  MCDOT Updates County Council Committees on Shared Streets Program MCDOT, Montgomery Parks and Maryland Department of Transportation briefed the Montgomery County Council’s Transportation and Environment and Planning, Housing, and Economic Development committees on Dec. 10, on their experiences in creating the Shared/Open Streets programs and provided a preview on what to expect for these programs over the upcoming winter months. MCDOT Director Chris Conklin, Acting Deputy Director for Policy Hannah Henn and Planning Specialist Kyle Lukacs discussed the adjustments that have been made since the program started from resident input. MCDOT’s Shared Streets converts sections of streets in the county’s downtown areas to pedestrian-only spaces in an effort to provide restaurants and residents safe spaces for outdoor dining, recreation, safe social opportunities during the COVID-19 health crisis. Outdoor dining is a part of the Shared Streets program in Bethesda and Wheaton, and other jurisdictions such as Rockville City and Takoma Park have supported outdoor dining on local streets. MCDOT also offers residents a chance to turn their street into a temporary shared street by submitting application for a permit. Learn more at
montgomerycountymd.gov/dot/sharedstreets.  Still Open This Winter Many local restaurants and businesses continue to rely on MCDOT’s Shared Streets program for curbside access and space for outdoor dining. Shared Streets temporarily adjusts the uses of roadways to support activities such as biking, walking, outdoor dining and recreation. All in-street activity must comply with public health guidance during the COVID-19 health crisis. See the locations of Shared Streets and learn more at montgomerycountymd.gov/dot/sharedstreets.  Webinar Recording Available On-Demand: Transportation Options During COVID-19 for Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, MCDOT and the Jewish Council for the Aging’s Connect-A-Ride program recently held a webinar followed by a public question and answer session to discuss the many transportation options and resources available for older residents and adults with disabilities. The session highlighted information on changes in transportation services and safety practices in response to the COVID-19 health crisis. Learn more about the session and watch the recording at your convenience at youtu.be/xKB8CWMg0y8.  MCDOT’s Leaf Collection to Be Completed On ScheduleThis year’s mild fall weather helped MCDOT’s leafing crews to anticipate completing leaf collection this week. Watch this video about the program. Learn more and check out the video on how to prepare leaves properly and why it is important to keep leaf piles clear of trash and off of the streets. While leaf collection has concluded for the year, there are still year-round options for bagged leaf collection with paper lawn bags on your recycling day or by bringing leaves in brown paper bags or reusable containers to the Shady Grove Transfer Station. Another option is mowing them into your lawn and leaving them in place to fertilize your yard naturally. If you are looking for a way to help your community, but still want to remain socially distanced and outdoors, please consider reaching out to your elderly neighbors or neighbors with disabilities to ask if they need help raking their leaves. Raking leaves is a great way to help others while getting good exercise.  MCDOT and Forbes Offer Information for Teleworkers Due to the COVID-19 pandemic many employers have quickly implemented telework programs – with little to no preparation. Supervisors may find it challenging to manage staff resources while so many of your employees are working remotely and wonder what types of technology solutions, organizational structure or communications strategies might help you and your staff be more productive under these circumstances. Watch our webinar for helpful guidelines to start and manage your telework program. As an employee, are you finding it challenging to manage your workload and manager’s expectations? Wonder what types of technology solutions, organizational structure or communications strategies might help you to be more productive under these circumstances? Watch our webinar for guidelines to help you telework productively. Webinars can be found online at montgomerycountymd.gov/dot-dir/commuter/telework/index.html.   Temporary Partial Closure of MCDOT's Auburn-Del Ray Garage in Bethesda MCDOT's Division of Parking Management will be conducting necessary repairs in the Auburn-Del Ray Garage (Garage 36) in Bethesda. - The garage will be closed to the public from the entrance ramp upwards from Dec.15 at 5:00 a.m. to Dec.16 at 5:00 p.m. Only the ADA Spaces on the ground floor will be available.
- The garage will be partially closed to the public on Friday, December 18 from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
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 Neighborhood Activity Grants Available Until June 2021 Neighborhood organizations, block groups, tenant or civic groups, and similar organizations are eligible to apply for matching grants of up to $1,000 for events and activities that promote community engagement, encourage capacity-building and networking and stimulate the local economy. Virtual and hybrid events qualify. Learn more and apply here. |
 Maryland and Virginia are seeking public input about potential solutions to reduce congestion on the I-495- American Legion bridge, improve trip reliability and regional connections, and enhance existing and planned multi-modal mobility and connectivity. Take the survey. |
 Bird E-Scooters Now Accept PayPal Micromobility riders around the world can now set PayPal as their preferred payment option for their Bird account. Learn more by visiting the Bird Cities blog. |
 Montgomery Parks Open This WinterStay fit this holiday! Use almost seven miles of Montgomery Parks roads that are closed to vehicles 9 a.m. Fridays through 4 p.m. Sundays throughout the COVID-19 health crisis for walkers, bikers and runners, include: - Beach Drive from Connecticut Avenue to Knowles Avenue (2.7 miles)
- Sligo Creek Parkway (2.6 miles)
- Old Carroll Avenue to Piney Branch Road
- Forest Glen Road to University Boulevard
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 For department updates, follow @MCDOTNow on Twitter, visit the department website at montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot,
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