Wheaton Hills Civic Association

Meeting Thursday, Nov 14 @ 7PM

11/11/2019

The Wheaton Hills Civic Association will be having a community meeting this Thursday, November 14, at 7:00 PM at Highland Elementary.

This meeting will focus on what it takes to run a neighborhood association - what are the benefits, what are the most time-consuming things, what's the truly hard work - and to conduct elections for the next two-year term for the executive committee. Few frills, few special guests, just an honest discussion and a vote.

There have been very few nominations received for officers. If you would like to self-nominate or nominate a WHCA member to serve, please email your/their name and why to whcaelections@gmail.com. We need folks to step up as I and a number of the current officers will be moving on. After six years of organizing, consulting, and leading - and now dealing with a very serious family medical issue - it's time for me to take a back seat.

We hope to see you on Thursday. We hope some will step forward to help continue the work the WHCA has done, and even take things to the next level.

Sean Corbett
WHCA President

ELections 2019: Call for Nominations

9/16/2019

Every two years we hold elections for the executive committee positions of the Wheaton Hills Civic Association. This includes the positions of President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. The duties of each position can be found in Article 5 of the by-laws.

The next election will be held in mid-November at a general community meeting; the date is TBD.

Right now, we're asking you, our neighbors and friends, to submit nominations for the executive committee positions. You can submit someone else for a position or self-nominate. The link for the Nomination form is here (but please keep reading for important instructions/information.)

Who can be nominated? Any WHCA "Active Member". Active members are those that have submitted a membership form - new or renewal - in the last two years. (NOTE: To be able to vote in the election, you'll need to be an active member yourself. To join or renew, submit the membership form on the WHCA website.)

Don't worry if you don't know if your nominee is an active member. Our Officer Nominating Committee will verify their eligibility and acceptance of the nomination. (Special, heartfelt thanks to Melanie Newbrough, Rob Salerno, and Sarah Jackson for volunteering for the ONC.)

The ONC will be collecting nominations, present a ballot of nominees, and manage the election process at the November meeting. They are currently looking into a method of electronic voting for members that can not make the meeting in person. Stay tuned for more on that as we get closer to the election. The ONC can be contacted directly at whcaelections@gmail.com.

Lastly, let me just say that the Wheaton Hills Civic Association, closing in on just its sixth anniversary, has made tremendous progress on a large number of priorities. We continue to present the cares and concerns of you, our neighbors, to improve the quality of life and sense of community in - and around - Wheaton Hills. It has been my pleasure, and the pleasure of the full Wheaton Hills Civic Association Executive Committee - to advocate and work for this neighborhood. As I've said before, Wheaton Hills thrives when we come together. Let's keep the momentum for positive change and see some great nominees to continue our work.

Regards,
Sean Corbett
Wheaton Hills Civic Association, President

WHCA Executive Committee Nomination Form

Wheaton Gateway Project - Community Meetings! June 12 & 15

6/7/2019

Representatives from the Wheaton Hills Civic Association met this week with the Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC) regarding their plans (they don't really have any yet) for the Lindsay Ford/Ambassador building at the corner of Veirs Mills Road and University Blvd. As you may know, HOC will be redeveloping this property once the current tenants completely vacant.

HOC, still very early in the process, is soliciting community ideas, feedback, comments. We know this is short notice - and we objected to such when we were informed of the meetings - but HOC will be holding two community meetings next week.

We encourage everyone to come out and share your thoughts on the future of this prime Wheaton location... and on potential short- and long-term uses for the current Lindsay Ford parking lot on Kensington Blvd, within our neighborhood boundaries.

All residents should receive a letter from HOC on or about this Saturday. A copy of the letter is displayed below.

The meetings are both being held at Highland Elementary (3100 Medway St):

Wednesday, June 12 from 7:00 to 10:00 PM
Saturday, June 15 from 10AM to 12:00 PM (Come to this one and stick around for the WHCA sponsored "Paint Your Number" community party/event from 1:00 PM to 4:00PM!)

Can't make one of the meetings? That's OK! HOC will be launching a new website, http://www.wheatongateway.com, where you can provide your input as well.

Wheaton North SUmmer Party - June 15

5/21/2019

Please mark your calendars for this summer's Wheaton North neighborhood event. Scheduled for Saturday June 15th, the event will include food, a craft station for neighbors to paint house number/address signs to take home, tables from county service providers as well as a bouncy castle and face painting for the kids. The event will include the neighborhoods of Wheaton Hills, Glenmont Forest, and Connecticut Avenue Estates, and is supported by The Montgomery Housing Partnership/MHP.

Join us @ Highland Elementary on June 15, from 1PM to 4PM!

WHCA Community Meeting - Notes

4/18/2019

Wheaton Hills CA General Meeting
Meeting Start Time: 7:07Pm
Exec. Board Attendees:
Shana, Sean, Joseph, Sandi, Rob, Kristy
Sean: Civic Association of the Year Award Announcement
Sean: Agenda presentation
DEP Mural Project:  Graffiti at the entrance to Wheaton Claridge Park, DEP would have painted over the graffiti, however, a solution was to paint a Mural. Anna from DEP spoke about the “storm art project” and the highlighted the storm drain markers. Partnering with the community to submit art for the storm drains. They painted 6 in 2018 in downtown Wheaton. The Paint used is the same used for street markings.  24 storm drains painted in Montgomery County.
Question: is there a coating that can be glazed over the mural for protection?
Question: Is the community in agreement that we should paint a mural? (Posed to the audience in attendance) DEP would work with the MCParks, MCPD and local HS (Einstein).  DEP will not paint in the drain pipe.
Sean: will reach out to Einstein
Storm water Management — UMD Presentation: Mike from Env. Finance Center applied for a grant from the Chesapeake Trust to work with MC communities on storm water drainage plan(s). Michelle talked about the specifics of the plan. Provided maps that outlined the walk through they did with the stakeholders (WHCA). Provide the Stormwater Action Plan for the Glenmont Forest Neighbors Civic Association. This provides information the resources to get things done in the community to manage stormwater issues. Community Priorities Areas — Big ticket items that MCDOT needs to intervene on. Community Action Areas — not currently an issue but could become one if not kept on top of E.g. trash/pet waste. Discussed the advocacy needed by the community to have them take action on the issues that were outlined in the action plan. Provided an outreach calendar for suggested events in the action plan. This plan will be available as a downloadable document that will posted to the WHCA site. The message will be provided to social media outlets.
What is a flooding identified flooding area? An area that is overrun with water during storms or heavy rain that flows down hill into property owners yards. MCDEP and other  county agents are looking into Wheatons problem with stormwater drainage.
Where can we best benefit from the action plan? Trash cleanups multiple times a year and neighbor education on best practices for a healthier environment. Distribution of environmental information E.g. RainScapes Program.
What the cost of a RainScapes? Anna from DEP mentioned that there is a class that the Montgomery Parks provides. She will check the minimum number for the class for the WHCA community.
Suggestion: Stormwater harvesting (rain barrel) locally by the property owner
Brookside Gardens Greenfest this weekend Sunday 4/27
June 4th UMD Finance presentation at the Silver Spring Civic Center for homeowners.
Wash. Gas Dawson Ave Community Gas Main Replacement Project Q/A: Dave Thomas Construction Manager with Washington Gas and Victor Martinez Construction Supervisor.  MD STRIDE Accelerated Replacement Program is for timely upgrades of the natural gas main and service lines which is a 20 year program. 11,495 feet of steel gas main is being replaced in the neighborhood. 228 affected people in the neighborhood Dawson — to Fenimore and several surrounding streets. Private property yards will be restored as close to the original state. A disruption in Natural Gas is about 48 hrs at the worst. Notifications are sent out at least a few weeks before the project along with door hangers and door knocking. The slides will be available to WHCA and contact information provided.
How do you determine where the work will be done? The leak history, type of pipe installed and year of installation.
How do you detect a plastic pipe? Designs, Metallic tape or trace wire.
Call if you smell gas during the project, using the 844-WASHGAS
Target date of completion? Early Fall 2019
Is there a listing of residences the pipe through? Unfortunately not an outline.
Will the sidewalks be replaced with the concrete? Yes, the asphalt is temporary.
If there is yard work needing to be done in the homeowner yard. Then they will get your information and work with the residence based on the project schedule. There is a restoration to the Maryland restoration email address that was provided to them.
Are meters replaced? No
Is there a website detailing what projects are going on? Yes, only provides information on information within zip code. WHCA has the listing of full addresses.
Mid County Update:  Up to Floors 9 and 10 — May 2020 is the completion date for the MC Planning Board bldg.
May 18, in the Claremont Town Home Park @ 10am — Wheaton Safety Walk ( Elected Officials will be there including County Exec.) Any concerns with the state highway. Kristy has more information.
Veirs Mill Master Plan — A master plan runs from the Gas station to Rockville. They are working on how things can be zoned and the transportation going through Veirs Mill. A complete street which incorporates sidewalks, bike lanes. Does not mean it will actually get built. We need to push as a community to get things done. No red light camera a Veirs Mill and Newport Mill —county has been asked about getting this put in. Sign up at nomoredeadpeds.org
Are there any enforcement plans for the new speed limit? Sean to follow up with DOT?
Can we extend the speed limit for Georgia Avenue?  Kristy to follow up with DOT
Suggestion:
Take new speed limit to the light at Popeyes.
Create a catalog of issues
Officer Nominating Committee: 3 volunteers who manage the nomination of WHCA board members. email address is: wheatonhillscivicassociation@gmail.com
Do these offices have term limits: Yes, and the By-Law committee is reviewing what positions require term limits.
Dan will volunteer to help with By-Laws
New Business:
Pete asked that sidewalks be widened on Grandview to be ADA compliant and asked this in his letter to County Executive; that the whole stretch get cross walks. Also asked about street light installation along the stretch too.

WHCA Wins Mid-County Civic Association of the Year!

4/17/2019

We're proud to announce that the Wheaton Hills Civic Association has won the Mid-County Citizen Advisory Board's CIVIC ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR Award!
Join us at the Wheaton/Kensington Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet on Wednesday, April 24th!
https://wkchamber.org/events/annual-awards-banquet/

Community Meeting

4/5/2019

Please join your neighbors for the next meeting of the Wheaton Hills Civic Association at Highland Elementary School on Thursday, April 25 at 7:00pm.

We'll hear from the University of Maryland on their stormwater management recommendations, from the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection on a mural project, discuss upcoming community activities, outline WHCA elections planned for later in the year, and much more.

If you have any particular topics you'd like to see addressed, please let us know and we'll try to include in the meeting agenda. Email WHCA at wheatonhillscivicassociation@gmail.com.

April 13 Neighborhood Clean-Up

3/28/2019

The Wheaton Hills Civic Association, in partnership with Montgomery Housing Partnership (MHP), and our neighbors in Glenmont Forest and Connecticut Avenue Estates, are conducting a neighborhood clean-up on Saturday, April 13, beginning at 10AM.

Meeting Location: Parker Avenue & Broadview Road

Supplies will be provided, including gloves and bags

Food and water will also be provided at the meeting location!

Additional Details on the Washington Gas Project

3/27/2019

WHCA met with Washington Gas this week for additional information, background, and current status on the work being done in the neighborhood.

Attached is the presentation from Washington Gas. (Yes, Washington Gas has labeled this the "Dawson Ave Project, but it does cover all the streets/residences were work is being done.) It includes all of the above, as well as maps outlining the areas covered in this work, and contact information for the project team.

We'll include this project as a topic during an upcoming community meeting, now scheduled for Thursday, April 25th at 7:00 PM at Highland Elementary.

Washington Gas Project in Wheaton Hills

2/11/2019

Washington Gas will replace 12,000 feet of main with plastic pipe and replace 228 services to homes, starting in few weeks, concluding late summer. Victor Martinez will be the Washington Gas Construction Supervisor on the project. He can be reached at vmartinez@washgas.com.

Dawson Ave.
Collins Ave.
Blueridge Ave.
Byron St.
Galt Ave.
Elnora St.
Grandview Ave.
Wheaton Hill Dr.
Fenimore Rd.
Finley St.

FACT SHEET
In our ongoing effort to provide safe and reliable natural gas service, Washington Gas will begin construction to replace gas main and service lines. The selection of mains and services to be replaced is based on a number of criteria including age of pipe, leak history, type of material as well as other factors.

What Residents & Business Owners Should Expect:

Washington Gas will provide a letter/communications throughout the project to customers directly impacted by construction efforts.
Crews will install a new plastic gas main. Service crews will then start the replacement of existing services.
Prior to the actual start of the service replacement, customers will be contacted by a technician to schedule the date of their service replacement.
Every effort will be made to minimize disruption to homeowners’ properties.
Gas will be off during the service replacement, but no longer than one day and we will work with the businesses to allow them to continue to operate.
Please note that the time needed to complete the construction taking place in front of individual properties will vary but, in general, will not be longer than a few days, depending on conditions.
Relighting of gas appliances will be performed after the service replacement is completed. Customers must allow the service crews access to all gas appliances to ensure a safe restoration of gas service.
Our crews will make temporary repairs to any excavations in the roadway and sidewalk. Permanent paving repairs will follow as quickly as possible, after all work has been completed, to as closely to as-found condition as is possible.

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