County Planning Board Reviews Study Aimed at Helping Minority-Owned Businesses
In Silver Spring, Wheaton and the Takoma-Langley Crossroads, there are 279 diverse retailers, creating 1,400 jobs and approximately $138 million in revenue. The Montgomery County Planning Department, which is part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, just released a study to determine how the county can strengthen these minority-owned businesses.
In each of these three communities, the number of Black, Asian and Hispanic residents has increased since 2010. In Silver Spring, the White population decreased by 1.8% while the Black population increased by 20.9%, the Asian population increased by 25.5% and the Hispanic population grew by 37.9%, according to the study.
New Mural Showcasing Wheaton’s Diversity Will Debut in July
A vivid mural featuring multicultural dancers will be displayed outside the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission’s headquarters on Reedie Drive in Wheaton. It is expected to debut in July.
The winning mural was selected by an online community vote in March in which 11,703 votes were cast for three different mural designs, according to the Montgomery County Planning Department. The winning design garnered more than 60% of the votes and was designed by Nicole Bourgea of Kensington.
There were 28 submissions, which were narrowed to the three that were voted on.
New Capital Crescent Digital Display Counts Bicyclists and Pedestrians
A real-time digital trail display that counts the number of bicyclists and pedestrians who use the Capital Crescent Trail in Bethesda was installed April 9 next to Ourisman Honda in Bethesda.
The counter display is approximately eight feet tall and two feet wide. It is double-sided and displays the number of pedestrians on one side and the number of bicyclists on the other side. It is backlit so counts will be visible at night.
“Real-time data plays an important role in advocating for the care, management, and maintenance of our trails,” said Casey Anderson, chair of the Montgomery Planning Board. “I think people will appreciate seeing just how many people use and love this trail, reminding them of the wonderful parks and trails in the county.”
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County Planners Criticize State Plans to Widen Beltway, I-270
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) has “strong reservations” about the Maryland Department of Transportation’s plan to expand I-495 and I-270, saying it will “shortchange transit and inflict unnecessary damage to parkland while increasing emissions from vehicles.”
At the end of last month, Maryland highway officials announced that their preferred alternative for the roadwork would include high-occupancy toll lanes in both directions on both roads. That alternative includes adding toll lanes across the American Legion Bridge north along I-495 to I-270 and I-370, according to the state’s fact sheet.