Executive Boulevard.

PRIVATE PROJECTS

• Pike & Rose, developed by Federal Realty Investment Trust (FRIT), remains the leader in development in the Pike District. With an extremely successful retail and residential component, including the entertainment aspects of Strathmore’s AMP and Pinstripes. Pike & Rose is about 80% complete with Phase 3, commercial/office space adjacent to the Porsche dealership, and is on track to deliver in May of 2020.
• In the North Bethesda Center, along the east side of Route 355, LCOR’s Arrowood residential is well underway and scheduled to open in the fall of 2020.
• VOB/Grand Park property at the intersection of Executive and Old Georgetown has approved preliminary plans and the owners are negotiating with potential development partners.
• Gables at Pike District is going through their financing process. They hope to be back on track with their mixed-use project, adjacent to Wall Park, by the first quarter of 2020.