In recent posts, we've detailed particular topics that were covered in the March 2018 meeting. Beyond the presentation and Q&A with the Planning Board and Montgomery Parks, the update on the sidewalks construction, and the reopening of Wheaton-Claridge Park, we also highlighted:

• Development and progress on internal and external priorities for WHCA for the next two years
• Upcoming events (more those in near-future postings)
• The proposed budget for WHCA for the year (another post coming with greater detail)

We also offered candidates for local or state office in attendance the opportunity to introduce themselves and gave attendees time to talk with the candidates one-on-one.

The slide presentation used for the meeting is attached.

At the WHCA Meeting held on March 13, we heard from Casey Anderson, Chair of the Planning Board, as well a number of representatives from Montgomery Parks, part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.

They provided a number of great updates, which you can find in the attached PDF of the slides presented at the meeting. Included are:

• Updates to Wheaton area parks, including Wheaton-Claridge (Hey, don't forget, we have a great Reopening Celebration planned for Saturday, April 14 from 11AM to 1PM. Bring a dish!), Wheaton Regional, and the new Glenmont Pavilion Park (next to the new fire station at Georgia Ave and Randolph Road)
• An overview of Master Plans: what are they, what's the process
• Local Master Plans covering the Wheaton Central Business District (CBD) and Vicinity Sector Plan
• Wheaton Redevelopment/Revitalization and the New Library/Rec Center
• The Viers Mill Corridor Master Plan
• The Bicycle Master Plan (NOTE: the proposed plan includes a "shared road" recommendation for Grandview Avenue through Wheaton Hills)

We're committed to bringing in County and State guests to discuss what they do and how we, as a community, can influence their work to support making Wheaton Hills, and the broader Wheaton area and Montgomery County, an even better place to call home. If you have ideas or suggestions for future guests, please email WHCA at wheatonhillscivicassociation@gmail.com.

As some have seen with signs posted on Dawson, the sidewalk installation project is about to kick off. Between this month and June, 2 1/2 miles of new sidewalks will be constructed in Wheaton Hills, improving walkability and safety. Sidewalks have been approved for construction on:

• Dawson
• Parker
• Henderson
• Galt
• Blueridge* (see note below)
• Hardy

Construction begins with the removal of existing trees. This will begin on Dawson, as early as today. It will then move to Parker. DOT will then assess the route for the remainder of the streets involved.

Some additional details:

• Sidewalks will be five feet (5') wide in accordance with federal requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Sidewalks will abut the curb and not include the grassy area separating the two (this will require the installation of new right-angle curbs, replacing the sloping curbs likely currently in place)
• Retaining walls will be installed where needed as part of the project
• Driveway aprons will be replaced for those with driveways
• New trees will be planted, replacing those removed (The County's tree program is also available and open to anyone who would like a tree as well!)

Dependent on the weather, the project is slated to be completed by June.

*Blueridge - While the County continues to investigate the sinkhole issues on the 3000 block of Blueridge, it will likely be the last block to have the sidewalks installed.

Driveways and other work - While it is not part of the County program to install sidewalks, residents can, individually, discuss additional work with the County's contractors while they are onsite in the neighborhood. The contractors typically offer substantial discounts on things like installing new driveways, repaving driveways, replacing driveway aprons, new retaining walls, etc.