New officers elected for WUDAC

Henriot St. Gerard was elected as the new Chair of the WUDAC committee.
Devala Jenarden was elected as Vice-Chair.

Retiring committee members Matt Barry and Janet Yu received commendations from the County for their outstanding service to WUDAC.

Outgoing Chair Jeanette Feldner and outgoing Vice Chair Marian Fryer also received commendations for their tireless service to our group.

WUDAC Agenda 7-10-2012

Please silence cell phones

Wheaton Urban District Advisory Committee

2424 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, MD 20902

Agenda

JULY 10, 2012

1.   Call to Order, Introductions,
  Approval of Minutes,
  Report of Vice Chair                             Fryer                    5:00 – 5:10 pm

2.  4^th District CBD Team Report                 Sgt. Currie            5:10 – 5:15 pm

3.  Community Concerns                                                           5:15 – 5:20 pm

4.   Report from Council Staff                       Adam Fogel          5:20 – 5:35 pm

5.   RSC Director Report                               Van Balen            5:35 – 5:45 pm

6.  Westfield Report                                      Barry                    6:00 – 6:05 pm

7.  Other Business:
    Elections, Meeting Time,
    Thanks and Recognitions                     Fryer                    6:05 – 6:30 pm

8.   Adjourn                                                                                6:30 pm

This information is available in an alternative format by calling 240-777-8103. Sign Language interpreter services will be provided only upon request with notice as far in advance as possible but no less than 72 hours prior to the event. If you need other services or aids to participate in this activity, please call 240-777-8103 or 240-877-8112 (TTY).

Meeting Minutes June 12th, 2012

                   

                                               

         Wheaton Urban District Advisory Committee                                 

                     2424 Reedie Drive Wheaton Maryland 20902

                              Meeting Minutes, June 12th, 2012

                   

Members Present: Jeanette Feldner(chair), Marian Fryer, Jim Ondor, William Moore, Devala Janardan, Ken Nelson, Janet Yu, Henriot  St. Gerard

Members Absent: Matt Barry, Linda Amendt

Staff Present:         Ana Lopez van Balen, Director, Mid-County Regional Center

                                  Peter McGinnity, Wheaton Redevelopment Manage

Guests:                    Adam Fogel, staff to Councilmember Navarro

                                  Ben Moskowitz, staff to Councilmember Floreen

                                  Bruce Goldensohn, serve committee

                                  Elizabeth Chaisson, Green Wheaton

                                  Heran Gebeyery, Degian Ghebermicael, KHCA

                                  Yonique Redwood, resident

                                  Esther French, Wheaton Patch

                                  Sgt. Currie, 4^th District police

Call to Order:         Chair Jeanette Feldner, 5:03pm

Motions:                Minutes approved with corrections. Ken Nelson first, William Moore,second

Business:                Jeanette opened meeting by reminding everyone there is one more meeting in this term. She asked for volunteers to form interview committee for the four upcoming vacancies for members. Janet, Devala, and Jim volunteered to interview candidates for the openings for resident, large business,optional method developer, and chamber of commerce.  Janet, Linda, Ken and Matt will be leaving.  We also will be electing new chair,vice chair, and secretary at next meeting.

Sgt. Currie: 3 robberies in area including Capital One Bank on University Blvd. one purse snatching and one no information. Other incidents included one aggravated assault over music selection, 6 residential burglaries, I auto theft(none from public parking lots)there were no commercial burglaries to report

Ben Moskowitz: introduced himself as a new member of Nancy Floreens staff.  He specializes in land use issues and will report back to Councilmember Floreen on our issues.

Bruce Goldensohn: Introduced himself as part of the Council’s Committee to Serve.  He was present to review WUDAC as part of the Council’s efforts to save money by eliminating overlapping committees. Stated he felt WUDAC served a useful purpose and would be needed for quite a while into the future.

Ana van Balen RSC Director Report: Thanked everyone for supporting Taste of Wheaton and asked all who participated to complete survey. Janet remarked she liked people watching at the wine tasting booth. William noted need for a second electric generator due to power problems.  Ana announced the beginning of the Summer concerts and stated to check website for info.  She also commented on the ongoing dialogue with property owners on towing , an upcoming ZTA meeting concerning the Costco gas station,  the  Glenmont Sector Plan going to zoning board and a meeting on the relocation of Fire Station 18. Lastly, Ana announced she will be working with Sgt.Currie on a Public Safety Task Force, hosting a Mid-County Non-Profit Summit and a Glenmont Day Care Task Force.

Adam Fogel Council Report: Council will be forming working group with residents as a clearing house for parking studies, redevelopment, etc. Adam responded to an email sent by member Janet Yu concerning roadside solicitation. In summary, Adam clarified that Md Attorney General ruled that pan handling for profit entity is illegal but is legal for non-profits. Gives County the ability to start permitting system although there may be future free speech issues.

SubCommittee Reports:

Advocacy: No report but stated Express Buses is on agenda for future meeting

Community Building: Commented on WUDAC table at taste of Wheaton and the public relations benefits

No other reports.

Pete McGinnity Redevelopment Report: $66 million is approved for Park and Planning building on lot 13 and for study of feasibility of Bus Bay development. DGS and P&P will meet to shape building.

The Planning Board has approved Lowe Enterprise’s Sketch Plan for project at 11141 Georgia Ave, Washington Properties has applied for a demolition permit for apartment construction at 10914 Georgia Ave, and the Safeway Construction should have the exterior building completed by December. Pete also touched on the streetscape improvements near the Limerick Pub on Price Ave and a small business survey mailed to area businesses. They had approximately 1/3 returned and results should be available mid-July. Peter also reminded everyone that parking rates in the CBD will increase on July 1^st.  A written report on Redevelopment was also submitted for WUDAC review.

Community Concerns: Marian Fryer announced a Summer Enrichment Program for K-12, June 25-July 6 at New creation Church. She also stated that from july 9^th to start of school , a lunch program would be available for kids in need. Other activities are also available.

Janet announced her new restaurant concept-Dumpling DoJo

Elizabeth Chaisson from Green Wheaton talked about a Rainscape Program on Reedie drive and an upcoming fund raising event at Brookside Gardens

Jeanette reminded everyone of the fireworks at Einstein High School on July 4^th.

Meeting Adjourned: 6:23pm

LAST CALL FOR RESIDENT VACANCY ON WUDAC

The term of the resident representative, Janet Yu, is expiring in August.  We are currently interviewing candidates to fill the vacancy but time is short.  The new term starts in September and this is the last call for those interested in serving.  If you wish to be considered for the position please contact Ana Lopez van Balen from the Mid-County Services Center at AnaLopez.vanBalen@montgomerycountymd.gov

WUDAC MEETING MINUTES 5-08-2012

Wheaton Urban District Advisory Committee(WUDAC)

May 8th, 2012 Meeting Minutes

2424 Reedie Drive, Wheaton MD 20902

Members Present:     Jeannette Feldner (Chair), Marian Fryer, William Moore, Janet Yu, 

Jim Onder, Linda Amendt, Henriot  St. Gerard,  Matt Barry, Ken Nelson

Members Absent:      Devala Janardan

Staff Present:             Ana Lopez van Balen, Director, Mid-County Regional Center      

                                    Sidney Cooper, Marketing and Communications Director

                                    Peter McGinnity, Wheaton Redevelopment Manager

Guests:                       Adam Fogel, Staff to Councilmember Navarro

Tiffany Ward, Staff to Councilmember Elrich

                                    Esther French, Wheaton Patch

                                    Aaron Kraut, The Gazette

                                    Larry Silverman, Abigail Adebe, Donna Savage, Howard Hussbaum from

                                    the Kensington Heights Civic Association

Call to Order:           Chair Jeannette Feldner, 5:05pm

Motions:                    Minutes approved with corrections.  Rob submitted written report.  Mr. Nelson made a motion to approve minutes, Mr. Barry seconded the motion.

Police Report: Sgt. Currie reported that enforcement continues in the CBD especially around the nightclubs in Wheaton.  Their efforts have helped to reduce crime associated with clients visiting those establishments.  Other than that, crime is low.

Community Concerns: Donna Savage from the Kensington Heights Civic Association came to speak on their civic association’s concerns regarding the Costco mega gas station.  They submitted a number of documents for review and focused on the following points: people are going to come from far away to get cheap gas; air quality will decrease for their community by the idle cars waiting to fill their cars, which is why they are recommending that the gas station be placed in a location with a buffer; state that Costco reports are not correct, and their consultant will create a report by the 10^th speaking to the deficiencies of Costco’s environmental reports; lastly, having a mega gas station does not fit in accord with smart growth principles. 

WUDAC members expressed concerns with several of their concerns.  Ms. Amendt stated that she didn’t see the connection with Metro.  KHCA responded that the location of the gas station is connection by locals to the Metro.  Ms. Yu stated she had personal/individual reasons for being opposed as she felt that what they were asking was not reasonable and they need to take consideration of residents. Some community members responded saying they were frustrated with the process and asked for support.

Mr. Onder stated that Wheaton is a convergence of roads.  He asked how low can Costco price their gas?  KHCA stated that they did a comparison and stated that on average, Costco’s gas was about 2 cents lower than most.  WaWa was lower in some areas. 

Report from Council:

Tiffany Ward from Councilmember Elrich’s office shared information on the ZTA 12-07 that would limit mega gas stations from being 1000ft from public facilities.  She stated that there are 5 cosponsors and that the public hearing will take place on June 19^th .  WUDAC agreed to wait until the public hearing to review information and make a recommendation

Adam Fogel from Councilmember Navarro’s office spoke on the changes to the rates in the Parking Lot District.  Rates will change to a tiered system, parking will increase to 60cents/hr and 75 cents for short term. Long-term will increase to $113/month.  Collection times will not be extended.

Mr. Fogel also spoke regarding the Wheaton Public Safety Task Force that Councilmember Navarro and Riemer have requested in response to concerns raised during the redevelopment conversations in Wheaton. He also spoke to the Council committee on Wheaton that was being created to monitor implementation of development in Wheaton.  Ms. Amendt asked if members of community would be involved.  Mr. Fogel informed the committee that only council would be involved in this effort. 

RSC Director Report: Ms. Van Balen spoke to issues pertaining to predatory towing in Wheaton and the support trying to be raised on enforcement through Congressman Van Hollen’s office.  She also mentioned that the EMS bill was reintroduce by the County Executive due to the changing economic reality the county was facing especially with the changes in Annapolis.  The Mid-County Citizen’s Advisory Board voted to support it, as did the Washington Post, the Gazette and many other civic groups. The Youth Advisory Committee for Mid-County will be working to enhance the World of Montgomery Festival—this is a great group to turn to for ideas in the future.  Lastly, the farmers market stated on Sundays and is off to a great start.

Subcommittee Reports: The Communications subcommittee asked for members to review the communication plan submitted at the last meeting.  The Community Outreach subcommittee discussed plans to staff the table at the Taste of Wheaton.  They also completed efforts with the community distribution list and will be dissolving group to join the Communications subcommittee.  The other subcommittees did not meet.

Redevelopment Report: Peter McGinnity submitted a written report.  He also mentioned that Safeway is ahead of schedule due to the mild winter.

Westfield Report: Mr. Barry reported that Costco is ahead of schedule as well and expect to open in the Spring.  They have increased sales to 14.1 million and are excited to report the following new businesses at the mall: G by Guess, Pottery & More, Relax Station, Monster Auto, Bubble tea.  Coming Soon: Costco, Dicks Sporting Goods, Salon Plaza.  There new tagline is “it’s all here.” 

Other Business: Ms. Feldner mentioned that everyone should be at the Taste of Wheaton.  She also disseminated the CERB report created for WUDAC.  Lastly, she mentioned accepting that changes that have come to Wheaton and possibly inviting Parks and Planning to our next meeting, as they will be part of the Wheaton community.  Lastly, Ms. Van Balen mentioned creating a joint memo with council sharing with the community what we have coming to Wheaton in the future.

Meeting Adjourned:  6:30pm

WUDAC OPENING. WE NEED YOU!!

-----Original Message-----
From: Gochrach, Beth
Sent: Wednesday, June 06, 2012 6:09 PM
To: #PIO.Releases
Subject: Montgomery County Board Vacancies

County Executive Isiah Leggett is committed to representation on all of the County’s boards, committees, and commissions that is reflective of, and responsive to, our County’s residents. Public participation contributes to the work of County government and provides an important service to the community when a variety of issues, concerns, and viewpoints are presented. Currently, there is a valuable opportunity to serve on the following:

• Wheaton Urban District Advisory Committee

The deadline for application is June 27, 2012.

Please share this notice with anyone who may be interested. You may access vacancy announcements for boards, committees, and commissions through the following link.

http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/exec/vacancies/pr_list.asp

Applicants of diverse backgrounds, professions, gender, geography, disability and ethnicity are encouraged to apply. An application, consisting of a brief cover letter and resume, should be sent by mail to County Executive Isiah Leggett, 101 Monroe Street, 2nd Floor, Rockville, MD  20850, or by email to countyexecutive.boards@montgomerycountymd.gov. Home and employment addresses, as well as contact phone numbers and email addresses should be included. If appropriate, applicants should indicate the position for which they are applying.

Members of County boards, committees and commissions may not serve on more than one such group at a time. Members of these boards are eligible for reimbursement for travel and dependent care for meetings attended. Leggett’s appointments are subject to confirmation by the County Council. Applications of individuals selected for appointment are made public as part of the confirmation process.

 

Contact:  Beth Gochrach:  240-777-2528

For Immediate Release:  June 6, 2012

                                                                        ###

MEETING AGENDA TUESDAY 6-12-2012

Please silence cell phones

Wheaton Urban District Advisory Committee

2424 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, MD 20902

Agenda

JUNE 12, 2012

1.   Call to Order, Introductions,
Approval of Minutes,
Report of Chair                                       Feldner                 5:00 – 5:10 pm

2.  4^th District CBD Team Report                 Sgt. Currie            5:10 – 5:15 pm

3.  Community Concerns                                                           5:15 – 5:20 pm

4.   Report from Council Staff                                                    5:20 – 5:35 pm

     

5.   RSC Director Report                               Van Balen            5:35 – 5:45 pm

6.  Subcommittee Reports:                                                         5:45 – 6:15 pm

      Advocacy                                                 Janardan

      Business Development                             Yu

      Communication/Promotion                      Onder

      Community Building                                Amendt

      Overseeing Budget                                   Barry

7.  Redevelopment Report                            McGinnity            6:15 – 6:20 pm

8.  Westfield Report                                      Barry                    6:20 – 6:25 pm

9.  Other Business                                         Feldner                 6:25 – 6:30 pm

10.                                                                  Adjourn                      6:30 pm

This information is available in an alternative format by calling 240-777-8103. Sign Language interpreter services will be provided only upon request with notice as far in advance as possible but no less than 72 hours prior to the event. If you need other services or aids to participate in this activity, please call 240-777-8103 or 240-877-8112 (TTY).

TASTE OF WHEATON 2012

Sam from Ledo's Pizza

Eli helps a customer at the IHOP booth

Corey and Janet Yu of Hollywood East Cafe

Jack Marshall at the Wheaton-Kensington Chamber of Commerce booth

Marian Fryer works the WUDAC booth

The Wheaton Urban District Advisory Committee booth

Marian Fryer

Jeanette Feldner, WUDAC Chair and family

The State Farm team

Esther French from The Wheaton Patch

One of many fun activities for children at Taste of Wheaton

Eli Jackson with friends at the IHOP booth

Sosena gets ready for a balloon ride

Darin Jackson and family

The beautiful day led to big crowds at the Taste of Wheaton

Eli and the IHOP team

TASTE OF WHEATON TODAY!!!

Come visit the WUDAC booth today from 11am to 5pm. Meet our members and find out about all the exciting things things that are happening in downtown Wheaton!

Meeting Minutes 4-10-2012

Wheaton Urban District Advisory Committee(WUDAC)

April 10, 2012 Meeting Minutes

2424 Reedie Drive, Wheaton MD 20902

Members Present:     Jeanette Feldner (Chair),  Marian Fryer, William Moore, Janet Yu, 

Jim Onder,  Linda Amendt,  Devala Janardan,  Henriot  St. Gerard, 

Matt Barry,  Ken Nelson

Members Absent:      None

Staff Present:             Ana Lopez van Balen, Director, Mid-County Regional Center      

                                    Sidney Cooper, Market and Communications Director

                                    Peter McGinnity, Wheaton Redevelopment Manager

Guests:                       Hans Riemer, Montgomery County Council member

                                    Sgt. Currie, 4^th District CBD,

                                    Esther French, Wheaton Patch

                                    Erich Brann, Costco

                                    Pat Harris, Lerch Early

Call to Order:             Chair Jeannette Feldner, 5:05pm

Motions:                     Minutes approved with corrections

Police Report:           

Sgt. Currie reported on 3 robberies, two at the Metro Station and one on Blueridge Ave. near the 7-11, with clothing and phones taken. There were two aggravated assaults on Grandview, domestic situations with arrests made, and 6 auto related thefts. He reported police are paying special attention to the clubs to control alcohol and other crimes.

Costco Presentation:

Erich Brann and Pat Harris presented a revised plan for the Costco gas station that they felt addressed community concerns. Some highlights of their plan included: double-walled pipes and tanks with auto cutoff leak detectors, a varied height “green” sound wall to shield noise from surrounding homes, photo controlled lighting, and a county approved storm water management plan. They feel the community has been misguided about project and they announced an open house at the Crossways Center on April 25^th for community comment. WUDAC decided to further discuss this issue at its May meeting in order to allow members time to gauge community sentiment.

Report from Councilmember Hans Riemer:

Noted that Council had voted unanimously earlier that day to support a staff backed $66 million plan to begin Wheaton redevelopment with a county building and Town Square on Lot 13. He stated he is sympathetic with the work community groups have done and believes this is the threshold of county investment in Wheaton. He believed this plan would result in more rapid delivery of valuable investment to downtown Wheaton.  He agreed that this alone would not revitalize Wheaton.  He recommended quarterly meetings with community groups, audits to survey sidewalks for “walkability”, free WIFI from the cable fund, a task force to study safety perceptions and a review to implement bike sharing and rapid transit initiatives.

Mr. Riemer then took questions and comments from the WUDAC members.  WUDAC members each shared their sentiments regarding the process that lead to the council decision.  Comments revolved around the following:

·         Redevelopment needing to go beyond the construction of a building and town square;

·         Not taking advantage of the private investment by B.F. Saul; 

·         Indifference to years of community “excitement” and the sense of building something together;

·         The disconnect between the changes in Wheaton since the 2009 study used to formulate the Council-backed plan;

·         Overall disappointment with the Council;

·         Some optimism with the plan in that now the money is finally committed to Wheaton;

·         Staying involved in order to have voices heard in what is to come.

RSC Director Report: A bigger better Farmers Market on the town green across from the Mid-County Regional Services Center will premiere on May 6^th. The existing Farmers Market will join forces with one currently located in Briggs Chaney to bring an expanded selection to our area.

Subcommittee Reports: Communications committee handed out a draft for WUDAC members to review for the May meeting. Sidney Cooper reminded all that Taste of Wheaton is May 20^th.  Due to time constraints all other committees submitted written reports.

Westfield Report: Matt reported that Mall sales were up 8%. Sales of food and shoes are hot while sales of fashion and jewelry are not.  Monster Auto Group has leased the space formerly occupied by Ourisman.  G by Guess and FYE are under construction.  Macy’s will be having a VIP shop day. Details to be announced

Redevelopment Report: Peter McGinnity submitted a written report for the record.

Other Business:

Jeanette stated that the terms of two members were up and those members need to let her know if they will reapply.  Also, the Committee Review Board’s report to the Montgomery County Council is due by May 6^th.

Community Concerns:  None reported

Meeting Adjourned:  6:35pm