Virtual Town Hall Meeting from Thursday, March 14, 2019
Marc Elrich Thank you for joining us for this month's online chat. Let's get started!
Jasbir Mongia from
Silver Spring
Sir, under your administration, what would you do make Montgomery county! Business friendly like VA. I found very difficult to do anything in Maryland! Always many hurdles! Thank you very much! Jasbir Singh Mongia
Marc Elrich A Growing Economy is one of my key priorities. To that end, I’m asking my staff to focus on several specific initiatives:
- Increasing access to resources by offering business services such as training and consulting in the Regional Service Centers.
- Reviewing the regulatory environment to ensure our requirements are not more burdensome than those in surrounding jurisdictions.
- Exploring incubators as a way to launch and nurture businesses that will grow to hire employees and fill space.
- Identifying and promoting access to the capital businesses need to start and grow.
- Working to ensure that the County’s procurement process is accessible to local small businesses.
We will engage the business community as we study ways to make these improvements and others that I expect will be identified as we gather feedback.
I would invite you to submit specific issues you have encountered in dealing with the County Government. Please submit your examples here. https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/exec/Contactcex.aspx
Gabrielle Taaffe from
Rockville
Thank you for holding this forum. The Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation appears to be doing a great job of promoting private enterprise to expand its reach. Montgomery County needs to grow its private sector economy, and I am wondering what your thoughts are about the private sector's contribution to the success of Montgomery County. Thank you!
Marc Elrich The private sector is critical to the success of Montgomery County. During my first 100 days as County Executive, I have met with many owners of businesses of all sizes. I have visited with businesses here in the County and heard their challenges. I want to hear from businesses about their experiences with doing business in the County – including specific examples of challenges, particularly if their experience in other jurisdictions is different. I’ve asked Council member Sidney Katz to lead a team that is reviewing our regulations to ensure we are not putting an undue burden on the business community. This will involve benchmarking against other jurisdictions, but also will include listening sessions where we will encourage businesses to come and share their ideas and suggestions. We’ll then partner with business leaders to help develop solutions while continuing to maintain a safe and equitable community.
A Growing Economy is one of my key priorities. To that end, I’m asking my staff to focus on several specific initiatives:
- Increasing access to resources by offering business services such as training and consulting in the Regional Service Centers.
- Reviewing the regulatory environment to ensure our requirements are not more burdensome than those in surrounding jurisdictions.
- Exploring incubators as a way to launch and nurture businesses that will grow to hire employees and fill space.
- Identifying and promoting access to the capital businesses need to start and grow.
- Working to ensure that the County’s procurement process is accessible to local small businesses and more efficient and responsive.
Alicia from
Silver Spring
I was wondering if you could comment on pedestrian safety (and, frankly, danger) at the intersection of Colesville Road and East-West Highway, in particular crossing MD410 on the west side of Colesville Road, heading to and from the Silver Spring Metro Station. Sight lines for drivers to observe pedestrians stepping off the curb to cross away from the metro are very limited, and there's often a significant volume of cars turning right from Colesville to westbound MD410, and they are rushing to make the turn. At the same time, cars turning left to westbound MD410 have to find gaps in traffic to make the turn and are less focused on pedestrians in the crosswalk. I realize these are State roads, but we need County leadership to push for a resolution that will provide a safe environment for *all* users at the intersection.
Marc Elrich Thank you for highlighting this issue. Both Montgomery County and the MDOT SHA are committed to enhancing safety in Montgomery County and addressing areas of concern regarding pedestrian safety within and adjacent to the central business districts. I will ask the MCDOT to reach out to the MDOT SHA and request a review/investigation at this location and partner with the MDOT SHA to determine an appropriate solution.
George from
Silver Spring
As a frequent walker, I’m often times baffled and shocked by the quality of the pedestrian experience. Not only are drivers responsible for the experience (speeding, running red lights, bullying pedestrians to get through intersections, cutting off pedestrians even), but there is a lack of paving on many commercial and residential streets, sidewalks are in disrepair, lack of curb cuts and lack of proper ADA access, etc. Furthermore, traffic lights are timed for short durations at many streets allowing very little time for pedestrians to cross, and promoting very dangerous conditions at these intersections. In contrast, as a result, pedestrians are left to stand at intersections for an inordinate amount of time while automobiles are given longer times to travel through intersections- which in and of itself makes for a dangerous condition, too.
For bicyclists, there aren’t many clearly defined bicycle lanes, let alone dedicated bicycle lanes; there are also several potholes and large cracks in roadways used by bicyclists shared with automobiles, as well.
Between 2008 and 2017, drivers struck and killed over 49,000 people walking on US streets! That's not factoring in the number of people struck and not killed. When looking at MoCo County crash statistic information (“Intersection Analysis”), 2018 saw a low of 568 “crashes” (Injury and Fatality info only for Pedestrians, Bicyclists and “Other”). However, while last year saw a low of crashes, the number of fatalities increased to 2.8% for that year. The highest level since 2015. I am very concerned that this trend will only continue given the increase of pedestrians traveling to various destinations, including persons in wheel chairs, the elderly and children, the rise of new development, and the increase of bicyclists.
I understand that the County has a Vision Zero program that was formed a few years ago. The Action Plan is currently underway. Is the County actively participating in transforming our unsafest streets now? How so? I'm wondering what MoCo County is doing to prioritize this problem.
Thank you for your time.
Respectfully,
George C.
Silver Spring, MD
Marc Elrich Thank you for your question on the important issue of pedestrian safety. Yes, Montgomery County is participating actively in the transformation of our transportation communities to make them safer. This effort, which is outlined in our Vision Zero plan, depends on the involvement of numerous agencies, including the MDOT SHA, MCPD, MCDOT and others. The County’s (and our partnering agencies’) focus in the Vision Zero plan includes a determination of corridors and locations where crashes are occurring and the appropriate engineering, enforcement or/and educational strategies to reduce or eliminate the safety hazard. For instance, in light of the pedestrian crashes that have occurred in Montgomery County in the last year, we are reviewing pedestrian travel paths to and from particular places and evaluating the relative safety of the path. That includes the potential relocation of bus stops to where pedestrian crossing has been identified and supplementing those new crossing paths with mid-block cross walks (which may be signalized), as well as other treatments like enhanced lighting and signing. Another example includes our partnership with the MDOT SHA, as they are moving to lower the speed limits in the central business districts this spring. Lower speeds in the CBDs will contribute to higher pedestrian safety, especially during off peak travel times when traffic flow is less constrained by congestion. These are just a few examples of how the County is actively seeking to improve and enhance safety, and we are monitoring our Vision Zero targets for fatality reductions in 2020 and the elimination of fatalities by 2030.
Ryan from
Silver Spring
The Forest Glen Metro Bus Bay seems like an unnecessary waste of space. Are plans in the works to make better use of this space? The intersection of Georgia and Forest Glen is dangerous for cars and pedestrians alike. What is being done to move the plan to build a second metro entrance at Forest Glen forward?
Marc Elrich The Forest Glen Station and surrounding land are owned by WMATA. We understand they are engaged in planning transit-oriented development on the land occupied by the bus bays and parking lots. Discussions are ongoing with WMATA about how to best design and construct the Forest Glen passageway. The County completed a feasibility study for building this connection in 2012. We're working with WMATA to determine whether they will appropriate funding for this project, or whether the County will fund it internally.
Pulin Modi from
Mid County
What steps are being taken to increase frequency of MARC transportation in both directions on the Brunswick line during the weekday and weekend? Also when can we expect sidewalks along Capitol View Ave?
Marc Elrich MARC rail service is an important mode today and has the promise of being an even more significant component of the County’s transportation system. Expanding the current schedule requires substantial coordination with CSX as well as the addition of a third track to be effective. Previous studies have indicated that the investment needed to provide capacity for midday and weekend passenger rail services is in the billions of dollars. The State, as the operator of MARC, has the lead in advancing the conversation about expanding MARC service. The County is advocating that the State pursue this in a serious way and is pushing for renewed investigation of how to make MARC do more for Montgomery County and improve connections through the region by integrating with the Virginia Railway Express Service. In addition to talking with the State, we are also engaging our Federal delegation for help on these issues. However, the timing for realizing these improvements remains unclear today.
As for Capital View, the sidewalk is currently under design, and if all goes well, it can be constructed in FY20.
don from
Bethesda-Chevy Chase
What is your opinion of Governor Hogan's plan to "expand" the Washington Beltway and I-270 in Montgomery County?
Marc Elrich I believe the Governor’s plan, as stated, will end up being too impactful to our community. However, there is the potential to address long-standing transportation needs on these corridors through more measured investment in the highways and complementary investment in transit. I think it's important to start at the American Legion Bridge as the Governor now says he'll do. There are ways to provide additional lanes on I270 without widening the road, including using two reversible lanes that can be accommodated within the current configuration. There is no sensible way to add lanes to the beltway, and I do not support it. I am hopeful that the technical work on this project identifies projects that can improve these corridors within their right-of-way and address community impacts like noise and environmental degradation caused by the highways as they currently are. I also understand that the State has committed to improving their community outreach so that more of our residents are better informed about the State’s plans; and I will press them on this commitment.
LOLA from
Bethesda-Chevy Chase
WHEN SCHOOL IS CLOSED DUE TO WEATHER, MONTGOMERY COUNTY IS OPEN OFTEN AND HAVE TO RUN THEIR BUSINESS. IT WOULD BE GREAT IF YOU CAN REVISIT MONTGOMERY GOVERNMENT CLOSURES AND DELAYS CLOSELY TO ALLOW COUNTY EMPLOYEES TO BE SAFE AND HAVE NO STRESS AND HAZARDOUS SITUATIONS DURING BAD WEATHER ALERTS.
Marc Elrich Thank you for your question. You are not alone in wanting to understand the considerations behind weather-related government closings. I begin with the belief that often when the county experiences weather emergencies, it is crucial that many county employees be at work and prepared to assist the public should they need help. When we make closure decisions, we coordinate closely with other county agencies and jurisdictions in the region. We make an informed decision that takes into account employee safety, local traffic conditions, snow removal operations, family considerations, financial impact and other factors. School bus drivers, police, and fire officials are also consulted. I assure you that closure decisions are made after significant deliberations. We can't know everyone's situation, and that's why we have the liberal leave policy. Safety is the most important. Thank you for your question.
George from
Up County
At 101 Monroe in Feb, we have a meeting about the budget online. We attempted to balance the budget with an online tool. The results were kind of interesting. Do you plan to move forward with further discussions or is this the end of this exercise? I value the hard work of the financial staff which has brought new levels of clarity to county's finances. I hope in the next set of meetings, we can clear up misunderstandings with actual representatives from the respective departments. I think this approach would give your the administration the best start anyone could ask for.
Marc Elrich Thank you for attending the budget preparation exercise and your feedback. This exercise is just the beginning of my commitment to engage citizens more fully in all aspects of county government and to make all that we do in government more transparent and understandable. I will forward your comments to our budget team. Thanks again and I look forward to seeing you at future budget balancing activities.
Gail from
Mid County
We have lived in our North Potomac neighborhood for 35 years. During that time, the streets have only been repaved once. The job was terrible. Now our neighborhood streets have huge cracks and potholes. When can we expect our streets to be repaired?
Marc Elrich Thanks for your question on the condition of our roads, which are heavily impacted by the freeze/thaw cycles we are currently experiencing. Every two years, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) conducts a survey of the pavement conditions along all 5,200 miles of roadway within its maintenance portfolio. This survey, which considers numerous factors such as age, distress, potholes, cracks, utility cuts, and erosion, is aggregated into a score from 0-100. Each road is then assigned a ranking based on the onsite conditions. MCDOT prioritizes its resources to address concerns on roads that fall lower on this rating scale. This entire system is referred to as the Pavement Condition Index or PCI. If you’d like to contact MCDOT’s Highway Services Division at (240) 777-7623 or
[email protected] with more specific information, such as an address or street name, they’d be happy to provide you with the PCI score for your street and a schedule of any possible resurfacing projects.
Otherwise, for pothole repair, please submit an online service request at the following link:
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DOT-highway/ServiceRequestOnline/index.html. Most potholes are inspected and repaired within three business days. However, where potholes require more than a simple fix, multiple visits may be required that will take more than three days because the area may need to be excavated and repaved with asphalt.
Tanya from
Silver Spring
You recently suggested removing the Forest Glen Metro access project off the county list, noting that in your recent discussions with Metro, WMATA said would be willing to pay for construction of a Metro access tunnel on the east side of Georgia. Can you confirm (a) that you have had this conversation with Wiedefeld or other WMATA officials (b) that they have offered to pay for this project beginning in 2019 (c) that if you can't at this time confirm either of these things, you will return the FG access tunnel to the Montgomery County budget ASAP.
Marc Elrich Discussions are ongoing with WMATA about this project. As of today, I do not have any more information about whether this project will advance as a County or a WMATA project. The project was originally planned to start design in FY21 and to finish construction in FY26. If we cannot be assured of funding from WMATA by the next budget, I plan to add this back in for FY21. I had hoped that WMATA funding would make it possible to accelerate the actual construction of the project. I recognize the importance of this connection to the Forest Glen community and we will determine the best way to make it happen within the constrained resources of both agencies.
Gina from
Mid County
Good Afternoon. Thank you for considering my question. I live in a small development with an HOA. Our sidewalks and streets are the responsibility of Montgomery County government. My question is this, at what point does the County deem it worthy to repair sidewalks properly? The sidewalks in our community are cement. The community is around 30 years old. In the past the sidewalks have been repaired with an unslightly asphalt patch which is not contributing to the home values in the neighborhood. The sidewalk in the front of my home is now beyond an asphalt patch. I have put a work order in through 311 several months ago but have not had a response back. I realize that the work, if completed, would have to wait until the weather warms up but a reply would be appreciated.
Marc Elrich Please follow up with our Highway Service Division referencing your service request number (or else just your name and address) to receive more information about your specific neighborhood. MCDOT has an extensive sidewalk replacement/repair program. This program works to repair/replace the concrete infrastructure within a given neighborhood that warrants attention. Repair strategies can vary by neighborhood depending on the site conditions. A complete list of the neighborhoods currently planned for concrete repairs can be found here.
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dot-highway/concrete/concreteschedule.html
Additionally, MCDOT is developing a sidewalk inventory survey. This survey will allow MCDOT project managers to accurately determine the sidewalk conditions and needs in every neighborhood.
Victoria Bullard-Vinson from
Up County
Sir, I have a comment and an expression of concern. I have worked for Montgomery County since 1988, with a 3 year break in 1998. I have experienced the change in mindset and the culture of MCG Leadership. I presently work in HHS. I am a Grade 23 but I have had to struggle here because I don't share Uma's workplace culture of, "But this is HHS." Because I have worked in other County departments I know that many of the things, (management, contracts, purchasing, employee relations/treatment) that HHS does are not acceptable in other departments. I filed an EEO complaint. I was told by EEO that I was not entitled to a copy of the findings, however, after I filed, my then supervisor stopped her efforts to deny my request for reclassification. However, the harassment that I received when still in the Infants & Toddlers Program got so bad that it made me physically ill. My doctor then wrote and sent a letter to JoAnn Barnes and I was transferred. I now work in OESS but it is not much better because I am black balled. You really need to change the culture of HHS. I have been chastised many times because when a manager says to me, "But this is HHS" I respond no, this is Montgomery County Government and you cannot do whatever. I truly want to get out of HHS, however, more than that I truly want the culture to change for the sake of my fellow HHS employees. Thank you.
Marc Elrich Thank you for your detailed comments. I'm deeply grateful for our public workforce. I appreciate your feedback regarding the workplace culture and the issues you identified. My Administration is in the process of creating a labor-management partnership initiative with the County’s Office of Human Resources and others that will assist our employees in addressing workplace challenges; I encourage you to participate. I would also encourage you to contact both the Labor and EEO divisions of the County’s Office of Human Resources so that they can assist you in addressing concerns collaboratively with the County. Contact Traci Anderson in our Office of Human Resources to get the details; her number is 240-777-5052. The County strives to create a work environment that not only focuses on customer services but also efficiencies in our operations and also positive management of our resources, including our most valuable resources - our employees.
One thing I will be looking into is our workplace climate in HHS and elsewhere.
Linda from
Rockville
Do you support MD House Bill 102, which would enable a majority of affected counties to stop state toll roads through their jurisdictions if residents disapprove?
Marc Elrich Thank you for your question. I support this bill.
Thomas from
Rockville
Hello, I was born here and my parents are from El Salvador and Nicaragua. My question is to you is that knowing that the cost of illegal immigration significantly increases the cost of our education and our children why isnt there a way to make them pay for a portion of the costs out of pocket or prohibit them from going to our schools ?
Marc Elrich Thank you for your question. The Supreme Court has determined that all children have a right to a free public education, a decision with which I fully concur. Beyond the legal requirement, I believe that a wise and compassionate community should invest in the education of children. It's wise because these children will grow up in our communities and we want them to have every opportunity to succeed. In the end, this will be to everyone's economic advantage. It's compassionate because in many cases these children had no role in deciding to come to the U.S. and are often refugees from dangerous events in their countries. Finally, their families do pay taxes, which support public services.
Dave from
Silver Spring
Given that about half of the county budget goes to the public schools, shouldn’t there be a dedicated, independent Inspector General tasked with, among other things, making sure the money is appropriately and judiciously spent? The part-time BOE simply lacks the staff to monitor MCPS.
Marc Elrich Yes, I believe that every public organization should have an Inspector General. There is one for the County Government and County Council. There is work currently to implement one for the Housing Opportunities Commission and Montgomery College. Public agencies and elected officials should welcome an inspector general who should work diligently to make sure that our spending and practices are transparent.
Marc Elrich Thanks for joining me on this first discussion of my next 100 days. I look forward to hearing from each of you next month. Our staff will answer the questions that were unanswered if you reach out to me via my contact link.
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/exec/Contactcex.aspx
