Neighbors:
The Council has just begun our summer work period, and I have several new (and exciting!) legislative initiatives on the agenda.
Labor Peace Agreements at Hotels with County Involvement
Giving workers the tools needed to organize without fear of getting fired is part of embracing our values and goal of having a strong workforce. That’s why today, Council President Stewart and Councilmember Katz joined me in introducing a bill to require labor peace agreements in hotel development projects where the County is an economic participant, bringing the County in line with neighboring jurisdictions and industry norms in the hospitality and tourism sector. Labor peace agreements are agreements where employers agree to be neutral during labor organizing campaigns and unions agree to not engage in economic interference such as strikes, picketing, and boycotting. It is clearly to the County’s advantage to avoid labor disputes and the resulting loss of revenue on our public-private partnerships, like the Montgomery County Conference Center.
The public hearing will be on July 8, 2025 (sign up here). You can learn more here.
Greener Option for Death Care
I also introduced today a zoning text amendment (ZTA 25-09) to facilitate an environmental option for death care in Montgomery County, called alkaline hydrolysis (also known as aquamation or water cremation). Alkaline hydrolysis is a funeral option already available in 20 states in which water, alkaline chemicals, and heat are used in a watertight vessel to accelerate the decomposition of organics. The resulting ash (from the dried and out and pulverized bones) is handled like cremation ash and returned to the family in an urn. The resulting liquid affluent is 95% water and, after a pH adjustment, is perfectly safe to discharge just like any other wastewater. Families are asking for this option because it doesn’t produce any direct emissions and uses less energy than traditional cremation. It can also be less expensive than other options. The technology doesn’t make any noise or smoke in neighboring communities.
Led by Delegate Anne Kaiser and Senator Jeff Waldstreicher in 2024, the State approved alkaline hydrolysis as a new funeral option for families, alongside the existing options of cremation and burial. ZTA 25-09 aligns our zoning ordinance with state law and industry standards to make this option a true reality for our residents.
The public hearing will be on July 22, 2025 (sign up here). You can learn more here.
Upcoming PHP Worksessions on the ZTA Workforce Housing Corridor and Gas Stations
This upcoming Monday, June 23, the Council’s Planning, Housing, and Parks (PHP) Committee, on which I serve, will hold its second worksession on ZTA 25-02. You can read up on the ZTA and the Committee’s first worksession on it here, but in short, the ZTA allows more residential building types along designated corridors with a workforce housing requirement. The ZTA is a key component of the More Housing NOW package, designed to increase the supply of housing, drive down costs, and increase pathways to homeownership for the residents at all income levels in Montgomery County.
The PHP Committee will also take up ZTA 25-06, which revisits a previous amendment (ZTA 15-07) that established standards for very large gas stations in the wake of an application to construct one at the Wheaton Mall several years ago. The earlier ZTA, and I remember it well because I was on the Planning Board then and voted for it, was an effort to a) protect neighborhoods and sensitive uses (daycares, schools and the like) from the ill public health effects of too closely located mega gas stations and to b) advance our smart growth goals by discouraging the location of mega gas stations where we want to create vibrant urban, town center communities. ZTA 25-06 makes changes to this section of the zoning code. You may read it here. Trust me, I am paying close attention to this ZTA to ensure it will protect the community victory led by Kensington Heights/Wheaton neighbors.
Launch of the Wheaton Street Project
Please join me, One Montgomery Green, and many others for the grand opening of the Wheaton Street Project at Elkin and Price Streets, a vibrant, community-centered space designed to bring residents, businesses, and visitors together in the heart of Wheaton.
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Program: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Event: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Elkin and Price Streets
Wheaton, MD
University Boulevard Corridor Plan Listening Session
The Planning Board finished their work on the University Boulevard Corridor Master Plan last week; the final version is on the way to the Council for consideration and is posted here. The Council will have a public hearing in September, followed by committee and full council worksessions, and ultimately final action later this year. To gather community feedback on the Planning Board’s recommendations, I will be hosting an in-person listening session in July at Odessa Shannon Middle School. Your feedback is extremely important to me, so please consider attending. Please send questions and feedback directly to me at Councilmember.Fani-González@montgomerycountymd.gov.
Listening Session on the University Boulevard Corridor Master Plan
July 16, 2025
7-8:30pm
Doors open at 6:30pm with light dinner.
Odessa Shannon Middle School
11800 Monticello Ave.
Silver Spring, MD 20902
RSVP Here »
Recently Renovated Playground at Valleywood Neighborhood Park Reopens
In excellent news for Aspen Hill, the new playground is surrounded by brightly painted artwork leading up to the play equipment, which includes a swing set for older kids (including an accessible swing) and two new play structures, a seesaw and spring rider. Hope to see you there soon! Read more ».
Informational Session on MCPS Alternative Education Program
Please join me, Montgomery County Public Schools, Health and Human Services, Montgomery County Police, and Identity for an informational session on MCPS’ Alternative Education Program. This program is essential to provide opportunities to kids who are struggling.
Thursday, July 10, at 7:00 PM
Flower Valley Elementary School
4615 Sunflower DR, Rockville, MD, 20853
RSVP Here »
June Farmers Markets in District 6
The REACH HUB & Farm at Loiederman Middle School
Charles Koiner Conservancy for Urban Farming
Wednesday, June 18 | 4 pm to 6 PM
12701 Goodhill Road, Silver Spring, Maryland 20906
Wheaton Farmers’ Market
Thursdays, 3PM – 7PM
2001 Evans Pkwy, Wheaton, MD 20902
Forest Estates Community Association
Sunday, June 29 | 10 AM to 1 pm
10000 Woodland Dr. Silver Spring, MD, 20902
Finally, I’ll leave you with an image of the rally I attended outside the Department of Justice demanding the immediate release of David Huerta, President of SEIU California. Thanks to our advocacy, he is now free.
