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.

County to Open Former Library as Cooling Center During Heat Alert

The county will open the former Silver Spring library location today (July 20) as a cooling center in response to a declared heat emergency alert. The building at 8901 Colesville Rd. will open at 11 a.m. Monday and close at 7 p.m. In addition, the Silver Spring Civic Building has been designated a cooling center today as well, also from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Planning Board Declines to Reconsider DTSS Renovation Plans

Downtown Silver Spring to Get $10 Million Renovation, New Tenants

The Planning Board this morning declined to reconsider its July 2 resolution approving a site plan amendment that proposed a $10 million renovation of the Downtown Silver Spring development. Chairman Casey Anderson noted that the board had received “multiple requests” for reconsideration of the earlier action.

Planning Board to Possibly Reconsider Downtown Silver Spring Plan Approval

Downtown Silver Spring to Get $10 Million Renovation, New Tenants

The Planning Board is scheduled to reconsider its earlier approval of a $10 million renovation plan for Downtown Silver Spring at its meeting Thursday, July 16. The plan includes a proposal to permanently close Ellsworth Drive to vehicular traffic from Fenton Street to just beyond Fountain Plaza, and lay down nontoxic artificial turf to create a “linear urban park.”

Not Your Average Joe’s Has Permanently Closed in Ellsworth Place

Not Your Average Joe’s restaurant in Ellsworth Place has permanently closed, according to an email sent to customers today (July 9) and forwarded to the Source. The message, signed by Peter D’Amelio, the company’s chairman and CEO, reads, “We have truly enjoyed being part of the Silver Spring community.”

Kefa to Leave Library Location, Bump ’n Grind to Take Over

Kefa Café will leave its location in the Silver Spring Library and open a café in the new Wheaton Library, while Bump ’n Grind will take over the Silver Spring spot. “We have been honored for the past five years to operate the coffee shop located on the grounds of the Silver Spring Library,” said Kefa’s co-owner Lene Tsegay in a statement, “and we are proud to have established a precedent for creating a welcoming and supportive community space for library customers.”

Red Line Service Interrupted by Derailment at Silver Spring

Service on Metro’s Red Line was interrupted by a derailment at the Silver Spring station shortly before 11:30 a.m. A statement posted by the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission, posted on the organization’s Twitter page, reads, “Preliminary information suggests the eight-car train passed a red signal prior to the derailment.”

Takoma Park Seeks Citizen Preferences for Library Exterior Design

The City of Takoma Park is asking citizens to take a survey to indicate their preference for the exterior design of a renovated and reconstructed library, officials announced. The survey provides a review of three designs submitted to the City Council in February by RRMM Lukmire Architects. The presentation included a project cost estimate of more than $8 million for each design.