As promised, County Executive Marc Elrich yesterday vetoed a bill that would establish a business improvement district in Silver Spring. In response, seven County Council members vowed to override the veto when the council returned in September.
The County Council, sitting as the Board of Health, yesterday voted unanimously to reinstate a mandate requiring all residents, regardless of vaccination status to wear masks indoors. The vote followed recommendations from County Executive Marc Elrich and County Health Officer Dr. Travis Gayles to take the action.
The County Council, sitting as the Board of Health, this week will consider a regulation that would mandate mask wearing indoors under certain circumstances, as the delta variant of the coronavirus has caused an increase in the number of reported infected people.
Commissioner Natali Fani-González has resigned her position with the county’s Planning Board and the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, effective Aug. 31. Earlier this year, Fani-González announced plans to run for County Council representing District 4.
The County Council yesterday approved a bill to establish a business improvement district in Silver Spring that would provide marketing and promotions for all the businesses within the current Silver Spring Urban District.
The County Council yesterday approved a zoning text amendment intended to facilitate deployment of small-cell antennas to provide 5G wireless technology. Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 19-07, Telecommunications Towers – Limited Use, would allow antennas on utility and light poles that would offer 5G’s faster speeds, enhanced reliability and greater capacity for wireless users.
County restaurants, bars and taverns with off-premise liquor licenses will be allowed to continue to sell mixed drinks or cocktails for take out or delivery under the terms of a law signed last week by Gov. Larry Hogan (R). The law is effective July 1 and will permit the sale of these beverages until June 30, 2023.
The County Council has reappointed Commissioner Tina Patterson to the Montgomery County Planning Board for a second term, recognizing Patterson’s experience in alternative dispute resolution, commitment to economic development and the parks system, as well as her work on racial equity and social justice issues.
Dr. Travis Gayles officially informed the County Council yesterday that the county had reached the mark of 60% of the population with a least one dose of vaccine, triggering the second phase of reopening the county. The County Council will today consider and vote on a Sixth Amended Board of Health Regulation to formalize the changes in pandemic restrictions.