Executive Orders and Guidance to Address COVID-19 Surge
On December 17, Governor Larry Hogan announced new actions to slow the spread of COVID-19. You can find updated executive orders and guidance here.
On December 15, the Montgomery County Council approved County Executive Marc Elrich’s Executive Order 139-20AM2 that suspends indoor dining, reduces indoor sports gatherings to no more than 10 people and reduces the maximum capacity of retail establishments.
COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Information
Maryland is currently in phase 1A of vaccine distribution. The County expects to begin phase 1B of vaccination towards the end of January. Residents can sign up to receive vaccine updates directly from Montgomery County here.
Public Hearing on Emergency Plan for the 2021 Election
On January 13, the Town Council will hold a public hearing on an ordinance to adopt an emergency plan for the 2021 Town Council election. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the Town Council has discussed continuing a universal vote-by mail system for the 2021 Town election with some changes to protect voter privacy. The Council discussed and introduced an ordinance to implement these procedures at its December 9 meeting. If you are unable to attend the January Council meeting, which begins at 7 p.m. via Zoom, you may submit comments to townoffice@townofchevychase.org.
Traffic Study to be Presented to Council in January
At its January 13 meeting, the Council will be presented with the results of the Town-wide traffic study along with a report from the Town’s Public Services Committee with its recommendations regarding the study. Following the presentation, a public meeting will be scheduled to allow residents to review and ask questions about the study, and a work session will be scheduled for the Council to discuss the study’s findings and the PSC’s recommendations in more detail. Future meetings will be advertised in the Forecast newsletter and via the Town Crier, and no mitigation strategies will be adopted before community presentations and a public hearing.
Council Approves New Gas-Powered Blower Regulations
At its December meeting, the Town Council approved new regulations of gas-powered blowers. The new regulations are in response to resident concerns about noise and other impacts of this type of landscaping equipment. Specifically, they 1) expand quiet hours during which the use of gas-powered blowers is prohibited and 2) implement a ban on the use of gas-powered blowers from January 1 through October 14, effective in 2022. The regulations exempt gas-powered snow blowers and sprayers and do not include a total ban of gas-powered blowers. Montgomery County noise regulations also remain in effect in the Town.
Battery-Powered Blower Rebate Program
The Town Council recently approved a rebate program for battery-powered blowers and related equipment that is intended to reduce the noise from landscaping activities. Residents may request a rebate for half the cost of the purchase of a battery-powered blower, batteries, and chargers, up to a maximum rebate of $200 per household. The equipment may be purchased by a resident or by a contractor for use in landscaping activities on the resident’s property. The Council approved a supplemental appropriation of $30,000 to fund the program, and these funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis until May 31, 2021. More information about the program and an application form can be found here.
Montgomery County Climate Action Plan Webinar
Thursday, January 21, 7 p.m. Via Zoom
Montgomery County is going green! The county recently released its draft Climate Action Plan (CAP), a comprehensive roadmap for reducing greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2027 and 100% by 2035. In the first webinar of the Town of Chevy Chase's Climate & Environment Committee's Green Town Series, we'll be joined by Adriana Hochberg, assistant to County Executive Marc Elrich, and 2 of her colleagues who will give an overview of Montgomery County's CAP and answer questions as the County moves toward finalizing the plan by Spring 2021. If you cannot attend the event, a recording will be posted. This will be a joint event between the Town and Village of Chevy Chase.
To attend, you must preregister here and the Zoom meeting information will be sent to you.
Winter Clothing Drive Continues Until February 28
As the pandemic surges and the weather gets colder, our neighbors are in particular need of warm winter clothing. Each year our Town donates winter clothing to Interfaith Works, which distributes it to 13,000 income-qualified residents, including nearly 6,000 children. Please donate clean, gently used or never worn clothing, such as coats, gloves, hats, and socks, as well as waterproof winter wear. The 24-hour donation box is on the front porch of Marjorie Shaw and Barney Rush at 6917 Maple Avenue.
Town Office Schedule and Updates Related to COVID-19
Town staff continues on a telework schedule. Residents who need to drop off materials to the Town office may use the mailbox located outside the front door to the Town Hall. We will try to process all permits and other applications in a timely manner. Phone calls and email are being monitored and answered as usual. In addition, the Jane Lawton Recreation Center remains closed until further notice. For current Montgomery County closures, please check here.
Residents are encouraged to connect with the Town through the Town Crier email alert system and with fellow residents through the private Town Neighbors listserv. For information on how to join the Town Neighbors listserv, please email townneighbors+owner@groups.io. Both resources offer an important way to stay informed and in touch.
The Town website provides links to official resources for more information on coronavirus preparedness and response.
Important Phone Numbers
Click here for a list of important phone numbers. In case of emergencies, always call 911.
Upcoming Meetings & Events
Click here to view the Town calendar.