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4/3/2020 3:41:13 PM
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Weekly Town Updates -- April 3, 2020

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Town Events, Staff Telework Schedule, and Updates Related to COVID-19 

Due to the ongoing public health crisis and Governor Hogan's stay-at-home order, the Town will not host any events through the end of April.  In addition, the Jane Lawton Recreation Center will be closed through April 24.

Town staff is currently on a telework schedule.  Residents who need to drop off materials to the Town office may do so in the mailbox located outside the front door to the Town Hall.  We will endeavor to process all permits and other applications in a timely manner.  Phone calls and email will be monitored as usual.

While the office is closed, we encourage you to visit the Town website and subscribe to the Town Crier email alert system for the latest Town news.

Below is a list of resources for residents who would like more information on coronavirus preparedness and response:


2020 Town Council Election and Candidate Communications

As announced last week, the Town Council has approved an emergency plan for the 2020 Town Council election due to the coronavirus pandemic and Governor Hogan’s stay-at-home order.  The Town will hold a universal vote-by-mail election this year.  The election will be held as scheduled, with a deadline for voting of May 5.  There will not be in-person voting on that day.  Instead, each eligible Town voter will receive a ballot by mail and should mail back that ballot, once completed, in a stamped envelope that will be provided by the Town.  All ballot envelopes must be postmarked by May 5, 2020 and received by May 12, 2020 in order for the enclosed ballot to be counted.  
 
The Council also has agreed to certain measures to facilitate candidate communications in this year’s election.  These measures, which are designed to expand outreach to voters during this ongoing public health emergency, include:

  • Increasing the word limit for candidates’ statements that appear in the election issue of the Forecast newsletter, which will be mailed to every residence by April 21.  The limit will be 650 words rather than 400.
  • Increasing the number of Town Crier messages that the Town sends to the community on behalf of each candidate.  Candidates will be offered 3 separate messages rather than 1.
  • Hosting a “virtual” Candidates’ Forum, which will follow the same format as previous years’ forums but will be conducted by videoconference.  More details, and instructions on how to join the forum, will be included in the election issue of the Forecast newsletter.

Detailed procedures for the election and annual meeting will be included in the election issue of the Forecast newsletter.  We encourage all eligible Town voters to participate in our election, and we hope that everyone is safe and healthy during this difficult time.


Spring Trash and Treasures Cancelled

Due to the public health crisis, the Town's spring Trash & Treasures event, scheduled for April 25 & 26, has been cancelled.  Neither curbside bulk trash collection nor the alternative events at the Lawton Center will be provided.  The Town hopes to hold this event in the fall. 


Please use "Lotsa Helping Hands" -- Let's be Safe Seniors

Wicca Davidson has now set up a website that will help streamline requests for help in shopping and offers to volunteer to shop for others.  You can find the website here.  It’s easy to sign up and use.  Wicca set up this resource for those who find themselves in need of a few items, and for volunteers who are going to the store and are willing to pick up some additional items for residents.  If, however, you have need of steady assistance, please contact Wicca directly at 301-980-5596 or at wicca@wiccadavidson.com. 


Spring Tree Plantings

The Town will fulfill all resident requests that have already been received for public and private tree plantings this spring.  Requests are no longer being taken.  The Town will not undertake the Town-wide public tree planting program due to the ongoing public health crisis.


Consulting Water Management Program Suspended

Effective immediately, the Town has suspended the consulting water management program due to the personal interaction associated with this service.  This program offers residents the opportunity to obtain professional recommendations on improving water management on their property.  We will notify residents when the Town resumes this service.


Glass Recycling Update

As announced, residents may place clean glass back into their recycling carts.  The Town’s contractor recently established a glass recycling system at its processing facility, thereby enabling customers to once again include glass along with other recycled materials such as paper, plastic and cardboard.  We ask that residents ensure that all materials are clean and remain dry to prevent cross-contamination.  The Town will discontinue glass collection at the Lawton Center effective April 17.   Additional details about proper recycling practices will be communicated shortly.


Utility Work Update

The current phase of Washington Gas main replacement work is nearing completion.  The gas company has completed all of the gas main installation on interior Town streets and is almost finished installing the new gas main on East West Highway.  The individual house connections on interior streets are almost finished and the house connections on East West Highway will be scheduled soon.  

In upcoming weeks, a contractor for Washington Gas will begin removing the temporary asphalt from the repair trenches and replacing it with permanent asphalt that will provide a stable road base and smooth driving surface.  The contractor also will replace concrete damaged or removed by the main installation work.

In upcoming months, the Town will begin making additional concrete repairs on streets where Washington Gas has completed work.  These concrete repairs are fairly extensive and will involve replacing sidewalks, concrete aprons, and curbs that are broken or substandard.  Following the Town’s concrete repairs, the Town will schedule road repaving work.  Washington Gas will reimburse the Town for road paving costs through a pre-negotiated agreement.  The exact timing of the concrete repairs and road repaving is uncertain at this point; however, the Town will be sure to provide residents with ample notice of upcoming work.

Future Projects:

WSSC has informed the Town of an upcoming water main replacement project that is scheduled for 2024.  The project will involve installing new water mains on Leland Street (between Connecticut Avenue and Meadow Lane), on Thornapple Street (between Connecticut Avenue and Meadow Lane), and on a small portion of Meadow Lane near Leland Street.  
In future years, Washington Gas will need to upgrade gas mains and house services on Virgilia Street, Woodbine Street (between Connecticut Avenue and Meadow Lane), Leland Street (between Connecticut Avenue and Meadow Lane), and Aspen Street (between Connecticut Avenue and Meadow Lane).  Washington Gas has not provided the Town with an estimated start date for this work, as it is dependent on the completion of several projects that are outside of the Town.  We will notify residents about the schedule as soon as we receive an update from Washington Gas.



 Town-DOG.org

While you are at home, staying safe, we thought you might want to take a look at a wonderful website for Town dogs and owners developed by Bren Lizzio with help from Jane Root and others -- Town-DOG.org.  The website is a one stop shop that has lots of helpful information about dog regulations, where the dog waste stations are, and what to do about a lost dog.  It also has a great registry of Town dogs that you and your four footed friends can join if you like.  It is fun scrolling through to meet some of the Town dogs, all from a socially safe distance, of course.

April Purple Line Construction Updates

Night Work/Lane Closure on Connecticut Avenue:  Crews will be relocating utilities on Connecticut Avenue between Jones Bridge Road and East-West Highway.  Work will occur in two shifts, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. on weekdays and weekends.  Temporary lane closures with flagging operations will occur. 

Night Work/Lane Closure on Wisconsin Avenue:  Crews will be pouring concrete for the walls of the Bethesda Shaft.  Southbound lanes along Wisconsin Avenue between Montgomery Lane and Bethesda Avenue will experience temporary closures.  Work will take place from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. on weekdays and weekends. 

Pile Driving along the Georgetown Branch Trail:   Crews will be pile driving along the Georgetown Branch Trail east of Connecticut Avenue between Newdale Road and Chevy Chase Lake Drive.  Pile driving will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.
Pile Driving at Rock Creek Bridge:  Crews will be pile driving at the Georgetown Branch Trail between Jones Mill Road and the Rock Creek Bridge.  Pile driving will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays for approximately eight weeks.  The work zone can be viewed here.

Rock Creek Trail Closure:  Crews will be working in the area of the Rock Creek Park between the Rays Meadow Park and Susanna Lane Access Points from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and weekends.  Temporary trail closures will occur as needed.

Traffic Shift on Jones Mill Road:  Traffic has shifted onto the southbound side of Jones Mill Road for phase one of this traffic change.  Crews will be excavating and installing the arch for the future underpass.  Work will take places from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and weekends.

Weekend Work at Bethesda Work Zone (Elm Street):  Crews will be working at the Bethesda Work Zone on Elm Street.  Work will take place in two shifts from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. on weekdays and weekends.

Weekend Work at Columbia Country Club:  Crews will continue work at the Columbia Country Club 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays and weekends.  

Weekend Work and Lane Closures on East-West Highway:  Temporary lane closures will occur on East-West Highway between Connecticut Avenue and Montgomery Avenue between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on weekdays and weekends.  

Weekend Work on the Georgetown Branch Trail:  Crews will be working along the Georgetown Branch Trail from the Wisconsin Avenue to Connecticut Avenue.  Work will take place on weekdays and weekends from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Weekend Work and Several Lane Closures on Jones Mill Road and Jones Bridge Road: Temporary lane closures will occur on Jones Bridge Road between Altimont Lane and Jones Mill Road, as well as on Jones Mill Road between Flushing Meadow Terrace and Coquelin Terrace between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays and weekends. 

Weekend Work on the Rock Creek Trail:  Crews will be working near Rock Creek Park bridge from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and weekends.  Temporary trail closures will occur. 


Important Phone Numbers

Below is a list of phone numbers that may be helpful while the Town Office is closed.  In case of emergencies, always call 911. 


Montgomery County Police 
Non Emergency/24hrs - 301-279-8000

Bethesda - Chevy Chase Rescue Squad - 301-652-0077

Chevy Chase Fire Department
(Opposite Columbia Country Club) - 240-773-4707

Bethesda Fire Dept
(Wisconsin Ave and Bradley Blvd) - 240-773-4706

National Capital Poison Center
(George Washington University Hospital) - 800-222-1222

Utilities

Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO)

Emergency-Live wires down, power failure - 877-737-2662

Customer Service - 202-833-7500

Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission
 
Emergency - 301-206-4002

Complaints, Leaks, Information - 301-206-4001

Washington Gas
 
Emergency - 703-750-1400

Information & Customer Service - 703-750-1000

Comcast - 800-934-6489

Verizon - 800-837-4966


Upcoming Meetings & Events:

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Town Events, Staff Telework Schedule, and Updates Related to COVID-19

In response to State and Montgomery County guidance to limit large gatherings and maintain social distancing, the Town will not host any events through the end of April. In addition, the Jane Lawton Recreation Center will be closed through March 27.

Town staff is currently on a telework schedule. Residents who need to drop off materials to the Town office may do so in the mailbox located outside the front door to the Town Hall. We will endeavor to process all permits and other applications in a timely manner. Phone calls and email will be monitored as usual.

While the office is closed, we encourage you to visit the Town website and subscribe to the Town Crier email alert system for the latest Town news.

Below is a list of resources for residents who would like more information on coronavirus preparedness and response:

Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services

Office of the Governor of Maryland

Centers for Disease Control

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services


Council Approves Emergency Plan for 2020 Town Council Election

On March 26, the Town Council discussed and approved an emergency resolution and operations plan to guide the conduct of the 2020 Town Council election.

The election will be held, as scheduled, with a deadline for voting of May 5. However, given the ongoing public health crisis, the Town Council identified the need to hold the election in a different manner than what is provided for in the Town Code. Specifically, the Council agreed that the election should be conducted by universal mail-in ballot, with no in-person voting at a polling place. Every qualified, registered voter in the Town will receive a ballot by mail and will return that ballot by mail.

Provisions are being made to facilitate candidates' outreach to residents through electronic means, and the Town will publish the election issue of the Forecast newsletter in mid-April with complete details on election procedures.

The Council understands that the emergency plan may need to be amended if further procedures are required or if circumstances change. We ask for your patience and support as we navigate extraordinary times while preserving both our democratic process and public safety.


Town Will Not Produce April Forecast Newsletter

Due to the ongoing public health crisis, and the consequent closure of the Town office and cancellation of Town events, the Town will not produce an April Forecast newsletter. For the latest Town news and information, please visit the Town website and sign up to receive Town Crier email alerts .


Spring Trash and Treasures Cancelled

Due to the public health crisis, the Town's spring Trash & Treasures event, scheduled for April 25 & 26, has been cancelled. Neither curbside bulk trash collection nor the alternative events at the Lawton Center will be provided. The Town hopes to hold this event in the fall.


Glass Recycling Update

Effective immediately, residents may place clean glass back into their recycling carts. The Town’s contractor recently established a glass recycling system at its processing facility, thereby enabling customers to once again include glass along with other recycled materials such as paper, plastic and cardboard. We ask that residents ensure that all materials are clean and remain dry to prevent cross-contamination. The Town will discontinue glass collection at the Lawton Center effective April 17. Additional details about proper recycling practices will be communicated shortly.


Utility Work Update

Next week, Washington Gas will continue working on East West Highway. Washington Gas also will continue to make scheduled house service connections.


Town-DOG.org

While you are at home, staying safe, we thought you might want to take a look at a wonderful website for Town dogs and owners developed by Bren Lizzio with help from Jane Root and others -- Town-DOG.org [https://town-dog.org/] . The website is a one stop shop that has lots of helpful information about dog regulations, where the dog waste stations are, and what to do about a lost dog. It also has a great registry of Town dogs that you and your four footed friends can join if you like. It is fun scrolling through to meet some of the Town dogs, all from a socially safe distance, of course.


March Purple Line Construction Updates

Night Work/Lane Closure on Connecticut Avenue: Crews will be relocating utilities on Connecticut Avenue between Jones Bridge Road and East-West Highway. Work will occur in two shifts, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. on weekdays and weekends. Temporary lane closures with flagging operations will occur.

Night Work/Lane Closure on Wisconsin Avenue: Crews will be pouring concrete for the walls of the Bethesda Shaft. Southbound lanes along Wisconsin Avenue between Montgomery Lane and Bethesda Avenue will experience temporary closures. Work will take place from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. on weekdays and weekends.

Pile Driving along the Georgetown Branch Trail: Crews will be pile driving along the Georgetown Branch Trail east of Connecticut Avenue between Newdale Road and Chevy Chase Lake Drive. Pile driving will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.

Pile Driving at Rock Creek Bridge: Crews will be pile driving at the Georgetown Branch Trail between Jones Mill Road and the Rock Creek Bridge. Pile driving will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays for approximately eight weeks. The work zone can be viewed here .

Rock Creek Trail Closure: Crews will close the Rock Creek Trail between Rays Meadow Park and Susanna Lane access points for approximately three weeks. Electronic message boards will be place along the trail in advance of this closure to alert pedestrians. The detour can be viewed here: https://rebrand.ly/vqtvs5.

Traffic Shift on Jones Mill Road: Traffic has shifted onto the southbound side of Jones Mill Road for phase one of this traffic change. Crews will be excavating and installing the arch for the future underpass. Work will take places from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and weekends.

Weekend Work at Bethesda Work Zone (Elm Street): Crews will be working at the Bethesda Work Zone on Elm Street. Work will take place in two shifts from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. on weekdays and weekends.

Weekend Work at Columbia Country Club: Crews will continue work at the Columbia Country Club 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays and weekends.

Weekend Work and Lane Closures on East-West Highway: Temporary lane closures will occur on East-West Highway between Connecticut Avenue and Montgomery Avenue between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on weekdays and weekends.

Weekend Work on the Georgetown Branch Trail: Crews will be working along the Georgetown Branch Trail from the Wisconsin Avenue to Connecticut Avenue. Work will take place on weekdays and weekends from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Weekend Work and Several Lane Closures on Jones Mill Road and Jones Bridge Road: Temporary lane closures will occur on Jones Bridge Road between Altimont Lane and Jones Mill Road, as well as on Jones Mill Road between Flushing Meadow Terrace and Coquelin Terrace between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays and weekends.

Weekend Work on the Rock Creek Trail: Crews will be working near Rock Creek Park bridge from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and weekends. Temporary trail closures will occur.


Important Phone Numbers

Below is a list of phone numbers that may be helpful while the Town Office is closed. In case of emergencies, always call 911.

Montgomery County Police

Non Emergency/24hrs - 301-279-8000

Bethesda - Chevy Chase Rescue Squad - 301-652-0077

Chevy Chase Fire Department

(Opposite Columbia Country Club) - 240-773-4707

Bethesda Fire Dept

(Wisconsin Ave and Bradley Blvd) - 240-773-4706

National Capital Poison Center

(George Washington University Hospital) - 800-222-1222

Utilities

Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO)

Emergency-Live wires down, power failure - 877-737-2662

Customer Service - 202-833-7500

Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission

Emergency - 301-206-4002

Complaints, Leaks, Information - 301-206-4001

Washington Gas

Emergency - 703-750-1400

Information & Customer Service - 703-750-1000

Comcast - 800-934-6489

Verizon - 800-837-4966

Upcoming Meetings:
Click here to view the Town calendar

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Weekly Town Updates are now available. Contact the Town Office at 301 -654-7144 or townoffice@townofchevychase.org for more information.
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