The Montgomery Parks Foundation has reached a $300,000 civil settlement with a former employee accused of misappropriating foundation funds, according to a statement from John Robinson, the foundation’s president. Robinson discovered discrepancies in the foundation’s bank statements and other financial records in mid-January. The Maryland-National Capital Park Police and the county’s State’s Attorney Office investigated the case.
An eight-inch water main has broken in the Northwood Park neighborhood of Four Corners, disrupting water service and closing down two roads. The break occurred around 9 a.m. this morning, according to Luis Maya, senior public communications specialist for WSSC, around 100 Southwood Ave. near Eastwood Avenue.
The State Highway Administration has received federal approval to redesign the portion of Georgia Avenue from 16th Street to Forest Glen Road, officials announced. The work will include narrowing traffic lanes, adding a raised and landscaped median, sidewalks on both sides of the road and a two-way bike track on the west side of Georgia, along with a new traffic signal at Flora Lane.
Attendees can combine activities and advocacy at the second Montgomery Hills Street Fest scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 21 from 3–7 p.m. The festival will be held on Columbia Boulevard, between Seminary Road and 16th Street, and feature local artisans who specialize in pottery, painting, fused class, jewelry and clay pendants, along with food and entertainment.
The first Long Branch Festival begins Friday night, Sept. 20, for a weeklong celebration of the neighborhoods, businesses and culture of the area, according to organizers. “The purpose of the Long Branch Festival is to celebrate the dynamic neighborhood, businesses and culture of Long Branch,” according to the festival website. “Our goal is to bring communities together and celebrate our diversity, expand understanding of the crucial role of shared public spaces and highlight the value of locally owned stores.
Some of the top events this week include opening night of the first Long Branch Festival on Friday night. The Nighthawks will perform at Sligo Creek Golf Course on Saturday in a benefit performance, while the second annual Montgomery Hills Street Fest is underway as well. That same day is the Takoma Foundation’s annual beer festival. The Friends of Sligo Creek will hold a Sweep the Creek clean up this weekend. On Sunday, enjoy the competition and grab a slice of the Takoma Farmers Market pie baking contest.
The installation of the newest piece of public art has been completed by Grosvenor Americas on the Central Apartments property near the corner of Wayne Avenue and Fenton Street. Titled “Crossroads,” the 32-foot stainless steel sculpture is by Rodney Carroll, a nationally recognized artist based in Baltimore.
The operators of Downtown Silver Spring will permanently close Ellsworth Drive to vehicular traffic, and lay down nontoxic artificial turf to create what’s described as a “linear urban park.” Bryant Foulger, chairman of Fougler-Pratt, one of the complex’s owners, presented plans for a $10 million renovation of the area to a generally receptive audience of about 60 people last night.
The Koiner Farm in downtown Silver Spring has been granted the county’s first conservation easement for urban agriculture. The easement, in partnership with the Maryland Environmental Trust, permanently protects the one-acre from ever being developed.