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From the County’s website:

County Advises Comcast Customers to Opt Out of "Arbitration Notice" to Protect Rights

For Immediate Release: 7/26/2007

Montgomery County officials are warning Comcast cable subscribers who want to preserve their consumer rights to pay close attention to their July bills and take the appropriate steps to “opt out” of the Arbitration Notice that is included in the bills. The Comcast Arbitration Notice – which was sent out without County approval – attempts to change the terms of the subscriber agreement and limit subscriber rights. The subscriber’s best protection is to “opt out” of the policy within 30 days from the date of receipt of the bill. “We are concerned about this Arbitration Notice because it uses a negative option technique to deny consumers the opportunity to affirmatively accept the change in their service agreement with Comcast,” said County Executive Isiah Leggett. “Vendors should not change the terms of service without first receiving the consent of the consumer, and the fact that Comcast has not done this is disturbing.” “The County Council has always been a strong advocate for consumers and there should be no exceptions with the cable industry. It is important that customers know and exercise their rights,” said Marilyn Praisner, President of the Montgomery County Council. “Comcast’s unilateral action to change the subscriber agreement, with an artificial 30-day deadline, is simply anti-consumer,” said County Council member Duchy Trachtenberg, Chair of the Management and Fiscal Policy Committee. “The Management and Fiscal Policy Committee continues to scrutinize Comcast’s performance, but in this case, we already know what urgent action needs to be taken. To preserve your legal rights, go online to www.comcast.com/arbitrationoptout and opt out now.” “On the surface, arbitration sounds like a good thing, but Comcast’s proposed change is one-sided. We are concerned that subscribers will unknowingly give up some of their consumer rights by failing to opt out in time,” said Jane Lawton, Montgomery County’s Cable Administrator. “Comcast customers need to know that they do not have to accept this unilateral change in terms of their service.” According to Comcast, customers who do not opt out of the Arbitration Notice within 30 days of receiving the notice will relinquish their right to pursue any legal remedies against Comcast in court, including claims for negligence, fraud or intentional wrongdoing. Nor can they join together as a class to seek common remedies. Comcast also attempts to limit the time in which subscribers can file a claim for injuries to one year and an even shorter time for billing disputes. However, the changed policy preserves Comcast’s rights to pursue those suits it is most likely to have against individual subscribers – such as copyright violations, unauthorized use or receipt of service, and small claims. These are excluded from the arbitration notice. Comcast customers can “opt out” of the Arbitration Notice either online or by mail by taking the following actions: On line: Go to www.comcast.com/arbitrationoptout and fill out the form. You will need a copy of your Comcast bill so that you can enter your entire 14-digit customer account number as it appears on the bill. If you have any difficulties, call 1-800-COMCAST (1-800-266-2278) and report the problem. You should keep a copy of the form. By Mail: Write a note to Comcast which includes your name, address, Comcast account number, and a statement that you do not wish to resolve disputes with Comcast through arbitration, and then mail to: Comcast, 1500 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, ATTN: Legal Department/Arbitration. You should also keep a copy of the letter you send to Comcast. Comcast subscribers who have any problems or concerns should contact the County Office of Cable and Communications Services at 240-773-2288. # # #

Release ID: 07-318 Media Contact: Donna Bigler 240-777-6530

The Kentlands Boulevard Commercial District Charrette continues tonight with a session on retail issues, at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium at Lakelands Park Middle School, 1200 Main Street.

Joe Coombs writes in a Washington Business Journal article, Gaithersburg rethinks Kentlands Blvd. corridor:

A July 30 session will focus on retail development on the Kentlands Boulevard corridor, already home to several national and regional names, including Giant Food, Whole Foods, PetSmart, Lowe’s and Kmart.

“A lot of people aren’t familiar with how retail leases are negotiated or how retailers decide where to locate,” [Gaithersburg Planning & Code Director Greg] Ossont said. “We’ve had lots of community meetings over the years where people have called for a Neiman Marcus, and they got a Michaels and a Dress Barn, instead.”

McLean-based Beatty Management Co., which operates the Market Square complex, and Baltimore-based KLNB, which handles leasing and operations for Market Square, will be at the table with Gaithersburg officials during the process, Ossont said.

From the City’s website:

Safe Speed Program Up and Running in the City of Gaithersburg

Posted 7/27/2007

The Safe Speed program is now operational in the City of Gaithersburg, with citations being issued for speeding violations as of July 30, 2007.

Jurisdictions within Montgomery County were granted the authority to operate the cameras by the State of Maryland in 2006. Conducted in conjunction with the City of Rockville, the Town of Chevy Chase and Montgomery County, Gaithersburg’s Safe Speed program authorizes the use of the cameras in residential and school zones with speed limits of 35 miles per hour or less.

The Gaithersburg Police Department conducted traffic surveys to determine locations most in need of speed reduction efforts. Initially, photo radar enforcement will be conducted on Girard Street, Quince Orchard Boulevard, Watkins Mill Road, and West Deer Park Road. Additional streets will be added in the future.

The goal of the Safe Speed program is to reduce speeding on residential streets and streets near schools in an effort to prevent injuries and fatalities among pedestrians and motorists. The cameras are an additional tool available to police in speed enforcement. Officers will continue to enforce speed limits using other techniques such as hand-held radar or laser.

Detailed information about the program, including locations of photo radar enforcement efforts, instructions for paying fines and a list of frequently asked questions, is available through the link below. For additional information contact the Gaithersburg Police Department at 301-258-6400 or police@gaithersburgmd.gov.

• Safe Speed Program

From the County’s website. Note that there’s at least one repeat (Lake Marion) in here.

• A 17-year-old male riding his bike was robbed at gunpoint on Sunday 7/22 around 0125 hours at North Amity Drive and Washington Grove Lane. The four suspects drove past the victim in a newer model red 4-door, then stopped and turned around. One suspect held a gun to the victim’s face while others searched him. Money and a cell phone were taken.

  Suspect; B/M 20 to 23, 6′0″ to 6′2″, black bandanna, black shorts, silver revolver/black handle

  Three other suspects: B/Ms 20 to 23 years, 5′8″ to 5′11″, black tee shirts, black shorts

  Amity Drive intersects Washington Grove Lane just south of Midcounty Hwy, but I can’t find a “North Amity Drive”.

• An adult male was beaten and robbed outside of the 18400 block Lost Knife Circle on Thursday 7/19 around 2300 hours. Two suspects grabbed the victim and demanded his phone. The victim was kicked while on the ground by both suspects, who were possibly intoxicated.

  Suspects: Two H/M 25-28 years

• An adult male was robbed of his wallet outside of the 500 block of Girard Street on Wednesday 7/18 around 1740 hours. The victim was knocked to the ground from behind and struck several times in the head. The suspects fled on foot.

  Suspect: H/M 20 years, 5′7″, 150, short hair, white tee shirt, blue jeans

  Suspect: B/M 23 years, 6′, 160, crew cut, black sleeveless tee shirt

• An attempted robbery occurred at Deer Park and Route 355 on Wednesday 7/18 at 0545 hours by a suspect she advised tried the same thing back in June. In the recent event, the suspect threw the victim to the ground and tried to steal her purse, but obtained nothing.

  Suspect: B/M 20 to 22 years, 6′ to 6′2″, 150-170, crew cut, black tee shirt

• One aggravated assault occurred between roommates in the 18300 block of Lost Knife Circle on Friday 7/20 around 2345 hours. Arguing over the use of the bathroom, the suspect stabbed the victim in the foot and fled. Investigation is continuing.

  Suspect: “Oscar” H/M 35 years, 5′10″ 170, drives a tan vehicle, possibly a Ford

• The second aggravated assault also occurred in the 18300 block of Lost Knife, in the hallway around 2245 hours. The suspect (not known to the victim) wanted the pizza the victim was carrying home and when the victim refused, the suspect shot a rock at him using a slingshot. His name was provided by a juvenile witness.

  Suspect: “Hectorito” AKA: “Jorgeito” H/M NFD

• The third assault occurred on 270 at Montgomery Village Avenue on Sunday 7/22 just after 1800 hours during a road rage incident. Somewhere along the line, a suspect pulled a small black revolver and pointed it at the victim as they were both driving.

  Suspects: Two B/Ms, both bald/clean shaven with goatees, one in a red tank top, the other in a multi-colored short sleeve shirt

  Suspect Vehicle: Red Ford Escort, partial WV tags

• A somewhat familiar flim-flam against elderly victims occurred at 9715 Medical Center Drive on Friday 7/20 around 1130 hours. Three suspects joined the elderly couple in the elevator and one pretended to get his arm stuck in the door. When the victim went to assist, another lifted his wallet. Fraudulent credit card purchases were made soon after.

  Suspects: Two B/Ms about 30 years in polo shirts; a third 1/M about 40 years, white shirt

• The Latin lotto scheme was employed at the Bottom Dollar store, 16567 South Frederick Avenue, on Wednesday 7/18 around 1200 hours. As is always the case, the victim was approached by two subjects claiming to have won the lottery but they were unable to cash in as they were not US citizens. The victim gave them $2400 in “good faith” money and, of course, was given shredded paper in return.

  Suspect: H/F 60 to 65 years, 5′3″ to 5′7″, 110-130, tan clothing

  Suspect: W/F 30 to 25 years, 5′ to 5′5″, 120-135, black & white shirt, tan purse w/”XOXO”

• An adult male was jumped outside the McDonald’s at 9100 Rothbury Drive on Saturday 7/21 around 2200 hours and had his cell phone stolen.

  Suspects: Four B/Ms, 18-19 years, around 6′, wearing white tee shirts and black pants.

  Suspect: B/F long hair, red & yellow shirt, yellow skirt

  Rothbury Drive is off Goshen Rd, just south of Wightman/Snouffers School Rd; there’s a Giant Food and a Safeway near there.

• A peeping tom report was reported at Big Acre Square on Friday 7/20 around 2130 hours after the resident saw a man standing at her back door.

  Suspect: M 20 to 25 years, 5′5″-6′0″, 175-200, short black hair, white tee shirt over a long sleeve blue shirt, blue jean shorts, no further description was provided.

  Big Acre Square is off School Drive, which intersects Muddy Branch just north of Diamondback.

• Two vehicles in the 10000 block of Vanderbilt Circle were broken into, between Sunday 7/22 at 1500 and Monday 7/23 at 0900 hours. A door lock was pried to gain entry and both were searched. No property was taken from either.

  Vanderbilt Circle is northeast of Sam Eig & Great Seneca Hwy.

• Tammy Moore, the suspect involved in numerous theft/credit card fraud cases, was arrested on Friday 7/20 around 0400 hours outside the 7-11 at 3 Professional Drive. After a struggle, the suspect was also found in possession of a vial of PCP.

  Defendant: Tammy Moore W/F 5′7″, 160-170, DOB/10-27-76, no fixed address

• Multiple suspects were seen after a burglary to the Lake Marion Community Center, 8821 East Village Avenue, on Wednesday 7/18 at 0200 hours. A rear locker room window was broken to access the building. Every locker was opened, property was stolen, and the vending machine was broken into. Some property was recovered during a foot chase.

  Suspects: Four B/Ms, 16-19 years, black shirts .

• As detailed in the recent Crime Alert distributed on Monday, most of the vehicle-related thefts occurred in the Maple Leaf Drive area with a window broken to remove loose items.

  Maple Leaf Drive is off Apple Ridge, near the north end of Montgomery Village Ave.

• A couple miles or so south of the Maple Leaf area, a vehicle was broken into at Stedwick Drive and Capehart Drive on Tuesday 7/17 at midnight. A witness gave a lookout to responding units who managed to give chase on foot. Though none were captured, one suspect dropped his phone, thus giving potential suspect information.

• A subject was seen hiding in the bushes attempting to call juvenile females over to him at Shadow Oak Court and Brookridge Court on Friday 7/20 at 2050 hours. The subject was 2934 and arrested for DWI when he left the area. Inside his vehicle was a pair of children’s panties and a child’s tea cup.

  Suspect: Francisco Faustino H/M 5′6″, 150, DOB/12-24-76, 9345 Bremerton Way

  This is still in the Maple Leaf Drive area.

• An apartment burglary occurred on North Summit Avenue on Wednesday 7/18 around 2200 hours. The resident found three suspects inside and all fled upon the confrontation. Conveniently, the resident’s 18 year old son gave names of all three. A Palm Treo cell phone was stolen.

  Suspect: “Justin” B/M 6′, 180, corn rows, black tee shirt, blue jean shorts

  Suspect: “Calvin” B/M black tee shirt, 2nd tee shirt around his head

  Suspect: “Menace” B/M medium length black hair

• A rear window was pried to access the residence on Russell Avenue on Wednesday 7/18 between 0100 and 1200 hours. A 20″ flat panel TV was stolen and the victim suspects the below named individual, whom her son has had dealings with in the past.

• Between 7/19 and 7/22, three sport utility vehicles were broken into on Swanstream Drive and Driftwood Court. Either a door was pried or a window was broken. Portable GPS units appeared to be the target.

  This is south of the intersection of Muncaster Mill and Woodfield Roads.

Agenda - Historic Preservation Committee Meeting, 8/2/2007
Posted 7/27/2007

CITY OF GAITHERSBURG
31 South Summit Avenue
Telephone: 301-258-6330

AGENDA
HISTORIC PRESERVATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Council Chambers at City Hall at 7:30 p.m.

The HPAC will conduct a site visit at

201 East Diamond Avenue, on
Tuesday, July 31, 2007, at 6:30 p.m. .

I. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

II. PUBLIC HEARINGS

HAWP-104 Applicant: Peter Geiling, for City of Gaithersburg
7 South Summit Avenue
B&O Railroad Station
Rolling Stock Park

HAWP-92C Applicant: Michael Stumborg

15 Walker Avenue
Removal of Rear Solarium/Replace with Enclosed Porch

HAWP-109 Applicant: Neang Lin, for Hak Srun Lin
24 Chestnut Street
Expansion of Concrete Driveway

HAWP-95B Applicant: Irfan Khan
(Retroactive) 112 Meem Avenue
An Amendment to HAWP-95
Change of Materials/Window Style/Roof

III. RECOMMENDATION to Historic District Commission

Historic Significance of 201 East Diamond Avenue
A demolition request has been filed by Charles Blessing, for the Inter-Continental Group

IV. UPDATES

1. Meeting Dates
2. Status of Various Projects

Mariana Minaya writes in today’s Washington Post:

In the county, which has one of the lowest overall birthrates in the United States, the birthrate increased 16 percent from 2002 to 2005 among all women 15 to 19, according to a report by county staff. In the same period, births for women in that age group dropped nationally and statewide.

Births among Hispanic women 18 to 19, which have particularly driven the growth in teen pregnancies in Montgomery, have increased more than 30 percent in the past decade, according to the report.

Candace Kattar, executive director of Identity Inc., a nonprofit group in Gaithersburg that serves Latinos, said low-income and undocumented teen moms often might not see pregnancy as a barrier to goals such as an education or career.

“A lot of the teen Latino moms are actually quite happy to be pregnant as teenagers,” Kattar said.

A 206-page, 700KB PDF of the decision can be downloaded here. Previous Gaithersblog coverage of the Hazleton trial can be found here.

• Wade Malcolm writes in the Times-Tribune, Hazleton immigration ordinance ruled unconstitutional:
  

  A federal judge has struck down the Illegal Immigration Relief Act, ruling Hazleton’s proposed crackdown on landlords and employers doing business with illegal immigrants is unconstitutional.

  In a 206-page opinion, U.S. District Judge James M. Munley stated, "Federal law prohibits Hazleton from enforcing any of the provisions of its ordinance" aimed at expelling illegal immigrants.

• Steve Mocarsky writes in the Times-Leader, Hazleton immigration ordinance struck down (with decision):
  

  Munley said he will issue a permanent injunction preventing enforcement of the laws which would fine landlords and suspend licenses of businesses found to house or employ illegal immigrants.

  Representing several Latino organizations and individual plaintiffs, lawyers from the American Civil Liberties Union and other civil rights groups and private attorneys sued the city in August, claiming Hazleton's immigration laws were unconstitutional.

• AP Writer Michael Rubinkam writes, Judge strikes down Hazleton’s tough anti-illegal immigration law (as carried in the Post-Gazette):
  

  Hazleton Mayor Lou Barletta called the decision bizarre and said he intends to file an appeal.

  "Sadly, today’s decision sends the wrong message to elected officials in Washington and elsewhere," he told reporters outside City Hall. "We, the American people, want our cities secured, our borders protected and our citizenship respected. This battle is far from over."

  Witold J. Walczak, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania, which represented the plaintiffs, said other cities should take notice.

  "This decision should be a blaring red stoplight for local officials thinking of copying Hazleton’s misguided and unconstitutional law," Walczak said.

  But the city’s lawyer, Kris Kobach, denounced Munley as an activist judge who ignored Supreme Court precedent and existing federal law, which he said allows municipalities to address the "consequences of illegal immigration."

• Steve Mocarsky writes in the Times-Leader, Attorney for Hazleton calls judge ‘activist,’ vows to appeal immigration suit decision:
  

  AT a 4 p.m. press conference outside City Hall, Kobach said that the judge made some "questionable decisions" in the case, such as allowing some witnesses - believed to be illegal immigrants - to testify anonymously. He said those decisions and Munley’s interpretation of federal law will give the city grounds for appeal to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia.

  Barletta said Munley’s decision was "disappointing, but not unexpected." He urged people from across the country to continue suporting him and the city by sending contributions to the city’s legal defense fund, accessible online at www.smalltowndefenders.com.

• Jon Hurdle writes in Reuters, Court throws out city’s illegal immigration law:
  

  The city of 30,000 blames a recent rise in illegal immigration for boosting crime and overburdening social services. The law was passed in July 2006 but was not implemented because of a court injunction won by opponents.

  About a third of the city’s residents are immigrants from Central America and around a quarter of the immigrant population is believed to be undocumented, according to civil rights campaigners.

• Digger writes in the Diggers Realm, Clinton Appointed Judge Rules Against Hazleton:
  

  The ruling comes down as strictly partisan in my eyes and is based on the beliefs of this judge and not on the constitutionality of the ordinance one bit.

  Either way the ruling went, in favor of Hazleton or the plaintiffs, they had both stated that they would take it to the next level and all the way to the Supreme Court.

• Judicial Watch writes Clinton Judge Strikes Hazleton Illegal Alien Law:
  

  The blocked law (Illegal Immigration Relief Act) was actually inspired by a pair of illegal immigrants who committed a violent shooting in Hazleton. The measure sought to impose fines on landlords who rent to illegal immigrants and deny business permits to companies that give them jobs.

  While drafting the legislation, fed up city officials provided crucial data that illustrated how illegal immigrants have overwhelmed the city's police department with drugs, crime and gangs. Furthermore, city lawmakers said they had to take action because the federal government would not.

• The ACLU writes, Federal Court Strikes Down Discriminatory Anti-Immigrant Law in Hazleton, Pennsylvania:
  

  "This ruling strikes a hard blow to the anti-immigrant movement and reinforces important constitutional principles beyond the small town of Hazleton. Political leaders, like Mayor Barletta, must stop scapegoating undocumented immigrants for all the problems we confront in our local communities," said Anthony D. Romero, Executive Director of the ACLU. "It is time to stop promoting discrimination and wrongheaded policies so that we can come together to find a national solution for our country’s immigration issues."

From the City’s website:

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Burglary

On 07/25/07, at 9:00 p.m., police responded to the 700 block of Clopper Rd. for a report of a burglary. The victim came home from vacation and found the residence ransacked and property missing. Suspect(s) unknown, incident under investigation.

On 07/26/07, at 12:50 a.m., police responded to the 800 block of Windbrooke Dr. for a report of a burglary in progress. Upon arrival, the victim stated that her ex-boyfriend broke into her home by throwing his body into her front door. He was last seen running towards Montgomery Village.
Suspect- Lenin Lora, black male, 30 years old, wearing a brown checkered shirt, and khaki pants.

Windebrooke Drive is off Watkins Mill, north of Travis Ave.

Thefts from Vehicles

On 07/26/07, at 2:20 a. m., police responded to the 400 block of Girard St. for a report of a theft from a vehicle. While speaking with the first victim, another victim stated that his vehicle was broken into also. Police found a third vehicle broken into as well. The incident is under investigation police have no suspect(s) at the present.

---

Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Burglary
On 07/24/2007 at approximately 4:15 am, a resident in the 400 block of N. Summit Avenue reported that an unknown male reached through an open bedroom window and stole her purse. The suspect then reached over and fondled the victim, which caused her to wake up and scream. The suspect fled on foot in an unknown direction. Investigation is ongoing.
Suspect - Black male, light complexion.

---

Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Attempted Burglary
On 07/18/07 police responded to the unit block of Mills Road for an attempted burglary that occurred earlier. The victim reported that two suspects attempted to gain entry by trying the front door on 07/14/07 at 3:15 p.m.
Suspect 1- Hispanic male, 5′5″, 150 lbs
Suspect 2- Black male, 6′0″, 170 lbs

Mills Road is southeast of Watkins Mill & W Diamond.

Attempted Robbery
On 07/18/07, at approximately 5:45 a.m., a woman was in the area of W. Deer Park Road and S. Frederick Avenue when she was approached by a male subject. The man demanded the victim’s purse. The victim refused to hand the suspect her purse. The man then grabbed the victim, shook her, and threw her to the ground. The victim sustained injuries and was transported to an area hospital. The victim stated that the same man had robbed her in the first week of June in the same area.
Suspect - Black male, 20-22 yrs old, 6′00″-6′02″, 150-170 lbs, close cropped black hair, wearing a black T-shirt and a black baseball cap.

Burglary
On 07/18/07, at approximately 10:10 pm, three males entered a residence in the 300 block of N. Summit Avenue through an unlocked front door. The victim woke up and discovered the three males who are acquaintances of the family, in one of the bedrooms. The suspects then fled out of the residence last seen running toward N. Summit Avenue. The only item that the suspects stole was a cell phone.
Suspect 1- “Justin”, Black male, 6′00″, 180 lbs, approximately 20 years old, wearing a black skull cap, black shirt, and black jeans.
Suspect 2 - “Calvin”, Black male, approximately 20 years old, wearing a black shirt and a black shirt wrapped around his head.
Suspect 3 - “Menace”, Black male, approximately 20 years old, medium build, wearing a white shirt.

Strong Arm Robbery
On 07/18/07, at approximately 5:45 p.m., an adult male was grabbed by two suspects in the 500 block of Girard Street. The victim was knocked to the ground, hit in the head and had property stolen.

Suspect 1 - Hispanic male, 20 yrs old, 5′07″, 150 lbs, short black hair, thin build, wearing a white t-shirt and blue jeans.
Suspect 2 - Black male, 23 yrs old, 6′00″, 160 lbs, short black hair, muscular build, wearing a black sleeveless shirt.

• Chris Robinson writes, Race for city seats could be crowded:
  

  With longtime incumbents undecided and the number of potential new candidates — including former city manager Sanford W. Daily — already double the number that ran in the last election, it looks as if Gaithersburg could see one of its hottest political races ever this fall.

  Besides Daily and the three incumbents — Stanley J. Alster, Geri Edens and John B. Schlichting — potential challengers Jud Ashman, Cathy Drzyzgula, Wilson Faris and Brett Cosor have picked up candidate paperwork.

• C. Benjamin Ford and Sebastian Montes write, Leadership group’s meeting with day laborers a first:
  

  Thursday’s event was set up by Casa of Maryland at the county’s employment center on Crabbs Branch Way in Rockville.

  The Leadership Maryland session with the workers occurred shortly after County Executive Isiah Leggett stressed at a press conference that a crackdown on gang activities does not mean the county intends to enforce federal immigration laws.

• Sebastian Montes writes, Protesters call for immigration reform:
  

  The heat surrounding the debate over government support of illegal immigrants was turned up a bit Saturday as the first-ever protest of one of the county’s three employment centers for day laborers took place in Shady Grove.

• Agnes Jasinski writes, County’s Birchmere talks closed down:
  

  Negotiations between the county and the owners of the Alexandria, Va.-based Birchmere music hall to open a second location in Silver Spring are over, a county spokesman said, but the Birchmere’s owner said he was under the impression talks were still open.

• Chris Robinson writes in his ‘Of Note’ column:
  • Vistas project gets OK after easement plan compromise
    

    After numerous talks aimed at a compromise between neighbors of the proposed Vistas community and the developer, Churchill Development Corp., Gaithersburg City Council on Monday unanimously approved a schematic development plan for the project.

  • Broadstone plan advances
    

    The Gaithersburg City Council unanimously approved an environmental waiver for the Broadstone Apartments redevelopment project on Monday.

  • Public mute on compensation
    

    No Gaithersburg residents spoke during the public hearing Monday evening about a proposed salary hike for the mayor and City Council and Planning Commission members.

• Sebastian Montes writes, Belward is key to county’s role in future of biotech:
  

  After nearly two decades of waiting, the wheels are beginning to turn on plans to build a biotech and science research hub at Johns Hopkins University’s Belward Research Campus, 100 acres of open farmland near Shady Grove.

• Sebastian Montes writes, Master plan ’split’ irks Village residents:
  

  A move by county planners to quietly break the Gaithersburg Vicinity Master Plan into two new zones is pitting the need for progress against resident concerns over sound planning principles.

• Danny Jacobs writes, Leggett takes a shot at Ellsworth Drive photo policy:
  

  Leggett, in his letter, acknowledged the agreement between the county and the developers allowed the developers to create rules and regulations for the property to keep it safe, secure and economically viable. But, Leggett wrote, “these rights do not change the character of Ellsworth as a public forum, nor countenance violation of the First Amendment rights of residents and visitors to Montgomery County who use Ellsworth.”