Takoma Park Adopts Housing, Economic Development Plan

The Takoma Park City Council has adopted a long-term housing and economic development strategic plan, city officials announced. The 2019-2030 Housing and Economic Development Strategic Plan is designed to be a “coordinated approach needed to move Takoma Park towards a ‘Livable Community for All’ for this and future generations,” according to the introduction.

Police Arrest Germantown Man in Silver Spring Burglaries

Police from the Third District arrested a Germantown man in connection with two residential burglaries in Silver Spring, according to a press release. Police responded to a report of a burglary in the 700 block of Pershing Drive at about 2:15 a.m. Saturday morning, Oct. 19, and arrested Steven Anderson, age 56, of Germantown.

Austria-based Tech Company Opens Silver Spring Office

Mindbreeze, an Austria-based tech company that provides knowledge management services for international clients, has opened an office in downtown Silver Spring, according to a company press release. The firm will occupy space on the 11th floor of 8403 Colesville Rd. in the Metro Plaza complex, company officials told the Source via Twitter.

Upcoming Events, Oct. 25–Nov. 1

Upcoming Events

Halloween is Thursday, one week from today, and there are numerous event planned over the next week to celebrate (including the annual Zombie Walk). If your favorite venue isn’t listed, check directly with them. In the meantime, there’s an adoption event with the Humane Rescue Alliance at the Go Brent offices on Saturday, which is also Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Manna Food Center will sponsor a rescued food cooking contest at Sunday’s Farmers Market in Silver Spring, and the Society for the Preservation of Beers from the Wood will hold a beer crawl at the Silver Spring breweries. Check the full post for many more events this week.

Detectives Seek Help Identifying Suspect in September Incidents

Detectives from the 3rd District Investigative Section are still investigating two September incidents and are seeking the public’s help to identify a suspect, according to a press release. The department reports that about 1:27 a.m. on Sept. 17, the Children’s Hospital Foundation office located at 801 Roeder St. was burglarized.

Bill Would Formalize County Community Policing Guidelines

A bill to formalize community policing guidelines for the county’s police department was introduced this week by Council President Nancy Navarro (D-District 4) and Councilmember Craig Rice (D-District 2). Bill 33-19, Police – Community Policing would address “core community policing values,” diversity on the force, engagements with the community, complaints against county officers and other issues.

Upcoming Events, Oct. 18–25

Upcoming Events

There is no shortage of opportunities for civic or charitable involvement this week. The Victim’s Rights Foundation and Passion4Learning are both holding gala celebrations, while there are fundraisers planned for WOWD Radio and Shepherd’s Table and Takoma Park Library’s fall sale. On the civic side, there are meetings about saving trees in downtown Silver Spring, PEPCO’s ongoing work, and the Countywide Pedestrian Master Plan.

Glass Bill Would Tax New Home Construction After Demolition

Councilmember Evan Glass (D-At Large) has introduced the Housing Impact Fairness Tax (Bill 34-19) that would, under certain conditions, tax new home construction following the demolition of an existing single-family home. Co-sponsored by Councilmember Will Jawando (D-At Large), the bill would earmark the new revenue for school construction and affordable housing initiatives.