Chevy Chase Development News
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Development News from the latest meeting
Town Advances Park Improvements, Turf Maintenance, and Open Space Projects
Staff is continuing street sign inventory for a townwide replacement project and has begun applying for Open Space funds ($38,000) which will enable approximately $55,000 in improvements due to POS covering 75% of costs. The overgrown vegetation management program continues, with three public areas relandscaped with native plants. A plan to maintain turf in Zimmerman Park involves an above-ground irrigation system, soil testing for pH and lime needs, and a rebid landscaping contract that includes core aeration and overseeding twice annually. Caution is advised regarding water usage due to a drought watch and expected severe drought conditions.
Efforts Underway to Shield Trail Lights Causing Light Pollution
Staff is pursuing the replacement of two "luminaires" (lights) on the Capitol Crescent Trail near Elm Street Park due to light spillover onto neighboring properties. An initial attempt to use external shrouds failed due to the lights' shape and the manufacturer not offering pre-fabricated options. The current plan is to procure new luminaires with factory-installed shields, estimated at $5,000 each. This requires authorization from the County Department of Transportation, permission from the Development Review Committee (DRC), and coordination with Purple Line Transit Partners (PLTP). The DRC process involves a 21-business-day review period by the county.
Town Pursues Database Access for Speed Camera Enforcement
Staff is continuing discussions with Maryland State Police and other agencies to gain access to a national database for driver and vehicle records needed to issue speed camera citations. If direct access is denied, an alternative is to seek an agreement with the county to allow the town's vendor to use county credentials and employ off-duty officers to approve violations. Staff meets weekly with the vendor to discuss options. Other municipalities like Kensington and the Village have their own police departments and thus database access. Municipalities without police departments (e.g., City of College Park, Town of New Market, Town of S E lersville) typically partner with their respective county or city agencies, often hiring off-duty officers from those agencies to approve citations.
Variance Approved for Patio Retaining Wall Height at 4307 Elm Street
The council heard a variance request for a patio extension at 4307 Elm Street. The applicant, Julie Stannis, sought to bring the patio into compliance, explaining the extension was due to earth erosion caused by tree removal during construction at the adjacent property (4305 Elm Street). The applicant withdrew the request for an accessory building variance due to its rigid roof violating county requirements. The primary variance request pertained to the patio's retaining wall, which exceeded the 12-inch height limit and was located at the property line. The wall reached a height of 20 inches due to the yard's slope. The council discussed the encroachment onto the neighbor's property (10-11 inches) and the non-permitted fence. Ultimately, the council voted to approve the variance for the retaining wall height, separating it from the fence issue which is to be addressed separately.
Town Financial Report Shows Strong Performance Through May 2026
The town's financial report for May 2026 indicated that 97% of the budgeted revenue had been received, totaling approximately $4.8 million of a $5 million budget. Operating expenditures were at 88% of the budgeted amount, at $3.5 million of $4 million. Capital expenditures were at 77% of the budget, with $656,000 spent out of $853,000 allocated for the year. Capital expenditures include asphalt, concrete, park improvements, and town office improvements. The town is on track to finish the fiscal year within budget.
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