The Katz Update: Shady Grove Sector Plan!!

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April 9, 2021


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Friends,

This week the Council unanimously approved amendments to the Shady Grove Sector Plan. This important plan makes recommendations for land use and zoning within the Shady Grove area, as well as recommendations intended to improve overall circulation, pedestrian connections, and the network of bikeways for approximately 2,000 acres.

The Shady Grove Sector Plan builds on the original plan from over a decade ago and responds to the many changes which have occurred in and around the Shady Grove Metro Station and the surrounding municipalities that include the Cities of Rockville and Gaithersburg, and the Town of Washington Grove.

I look forward to this plan coming to fruition creating the kind of community that realizes a vibrant, pedestrian-oriented environment, complemented with great amenities and new options for getting around!!

See Press Release.


COUNCIL NEWS


At the County Council this week -

  • I was proud to present, along with my colleagues, the following two proclamations: Recognizing Autism Awareness Month and Commemorating Yom HaShoah - Holocaust Remembrance Day. Both proclamations can be viewed here.

  • The Council voted unanimously to approve Bill 51-20, Landlord-Tenant Relations – Window Guards, which would require the installation of window guards to protect children from the risk of falling. I am a proud co-sponsor of the legislation.

  • The Council unanimously approved Bill 4-21, Weapons – Protection of Minors and Public Places - Restrictions Against Ghost Guns and Undetectable Guns (the “Ghost Guns Bill”). I am a proud co-sponsor of the legislation.
  • The Council unanimously approved a $1 million special appropriation to assist small businesses with rent payments. The program will be implemented by the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) in partnership with the County’s Business Advancement Team. 
  • The Council held public hearings on April 6, 7 and 8 for the Montgomery County's Fiscal Year 2022 Operating Budget. The FY22 Operating Budget totals $6 billion. The Council is scheduled to adopt the FY22 County budget in late May. The budget will take effect on July 1. 
    • Residents still have an opportunity to submit written testimony on the Operating Budget. Please use the subject line "FY22 budget" and email  County.Council@montgomerycountymd.gov or mail to Montgomery County Council at 100 Maryland Ave., Rockville, Md. 20850.   


PUBLIC SAFETY AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS COMMITTEES


I am proud to be the Chair of the Public Safety (PS) Committee and a member of the Government Operations (GO) Committee. 

  • The PS committee met jointly with the Planning Housing and Economic Development (PHED) committee met and voted to enact Bill 49-20, Human Rights and Civil Liberties – Discrimination in Rental Housing – Fair
    Criminal History and Credit Screening. I am a lead sponsor along with Councilmember Evan Glass of this legislation. 
    • This bill would prohibit a landlord from raising a stated rent in certain circumstances; require a rental application to contain certain information about record checks conducted by a housing provider; prohibit certain inquiries regarding criminal histories in rental housing applications; and prohibit consideration of certain arrests and convictions in rental housing decisions.

*All committee worksessions are available to view on YouTube -  https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/COUNCIL/ondemand/index.html.


NEED HELP WITH RENT?


 The COVID-19 Rent Relief Program provides short-term rental assistance to eligible households who have lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic and caused them to fall behind on their rent. While funds are available, the program will provide up to $4,000 to eligible households to cover the cost for back rent (arrears) and/or a rent credit for future months. The program is funded through a $20 million supplemental appropriation to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Please complete the online application or call 311 (240-777-0311). A case worker will call you back to review your eligibility. 

To learn your rights and options; prepare for your Court hearing; and get support in working with your landlord to negotiate a payment plan, contact one of these organizations:


DISTRICT 3 HISTORICAL NOTE


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Hungerford Tavern

NW Corner of W. Jefferson & South Washington St.

Charles Hungerford's tavern was the site of some of the most important events in the history of Montgomery County. Three months prior to the Continental Congress in 1774, local citizens met at Hungerford Tavern to protest oppressive actions of the British Parliament. The first election of County officials was held here when the County was organized in 1776, and the tavern was the location of the first County court from 1777 to 1779. Hungerford Tavern was owned by Joseph Willson from 1786 to 1791 and by his granddaughter, Susan Russell, in the 1840s. 


THINGS TO ZOOM!!


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Investing for Women - Presenter Suzanne McGovern - Virtual

Monday, April 12, from 2:00-3:00 pm

Join MCPL for a series of discussions with Suzanne McGovern, from the SEC's Office of Investor Education. Topics include things you should know before investing, how to mitigate risk, investment products, how to choose an investment professional and special challenges to consider for women investors.

Resources for Financial Literacy-Virtual

Tuesday, April 13, from 2:00-3:00 pm

The Library's website includes online resources providing information & guidance about money and Personal Finance. Join for an overview of some from the Guides/Online Resources tab on MCPL's home page.

Spring Vision Board - Virtual

Tuesday, April 13, from 5:00-6:00 pm

Are you looking for a fun activity for spring? A vision board is a creative way to visualize your goals. Join MCPL to learn more about vision boards, create your own board and jump start your year.

How Immigrants Shaped Modern American Design - Virtual

Wednesday, April 14, from 4:30-5:30 pm

Join decorative arts historian, Elizabeth Lay, for a visual presentation that explores how European immigrants helped shape mid-century modern American design.

Job Searching in the Digital Age - Virtual

Thursday, April 15, from 4:00-5:00 pm

Learn how to use social media and tools such as LinkedIn in your job search. You’ll also learn about new opportunities for freelance work and how you can supplement your income in innovative ways.


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FOR ALL COVID-19 UPDATES 

VISIT THE COUNTY'S COVID-19 website.


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Please Send Us Your Comments, Suggestions, Concerns and News!

Email: Councilmember.Katz@montgomerycountymd.gov 

 

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