NOTICE: Our Silver Spring Regional Center e-blast will be retooled over the next couple of months to better keep you informed. During this time you might experience lapse and/or intermittent delivery. Additionally, you might receive various requests for reply to specific questions to help us design a new more effective and efficient system. Please be on the lookout for these inquires - and reply. We hope to have the new system up and running after Labor Day.
Vicki Lockerman, our Regional Center staff who has so aptly done the e-blasts over the last couple of years will no longer be at the Regional Center as of July 1st , 2011. Due to budget cuts and administrative re-structuring, her position with the Regional Center will not be replaced. (Administrative support for all five Regional Centers, the Office of Community Partnership, and the Commission for Women will be consolidated as one support unit.)
It is critically important that whatever you might have sent Vicki in the past go directly to me until further notice.
SPECIAL NOTE: IT WOULD BE MOST HELPFUL IF INFORMATION YOU WANT US TO SHARE WITH OTHERS IS PROVIDED:
(1) AS A WEB-LINK WITH A SUCCINCT STATEMENT AS TO WHAT THE CONTENTS ARE;
(2) WITH A VERY CLEAR, DESCRIPTIVE, SUBJECT LINE; AND,
(3) AT LEAST ONE WEEK BEFORE YOU EXPECT IT TO BE DISSEMINATED.
I am confident that working together we can continue - and indeed improve! - ways to stay in touch and learn about all the great things going on in our Silver Spring Regional Center area.
There are additional changed going on in the Silver Spring Regional Center. I want to make sure you are aware of these and understand how they impact our work.
Please know that our intent is to creatively respond to our budget situation and realize fiscal efficiencies while minimizing negative impacts on our effectiveness. Indeed, our challenge is to seize this opportunity to reaffirm our core mission, retool some of what we do, and recognize that there might be some things we will need to do considerably different - and some that we will simply may not be able to continue doing.
The staff changes - and responsibilities - in the Silver Spring Regional Center as of July 1st include the following:
[] The position of Program Manager (held by Jewru Bandeh) will be eliminated. (Jewru has accepted a new position with Community Use of Public Facility (CUPF) as the Facility Operations Manager for the Civic Building and Veterans Plaza.)
[] The position of Special Executive Administrative Assistance (held by Vicki Lockerman) will be eliminated. (Vicki has accepted a position with the County’s Health and Human Services.)
[] The position of Weed & Seed Administrator (held by Victor Salazar) will no longer exist when the Department of Justice grant runs out September 30th. This position was with us for the maximum allowable time period, 5 years. (Victor has begun working with the Silver Spring Regional Center’s Urban District to replace Mark Rockman (the supervisor for the “Red Shirts”); Mark recently moved to the Department of Environmental Protection.)
[] The position of Program Specialist II (currently held by Gwen Haney) will be part of a new, consolidated administrative team. (The role of managing the facility - which Gwen did for this past year - is now shifted to CUPF.)
[] The position of Marketing and Promotions for the Urban District (held by Susan Hoffmann) will be officially transferred to the Recreation Department where it can be provided the extensive ‘back room support’ to continue doing the major events in Silver Spring that have Countywide and regional significance (i.e.: the Jazz Festival, Thanksgiving Parade, and Summer Concert Series.)
The Regional Center will rely on a new structure for its administrative support. This new, consolidated ‘business unit’ will serve all 5 Regional Centers, the Office of Community Partnership and the Commission for Women.
Some of these administrative functions will be housed in the Civic Building. The office of the Silver Spring Regional Center Director will remain in the Civic Building. Additionally, some staff from the Office of Community Partnership, interns, and an AmeriCorp position will be here as well; along with the staff from CUPF (the Facility Operations Manager and the Scheduler.)
The Regional Center will work collaborative with these and other County Departments to accomplish our core mission: To be the local “eyes and ears” of the community to County government; and be the County government “on the ground” to the community. The function, staff, and mission of the Urban District remains unchanged: To keep downtown Silver Spring clean and safe.
How all these changes will be manifested in our operations remains “a work in progress”. With your help, we are confident that our Silver Spring Regional Center area will continue ever-evolving as a stronger, more robust place to live, work, shop, be entertained, enjoy the arts, visit, play, and pray.
Reemberto Rodriguez, Director
Silver Spring Regional Center
{PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO CLICK THE 'FOLLOW' ICON ON THE LEFT IF YOU WANT TO GET THESE BLOG POSTINGS IN THE FUTURE.}
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Silver Spring Summer Swings Concert Series is back!
Every Thursday in July Veterans Plaza (downtown Silver Spring, in front of the Civic Building) will come alive with an incredible great line-up of bands for the SILVER SPRING SUMMER SWINGS CONCERT SERIES.
- July 7 Patrick Alban & Noche Latina – Latin/rock
- July 14 Elliot Levine – r&b, funk
- July 21 Second Wind -- rock & roll covers
- July 28 The David Bach Consort – world jazz
These FREE CONCERTS (July Thursdays 7-9 p.m.) will surely showcase our “public square” (Veterans Plaza) as the place to be for highest quality entertainment, finding new friends, and mingling with old acquaintances.
These July Concerts (the Silver Spring Summer Swings Concert Series) are sponsored in part by Discovery Communications.
Come by early so you can pick up something to eat at one of the many establishments in downtown Silver Spring… Bring your lawn chair… enJoy the Concert!
If you've been coming to the many wonderful performances that have been going on at the Plaza the past few weeks, you are sure to enjoy these Concerts in July... If you have not been by this summer yet, come on down(town)!
More info at: http://www.silverspringdowntown.com/event/summer-concert-series
{don’t forget to click the ‘follow’ on the left so you can get future postings of this blog automatically.}
- July 7 Patrick Alban & Noche Latina – Latin/rock
- July 14 Elliot Levine – r&b, funk
- July 21 Second Wind -- rock & roll covers
- July 28 The David Bach Consort – world jazz
These FREE CONCERTS (July Thursdays 7-9 p.m.) will surely showcase our “public square” (Veterans Plaza) as the place to be for highest quality entertainment, finding new friends, and mingling with old acquaintances.
These July Concerts (the Silver Spring Summer Swings Concert Series) are sponsored in part by Discovery Communications.
Come by early so you can pick up something to eat at one of the many establishments in downtown Silver Spring… Bring your lawn chair… enJoy the Concert!
If you've been coming to the many wonderful performances that have been going on at the Plaza the past few weeks, you are sure to enjoy these Concerts in July... If you have not been by this summer yet, come on down(town)!
More info at: http://www.silverspringdowntown.com/event/summer-concert-series
{don’t forget to click the ‘follow’ on the left so you can get future postings of this blog automatically.}
Thursday, June 23, 2011
You are invited to a public forum on the County’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)
-------------------------------
On Monday, July 11th (7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.) the Silver Spring Citizen Advisory Board will be hosting a 1 hour forum on the County’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP.) The purpose of the forum is to obtain public input and identify priorities for the CIP for Fiscal Years 2013 through 2018. The forum will be at the Silver Spring Civic Building.
As an outcome of the forum, the Citizens Advisory Board will prepare a list of CIP priorities to present to the County Executive. There will be county administrators present to answer questions as well.
WHAT IS THE CIP?
The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is the comprehensive presentation, submitted in even-numbered calendar years, of capital project expenditure estimates, funding requirements, capital budget requests, and program data for the construction of all buildings, roads, and other facilities planned by county agencies over a six-year period. The CIP constitutes a fiscal plan for proposed project expenditures and funding, and includes the annual capital budget for appropriations to fund project activity during the next fiscal year of the plan.
WHAT KIND OF PROJECTS ARE INCLUDED?
Capital Improvements have long-term usefulness and require large expenditures of capital funds usually programmed over more than one year and result in a durable capital asset such as buildings and roads.
In setting priorities and recommending projects, we will of course be mindful of the fiscal constraints that the County is facing.
WHAT ARE THE CIP PROJECTS CURRENTLY FUNDED IN SILVER SPRING?
These are being sorted now and will hopefully be available soon.
WHERE IS THERE MORE INFO ON-LINE?
The CIP for the Fiscal Year 2011 (ended June 30, 2011) can be found at:
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ombtmpl.asp?url=/content/omb/FY11/appr/index.asp
The Fiscal Year 2012 approved CIP Book will be published and posted to the web in July.
We look forward to seeing you JULY 11th 7pm at the Civic Building!
On Monday, July 11th (7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.) the Silver Spring Citizen Advisory Board will be hosting a 1 hour forum on the County’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP.) The purpose of the forum is to obtain public input and identify priorities for the CIP for Fiscal Years 2013 through 2018. The forum will be at the Silver Spring Civic Building.
As an outcome of the forum, the Citizens Advisory Board will prepare a list of CIP priorities to present to the County Executive. There will be county administrators present to answer questions as well.
WHAT IS THE CIP?
The Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is the comprehensive presentation, submitted in even-numbered calendar years, of capital project expenditure estimates, funding requirements, capital budget requests, and program data for the construction of all buildings, roads, and other facilities planned by county agencies over a six-year period. The CIP constitutes a fiscal plan for proposed project expenditures and funding, and includes the annual capital budget for appropriations to fund project activity during the next fiscal year of the plan.
WHAT KIND OF PROJECTS ARE INCLUDED?
Capital Improvements have long-term usefulness and require large expenditures of capital funds usually programmed over more than one year and result in a durable capital asset such as buildings and roads.
In setting priorities and recommending projects, we will of course be mindful of the fiscal constraints that the County is facing.
WHAT ARE THE CIP PROJECTS CURRENTLY FUNDED IN SILVER SPRING?
These are being sorted now and will hopefully be available soon.
WHERE IS THERE MORE INFO ON-LINE?
The CIP for the Fiscal Year 2011 (ended June 30, 2011) can be found at:
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ombtmpl.asp?url=/content/omb/FY11/appr/index.asp
The Fiscal Year 2012 approved CIP Book will be published and posted to the web in July.
We look forward to seeing you JULY 11th 7pm at the Civic Building!
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
What is going on in the world of deliberative democracy?
For those of us that are into this kind of stuff, you might find this listing of "what is going on in the worlds of deliberative democracy" interesting... The author - and keeper - of the list is Matt Leighninger, Executive Director of the Deliberative Democracy Consortium (Washington, DC) http://www.deliberative-democracy.net/
Using Online Tools to Engage the Public – How can online tools help you engage citizens in public decision-making and problem-solving? What are the most common mistakes being made by public managers and other leaders as they try to work with the public online? In a given scenario, which tools and tactics seem most appropriate and effective? Using Online Tools to Engage – and be Engaged by – the Public, Matt Leighninger’s report for the IBM Center for the Business of Government, delves into these questions, describes a range of scenarios and tactics, and gives real-world examples of online engagement. It highlights over 40 different technologies in use today to support various kinds of public participation. It is available free of charge at http://www.businessofgovernment.org/report/using-online-tools-engage-public
Citizenship DRC concludes its work – The Citizenship Development Research Centre in the UK, which has worked on issues of democracy and development for ten years, is closing its doors. But not without releasing a huge volume of helpful materials: their new website that contains all of the written outputs produced over the last ten years. You can search by keyword or browse the thematic areas, including a section on "Overarching lessons" where you can find their most definitive articles, including that last round of synthesis papers, which look at overarching and cross-cutting themes in the work. "DRC Worldwide" also features their research by country, easily accessible via an interactive map. http://www.drc-citizenship.org/
New LogoLink newsletter – LogoLink, the Learning Initiative on Citizen Participation and Local Governance, is a global network of practitioners from civil society organizations, research institutions and governments created to deepen democracy and social justice through greater citizen participation and engagement in local governance. Read the latest news from the LogoLink network on their newsletter, available in English and Spanish. http://www.logolink.org/index.php/news/logolinks-newsletter-march-2011-issue-online
American Speaks launches American Square – AmericaSpeaks has just launched The American Square, an experiment designed to bridge the online political gap and provide a safe space for civil, multi-partisan conversations about public policy and politics. The huge disparity between left and right in our current political environment is magnified on the web. This new effort is a deliberate, idealistic attempt to build a community of people who, while believing passionately in their ideals, also believe that our democracy requires respectful discourse and willingness to compromise. http://americaspeaks.org/blog/the-american-square-is-here-2/
Citizens’ Initiative Review passes in Oregon – The Oregon Senate passed legislation to establish the Citizens’ Initiative Review Commission, a new agency inspired by a successful deliberative democracy pilot project. In 2010, CIR citizen’s juries were organized to discuss two key ballot measures and generate nonpartisan statements for the Oregon’s voter guide. http://www.leg.state.or.us/press_releases/sdo_060111.html
NLC has new site – The National League of Cities has completely revamped its web-site. It is easier than ever to find the many resources and publications they offer on democratic governance at http://www.nlc.org/find-city-solutions/research-innovation/governance-civic-engagement. www.nlc.org
Video from Springfield Participatory Budgeting event – A recent event in Springfield, MA brought together Participatory Budgeting practitioners and researchers to talk about how it could be improved and implemented. A short video provides highlights of the presentations. http://www.springfieldinstitute.org/?p=4602
“Democracy Exchange” conference calls – The Campaign for Stronger Democracy will host a series of conversations this summer, called Democracy Exchanges, in order to explore important issues that impact the democracy reform community. Each month, they'll spotlight a different topic and ask key leaders to share their experiences working on it during a one hour conference call. Additionally, 10 minutes will be set aside in order to give a few other organizations a chance to provide a quick briefing on an important new project or campaign that the community should know about. Here are the topics and dates:
- How Can We More Effectively Appeal to New Audiences? – June 7 at 2pm Eastern
- How Can We Better Involve New Immigrants in our Civic Life? – July 7 at 2pm Eastern
- How Can We Fight Budget Cuts that Threaten Our Democracy? – August 2 at 1pm Eastern
More info at: http://strongerdemocracy.org/2011/05/09/dont-miss-this-summers-democracy-exchanges/
{TO GET FUTURE POSTINGS AUTOMATICALLY, CLICK THE 'FOLLOW' BUTTON}
Using Online Tools to Engage the Public – How can online tools help you engage citizens in public decision-making and problem-solving? What are the most common mistakes being made by public managers and other leaders as they try to work with the public online? In a given scenario, which tools and tactics seem most appropriate and effective? Using Online Tools to Engage – and be Engaged by – the Public, Matt Leighninger’s report for the IBM Center for the Business of Government, delves into these questions, describes a range of scenarios and tactics, and gives real-world examples of online engagement. It highlights over 40 different technologies in use today to support various kinds of public participation. It is available free of charge at http://www.businessofgovernment.org/report/using-online-tools-engage-public
Citizenship DRC concludes its work – The Citizenship Development Research Centre in the UK, which has worked on issues of democracy and development for ten years, is closing its doors. But not without releasing a huge volume of helpful materials: their new website that contains all of the written outputs produced over the last ten years. You can search by keyword or browse the thematic areas, including a section on "Overarching lessons" where you can find their most definitive articles, including that last round of synthesis papers, which look at overarching and cross-cutting themes in the work. "DRC Worldwide" also features their research by country, easily accessible via an interactive map. http://www.drc-citizenship.org/
New LogoLink newsletter – LogoLink, the Learning Initiative on Citizen Participation and Local Governance, is a global network of practitioners from civil society organizations, research institutions and governments created to deepen democracy and social justice through greater citizen participation and engagement in local governance. Read the latest news from the LogoLink network on their newsletter, available in English and Spanish. http://www.logolink.org/index.php/news/logolinks-newsletter-march-2011-issue-online
American Speaks launches American Square – AmericaSpeaks has just launched The American Square, an experiment designed to bridge the online political gap and provide a safe space for civil, multi-partisan conversations about public policy and politics. The huge disparity between left and right in our current political environment is magnified on the web. This new effort is a deliberate, idealistic attempt to build a community of people who, while believing passionately in their ideals, also believe that our democracy requires respectful discourse and willingness to compromise. http://americaspeaks.org/blog/the-american-square-is-here-2/
Citizens’ Initiative Review passes in Oregon – The Oregon Senate passed legislation to establish the Citizens’ Initiative Review Commission, a new agency inspired by a successful deliberative democracy pilot project. In 2010, CIR citizen’s juries were organized to discuss two key ballot measures and generate nonpartisan statements for the Oregon’s voter guide. http://www.leg.state.or.us/press_releases/sdo_060111.html
NLC has new site – The National League of Cities has completely revamped its web-site. It is easier than ever to find the many resources and publications they offer on democratic governance at http://www.nlc.org/find-city-solutions/research-innovation/governance-civic-engagement. www.nlc.org
Video from Springfield Participatory Budgeting event – A recent event in Springfield, MA brought together Participatory Budgeting practitioners and researchers to talk about how it could be improved and implemented. A short video provides highlights of the presentations. http://www.springfieldinstitute.org/?p=4602
“Democracy Exchange” conference calls – The Campaign for Stronger Democracy will host a series of conversations this summer, called Democracy Exchanges, in order to explore important issues that impact the democracy reform community. Each month, they'll spotlight a different topic and ask key leaders to share their experiences working on it during a one hour conference call. Additionally, 10 minutes will be set aside in order to give a few other organizations a chance to provide a quick briefing on an important new project or campaign that the community should know about. Here are the topics and dates:
- How Can We More Effectively Appeal to New Audiences? – June 7 at 2pm Eastern
- How Can We Better Involve New Immigrants in our Civic Life? – July 7 at 2pm Eastern
- How Can We Fight Budget Cuts that Threaten Our Democracy? – August 2 at 1pm Eastern
More info at: http://strongerdemocracy.org/2011/05/09/dont-miss-this-summers-democracy-exchanges/
{TO GET FUTURE POSTINGS AUTOMATICALLY, CLICK THE 'FOLLOW' BUTTON}
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
A (short) history of developemnt in downtown Silver Spring
The Silver Spring War and Rebirth: The Fall and Rise of an American Downtown
“Location is destiny”
By Gus Bauman
(An edited version of what was presented at the Makeover Montgomery Conference, April 14-16, 2011, Silver Spring Civic Building)
THE PRELUDE
1956 (June) The National Interstate Highway System Act signed – I-495, etc., looms large in the future
1960 (February) Wheaton Plaza (now Westfield Plaza) opens, ushering in a new era of mall shopping
1964 (August) Capital Beltway final segment opens
Mid-60’s Civil unrest accelerates, culminating in the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, III (1968)
1970’s “White flight” and business abandonment of cities becomes a flood
1978 (February) First Metrorail Station in Maryland opens in downtown Silver Spring
THE WAR
1984 (Friday, August 24) Demolition of the 1938 Silver Theatre and Shopping Center art deco elements begins - as historic designation hearing scheduled for September 5 of the same year
1984 (August 27) County issues demolition Stop-Work Order for demolition
1985 Silver Theatre closes, leaving downtown with a movie house
1986 (December) Regional mall, office towers, and hotel project proposed for CBD’s core (Silver Triangle) by local developer
1987 (September) Hech’t Department store leaves downtown Silver Spring for Wheaton Plaza
1988 (September 29) Planning Board approves Silver Triangle project after contentious hearing
1988 (November 8) County voters defeat referendum that would prevent funding of County garage necessary for Silver Triangle project
1988 (December) Group opposing Silver Triangle approval files lawsuit to overturn Silver Triangle approval
1989 (June) Nordstrom backs out of Silver Triangle project – but, Macy’s remains
1989 (July 5) Circuit court overturns Planning Board’s approval of Silver Triangle project
1989 (September) JCPenney, last remaining major retailer in downtown Silver Spring, closes its doors
1989 (December 14) Planning Board approves new Silver Triangle with revisions and conditions
1980’s Several office towers built near Metro Station – NOAA’s headquarter was not to complete consolidation until later (1993)
1990 (September 11) County Executive election process debates Silver Triangle project; supporter wins
1991 (January 7) Maryland high court reverses Circuit Court decision,
reinstating 1988 Silver Triangle project approval
1991 (March) Planning Board holds hearing on Draft Silver Spring Central Business District (CBD) Sector Plan
1991 (June) JC Penney sings on with Macy’s at Silver Triangle project
THE TRUCE
1991 (December) County-initiated mediation leads to compromise plan for radically revised project (Silver Spring II)
1992 (January) Macy’s files for bankruptcy protection
1992 (February) Urban Land Institute (ULI) submits its Downtown Silver Spring Report evaluating the Silver Triangle site, to County
1992 (April) City Place opens at Hecht’s site
1992 (August) County adopts Urban Renewal Plan for CBD core, 29 acres of downtown’s 360 acres
1993 (April) County adopts CBD Sector Plan for the Revival of Downtown Silver Spring
1994 (February) Per the Sector Plan, County places Silver Theatre and Shopping Center on Historic Preservation Master Plan as JCPenney, in financial turmoil, withdraws from Silver Triangle II project
1994 (December) Silver Spring Alternatives Working Group - 21 members – issues Report to the County Executive on retail development alternatives for east side of urban renewal area (as Macy’s emerges from bankruptcy protection)
1995 (January) Greater Silver Spring Committee- 19 members – issues Report to new County Executive recommending termination of County’s development agreement with Silver Triangle developer
1995 (January 9) County and Silver Triangle developer terminate relationship
1995 (May) County issues Request for Expressions of Interest for portion of the east side of the urban renewal area – 14 acres
1996 (February) Silver Spring Redevelopment Advisory Board – 48 members – recommends County negotiate with Canadian development Company for American Dream retail/entertainment proposal
1996 (November) County terminates development agreement with American Dream developer for inability to secure required private financing
1996 (December) State designates Silver Spring Enterprise Zone – to be administered by Cunty - offering employment and property tax credits
1996 Report indicates that over 220 businesses have left the area in the last decade; office vacancy reaches 39%; storefront vacancy exceeds 25%
THE RECONSTRUCTION
1997 (February) Silver Spring Redevelopment Steering Committee – 31 members – appointed by County Executive to advise County and developers on concepts for urban renewal area
1997 (May) County Executive enters into exclusive negotiation with joint venture development team to craft “town center” project plan
1998 (April) County sings development agreement with joint venture developers for town center concept – “Downtown Silver Spring” – on urban renewal area’s east side; and agrees to purchase, restore and expand Silver Theater into film complex, securing agreement with the American Film Institute (AFI) to operate it
1998 (October) Discovery Communications agrees to move to Silver Spring on urban renewal’s west side
2000 (February) County adopts Silver Spring CBD Sector Plan, a refinement of
the 1993 Plan
2000 (August – October) Phase I of Downtown Silver Spring project opens with several retail stores
2002 (January) State designates the Silver Spring Arts & Entertainment District, offering financial assistance and certain tax benefits
2003 (March – April) Discover Communications; AFI Silver Theater and Cultural Center opens; and, Round House Theatre have their grand openings
2006 (June) Typifying new development in the area, Phase I of United Therapeutics headquarters and labs opens
2007 Typifying arts-centric growth, the Maryland Youth Ballet moves to Downtown Silver Spring
2011 (Fall) Fillmore Silver Spring (music hall) set to open at vacant JCPenney building under public –private partnership agreement
Latter part of 00’s & early 10’s Public investment intensifies with the construction of the Silver Spring Innovations Center (2004); County Court House; Fire Station; various facilities at Montgomery College (Health and Sciences Center, Cafritz Foundation Arts Center, Cultural Arts Center); Silver Spring Civic Building and Veterans Plaza; Transit Center set to open in 2012; and Library in 2013
THE OUTCOMES SO FAR
Over the last decade, over $450 million in public investments leveraged to support some $2 billion in private investments; approximately 2,500 new residential units built – and over 1,500 approved and underway; dozens of new restaurants; 3 hotels open; more planned
CBD tax base grows 62%
Zip code 20910 becomes highest median home price area in Greater Silver Spring’s eight zip codes
Office vacancy rate second lowest in county
…others?
NOTE: FOR A 'CONTEXTUAL' FULL BOOK ABOUT DOWNTOWN SILVER SPRING, CHECK OUT JERRY McCOY'S "DOWNTOWN SILVER SPRING (THEN AND NOW)"... GREAT PICTURES!
Updated December 2011: Also see a 'video tour' of downtown from the historical preservation perspective HERE.
{PLEASE 'FOLLOW' THIS BLOG SO YOU CAN GET FUTURE POSTINGS AUTOMATICALLY}
“Location is destiny”
By Gus Bauman
(An edited version of what was presented at the Makeover Montgomery Conference, April 14-16, 2011, Silver Spring Civic Building)
THE PRELUDE
1956 (June) The National Interstate Highway System Act signed – I-495, etc., looms large in the future
1960 (February) Wheaton Plaza (now Westfield Plaza) opens, ushering in a new era of mall shopping
1964 (August) Capital Beltway final segment opens
Mid-60’s Civil unrest accelerates, culminating in the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, III (1968)
1970’s “White flight” and business abandonment of cities becomes a flood
1978 (February) First Metrorail Station in Maryland opens in downtown Silver Spring
THE WAR
1984 (Friday, August 24) Demolition of the 1938 Silver Theatre and Shopping Center art deco elements begins - as historic designation hearing scheduled for September 5 of the same year
1984 (August 27) County issues demolition Stop-Work Order for demolition
1985 Silver Theatre closes, leaving downtown with a movie house
1986 (December) Regional mall, office towers, and hotel project proposed for CBD’s core (Silver Triangle) by local developer
1987 (September) Hech’t Department store leaves downtown Silver Spring for Wheaton Plaza
1988 (September 29) Planning Board approves Silver Triangle project after contentious hearing
1988 (November 8) County voters defeat referendum that would prevent funding of County garage necessary for Silver Triangle project
1988 (December) Group opposing Silver Triangle approval files lawsuit to overturn Silver Triangle approval
1989 (June) Nordstrom backs out of Silver Triangle project – but, Macy’s remains
1989 (July 5) Circuit court overturns Planning Board’s approval of Silver Triangle project
1989 (September) JCPenney, last remaining major retailer in downtown Silver Spring, closes its doors
1989 (December 14) Planning Board approves new Silver Triangle with revisions and conditions
1980’s Several office towers built near Metro Station – NOAA’s headquarter was not to complete consolidation until later (1993)
1990 (September 11) County Executive election process debates Silver Triangle project; supporter wins
1991 (January 7) Maryland high court reverses Circuit Court decision,
reinstating 1988 Silver Triangle project approval
1991 (March) Planning Board holds hearing on Draft Silver Spring Central Business District (CBD) Sector Plan
1991 (June) JC Penney sings on with Macy’s at Silver Triangle project
THE TRUCE
1991 (December) County-initiated mediation leads to compromise plan for radically revised project (Silver Spring II)
1992 (January) Macy’s files for bankruptcy protection
1992 (February) Urban Land Institute (ULI) submits its Downtown Silver Spring Report evaluating the Silver Triangle site, to County
1992 (April) City Place opens at Hecht’s site
1992 (August) County adopts Urban Renewal Plan for CBD core, 29 acres of downtown’s 360 acres
1993 (April) County adopts CBD Sector Plan for the Revival of Downtown Silver Spring
1994 (February) Per the Sector Plan, County places Silver Theatre and Shopping Center on Historic Preservation Master Plan as JCPenney, in financial turmoil, withdraws from Silver Triangle II project
1994 (December) Silver Spring Alternatives Working Group - 21 members – issues Report to the County Executive on retail development alternatives for east side of urban renewal area (as Macy’s emerges from bankruptcy protection)
1995 (January) Greater Silver Spring Committee- 19 members – issues Report to new County Executive recommending termination of County’s development agreement with Silver Triangle developer
1995 (January 9) County and Silver Triangle developer terminate relationship
1995 (May) County issues Request for Expressions of Interest for portion of the east side of the urban renewal area – 14 acres
1996 (February) Silver Spring Redevelopment Advisory Board – 48 members – recommends County negotiate with Canadian development Company for American Dream retail/entertainment proposal
1996 (November) County terminates development agreement with American Dream developer for inability to secure required private financing
1996 (December) State designates Silver Spring Enterprise Zone – to be administered by Cunty - offering employment and property tax credits
1996 Report indicates that over 220 businesses have left the area in the last decade; office vacancy reaches 39%; storefront vacancy exceeds 25%
THE RECONSTRUCTION
1997 (February) Silver Spring Redevelopment Steering Committee – 31 members – appointed by County Executive to advise County and developers on concepts for urban renewal area
1997 (May) County Executive enters into exclusive negotiation with joint venture development team to craft “town center” project plan
1998 (April) County sings development agreement with joint venture developers for town center concept – “Downtown Silver Spring” – on urban renewal area’s east side; and agrees to purchase, restore and expand Silver Theater into film complex, securing agreement with the American Film Institute (AFI) to operate it
1998 (October) Discovery Communications agrees to move to Silver Spring on urban renewal’s west side
2000 (February) County adopts Silver Spring CBD Sector Plan, a refinement of
the 1993 Plan
2000 (August – October) Phase I of Downtown Silver Spring project opens with several retail stores
2002 (January) State designates the Silver Spring Arts & Entertainment District, offering financial assistance and certain tax benefits
2003 (March – April) Discover Communications; AFI Silver Theater and Cultural Center opens; and, Round House Theatre have their grand openings
2006 (June) Typifying new development in the area, Phase I of United Therapeutics headquarters and labs opens
2007 Typifying arts-centric growth, the Maryland Youth Ballet moves to Downtown Silver Spring
2011 (Fall) Fillmore Silver Spring (music hall) set to open at vacant JCPenney building under public –private partnership agreement
Latter part of 00’s & early 10’s Public investment intensifies with the construction of the Silver Spring Innovations Center (2004); County Court House; Fire Station; various facilities at Montgomery College (Health and Sciences Center, Cafritz Foundation Arts Center, Cultural Arts Center); Silver Spring Civic Building and Veterans Plaza; Transit Center set to open in 2012; and Library in 2013
THE OUTCOMES SO FAR
Over the last decade, over $450 million in public investments leveraged to support some $2 billion in private investments; approximately 2,500 new residential units built – and over 1,500 approved and underway; dozens of new restaurants; 3 hotels open; more planned
CBD tax base grows 62%
Zip code 20910 becomes highest median home price area in Greater Silver Spring’s eight zip codes
Office vacancy rate second lowest in county
…others?
NOTE: FOR A 'CONTEXTUAL' FULL BOOK ABOUT DOWNTOWN SILVER SPRING, CHECK OUT JERRY McCOY'S "DOWNTOWN SILVER SPRING (THEN AND NOW)"... GREAT PICTURES!
Updated December 2011: Also see a 'video tour' of downtown from the historical preservation perspective HERE.
{PLEASE 'FOLLOW' THIS BLOG SO YOU CAN GET FUTURE POSTINGS AUTOMATICALLY}
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Community Roundtables & Non-Profit Showcases
This is a CALL TO ACTION for constructive dialogue!
Have you ever wanted to "take your message to the streets"? Have you ever felt constrained by the traditional methods of getting together in "informational meetings" or felt that a room with four walls is not necessarily the best place to be innovative or engaging? What if you could "meet people where they are at" rather than having them have to come to you?
Well, have you heard of these two amazing opportunities for bringing your organization's message to a new population?
[1] COMMUNITY ROUNDTABLE AT THE FENTON STREET MARKET Saturdays mornings (time determined by you) The Fenton Street Market, held every Saturday on Veterans Plaza (downtown Silver Spring) makes available a couple of tables and chairs where you can enter into a dialogue with the folks that happen to be at the market - and, of course, you can also invite folks beforehand to make sure you have a good crowd.
These conversations in the marketplace have already demonstrated to be highly successful. Facilitators have included Senator Jamie Raskin discussing the new "B" Corporations; Regional Center Director Reemberto Rodriguez inviting people to volunteer; and Delegate Tom Hucker talking about Pepco and clean energy.
If you have an enticing topic that you want to bring to this space, please contact Hannah McCann at Hannah@FentonStreetMarket.com
[2] NON-PROFIT SHOWCASE Monday evenings (7-9) on Veterans Plaza (downtown Silver Spring) These experimental dialogues started as "Monday Evening Conversations", but soon it became evident that they are a wonderful opportunity for our robust non-profit community to connect with a population that may not normally know about them. The idea is simple: We have a wonderful 'public square' in Veterans Plaza. People from all walks of life 'happen to come by' at any given moment. Monday evenings at the Plaza provide as good opportunity as any to seize the moment and engage folks that happen to be there... And, of course, it also provides a great opportunity to be intentional about bringing people to join in the dialogue.
Non-profits are welcome to sign up to 'showcase' their organization. The idea is that non-profits would come by, be available to those on the Plaza, walk arond and engage them in substantive dialogue about mission, services, and/or volunteering opportunities. (More than one non-profit can be there at one time - it is a big Plaza!) NOTE: There is no staff support provided for logistics or equipment. While there are small tables on the Plaza, organizations are encouraged to bring their own table if they are going to display material.
If your organization wants to participate, simply e-mail Gwen Haney at Gwen.Haney@MontgomeryCountyMd.Gov
We hope you take advantage of these two opportunities!
{Please consider 'following' this blog so you get future postings automatically... Just click the "FOLLOW" icon on the left.}
Have you ever wanted to "take your message to the streets"? Have you ever felt constrained by the traditional methods of getting together in "informational meetings" or felt that a room with four walls is not necessarily the best place to be innovative or engaging? What if you could "meet people where they are at" rather than having them have to come to you?
Well, have you heard of these two amazing opportunities for bringing your organization's message to a new population?
[1] COMMUNITY ROUNDTABLE AT THE FENTON STREET MARKET Saturdays mornings (time determined by you) The Fenton Street Market, held every Saturday on Veterans Plaza (downtown Silver Spring) makes available a couple of tables and chairs where you can enter into a dialogue with the folks that happen to be at the market - and, of course, you can also invite folks beforehand to make sure you have a good crowd.
These conversations in the marketplace have already demonstrated to be highly successful. Facilitators have included Senator Jamie Raskin discussing the new "B" Corporations; Regional Center Director Reemberto Rodriguez inviting people to volunteer; and Delegate Tom Hucker talking about Pepco and clean energy.
If you have an enticing topic that you want to bring to this space, please contact Hannah McCann at Hannah@FentonStreetMarket.com
[2] NON-PROFIT SHOWCASE Monday evenings (7-9) on Veterans Plaza (downtown Silver Spring) These experimental dialogues started as "Monday Evening Conversations", but soon it became evident that they are a wonderful opportunity for our robust non-profit community to connect with a population that may not normally know about them. The idea is simple: We have a wonderful 'public square' in Veterans Plaza. People from all walks of life 'happen to come by' at any given moment. Monday evenings at the Plaza provide as good opportunity as any to seize the moment and engage folks that happen to be there... And, of course, it also provides a great opportunity to be intentional about bringing people to join in the dialogue.
Non-profits are welcome to sign up to 'showcase' their organization. The idea is that non-profits would come by, be available to those on the Plaza, walk arond and engage them in substantive dialogue about mission, services, and/or volunteering opportunities. (More than one non-profit can be there at one time - it is a big Plaza!) NOTE: There is no staff support provided for logistics or equipment. While there are small tables on the Plaza, organizations are encouraged to bring their own table if they are going to display material.
If your organization wants to participate, simply e-mail Gwen Haney at Gwen.Haney@MontgomeryCountyMd.Gov
We hope you take advantage of these two opportunities!
{Please consider 'following' this blog so you get future postings automatically... Just click the "FOLLOW" icon on the left.}
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
WHAT A WEEKEND AWAITS US! Silver Spring “To-Do’s”
---------------------
Wow! First weekend after Memorial Day; weather is hot; so much to do – so little time!
The diversity of activities that are available to us in the Silver Spring Regional Center area at any given time is truly amazing… This coming weekend, for example, there are events and activities for every taste.
Stay close to home. Soak in some of these activities. Bump into someone you know; and/or someone you don’t know… Share with them what makes our community great; invite them to that next exciting community meeting, gathering, or dialogue!... You never know when you might run across that next great civic leader, entrepreneur, or business innovator…
You can start on Thursday (June, the 2nd starting at 9 a.m.) at the Montgomery County Planning Board’s meeting for, among other things, an update on “Vision 2030 for Parks & Recreation.” See the results of countless input sessions. “The Planning Board presentation will include highlights of the final plan objectives and staff’s proposed strategies to implement them, as well as an explanation of the financial recommendations for aligning park and recreation services with a cost recovery philosophy.”
Later on that evening, stop by Veterans Plaza (June, the 2nd at 7 p.m.) to listen to the Greater U Street Jazz Collective. There are sure to be lots of community folks around making an evening of it!
Come back to Veterans Plaza on Friday afternoon to partake in the National Center for Children and Families NCCF “Inaugural Youth Art Fair” (Friday, June the 3rd 4-6:30 p.m.) “Come support the youth in our community as they confidently present and share their artistic gifts on the plaza. Free to the public, you can purchase from over 100 original works of art from the area’s most talented youth. This youth-led program also features various dance groups and musical talents.”
Later that evening, starting at 6:00 p.m., join Honorary Chair, Barbara Harrison of NBC4, and over 500 supporters of NCCF, philanthropists, and art enthusiasts, as they bid on fine art, unique items featured in “Gifts from the Soul” silent auction, live music, and a live auction of artwork by artists in NCCF’s Greentree Adolescent Program (GAP) and Greentree Shelter (GTS). (“Art & Soul Charity Auction” - Pre-purchased tickets required!)
For a different take, you can choose to go watch Lesbians and the Men Who Love Them: How Maria Came In at the Takoma Park Community Center (7:30 p.m.)
For another ‘different take’, at about the same time (8 p.m.) you can “pay what u can” at the Bobrauschenbergamerica Show by Forum Theatre, performed at the Roundhouse Black Box on Colesville Road (next to AFI.)
Oh, by the way, as long as you are by the AFI, why not check out the Caribbean Film Festival offerings? Or some of their other excellent films showing there? (You simply can’t go wrong!)
Go home and get some sleep, because Saturday you have to get out of bed bright and early to make it to the Fenton Street Market on Veterans Plaza and the adjoining FreshFarm Farmers Market on Ellwsorth Drive (Downtown Silver Spring.) {This Saturday at 11 a.m., Delegate Tom Hucker will be leading a conversation on Pepco and clean energy at the Community Roundtable a the Fenton Street Market.}
Want to venture out of downtown? How about going on a neighborhood walk of our Four Corners Community? Join the Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board’s Neighborhoods Committee for this walking tour Saturday, June 4. We will meet at 10 a.m. at Silver Spring Stage (www.ssstage.org/) in the Woodmoor Shopping Center.{Please RSVP to Casey Anderson, Committee Chair, caseybanderson@aol.com, or Jim Zepp, jzepp@mindspring.com so we know how much space to reserve for lunch.}
Walk over to Pyramid Atlantic at 1 p.m. to catch the opening reception for an exhibit by Max-Karl Winklery at the Washington Printmakers Gallery… Then, go back to downtown to meet Patti Owens, the artists showing some of her work at the ArtSpring store (second floor, above PotBelly’s) at 2-5 p.m…
If you are really adventurous and want to listen to some experimental sounds (music, some might even call it!) go back to Pyramid Atlantic at 7:30 p.m. for “Off the Grid – Sonic Circuits”.
Or, you may want to head out to Blair High School and catch the opening game for the Takoma Park / Silver Spring Thunderbolts Baseball Team – the best up-and-coming team in the wooden bat Carl Ripken League at 7 p.m. (The teams are made up of college players from throughout the country.) If you miss them Saturday, they’ll play again on Sunday at 6 p.m.
Sunday is no “rest day” this weekend!
Takoma Park has its fantastic Jazz Festival over at Old Takoma Park (downtown TP) from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
But, if you go to the Festival, make sure you step out with all your electronic stuff that you want to recycle. Silver Spring Green and Montgomery County are doing an ‘e-recycling event’ from noon till 4 p.m. Bring your old t.v., computer - whatever - to the Blair High School parking lot where they will be collected and disposed of properly.
Or, you can go back to downtown for the amazaing "Taste of Africa" (on Ellsworth Dr.) through the afternoon and evening.
After this exhausting weekend, you can go back home and chill out to your favorite tunes, hang out with your cats and dogs (or family and friends) and share all the stories of the amazing weekend that proves – once again – that this is a wonderful community in which to live!
NOTE: IF YOU WANT MORE INFO IN ANY OF THE ABOVE, GOOGLE THE EVENT, ADD ‘SILVER SPRING’, AND IT SHOULD TAKE YOU TO THE EVENT'S WEB-SITE.
See you around!
{And, don’t forget to click the ‘follow’ button so you can get future blog postings automatically.}
Wow! First weekend after Memorial Day; weather is hot; so much to do – so little time!
The diversity of activities that are available to us in the Silver Spring Regional Center area at any given time is truly amazing… This coming weekend, for example, there are events and activities for every taste.
Stay close to home. Soak in some of these activities. Bump into someone you know; and/or someone you don’t know… Share with them what makes our community great; invite them to that next exciting community meeting, gathering, or dialogue!... You never know when you might run across that next great civic leader, entrepreneur, or business innovator…
You can start on Thursday (June, the 2nd starting at 9 a.m.) at the Montgomery County Planning Board’s meeting for, among other things, an update on “Vision 2030 for Parks & Recreation.” See the results of countless input sessions. “The Planning Board presentation will include highlights of the final plan objectives and staff’s proposed strategies to implement them, as well as an explanation of the financial recommendations for aligning park and recreation services with a cost recovery philosophy.”
Later on that evening, stop by Veterans Plaza (June, the 2nd at 7 p.m.) to listen to the Greater U Street Jazz Collective. There are sure to be lots of community folks around making an evening of it!
Come back to Veterans Plaza on Friday afternoon to partake in the National Center for Children and Families NCCF “Inaugural Youth Art Fair” (Friday, June the 3rd 4-6:30 p.m.) “Come support the youth in our community as they confidently present and share their artistic gifts on the plaza. Free to the public, you can purchase from over 100 original works of art from the area’s most talented youth. This youth-led program also features various dance groups and musical talents.”
Later that evening, starting at 6:00 p.m., join Honorary Chair, Barbara Harrison of NBC4, and over 500 supporters of NCCF, philanthropists, and art enthusiasts, as they bid on fine art, unique items featured in “Gifts from the Soul” silent auction, live music, and a live auction of artwork by artists in NCCF’s Greentree Adolescent Program (GAP) and Greentree Shelter (GTS). (“Art & Soul Charity Auction” - Pre-purchased tickets required!)
For a different take, you can choose to go watch Lesbians and the Men Who Love Them: How Maria Came In at the Takoma Park Community Center (7:30 p.m.)
For another ‘different take’, at about the same time (8 p.m.) you can “pay what u can” at the Bobrauschenbergamerica Show by Forum Theatre, performed at the Roundhouse Black Box on Colesville Road (next to AFI.)
Oh, by the way, as long as you are by the AFI, why not check out the Caribbean Film Festival offerings? Or some of their other excellent films showing there? (You simply can’t go wrong!)
Go home and get some sleep, because Saturday you have to get out of bed bright and early to make it to the Fenton Street Market on Veterans Plaza and the adjoining FreshFarm Farmers Market on Ellwsorth Drive (Downtown Silver Spring.) {This Saturday at 11 a.m., Delegate Tom Hucker will be leading a conversation on Pepco and clean energy at the Community Roundtable a the Fenton Street Market.}
Want to venture out of downtown? How about going on a neighborhood walk of our Four Corners Community? Join the Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board’s Neighborhoods Committee for this walking tour Saturday, June 4. We will meet at 10 a.m. at Silver Spring Stage (www.ssstage.org/) in the Woodmoor Shopping Center.{Please RSVP to Casey Anderson, Committee Chair, caseybanderson@aol.com, or Jim Zepp, jzepp@mindspring.com so we know how much space to reserve for lunch.}
Walk over to Pyramid Atlantic at 1 p.m. to catch the opening reception for an exhibit by Max-Karl Winklery at the Washington Printmakers Gallery… Then, go back to downtown to meet Patti Owens, the artists showing some of her work at the ArtSpring store (second floor, above PotBelly’s) at 2-5 p.m…
If you are really adventurous and want to listen to some experimental sounds (music, some might even call it!) go back to Pyramid Atlantic at 7:30 p.m. for “Off the Grid – Sonic Circuits”.
Or, you may want to head out to Blair High School and catch the opening game for the Takoma Park / Silver Spring Thunderbolts Baseball Team – the best up-and-coming team in the wooden bat Carl Ripken League at 7 p.m. (The teams are made up of college players from throughout the country.) If you miss them Saturday, they’ll play again on Sunday at 6 p.m.
Sunday is no “rest day” this weekend!
Takoma Park has its fantastic Jazz Festival over at Old Takoma Park (downtown TP) from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
But, if you go to the Festival, make sure you step out with all your electronic stuff that you want to recycle. Silver Spring Green and Montgomery County are doing an ‘e-recycling event’ from noon till 4 p.m. Bring your old t.v., computer - whatever - to the Blair High School parking lot where they will be collected and disposed of properly.
Or, you can go back to downtown for the amazaing "Taste of Africa" (on Ellsworth Dr.) through the afternoon and evening.
After this exhausting weekend, you can go back home and chill out to your favorite tunes, hang out with your cats and dogs (or family and friends) and share all the stories of the amazing weekend that proves – once again – that this is a wonderful community in which to live!
NOTE: IF YOU WANT MORE INFO IN ANY OF THE ABOVE, GOOGLE THE EVENT, ADD ‘SILVER SPRING’, AND IT SHOULD TAKE YOU TO THE EVENT'S WEB-SITE.
See you around!
{And, don’t forget to click the ‘follow’ button so you can get future blog postings automatically.}
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