Neighbors,

As we look back at the courageous and selfless sacrifice of our women and men uniform that we honored last weekend, I am reminded that we must continuously find ways, large and small, to truly honor their service. That is what motivated me to introduce legislation to establish a new property tax credit for severely disabled veterans.

The public hearing for that legislation is coming up on June 11 at 1:30pm. Please let me know if you are planning to join us. Sign up to testify here. You can read the legislation here.

Red Line Station Closures Start on June 1

Folks, we are only two days away from the closing of the Glenmont, Wheaton, Forest Glen, Silver Spring, and Takoma Metro stations, for scheduled maintenance work. Learn more about the project and your transportation options here.

For more background: When I learned that these stations would be closing this summer for maintenance, I spearheaded a letter, signed by the County Executive and my colleagues Council President Friedson, Council Vice President Stewart and Chair of the Transportation & Environment Committee Glass that urged WMATA and the Maryland Department of Transportation to assist commuters by providing a comprehensive shuttle plan and importantly, providing bus-only lanes. Read the letter.

I am thrilled to report that WMATA and Maryland DOT have met the moment and presented a great plan. Some highlights are:

• 7.5 miles of bus only lanes on Georgia Avenue from Glenmont to the DC Line
• Free shuttle buses will run every 4-8 minutes, providing frequent connections to the closed stations
• MARC will offer discounted tickets
• Free parking in metro garages at impacted stations
• During this closure, Montgomery County will offer residents the opportunity to receive a discount code for a free 30 day membership to utilize the Capital Bikeshare system, which includes unlimited free 45 minute rides on Capital Bikeshare bike for the 30 day period. Please apply via this form.

Serve on the Wheaton Arts and Entertainment Board

Apply by June 30th here.

The Wheaton Arts and Entertainment Nominating Committee is looking for community members to serve as the first-ever Board of Directors of the Wheaton Arts and Entertainment nonprofit organization! If selected, the Board members will serve two-year terms and no more than three consecutive terms. Additionally, the terms of the Board members are to be staggered. Initial Board members may be elected for one full term of two years or one partial term of one year to effect the initial staggering of terms.

The overall purpose of the governing Board of Directors is to ensure the organization’s activities conform to the purpose of its mission to nurture creativity, promote economic vitality, and celebrate Wheaton’s rich global heritage by supporting a wide array of arts activities. The Board members will have fiduciary responsibility for the organization, will approve the budget of the organization, and will ensure the organization has the financial resources to carry out its mission by engaging in fundraising. The board will select and provide oversight to the Executive Director of the organization. The board membership shall include representation of the arts community.

To apply to serve on the Board of Directors, candidates must apply by 5pm on June 30, 2024 via this application: https://forms.gle/LsB4rMwyxwm4VSkF9 . For questions, please contact Kathia Chevez from Councilmember Natali Fani-González’s office at Kathia.Chevez@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov.

Lots of activities in D6 this weekend:

I am so excited for the slate of events scheduled for this weekend. The weather is looking great, and I hope to see you at one (or more) of these great community activities.

Rec-Mode Community United workshop FRIDAY AT 6:00PM
Rec-Mode Community United will host an interactive workshop for community members to share their challenges and discuss how we can raise awareness about issues impacting our communities. I plan to attend. It will be at the Park and Planning HQ at 2425 Reedie Dr. Wheaton, MD 20902.

Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week and Park Clean Up SATURDAY AT 10:00AM
Join us this Saturday at 10am at Evans Parkway Park – 2001 Evans Parkway, Silver Spring – to celebrate Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week. We will start by honoring our local leaders for passing HB 1147, which expands state law on PFAS chemicals to playground surfacing, followed by a park cleanup with students.

As Chair of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) Chesapeake Bay and Water Policy Research Committee, I am particularly excited to acknowledge the significant efforts of Montgomery County’s State Delegation in the passage of legislation. I hope you can join me for the occasion. See more below.

Taste of Wheaton on SUNDAY AT 11:00AM
Please join me and the rest of the Wheaton community to get a “taste” of everything Wheaton has to offer. In addition to the delicious food on offer, there will be live music, kids’ rides, art and craft projects and beer and wine garden. Learn more here.

Kemp Mill Community Day on SUNDAY AT 12:00PM
Please join me, the Kemp Mill Civic Association, and the wider Kemp Mill community in the annual Kemp Mill Community Day. My team and I will have a booth set up, so please come say hi! The event is at the Kemp Mill Shopping Center located at Arcola Avenue and Lamberton Drive, Silver Spring. This free event will feature activities, entertainment, food and fun for all.

Kids Museum Invent the Future Expo on SUNDAY AT NOON
I am looking forward to meeting students from our district and countywide that are participating in Kids Museum’s Invent the Future Expo. The expo features student and industry innovators who will show us their cutting-edge solutions on how to improve life on this planet. Learn more here.

NEXT weekend:

Join Montgomery County Moms Demand Action to recognize National Gun Violence Awareness Day and Wear Orange Weekend.
SATURDAY JUNE 8 at 11am
Wheaton Regional Park
RSVP here
On this 10th annual Wear Orange Weekend, people across the country and here in Maryland will come together to bring awareness and act in solidarity to prevent gun violence.

Sincerely,

Natali Fani-González
Councilmember, District 6
Chair, Economic Development Committee

P.S. Great news!
Montgomery County receives grant to make safety improvements on Randolph Rd
The County just received a $100,000 grant from the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB) to support preliminary engineering designs for safety improvements on Randolph Rd. The proposed improvements include enhancing corridor access, strategic lane width reduction and pedestrian safety plans. These plans will address improved pedestrian crossings and ADA compliance for sidewalks, ramps and crosswalks. Learn more here.