Category General

Now that the White Flint 2010 Sector Plan is ten years old, the Montgomery County Planning Department is revisiting the recommendations from the sector plan by initiating the Advancing the Pike District study. The goals of the study are to:

• Provide an up-to-date Progress Snapshot: Summarize development patterns and trends to date, and identify challenges inhibiting development around the Metro Station area. Highlight successful planning and development practices and lessons learned since the Sector Plan’s adoption.
• Implement Vision Zero in White Flint’s Core: Integrate Vision Zero concepts and principles to reduce conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians and create a safe environment for all modes of transportation around the Metro Station area.
• Position the White Flint Metro Station for success:. Create an urban design framework and common vision that maximizes the Metro site’s potential, advances county goals, and enhances access alternatives to the Metro Station.
• Create an identity for the Pike District through Placemaking: Host a community placemaking event in coordination with the Better Block Foundation and the Pike District rebranding campaign.

This project is intended to spark further implementation by identifying short-term opportunities for success that can be implemented within the next 2-5 years to further the development of the White Flint area, as well as move forward the sector plan.

The Planning Department and Friends of White Flint will hold a virtual meeting Tuesday, May 19 at 7 pm to discuss and get community feedback on the Advancing the Pike District project so save the date!

Enjoy these songs to make you smile on yet another Monday spent at home. Even though it’s crucial that we stay home, I am hardly eager to suffer through another Zoom meeting, wear my sad hand-sewn homemade mask, or play any more hands of gin rummy. But that’s exactly what I’ll do until we crush the curve.

Amy Ginsburg, Executive Director

FRIDAY, April 10 10:30 am & 4:00 pm   Art Talk & Tours for Kids and Adults 

Explore Shake It Out: Mandi Moerland and meet the artist at our virtual art talks on Friday, April 10, 10:30am for kids and 4pm for adults on Zoom. Moerland’s work captures the movement and grace of dance.

Be sure to also check out their virtual exhibition tours and Artists in Fiction Book Club

SATURDAY, April 11 10:15 am     Family Jam Sessions — Discover Bluegrass with Brad Kolodner

Saturday Family Jam Sessions are now online and free! This week Brad Kolodner introduces kids to the joys of bluegrass. From toe-tapping fiddle tunes to groovy banjo melodies and jubilant sing-alongs, explore the vibrant and rich tradition of bluegrass and old-time music!

See the full list here and check out their video archive.

The Maryland Labor’s Unemployment Insurance Claim Center hours have been further extended to 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. They encourage Marylanders to file their claim online or by phone using the new system outlined below.

You can find more information at https://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/unemployment.shtml

No, of course you haven’t seen it — we’re all sheltering at home. But it is gorgeous, so enjoy this short video about this wonderful mural.

Governor Hogan yesterday directed all Marylanders to shelter-in-place as of 8 pm yesterday. What does that mean? Basically, unless you need to get essential food, medicine, medical care, or a few other goods and services, you need to stay home. Short walks or bike rides with a household member are also permitted. If you visit another state, you must self-quarantine for 14 days. Restaurants may still offer curbside pickup and delivery.

Stay-at-Home Order. a. All persons living in the State of Maryland are hereby ordered, effective as of 8:00 p.m. on March 30, 2020, to stay in their homes or places of residences (“Homes”) except:

i. to conduct or participate in Essential Activities (defined below);

ii. staff and owners of businesses and organizations that are not required to close pursuant to paragraph IV or paragraph V below may travel: 1. between their Homes and those businesses and organizations; and 2. to and from customers for the purpose of delivering goods or performing services;

iii. staff and owners of Non-Essential Businesses (defined below) may travel: 1. between their Homes and those Non-Essential Businesses for the purpose of engaging in Minimal Operations; and 2. to and from customers for the purpose of delivering goods. b. As used herein, “

Essential Activities” means:

i. Obtaining necessary supplies or services for one’s self, family, household members, pets, or livestock, including, without limitation: groceries, supplies for household consumption or use, supplies and equipment needed to work from home, laundry, and products needed to maintain safety, sanitation, and essential maintenance of the home or residence;

ii. Engaging in activities essential for the health and safety of one’s self, family, household members, pets, or livestock, including such things as seeking medical or behavior health or emergency services, and obtaining medication or medical supplies;

iii. Caring for a family member, friend, pet, or livestock in another household or location, including, without limitation, transporting a family member, friend, pet, or livestock animal for essential health and safety activities, and to obtain necessary supplies and services;

iv. Traveling to and from an educational institution for purposes of receiving meals or instructional materials for distance learning;

v. Engaging in outdoor exercise activities, such as walking, hiking, running, or biking, but only in compliance with paragraph III below and applicable social distancing guidance published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) and the Maryland Department of Health (“MDH”);

vi. Travel required by a law enforcement officer or court order; or

vii. Traveling to and from a federal, State, or local government building for a necessary purpose.

Adversity clearly brings out the creative genius in many people.  Enjoy this selection of Covid-19 songs to brighten your day and fill some time as you shelter in place.

We’re All Home Bound

“Stayin’ Inside” – Corona Virus Bee Gees Parody 

My Corona Home – (“Kokomo” Parody Song)

What the World Needs Now – for Virtual Orchestra

“U CAN’T TOUCH THIS” – COVID 19 Edition – Made Entirely With Healthcare Products

Coronavirus Rhapsody 

One Day More – A Quarantined #BroadwayLipSync 

The Broadway Coronavirus Medley 

Do you own a small business? Here are some Maryland funding resources that you might find helpful as we make our way through the coronavirus pandemic.

Maryland has authorized $130 million in loan and grant funding for small businesses and manufacturers that have been negatively impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). This emergency assistance provides interim relief and proceeds that can be used to pay cash operating expenses including payroll, suppliers, rent, fixed debt payments and other mission critical cash operating costs.

If you are a Maryland-based business impacted by the Coronavirus with under 50 full- and part-time employees, or a Maryland manufacturer, check out the programs below to see if you qualify for assistance.

• Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Loan Fund – This $75 million loan fund (for for-profit businesses only) offers no interest or principal payments due for the first 12 months, then converts to a 36-month term loan of principal and interest payments, with an interest rate at 2% per annum. Learn more.
  
  
• Maryland Small Business COVID-19 Emergency Relief Grant Fund – This $50 million grant program for businesses and non-profits offers grant amounts up to $10,000, not to exceed 3 months of demonstrated cash operating expenses for the first quarter of 2020. Learn more.
  
  
• Maryland COVID-19 Emergency Relief Manufacturing Fund – This $5 million incentive program helps Maryland manufacturers to produce personal protective equipment (PPE) that is urgently needed by hospitals and health-care workers across the country. More details are expected to be announced by Friday, March 27, 2020.

Thanks to Kay819 for these beautiful photos of the blooming cherry trees by the White Flint metro.

From WTOP

Based solely on jurisdiction, Bethesda currently tops the area for most expensive rent. Apartment search site RentCafe said the average apartment rent, considering all sizes, is $2,466 a month in Bethesda.

The second-most expensive market for apartment rents is currently College Park, at an average $2,298 a month.

Rents in North Bethesda have increased the fastest in the D.C. metro area, up 8.1% from a year ago, to an average $2,239.

The District and Arlington County are virtually tied for average apartment rent, at $2,233 and $2,236 respectively. Rents in D.C. and Arlington County are both up 4.3% in the last year.

The average rent in Alexandria is currently $1,746, up 2.8% from a year ago.

https://wtop.com/business-finance/2020/02/most-expensive-washington-area-rent-bethesda/