NFCCA

Stories from the NFCCA Newsletter, the “Northwood News”

Northwood News ♦ June 2019

President’s Message

By Sharon Canavan

It is hard to know where to start — there are so many emerging issues that could potentially change our community.  Construction has begun on the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations along Route 29.  Pretty soon we will have a better idea about future BRT changes being considered when the recommendations in a Draft Mobility Improvement Package are presented in public workshops this spring.  Additionally, in May, the Maryland Department of Transportation held Open Houses to provide information on the Capital Beltway Study and describe proposals for adding Express Toll Lanes.  Watch this space!

Meanwhile, on the education front, there is a study underway to develop recommendations for adjusting local elementary school boundaries.  Under consideration are changes to address student overcrowding at Forest Knolls Elementary that could impact whether students in our neighborhood remain in Forest Knolls or will go to nearby Pinecrest or Montgomery Knolls (see related story in this issue).

At the NFCCA meeting in April, Theodora Scarato, Executive Director of the Environmental Health Trust (EHT), described how installation of small cell towers with “5G” (fifth generation) radio frequency will increase connection speed for internet, computer, cell phone, and other electronic devices.  Scarato cautioned, however, that she believes, and that some research indicates, wireless technology could pose potential health risks from radiation emissions.  Ms. Scarato noted that, under current federal law, local government cannot use health effects as a reason to reject an application for small cell antenna or tower placement.

At the April meeting, we also heard from Brian Anleu, Deputy Chief of Staff for Councilmember Tom Hucker, who presented information on Zoning Text Amendment (“ZTA”) 19-01, introduced by Councilmember Hans Reimer, which proposes to remove restrictions on Accessory Residential Uses to encourage development of accessory dwelling units (ADUs).  These changes would allow ADUs as a limited use in R200, R90, and R60 zones.  The NFCCA area is zoned R60 residential (see related story in this issue).

In mid-June,the Montgomery County Council is expected to take up consideration of ZTA 19-01.  Proponents argue that encouraging ADUs could increase the supply of affordable housing, but, at several recent public meetings, representatives from local communities have expressed concern about over-crowding and increased density in single family neighborhoods.

After discussion at the April meeting, members voted to express the NFCCA’s concerns about the proposed ADU bill (such as safety concerns, licensing and inspection requirements, overcrowding, impact on school capacity, and preventing negative impact on neighborhoods), while also emphasizing support for the bill’s stated goal of providing affordable housing.  Members voted to authorize the NFCCA Board to draft a letter to the County Council urging improvements to the proposed bill (ZTA 19-01) and expressing concerns about its shortcomings.

At the next general membership meeting on Wednesday, 12 June, we will hear from the Maryland General Assembly representatives for District 19.  Delegates Charlotte Crutchfield, Bonnie Cullison, and Vaughn Stewart, as well as state Senator Benjamin Kramer, will provide their insights on the current session and upcoming legislative activity.

In other news, Laura Hussey and David Rotenstein, both of whom formerly served as NFCCA Presidents, have moved to Pittsburgh, Pa.  As NFCCA Board members and Officers, Laura and David have contributed their time, energy, and insights to making Northwood Four Corners a better community.  They will both be missed.

Their leave-taking also means there is an open spot on the Board.  If you are interested in getting more involved in the community by serving on the NFCCA Board, please drop me a line.  In any event, we have an upcoming election for the officers and board members at the NFCCA general membership meeting in October.  Although that may seem a long way away, it is not too early to begin thinking about nominating someone or offering to step up to bring new energy and ideas to our association.

Get involved and help guide the direction of our neighborhood organization; this is a manageable lift!  There are five board meetings during the year, and five general membership meetings.  Otherwise, individual board members or officers choose to volunteer to help with activities, such as planning community events, writing articles for the newsletter, or attending important community hearings about issues that affect our community.  We want to hear from you.  This is your chance to nominate someone else or offer to stand for one of the elected positions for the 2019–2020 NFCCA slate of officers and board members.

On a final note, before we take a break from NFCCA meetings for the summer, mark your calendars for our National Night Out community get-together on Tuesday, 6 August (see details).  There will be the usual delicious potluck food, sno-cones, and drinks.  The band will be playing and the police motorcade will stop by.  Come and join the fun at the Forest Knolls pool.    ■


   © 2019 NFCCA  [Source: https://nfcca.org/news/nn201906b.html]