County Police Seek Help to Identify Armed Robbery Suspect

The Montgomery County police are asking for the public’s help to identify a suspect in a July 20 armed robbery in Silver Spring. Detectives from the 3rd District Investigative Section have released a cell phone video of one of two suspects in the robbery that occurred in the 1200 block of East-West Highway.

Council Passes Bill to Require Police Adopt Use of Force Policy

The County Council yesterday unanimously approved a bill that would require the Montgomery County police chief to adopt a use of force policy. Many of the provisions in the legislation are similar those in a new policy announced in June by County Executive Marc Elrich, Police Chief Marcus Jones and the Fraternal Order of Police.

Council Approves $28 Million in COVID-19 Related Appropriations

The County Council yesterday approved about $28 million in appropriations to provide assistance to residents and various entities dealing with financial issues related to COVID-19 emergency. The largest appropriation, $20 million was requested by County Executive Marc Elrich from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act to expand rental assistance for eviction and homelessness prevention.

Republic Garden Temporarily Shut Down by DHHS

The Republic Garden in downtown Silver Spring has been temporarily shut down by order of the Department of Health and Human Services, officials announced. The restaurant/lounge at 8402 Georgia Ave. was given a 30-day closure notice on Sunday, July 26 for not maintaining the minimum of six feet for social distancing.

County Offering In-Home COVID-19 Testing to Eligible Residents

The county is now offering no-cost, in-home COVID-19 testing for eligible residents who live in area zip codes most affected by the coronavirus. A response team of a health worker and a human services worker will provide temperature checks, monitor vital signs and give COVID-19 saliva tests to all household members who give consent.

Council Continues to Provide Funding to Assist in COVID-19 Recovery

The County Council continues to work on providing funding for specific sectors to assist in the economic recovery from the COVID-19 health emergency. At the behest of County Executive Marc Elrich, the council yesterday introduced legislation to appropriate $20 million from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act to expand rental assistance for eviction and homelessness prevention.

M-NCPPC Raises Major Concerns over DEIS for Managed Lanes

M-NCPPC Votes to “Not Concur” with Managed Lanes Alternatives

The bi-county Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission expressed major concerns about a Draft Environmental Impact Statement during a briefing last week with the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration. The DEIS is part of the state’s Managed Lanes Study to evaluate alternatives to improve traffic congestion along I-495 (Capital Beltway) in Maryland, and on I-270 from I-495 to I-370.

Planners to Hold Virtual Listening Sessions on Downtown, Adjacent Communities Plan

The county’s Planning Department will hold the first of three virtual “listening sessions” on what’s been rechristened the Silver Spring Downtown and Adjacent Communities Plan on Tuesday, July 21 from noon to 1:15 p.m. The discussion is part of the launch of the sector plan process for the Central Business District and surrounding area.