-----------------------------------------
If your faith community is located in the Silver Spring Regional Area*; you are offering a holiday concert; you’d welcome neighbors of different faiths joining in; and, it is free, we invite you to post the details as a ‘comment’ on this blog. We’ll take care of gathering the info, making a comprehensive list, and e-blasting it.
One of the neatest things about living in Silver Spring Regional Area is the incredible number of faith communities that dot our landscape. With the holidays coming up, many of these faith communities will be celebrating with music concerts.
Most often these musical events are welcoming of all, regardless of congregational membership or faith orientation. Some of the most vibrant, exhilarating holiday music we hear is oftentimes from faith traditions other than our own. These concerts and musical events can be truly beautiful and a great opportunity to celebrate what connects us.
Our faith communities are a major integral part of our cultural fabric and provide solid anchors to our civic and social justice work. The agendas of different faith communities often intersect in the work they do with the disadvantaged. However, we are oftentimes so busy doing good in our focused project or program that we forget to check in with our neighboring faith communities to see if by occasionally collaborating we could have a more pronounced impact… Maybe by listening and enjoying each other’s music we can begin establishing the rapport that could lead to many possibilities in 2012!
If your faith community is located in the Silver Spring Regional Area*; you are offering a holiday concert; you’d welcome neighbors of different faiths joining in; and, it is free, please post the details as a ‘comment’ on this blog. We’ll take care of gathering the info, making a comprehensive list, and e-blasting it.
Simply ‘cut & paste’ the following into the ‘comment’ section of this blog and add your information:
[] NAME OF FAITH COMMUNITY:
[] NAME OF CONCERT:
[] DATE(S):
[] START TIME(S):
[] CONTACT PERSON (w/e-mail):
[] OTHER INFO:
(*The Silver Spring Regional Area consists of the area in Montgomery County south of the Beltway (plus Four Corners), east of Rock Creek Park, and west of Prince George’s County. It includes the City of Takoma Park all the other wonderful neighborhoods, and downtown Silver Spring.)
{And as always: We encourage you to ‘follow’ this blog so you get future postings automatically.}
Friday, November 4, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
What folks were saying at the Community Services Week "Party"
October 22, 2011 was a great day in Silver Spring – and a great day for Montgomery County!
We celebrated the end of Community Services Week with a wonderful event on Veterans Plaza. A great band was playing while many community organizations and institutions had table with information about how they work with volunteers to help our community. (This came after a day of volunteer projects in the Civic Building.)
The Silver Spring Regional Area’s own “Community Engagement Specialist” (Andre Roa - 'Dre- , our AmeriCorp team member) made a map of the area and asked folks to put a pin indicating where they live (if they live in our area.)
He also asked them to put a ‘sticky’ on the map sharing what they like about this amazing community… Some of the comments included:
[] Diversity
[] ] We have urban gardeners; we have doc film fests at AFI; we have cool small businesses; we have the best restaurants (Mandalay, my fave); we have the Quary House & Side Bar & Adega; we have parks – Sligo & Long Branch and we have NICE PEOPLE!!
[] Silver Spring Ave. Ah-ha! We grow hopes…have instant music james…and merriment on the trampoline. Yay! Oh – great block party too!!
[] They are friendly and very gentle and polite
Artists last stand! Living outside the box
[] Best neighborhood ever!
[] Diversity of food, color, and language
[] Everything I need is in walking distance (metro, groceries, movies, food, the park, etc.)
[] Indian Spring – a great & active neighborhood
[] Like the friendly walkable environment and all our diverse neighbors, businesses, and organizations supporting each other.
Festivals!
[] Zombie Walks are here!
[] Lovely, supportive neighbors; access to downtown Silver Spring & Takoma Park; festivals galore; and a strong, warm sense of community.
Cool people, interesting stuff to do, Quarry House, Side Bar, and Impact Silver Spring.
[] I live Ruatan Street. We have a lot of police taking care of our street.
[] An extremely diverse neighborhood.
[] Great places to walk to – also dog friendly!
[] I feel it safe where I live and peaceful.
[] I like that it is a very family oriented community. It would be great to bring the neighborhoods together in a bigger community.
From the time that I came there, it is like getting hard to leave my neighborhood! I love it!
[] Why is Downtown Ellsworth Drive still open to traffic??
[] How can we make crossing Wayne Ave & Fenton St safer (as a pedestrian, some crazy drivers have had some close calls)?
What a cool, simple idea to get a sense of what folks think!... If you see “Dre” in one of our upcoming meetings and/or dialogues, please thank him for doing this!
{And, if you have not done so, please click the 'follow' button to get future postings of this blog automatically.}
Reemberto Rodriguez, Regional Director
Montgomery County Silver Spring Area
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Walking and Biking Around Silver Spring - Dialogues, Conversations, & Ride Alongs
It is as if this month was “walking, pedestrian, and biking month”! If this is a topic of interest for you, you will definitively want to mark your calendar for the amazing array of opportunities coming up to get involved, make an impact, and learn more about how we get around (safely!) in Silver Spring other than in cars.
Walkability Dialogue!
Starting this evening, we’ll have a dialogue on the ‘walkability’ of Silver Spring. Various folks that have invested a lot of time in this issue will be facilitating a conversation to highlight how ‘walkable’ Silver Spring is; and is not. Please stop by the Civic Building at 7pm tonight (Tuesday, October 11th) and join us. For the flier, see:
http://issuu.com/silverspringregionalcenter/docs/wws_20flyer_20large
And, for a past blog posting on this issue, visit:
http://silverspringspeaks.blogspot.com/2010/04/where-one-mile-will-get-you-in-silver.html
“Complete Street” Conversation!
Next week (on Thursday, October 20th) the Planning folks are bringing in an expert on a related subject matter (“Complete Streets”) for one of their highly successful Speaker Series events. The event will be at their headquarters. (Free!) For more info, visit the link at:
http://www.montgomeryplanning.org/research/growth_policy/speaker_series/2010/
PTSAC comes to Silver Spring!
And, on November 3rd the Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board is hosting the Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee (PTSAC) meeting. (This gathering will also be the official meeting of the SSCAB’s Pedestrian Safety and Transportation Committee.) The County’s PTSAC has been instrumental in improving the opportunities of pedestrians to walk around all of Montgomery County. In Silver Spring in particular, they have worked in the three “High Incident Areas” of note: Piney Branch and University Avenue; the Four Corners commercial area; and Georgia Avenue in downtown. Come join us as the Committee engages community members in a critical dialogue of how to make Silver Spring safer for pedestrians. The meeting will be held at the Civic Building at 7pm.
I hope you will take advantage of one – or all – of these wonderful opportunities to make a difference in how we can feel – and be! – safer as we walk and bike around Silver Spring.
Reemberto Rodriguez, Director
Silver Spring Regional Center
{Don’t forget to ‘follow’ this blog so you can get future postings automatically!}
Walkability Dialogue!
Starting this evening, we’ll have a dialogue on the ‘walkability’ of Silver Spring. Various folks that have invested a lot of time in this issue will be facilitating a conversation to highlight how ‘walkable’ Silver Spring is; and is not. Please stop by the Civic Building at 7pm tonight (Tuesday, October 11th) and join us. For the flier, see:
http://issuu.com/silverspringregionalcenter/docs/wws_20flyer_20large
And, for a past blog posting on this issue, visit:
http://silverspringspeaks.blogspot.com/2010/04/where-one-mile-will-get-you-in-silver.html
“Complete Street” Conversation!
Next week (on Thursday, October 20th) the Planning folks are bringing in an expert on a related subject matter (“Complete Streets”) for one of their highly successful Speaker Series events. The event will be at their headquarters. (Free!) For more info, visit the link at:
http://www.montgomeryplanning.org/research/growth_policy/speaker_series/2010/
PTSAC comes to Silver Spring!
And, on November 3rd the Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board is hosting the Pedestrian and Traffic Safety Advisory Committee (PTSAC) meeting. (This gathering will also be the official meeting of the SSCAB’s Pedestrian Safety and Transportation Committee.) The County’s PTSAC has been instrumental in improving the opportunities of pedestrians to walk around all of Montgomery County. In Silver Spring in particular, they have worked in the three “High Incident Areas” of note: Piney Branch and University Avenue; the Four Corners commercial area; and Georgia Avenue in downtown. Come join us as the Committee engages community members in a critical dialogue of how to make Silver Spring safer for pedestrians. The meeting will be held at the Civic Building at 7pm.
I hope you will take advantage of one – or all – of these wonderful opportunities to make a difference in how we can feel – and be! – safer as we walk and bike around Silver Spring.
Reemberto Rodriguez, Director
Silver Spring Regional Center
{Don’t forget to ‘follow’ this blog so you can get future postings automatically!}
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
What is going on (in the development world) in Silver Spring?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: THOUGH THE ABOVE SAYS "SEPTEMBER 2011", THIS BLOG POSTING WAS LAST UPDATED AUGUST 2014!
So, you want to know: What IS going on (in the development world) in Silver Spring? What are all those real estate developments deals and great projects that are coming out of the ground? What has happened recently? What is the history? Where are we headed?
Well, obviously there is no simple answer and no single place that has all this wonderful information. Often time when we try to produce such “lists of lists” they become outdated before they are released and/or the staff capacity is simply not there to maintain it all up-to-date.
Given all these caveats, here is an imperfect, incomplete, and probably not fully accurate snapshot of “What is going on (in the development world) in Silver Spring."
WHAT'S BEING BUILT RECENTLY
First things first: What you see ‘coming off the ground’ in the downtown area is probably one of the following 1000+ residential units that have recently being completed:
[] Behind the Civic Building: 222 multi-family units. This project is actually part of the overall downtown Silver Spring development.
[] Down by Montgomery College: (the old Dry Cleaning Institute building): 210 multi-family units now open. Built behind the historic structure, which is incorporated into the development.)
[] South Silver Spring (Kennett Street): Commonly known as The Galaxy, this is a 241 unit multi-family development recently opened.
[] Ripley Street Washington Property’s project, 286 multi-family units, recently opened as well... Home Properties project across the street is well on its way.
[] 8706 Georgia Avenue: One of two office developments that has been turned into housing, this 240 unit apartment complex will within easy walking distance of the Fillmore and AFI - soon to be opened.
PIPELINE
Projects in different stages of development review could bring an additional 2000 units. Some of these include:
[] EYA/Chelsea School: At Pershing at Ellsworth. It will include 72 townhouses, plus the preservation of the historic structure.
[] Fenton Baptist Church: This project will rebuild the church and will have street level storefront, along with 200+ multi-family units.
[] Silver Spring Library Residential Site: Fronting on Bonifant, this project will have 120 multi-family units and residential on the ground floor.
[] The Falklands Chase Redevelopment: This major redevelopment in the northwest side of downtown is slated to eventually include over 1,000 units and more than 60,000 sq. ft. of retail.
[] Studio Plaza: In the heart of "Fenton Village", this 476 unit development will have a major public plaza and some retail.
[] The Blairs: The complete 'redo' of the existing Blairs shopping center and adjacent residential developments will be a major new 'destination point' in downtown Silver Spring.
If you want to see some of the above projects in a graphic representation, you can review a presentation given by Park & Planning about a year ago – but still very relevant:
http://issuu.com/silverspringregionalcenter/docs/silver_spring_cbd_projects_under_development
Given what has been built recently – particularly over by East/West Highway, it is safe to say that from the middle of the last decade through the middle or end of this one, Silver Spring would have added in the proximity of 5,000 residential units throughout the downtown area.
Other than residential, there is not much going on beyond what the County is building - and of course United Therapeutic's "Phase 3" development. You can see the County's projects at:
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgtmpl.asp?url=/content/DGS/DBDC/RegionalProjectPages/silverspring.asp
If you are a techie and want to play with some relatively up-to-date database, try Park and Planning’s two sites:
http://www.montgomeryplanning.org/development/finder.shtm
http://www.mcatlas.org/Atlas/
NOTE: On January 8, 2013, the Planning Department did a session outlining all developments in downtown Silver Spring that are under construction and/or in the planning process... See the PowerPoint presentation HERE... You may also want to view another presentation we did which places these developments "in context"... You can find that presentation HERE.
CONTEXT [plans and such]
Now, step back a minute… If you want to put all of this in context, you’ll want to get review some framing documents. Your first stop to understand the context of what is going on should be a fuller understanding ‘how a building gets built’ in our County… Check out “A Resident’s Guide to Land Use Master Plan Process in Montgomery County”:
http://www.montgomeryplanningboard.org/info/resident_guides/documents/landuse_masterplan_02_2007.pdf
After that, you’ll be better ready to understand the Silver Spring plans in particular by reviewing the Silver Spring CBD (Central Business District) Sector Plan, found at:
http://www.montgomeryplanning.org/community/plan_areas/silver_spring_takoma_park/master_plans/sscbd/sscbd_toc.shtm
Next you’ll be ready to step back a bit again, and see how this Plan fits into other plans and other planning issues. There is a July 2011 update to all this information, readily found at:
http://www.montgomeryplanning.org/community/silverspring/index.shtm
For a synopsis of all these plans, see more of the presentation made by Park & Planning a year ago:
http://issuu.com/silverspringregionalcenter/docs/silver_spring_master_plans__compatibility_mode_
To get a picture of what is her today, nothing provides a better overview than our own web-site:
http://www.silverspringdowntown.com/
A HISTORY LESSON
Wikipedia actually does a decent job providing some history for us:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_Spring,_Maryland
The Chamber’s web-site also has a brief history and context:
http://www.silverspringchamber.com/silverspring/about_silver_spring/index.html
So does some of the local neighborhood historians:
http://users.starpower.net/oshel/H02.htm
And, of course, the Historical Society has a wealth of info:
http://silverspringhistory.homestead.com/
Our own historian, Jerry McCoy recently released a book titled “Then and Now: Downtown Silver Spring”… He also wrote a history of book of the broader Silver Spring area:
http://silverspringthenagain.blogspot.com/
Gus Bauman, a past Commission Chair did a wonderful timeline that we posted on our blog not too long ago:
http://silverspringspeaks.blogspot.com/2011/06/short-history-of-developemnt-in.html
FOR MORE INFORMATION
If your interest is in knowing what others think about all of this, you may want to visit some of the area blogs, web-sites, FaceBook pages, etc… A handy dandy ‘list of lists’ can be find in our blog posting:
http://silverspringspeaks.blogspot.com/2011/04/silver-spring-list-of-lists-web-sites.html
While there’s been many articles written about the growth in Silver Spring, this one seems to be one of the best:
http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/downtown_silver_spring_experiencing_a_resurgence_after_a_bumpy_history/2281
(Plus it extensively quotes one of our Citizens Advisory Board members, Evan Glass.)
As if all of the above is not enough, you could also have some fun Googling “Silver Spring redevelopment” not only on the web, but in ‘pictures’ and ‘YouTube’… And – this is quite something if you’ve never tried it – go to ‘more’ in the Google bar; scroll down to ‘even more’; then find the link to ‘scholar’. There you will find amazing historical works ranging from the useful to the useless. (For example, there’s a University of Maryland thesis back from 2005 title “Imagined Pasts, Imagined Futures: Race, Politics, Memory, and the Revitalization of Downtown Silver Spring”.)
All of this will lead you to more information than you probably need – but, you’ll have loads of fun in the investigative journey!
NOTE: I ENCOURAGE YOU TO LEAVE ANY ADDITIONS/CORRECTION TO THE ABOVE AS A COMMENT ON THIS BLOG... And, please consider 'following' this blog so you can get future postings automatically.
NOTE: THOUGH THE ABOVE SAYS "SEPTEMBER 2011", THIS BLOG POSTING WAS LAST UPDATED AUGUST 2014!
So, you want to know: What IS going on (in the development world) in Silver Spring? What are all those real estate developments deals and great projects that are coming out of the ground? What has happened recently? What is the history? Where are we headed?
Well, obviously there is no simple answer and no single place that has all this wonderful information. Often time when we try to produce such “lists of lists” they become outdated before they are released and/or the staff capacity is simply not there to maintain it all up-to-date.
Given all these caveats, here is an imperfect, incomplete, and probably not fully accurate snapshot of “What is going on (in the development world) in Silver Spring."
WHAT'S BEING BUILT RECENTLY
First things first: What you see ‘coming off the ground’ in the downtown area is probably one of the following 1000+ residential units that have recently being completed:
[] Behind the Civic Building: 222 multi-family units. This project is actually part of the overall downtown Silver Spring development.
[] Down by Montgomery College: (the old Dry Cleaning Institute building): 210 multi-family units now open. Built behind the historic structure, which is incorporated into the development.)
[] South Silver Spring (Kennett Street): Commonly known as The Galaxy, this is a 241 unit multi-family development recently opened.
[] Ripley Street Washington Property’s project, 286 multi-family units, recently opened as well... Home Properties project across the street is well on its way.
[] 8706 Georgia Avenue: One of two office developments that has been turned into housing, this 240 unit apartment complex will within easy walking distance of the Fillmore and AFI - soon to be opened.
PIPELINE
Projects in different stages of development review could bring an additional 2000 units. Some of these include:
[] EYA/Chelsea School: At Pershing at Ellsworth. It will include 72 townhouses, plus the preservation of the historic structure.
[] Fenton Baptist Church: This project will rebuild the church and will have street level storefront, along with 200+ multi-family units.
[] Silver Spring Library Residential Site: Fronting on Bonifant, this project will have 120 multi-family units and residential on the ground floor.
[] The Falklands Chase Redevelopment: This major redevelopment in the northwest side of downtown is slated to eventually include over 1,000 units and more than 60,000 sq. ft. of retail.
[] Studio Plaza: In the heart of "Fenton Village", this 476 unit development will have a major public plaza and some retail.
[] The Blairs: The complete 'redo' of the existing Blairs shopping center and adjacent residential developments will be a major new 'destination point' in downtown Silver Spring.
If you want to see some of the above projects in a graphic representation, you can review a presentation given by Park & Planning about a year ago – but still very relevant:
http://issuu.com/silverspringregionalcenter/docs/silver_spring_cbd_projects_under_development
Given what has been built recently – particularly over by East/West Highway, it is safe to say that from the middle of the last decade through the middle or end of this one, Silver Spring would have added in the proximity of 5,000 residential units throughout the downtown area.
Other than residential, there is not much going on beyond what the County is building - and of course United Therapeutic's "Phase 3" development. You can see the County's projects at:
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgtmpl.asp?url=/content/DGS/DBDC/RegionalProjectPages/silverspring.asp
If you are a techie and want to play with some relatively up-to-date database, try Park and Planning’s two sites:
http://www.montgomeryplanning.org/development/finder.shtm
http://www.mcatlas.org/Atlas/
NOTE: On January 8, 2013, the Planning Department did a session outlining all developments in downtown Silver Spring that are under construction and/or in the planning process... See the PowerPoint presentation HERE... You may also want to view another presentation we did which places these developments "in context"... You can find that presentation HERE.
CONTEXT [plans and such]
Now, step back a minute… If you want to put all of this in context, you’ll want to get review some framing documents. Your first stop to understand the context of what is going on should be a fuller understanding ‘how a building gets built’ in our County… Check out “A Resident’s Guide to Land Use Master Plan Process in Montgomery County”:
http://www.montgomeryplanningboard.org/info/resident_guides/documents/landuse_masterplan_02_2007.pdf
After that, you’ll be better ready to understand the Silver Spring plans in particular by reviewing the Silver Spring CBD (Central Business District) Sector Plan, found at:
http://www.montgomeryplanning.org/community/plan_areas/silver_spring_takoma_park/master_plans/sscbd/sscbd_toc.shtm
Next you’ll be ready to step back a bit again, and see how this Plan fits into other plans and other planning issues. There is a July 2011 update to all this information, readily found at:
http://www.montgomeryplanning.org/community/silverspring/index.shtm
For a synopsis of all these plans, see more of the presentation made by Park & Planning a year ago:
http://issuu.com/silverspringregionalcenter/docs/silver_spring_master_plans__compatibility_mode_
To get a picture of what is her today, nothing provides a better overview than our own web-site:
http://www.silverspringdowntown.com/
A HISTORY LESSON
Wikipedia actually does a decent job providing some history for us:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_Spring,_Maryland
The Chamber’s web-site also has a brief history and context:
http://www.silverspringchamber.com/silverspring/about_silver_spring/index.html
So does some of the local neighborhood historians:
http://users.starpower.net/oshel/H02.htm
And, of course, the Historical Society has a wealth of info:
http://silverspringhistory.homestead.com/
Our own historian, Jerry McCoy recently released a book titled “Then and Now: Downtown Silver Spring”… He also wrote a history of book of the broader Silver Spring area:
http://silverspringthenagain.blogspot.com/
Gus Bauman, a past Commission Chair did a wonderful timeline that we posted on our blog not too long ago:
http://silverspringspeaks.blogspot.com/2011/06/short-history-of-developemnt-in.html
FOR MORE INFORMATION
If your interest is in knowing what others think about all of this, you may want to visit some of the area blogs, web-sites, FaceBook pages, etc… A handy dandy ‘list of lists’ can be find in our blog posting:
http://silverspringspeaks.blogspot.com/2011/04/silver-spring-list-of-lists-web-sites.html
While there’s been many articles written about the growth in Silver Spring, this one seems to be one of the best:
http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/downtown_silver_spring_experiencing_a_resurgence_after_a_bumpy_history/2281
(Plus it extensively quotes one of our Citizens Advisory Board members, Evan Glass.)
As if all of the above is not enough, you could also have some fun Googling “Silver Spring redevelopment” not only on the web, but in ‘pictures’ and ‘YouTube’… And – this is quite something if you’ve never tried it – go to ‘more’ in the Google bar; scroll down to ‘even more’; then find the link to ‘scholar’. There you will find amazing historical works ranging from the useful to the useless. (For example, there’s a University of Maryland thesis back from 2005 title “Imagined Pasts, Imagined Futures: Race, Politics, Memory, and the Revitalization of Downtown Silver Spring”.)
All of this will lead you to more information than you probably need – but, you’ll have loads of fun in the investigative journey!
NOTE: I ENCOURAGE YOU TO LEAVE ANY ADDITIONS/CORRECTION TO THE ABOVE AS A COMMENT ON THIS BLOG... And, please consider 'following' this blog so you can get future postings automatically.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Deliberate Democracy Consortium Latest Links
Those that read this blog regularly know that I occasionally (re) post edited versions of what I get from Deliberative Democracy Consortium. While these posting are certainly not for everyone – and can be a bit academic – some folks have shared with me that they appreciate getting them… So, here’s DDC’s most recent (edited) list of worthy news in the field:
[1] You can find DDC on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/deliberative.democracy
[2] President Obama made a major speech last week describing the US commitments to public participation and transparency as part of the Open Government Partnership - the speech can be viewed at http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/2011/09/20/president-obama-open-government-partnership-event
[3] New Oxford Handbook on Civil Society has contributions from Peter Levine, John Gaventa, Harry Boyte, Mark Warren, Theda Skocpol, Nina Eliasoph, and many others - http://www.oup.com/us/catalog/general/subject/Politics/?view=usa&ci=9780195398571#Description
[4] Participatory Budgeting Launches in NYC: Councilmembers and Community Allies (in NYC) Announce Groundbreaking, Democratic Budgeting Initiative – join their Google group at http://groups.google.com/group/participatory-budgeting-us/browse_thread/thread/df2ac96770f8a4ea
[5] The Alberta Climate Dialogue (ABCD) has been working with the City of Edmonton on an innovative public involvement project on sustainability - http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=gkuc9afab&v=001b3MRj4D6bdp9v51J1dVL3YR1JoFsBvLntE9GM8niS4k8DPWqXYNhkk1-M0UzqRHa5La1dP5kxm1UrMMP-dxrQkMBrtuWPAfQhPHaL2qDLrYTzafwM-jZOQ%3D%3D
[6] 'Citizenship and Governance in a Wild Wired World' summarizes the current state of participatory practice at the local level, makes the argument that we need to be thinking about engagement infrastructure, not just temporary tools - http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ncr.20056/abstract
[7] Jim Snider makes some excellent suggestions for how communities can support 'blended meetings' that include online and face-to-face elements - http://www.brookings.edu/papers/2011/07_public_community_media_snider.aspx
[8] Meaningful participation vs. all-night public hearing: Toronto MP Carolyn Bennett eloquently describes the differences http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/hon-carolyn-bennett/rob-ford_b_919138.html
[9] Bill Barnes at the National League of Cities explores how cities are dealing with challenges of immigrant integration - http://www.nlc.org/news-center/nations-cities-weekly/articles/2011/september/emerging-issues-hyphens-and-documents-hopes-and-fears
[10] New report shows that civic engagement is a stronger factor in reducing unemployment than many traditional economic variables - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/peter-levine/could-civic-engagement-be_b_966176.html?ref=tw
[11] Comments, reflections and results from "Frontiers of Democracy" conference now up at http://activecitizen.tufts.edu/?pid=715. Includes poll on top insights, link to conference video, and other resources
[12] In the latest LogoLink newsletter, discussion about the line between false participation and sharing power meaningfully with citizens. http://www.logolink.org/newsletter/index.php?id=6
[13] Common Ground News Service looking to expand their roster of authors who can write on race relations in the US - see www.cgnews.org - small honorarium available for each piece.
[14] The most complete look yet at whether/how the Obama Administration is boosting participation through Open Government: http://www.businessofgovernment.org/report/assessing-public-participation-open-government-era
[15] Philadelphia city councilwoman on why public engagement isn't just a 'feel-good' exercise: http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/our-money/Why-public-engagement-is-more-than-a-feel-good-gesture.html
[16] Rude Democracy: Civility and Incivility in American Politics - by Susan Herbst, new pres of UConn www.pbk.org/home/FocusNews.aspx?id=685
[17] Portsmouth Listens will receive the 2011 Sarah Farmer Peace Award. http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20110817-NEWS-108170362
…hope you enjoy these!... And, don’t forget: If you have not done so already, please follow this blog (by clicking on the icon on the upper left, above the pictures) so you will get postings automatically…
[1] You can find DDC on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/deliberative.democracy
[2] President Obama made a major speech last week describing the US commitments to public participation and transparency as part of the Open Government Partnership - the speech can be viewed at http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/2011/09/20/president-obama-open-government-partnership-event
[3] New Oxford Handbook on Civil Society has contributions from Peter Levine, John Gaventa, Harry Boyte, Mark Warren, Theda Skocpol, Nina Eliasoph, and many others - http://www.oup.com/us/catalog/general/subject/Politics/?view=usa&ci=9780195398571#Description
[4] Participatory Budgeting Launches in NYC: Councilmembers and Community Allies (in NYC) Announce Groundbreaking, Democratic Budgeting Initiative – join their Google group at http://groups.google.com/group/participatory-budgeting-us/browse_thread/thread/df2ac96770f8a4ea
[5] The Alberta Climate Dialogue (ABCD) has been working with the City of Edmonton on an innovative public involvement project on sustainability - http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=gkuc9afab&v=001b3MRj4D6bdp9v51J1dVL3YR1JoFsBvLntE9GM8niS4k8DPWqXYNhkk1-M0UzqRHa5La1dP5kxm1UrMMP-dxrQkMBrtuWPAfQhPHaL2qDLrYTzafwM-jZOQ%3D%3D
[6] 'Citizenship and Governance in a Wild Wired World' summarizes the current state of participatory practice at the local level, makes the argument that we need to be thinking about engagement infrastructure, not just temporary tools - http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ncr.20056/abstract
[7] Jim Snider makes some excellent suggestions for how communities can support 'blended meetings' that include online and face-to-face elements - http://www.brookings.edu/papers/2011/07_public_community_media_snider.aspx
[8] Meaningful participation vs. all-night public hearing: Toronto MP Carolyn Bennett eloquently describes the differences http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/hon-carolyn-bennett/rob-ford_b_919138.html
[9] Bill Barnes at the National League of Cities explores how cities are dealing with challenges of immigrant integration - http://www.nlc.org/news-center/nations-cities-weekly/articles/2011/september/emerging-issues-hyphens-and-documents-hopes-and-fears
[10] New report shows that civic engagement is a stronger factor in reducing unemployment than many traditional economic variables - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/peter-levine/could-civic-engagement-be_b_966176.html?ref=tw
[11] Comments, reflections and results from "Frontiers of Democracy" conference now up at http://activecitizen.tufts.edu/?pid=715. Includes poll on top insights, link to conference video, and other resources
[12] In the latest LogoLink newsletter, discussion about the line between false participation and sharing power meaningfully with citizens. http://www.logolink.org/newsletter/index.php?id=6
[13] Common Ground News Service looking to expand their roster of authors who can write on race relations in the US - see www.cgnews.org - small honorarium available for each piece.
[14] The most complete look yet at whether/how the Obama Administration is boosting participation through Open Government: http://www.businessofgovernment.org/report/assessing-public-participation-open-government-era
[15] Philadelphia city councilwoman on why public engagement isn't just a 'feel-good' exercise: http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/our-money/Why-public-engagement-is-more-than-a-feel-good-gesture.html
[16] Rude Democracy: Civility and Incivility in American Politics - by Susan Herbst, new pres of UConn www.pbk.org/home/FocusNews.aspx?id=685
[17] Portsmouth Listens will receive the 2011 Sarah Farmer Peace Award. http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20110817-NEWS-108170362
…hope you enjoy these!... And, don’t forget: If you have not done so already, please follow this blog (by clicking on the icon on the upper left, above the pictures) so you will get postings automatically…
Saturday, September 10, 2011
SILVER SPRING REGIONAL CENTER SEEKS VOLUNTEERS
........................
Our community has infinite human capital. We are blessed with so many people that do so much good!
While there are countless excellent opportunities for fulfilling volunteerism right here in our midst – and throughout the world - we are convinced that there remain many people “still searching” for that “just right” opportunity.
Maybe the Silver Spring Regional Center is that place for you! We are seeking volunteers to help us in specific task oriented assignments. These include:
[1] Google Map Creator
[2] Community Meeting Docent
[3] Development Tracker
[4] Communications Team Member
Below is more information for each of these opportunities.
Interested? Send me an e-mail with the subject line “Volunteer”.
Thanks!
Reemberto Rodriguez, Director
Silver Spring Regional Center
Reemberto.Rodriguez@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov
============================================
[1] Silver Spring Regional Center Google Maps Creator
The Silver Spring Regional Center has created a series of Google Maps for specific purposes. Some of these include Ethiopian storefront establishments in downtown Silver Spring; car repair shops in Fenton Village; faith communities in Silver Spring. We want to grow these map series to include a variety of others, including but not being limited to. Silver Spring Regional Center area:
Community serving non-profits;
Youth serving institutions;
Civic organizations (with full contact information);
Tenant organizations;
Senior complexes;
Citizenship classes;
Galleries;
Performing spaces;
Others
These maps will be used to augment and expand the information provided in our web-site http://www.silverspringdowntown.com/ We are looking for highly computer literate* volunteer(s) to do the research and create these map series. The tasks and duties include, but are not limited to:
Researching what is readily available;
Creating spreadsheets;
Confirming accuracy of information;
Creating the Google map, including pictures
Other related duties as might be necessary.
----------------------------------------------------------
[2] Silver Spring Regional Center Community Meetings Docent
The Silver Spring Regional Center holds regularly meetings with its three advisory groups and committees. These include:
The Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board (2nd Monday, 7pm Civic Building)
Advisory Board Three Committees Simultaneous Meetings (4th Monday, 7pm Civic Building)
The Silver Spring Arts & Entertainment Advisory Committee (1st Tuesday, Civic Building)
The Silver Spring Urban District Advisory Committee (3rd Thursday, 3pm Fire Station)
We are looking for highly computer literate* volunteer(s) to be “Meeting Docent”. The tasks and duties include, but are not limited to:
Helping set up the room and a.v. if needed;
Preparing and copying the sign-in sheet and other materials;
‘Staffing’ the information table and ensuring all participants sign in;
Collecting all material after the meeting;
Transcribing the names and e-mails of participants into a spreadsheet;
Reconciling repeat names from master spreadsheet;
Working with staff responsible for contacts list to ensure any new names are represented in the contacts database;
Other related duties as might be necessary.
----------------------------------------------------------
[3] Silver Spring Regional Center Development Tracker
The Silver Spring Regional Center area is beaming with development. While there exists certain databases of what is approved, there is no single map linked to a database that is comprehensive – and includes current status – of all the public and private sector projects in the area. Such a map would be invaluable for public dialogue. This type of information would help tremendously to put issues of growth in context – and increase transparency.
We are looking for highly computer literate* volunteer(s) to be a “Development Tracker”. The tasks and duties include, but are not limited to:
Identifying on-line resources that may have some of the information;
Riding around, taking pictures, verifying, and documenting the signs identifying development;
Researching current status of each development;
Creating database of developer contact information, public hearing dates; etc.
Other related duties as might be necessary.
----------------------------------------------------------
[4] Silver Spring Regional Center Communications Team Member
The Silver Spring Regional Center has a series of communications tools that require consistent and regular attention. Among these are web-sites, e-blasts, a blog, FaceBook page, calendar, contact lists, and meeting notices. We are looking for a team of highly computer literate* volunteers to work with these tools and do specific tasks am duties such as, but not limited to:
Web-Sites: Review for accuracy and timelines of information; and working links
e-blasts: Format information received from various sources so it can be e-blasted to all contacts
blog: Draft postings; recruit and work with ‘guest’ bloggers
FaceBook page: post pertinent information; monitor for messages
Calendar: Maintain internal calendar of pertinent community meetings, gatherings, dialogues, celebrations, festivals, and other community engagement activities
Contact Lists: Maintain internal contact lists current and updated
Meeting Notices: Ensure meeting notices are drafted and released in a timely manner
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For related past postings on the topic of ‘volunteerism’ on this blog, visit:
http://silverspringspeaks.blogspot.com/2010/01/how-to-maximize-volunteer-assets.html
..................................................................................
Interested? Send me an e-mail with the subject line “Volunteer”.
Reemberto Rodriguez, Director
Silver Spring Regional Center
Reemberto.Rodriguez@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov
Our community has infinite human capital. We are blessed with so many people that do so much good!
While there are countless excellent opportunities for fulfilling volunteerism right here in our midst – and throughout the world - we are convinced that there remain many people “still searching” for that “just right” opportunity.
Maybe the Silver Spring Regional Center is that place for you! We are seeking volunteers to help us in specific task oriented assignments. These include:
[1] Google Map Creator
[2] Community Meeting Docent
[3] Development Tracker
[4] Communications Team Member
Below is more information for each of these opportunities.
Interested? Send me an e-mail with the subject line “Volunteer”.
Thanks!
Reemberto Rodriguez, Director
Silver Spring Regional Center
Reemberto.Rodriguez@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov
============================================
[1] Silver Spring Regional Center Google Maps Creator
The Silver Spring Regional Center has created a series of Google Maps for specific purposes. Some of these include Ethiopian storefront establishments in downtown Silver Spring; car repair shops in Fenton Village; faith communities in Silver Spring. We want to grow these map series to include a variety of others, including but not being limited to. Silver Spring Regional Center area:
Community serving non-profits;
Youth serving institutions;
Civic organizations (with full contact information);
Tenant organizations;
Senior complexes;
Citizenship classes;
Galleries;
Performing spaces;
Others
These maps will be used to augment and expand the information provided in our web-site http://www.silverspringdowntown.com/ We are looking for highly computer literate* volunteer(s) to do the research and create these map series. The tasks and duties include, but are not limited to:
Researching what is readily available;
Creating spreadsheets;
Confirming accuracy of information;
Creating the Google map, including pictures
Other related duties as might be necessary.
----------------------------------------------------------
[2] Silver Spring Regional Center Community Meetings Docent
The Silver Spring Regional Center holds regularly meetings with its three advisory groups and committees. These include:
The Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board (2nd Monday, 7pm Civic Building)
Advisory Board Three Committees Simultaneous Meetings (4th Monday, 7pm Civic Building)
The Silver Spring Arts & Entertainment Advisory Committee (1st Tuesday, Civic Building)
The Silver Spring Urban District Advisory Committee (3rd Thursday, 3pm Fire Station)
We are looking for highly computer literate* volunteer(s) to be “Meeting Docent”. The tasks and duties include, but are not limited to:
Helping set up the room and a.v. if needed;
Preparing and copying the sign-in sheet and other materials;
‘Staffing’ the information table and ensuring all participants sign in;
Collecting all material after the meeting;
Transcribing the names and e-mails of participants into a spreadsheet;
Reconciling repeat names from master spreadsheet;
Working with staff responsible for contacts list to ensure any new names are represented in the contacts database;
Other related duties as might be necessary.
----------------------------------------------------------
[3] Silver Spring Regional Center Development Tracker
The Silver Spring Regional Center area is beaming with development. While there exists certain databases of what is approved, there is no single map linked to a database that is comprehensive – and includes current status – of all the public and private sector projects in the area. Such a map would be invaluable for public dialogue. This type of information would help tremendously to put issues of growth in context – and increase transparency.
We are looking for highly computer literate* volunteer(s) to be a “Development Tracker”. The tasks and duties include, but are not limited to:
Identifying on-line resources that may have some of the information;
Riding around, taking pictures, verifying, and documenting the signs identifying development;
Researching current status of each development;
Creating database of developer contact information, public hearing dates; etc.
Other related duties as might be necessary.
----------------------------------------------------------
[4] Silver Spring Regional Center Communications Team Member
The Silver Spring Regional Center has a series of communications tools that require consistent and regular attention. Among these are web-sites, e-blasts, a blog, FaceBook page, calendar, contact lists, and meeting notices. We are looking for a team of highly computer literate* volunteers to work with these tools and do specific tasks am duties such as, but not limited to:
Web-Sites: Review for accuracy and timelines of information; and working links
e-blasts: Format information received from various sources so it can be e-blasted to all contacts
blog: Draft postings; recruit and work with ‘guest’ bloggers
FaceBook page: post pertinent information; monitor for messages
Calendar: Maintain internal calendar of pertinent community meetings, gatherings, dialogues, celebrations, festivals, and other community engagement activities
Contact Lists: Maintain internal contact lists current and updated
Meeting Notices: Ensure meeting notices are drafted and released in a timely manner
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For related past postings on the topic of ‘volunteerism’ on this blog, visit:
http://silverspringspeaks.blogspot.com/2010/01/how-to-maximize-volunteer-assets.html
..................................................................................
Interested? Send me an e-mail with the subject line “Volunteer”.
Reemberto Rodriguez, Director
Silver Spring Regional Center
Reemberto.Rodriguez@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov
SSRC: Issues, Projects, Activities , and Other News
SILVER SPRING REGIONAL CENTER
Issues, Projects, Activities , and Other News
Report for August 2011 Reemberto RodrÃguez, Director
Curfew: This issue is certainly prevalent in many community dialogues, civic meetings, and general conversations. The SSCAB’s Neighborhood and Commercial & Economic Development Committees held a joint session on the curfew in mid-August. The session was extremely well attended, and representatives from the Council and the Executive were present. The SSCAB, with special guest Council President Ervin, will take up the issue at their Board Meeting on September 12th.
Noise Bill: As the bill evolves, there seems to be a growing consensus in Silver Spring that public and private opportunities to activate the area by providing and sponsoring concerts and other performances is something that should continue. Many have expressed the opinion that any limitation on these activities may hinder the economic vitality of the area.
Fenton Street Market: At the end of this calendar year we will have finished the pilot project whereas the Regional Center sponsored the Fenton Street Market on Veterans Plaza. As we move to institutionalize the success of this type of activity on the Plaza, we are proceeding with the development of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a craft market that would occur on a regular basis.
Thanksgiving Parade: The Recreation Department will be holding a community meeting on how to continue improving the Parade. There’s already been a series of meeting with the various Advisory Groups and/or their committees to explain why the route changed and other logistical matters. This broader meeting will emphasize the many opportunities for continued engagement by area residents and businesses in the Parade and how it can maximize its positive impacts.
Fillmore: Opening date is set for September 15th. The community is invited to get a preview of the space on Monday, September 12th. All advisory group members and civic leaders have been invited. Many inquires continue coming in about the Fillmore, but the exhaustive FAQ web-site that the County has prepared has successfully answered most of the inquires. There’s been extensive internal tactical strategy sessions to ensure a successful opening and continued operations.
Civic Building and Veterans Plaza Operations: We are successfully working closely with the new Facility Operations Manager of the facility (Jewru Bandeh.) There’s been substantial improvements in all areas of operations, with new protocols put in place. For example, now the building closes to the public at 6 p.m. during week days (Rented functions still take place beyond that.) Also, a new set of Plaza Rules will be unveiled soon.
Silver Spring Green: This community initiative has really taken off, due in large part to the leadership offered by the DEP staff (Doug Weinberg) who has successfully steward the process. We continue being part of this effort and are helping it grow as it becomes an exemplary non-profit organization.
Silver Spring Senior Village: This volunteer driven initiative to establish a “senior village” close to downtown Silver Spring is getting lots of traction. (This is modeled after a very successful model established in Bethesda whereas senior come together to help each other and collaborate to ‘age in place’ – or ‘age in our neighborhood’.) We are part of the effort to get this going. On-going meetings at Springvale Terrace are taking place regularly.
National Night Out: August 2nd was National Night Out. Our Police did a great job in being part of this annual event. The Regional Center visited various sites and the day was clearly a huge success.
September Festivals (and other upcoming activities): There are 7 festivals in the Silver Spring Regional Center area in September, beginning of course with our own Jazz Festival. We are working with our internal and external partners to ensure these events not only happen without a hitch, but offer an opportunity for successful community engagement…. Coming in October: Community Services Week; Opening of Ice Rink…. Coming in November: Veterans Day Unveiling of Veterans Plaza Art Piece; and, Thanksgiving Parade.
Plaza Ambiance Performances: Thanks to the volunteer effort of Silver Spring Town Center, Inc., there were over 30 free ‘ambiance’ performances on the Plaza during the Spring and Summer. All these performers performed free of charge and provided a wonderful environment to enliven our Plaza and offer the opportunity for community members to come together and enjoy all that downtown has to offer.
Red Shirts Get New Chief!: Victor Salazar, long time staff with Weed & Seed and active community member (Four Corners) is now the manager of our Urban District’s “Red Shirt” (Clean & Safe) Team. The number of ‘feet on the streets’ in downtown is increasingly tremendously. It is these folks that keep the area clean and serve as ‘good will ambassadors’… When you see them around, please say a simple ‘thank you!’
Trip to El Salvador: In July I was fortunate to go to El Salvador with others from the County, including the County Executive and Councilmember Leventhal. This personal trip was highly successful. Subsequent post-visit gatherings are probing to be very useful for our work, particularly in
Silver Spring Senior Village: Our efforts to support the volunteers starting the Silver Spring Senior Village continue. We have helped them make connections with other people and resources that have expedited their capacity to become operational in the near future.
Advisory Groups Activities/Issues:
Citizens Advisory Board: In August the board held is CIP Forum. The September meeting will be focusing on the Curfew. They will also hold a retreat in September, and soon welcome three new members. Continuing the practice of focusing on different neighborhoods, October will be devoted to Takoma Park. (The Mayor will visit with the Board in November.)
Starting MONDAY SEPTEMBER 26, the SSCAB’s three committees will all meet at the same time (7-9pm) in the Civic Building every 4th Monday of the month.
Urban District Advisory Committee: They will begin meeting at the Urban District offices (the Fire Station) again. This month they will review the development proposal for the current site of the Silver Spring Post Office. (The Post Office is moving.)
Arts & Entertainment Advisory Committee: The Arts & Entertainment District (re)Designation Application is due October 1st. The Committee is serving as a solid sounding board for the narrative of the application. Also, new members have been asked to rejoin and the Committee has expanded to include representation from the Fillmore, Round House, Arts & Humanities Council, and Peterson Co. (Downtown Silver Spring.)
NOTE: IF YOU ARE NOT GETTING OUR OCCASSIONAL e-BLASTS AND WOULD LIKE TO, PLEASE e-MAIL ME
{and don't forget to click FOLLOW ME on the left to get these blog posting automatically}
Issues, Projects, Activities , and Other News
Report for August 2011 Reemberto RodrÃguez, Director
Curfew: This issue is certainly prevalent in many community dialogues, civic meetings, and general conversations. The SSCAB’s Neighborhood and Commercial & Economic Development Committees held a joint session on the curfew in mid-August. The session was extremely well attended, and representatives from the Council and the Executive were present. The SSCAB, with special guest Council President Ervin, will take up the issue at their Board Meeting on September 12th.
Noise Bill: As the bill evolves, there seems to be a growing consensus in Silver Spring that public and private opportunities to activate the area by providing and sponsoring concerts and other performances is something that should continue. Many have expressed the opinion that any limitation on these activities may hinder the economic vitality of the area.
Fenton Street Market: At the end of this calendar year we will have finished the pilot project whereas the Regional Center sponsored the Fenton Street Market on Veterans Plaza. As we move to institutionalize the success of this type of activity on the Plaza, we are proceeding with the development of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a craft market that would occur on a regular basis.
Thanksgiving Parade: The Recreation Department will be holding a community meeting on how to continue improving the Parade. There’s already been a series of meeting with the various Advisory Groups and/or their committees to explain why the route changed and other logistical matters. This broader meeting will emphasize the many opportunities for continued engagement by area residents and businesses in the Parade and how it can maximize its positive impacts.
Fillmore: Opening date is set for September 15th. The community is invited to get a preview of the space on Monday, September 12th. All advisory group members and civic leaders have been invited. Many inquires continue coming in about the Fillmore, but the exhaustive FAQ web-site that the County has prepared has successfully answered most of the inquires. There’s been extensive internal tactical strategy sessions to ensure a successful opening and continued operations.
Civic Building and Veterans Plaza Operations: We are successfully working closely with the new Facility Operations Manager of the facility (Jewru Bandeh.) There’s been substantial improvements in all areas of operations, with new protocols put in place. For example, now the building closes to the public at 6 p.m. during week days (Rented functions still take place beyond that.) Also, a new set of Plaza Rules will be unveiled soon.
Silver Spring Green: This community initiative has really taken off, due in large part to the leadership offered by the DEP staff (Doug Weinberg) who has successfully steward the process. We continue being part of this effort and are helping it grow as it becomes an exemplary non-profit organization.
Silver Spring Senior Village: This volunteer driven initiative to establish a “senior village” close to downtown Silver Spring is getting lots of traction. (This is modeled after a very successful model established in Bethesda whereas senior come together to help each other and collaborate to ‘age in place’ – or ‘age in our neighborhood’.) We are part of the effort to get this going. On-going meetings at Springvale Terrace are taking place regularly.
National Night Out: August 2nd was National Night Out. Our Police did a great job in being part of this annual event. The Regional Center visited various sites and the day was clearly a huge success.
September Festivals (and other upcoming activities): There are 7 festivals in the Silver Spring Regional Center area in September, beginning of course with our own Jazz Festival. We are working with our internal and external partners to ensure these events not only happen without a hitch, but offer an opportunity for successful community engagement…. Coming in October: Community Services Week; Opening of Ice Rink…. Coming in November: Veterans Day Unveiling of Veterans Plaza Art Piece; and, Thanksgiving Parade.
Plaza Ambiance Performances: Thanks to the volunteer effort of Silver Spring Town Center, Inc., there were over 30 free ‘ambiance’ performances on the Plaza during the Spring and Summer. All these performers performed free of charge and provided a wonderful environment to enliven our Plaza and offer the opportunity for community members to come together and enjoy all that downtown has to offer.
Red Shirts Get New Chief!: Victor Salazar, long time staff with Weed & Seed and active community member (Four Corners) is now the manager of our Urban District’s “Red Shirt” (Clean & Safe) Team. The number of ‘feet on the streets’ in downtown is increasingly tremendously. It is these folks that keep the area clean and serve as ‘good will ambassadors’… When you see them around, please say a simple ‘thank you!’
Trip to El Salvador: In July I was fortunate to go to El Salvador with others from the County, including the County Executive and Councilmember Leventhal. This personal trip was highly successful. Subsequent post-visit gatherings are probing to be very useful for our work, particularly in
Silver Spring Senior Village: Our efforts to support the volunteers starting the Silver Spring Senior Village continue. We have helped them make connections with other people and resources that have expedited their capacity to become operational in the near future.
Advisory Groups Activities/Issues:
Citizens Advisory Board: In August the board held is CIP Forum. The September meeting will be focusing on the Curfew. They will also hold a retreat in September, and soon welcome three new members. Continuing the practice of focusing on different neighborhoods, October will be devoted to Takoma Park. (The Mayor will visit with the Board in November.)
Starting MONDAY SEPTEMBER 26, the SSCAB’s three committees will all meet at the same time (7-9pm) in the Civic Building every 4th Monday of the month.
Urban District Advisory Committee: They will begin meeting at the Urban District offices (the Fire Station) again. This month they will review the development proposal for the current site of the Silver Spring Post Office. (The Post Office is moving.)
Arts & Entertainment Advisory Committee: The Arts & Entertainment District (re)Designation Application is due October 1st. The Committee is serving as a solid sounding board for the narrative of the application. Also, new members have been asked to rejoin and the Committee has expanded to include representation from the Fillmore, Round House, Arts & Humanities Council, and Peterson Co. (Downtown Silver Spring.)
NOTE: IF YOU ARE NOT GETTING OUR OCCASSIONAL e-BLASTS AND WOULD LIKE TO, PLEASE e-MAIL ME
{and don't forget to click FOLLOW ME on the left to get these blog posting automatically}
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