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Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Taking On Safety and Noise Issues at the Airpark 

Councilmember Luedtke speaking during the Council's joint Committee hearing on the Montgomery County Airpark. Click the image to watch the recording.

This week, a joint Council Committee held an important oversight session on the Montgomery County Airpark and reviewed recommendations from the Airpark Community Advisory Committee that we created with one of my first pieces of legislation.

The Airpark can play a critical economic development role for the County, but it must be safe and its users must respect the surrounding community. Since joining the Council, we've worked with neighbors, the Montgomery County Revenue Authority that owns and operates the Airpark, pilots, and the Advisory Committee to push for safety improvements and adherence to guidelines established to reduce aircraft noise impacts. 

A few weeks ago, I asked the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about an incident in which an aircraft overran the runway. Thankfully, no one was seriously hurt. But incidents such as this one must be prevented for the safety of Airpark users and the community. Much of our joint Council Committee discussion on Monday focused on how to improve Airpark operations in order to make it safer and to reduce constant aircraft noise over local neighborhoods. We're following up on Advisory Committee recommendations that the Revenue Authority is now pursuing, including:

- Via the Airpark's Flight Data system, publicize information on users who don't adhere to the facility's Noise Abatement Procedure meant to keep aircraft noise away from populated areas;

- Provide critical facility information - including FAA Grant requirements, Master Plan updates, and responses to Frequently Asked Questions - in one place that's more accessible to the public; and

- Add Spanish language materials to the Airpark website.

I encourage you to check out the session, attend a meeting of the Airpark Community Advisory Committee, or contact us for more information. Thank you to the members of the Advisory Committee, Revenue Authority, and Committee Chairs Evan Glass and Natali Fani-Gonzalez for hosting the hearing.

Get the Latest on Public Safety In Your Community

Flyer for Derwood Public Safety Town Hall on September 29, 2025

Check out these two upcoming public safety two halls. It's a chance to hear the facts directly from law enforcement and our public safety professionals, share your priorities, and get your questions answered: 

• Derwood/Shady Grove: Monday, September 29 at Westside Shady Grove, 16210 Columbus Ave, Rockville, MD 20855, with the Westside at Shady Grove HOA and Montgomery County Police (MCP) 1st District 
• Montgomery Village: Monday, October 13, with the Montgomery Village Foundation, MCP 6th District, and Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service

These town halls are a great opportunity to share concerns and plan next steps on specific needs for keeping our neighborhoods safe. Your voice matters, and we want to hear it – come join the conversation and help shape the future of public safety in our community! 

Flyer for the Montgomery Village Public Safety Town Hall on October 13, 2025

Celebrate Fall at the Parks Ale Trail

Flyer for Montgomery Parks Ale Trail

Join Montgomery Parks this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Lake Needwood in Rock Creek Regional Park for a day of outdoor fun and community spirit. The Parks Ale Trail offers something for everyone: 

• Scenic 2.5-mile hike around Lake Needwood
• Live music feature an Irish Latin Rock Band, La unica 
• Craft beer Stations from local breweries
• Delicious food trucks like the Crabby Pretzel and Silver and Sons BBQ
• Family-friendly activities, including kids’ tree climbing and a bubble show
• Mid-hike beer garden at Needswood Mansion with live acoustic music

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a craft beer lover, or looking for a fun family outing, this event has it all. Don’t miss out on this unique celebration that blends the best of nature and local flavor right here in District 7!

Damascus Roundtable

Councilmember Luedtke hosting a community conversation with Damascus community leaders and State partners

On September 8, we gathered with community leaders and State elected officials at Hornet’s Nest for an in-depth discussion of the priorities that matter most to Damascus. Fulfilling the County's commitment to renovate Damascus High School, improving Main Street, preventing crime, ensuring the County's social safety net is meeting the needs of those struggling in this community, and filling in missing pedestrian infrastructure were top of the list. We continue working collaboratively and at all levels of government to better address these needs.

I’m grateful to everyone who joined the conversation and for the continued partnership in making Damascus an even stronger, more connected community.

In The Community...

Top Left: Councilmember Luedtke joined by the 4D Commander and other officers at the 4th District Station for the Wheaton Community Safety Summit. Top Right: Councilmember Luedtke, Councilmember Katz, and Councilmember Friedson with Rockville Councilmember Adam Van Grack at the Special Olympics Montgomery County Chapter Torch Run. Bottom Left: Councilmember Luedtke participating in a community training event co-hosted by GOCA and CCOC. Bottom Right: Councilmember Luedtke presenting a certificate to Classic Bakery at the Olney Chamber ribbon cutting for their new location.

Get a Library Card! 

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month, and Montgomery County Public Libraries is encouraging residents to discover all the benefits a free library card provides. With just one card, residents can access research databases, early literacy programs, workforce development resources, streaming services, and the new mobile app. Library cards open the door to cultural passes, language-learning tools, and thousands of books and audiobooks. Sign up today to read. 

Brookside Gardens Children’s Day 

Children and their families are invited to explore the science and art of gardening at Children’s Day from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, at Brookside Gardens. Participants will rotate through outdoor activity stations designed to educate and entertain. Bring your friends and family. Picnics are allowed only during this special event. Registration is encouraged but not required. 

Ask an EV Owner

Curious About Electric Vehicles? Join the Electric Vehicle Association of Greater DC for its monthly Ask an EV Owner online event, held the first Wednesday of every month from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Whether you're shopping for your first electric vehicle, have questions about a new EV or are simply curious, this open forum is a chance to speak directly with experienced EV owners.

Olney Farmers Market Movie Night 

The Olney Farmers and Artists Market is expanding to Fridays! Join them for a free Movie Night at the Olney Farmers Market. Bring your flashlights, blankets, and chairs to enjoy a family-friendly movie and shopping with local vendors. The band and music will begin at 6:00 p.m. and the movie will begin at dark, around 7:30 on Friday, October 3. 

Girls with Impact 

MCPS is partnering with Girls With Impact to offer MCPS young women in Grades 9 through 12 a free 10-week course in business, leadership and entrepreneurship. Sign up before classes begin on Monday, September 29th.

Montgomery Village Great Pumpkin Race and Fall Festival! 

Join me at North Creek Community Center on Saturday, October 4 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for the Great Pumpkin Race and Fall Festival. This free event will feature live music, free children’s games and carnival rides, festival food and beer for sale. Plus - the always entertaining chance to race your pumpkins!

Prime Time Sister Circles 

The Gaston and Porter Health Improvement Center, Inc. is hosting Prime Time Sister Circles, a free 12-week intervention for Black women between 40-75 years old living in Montgomery County. All sessions are virtual, register today. 

Family Empowerment Resource Fair 

Montgomery College’s Family Empowerment Resource Fair is a free event designed to support caregivers of children of all ages. Taking place on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Rockville campus, the fair will provide resources and tools to help families thrive in Montgomery County. 

If you would like to get in touch with me, please email me at Councilmember.Luedtke@montgomerycountymd.gov or call my office at 240-777-7860.

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