At a press conference on Wednesday morning, County Executive Marc Elrich emphasized the collaborative efforts with the Montgomery County Police, County Council, residents, and businesses to address safety in downtown Silver Spring.
“We are improving public safety in downtown Silver Spring by increasing staffing, investing in technology, and ensuring that we are effectively engaging and communicating with this community,” Elrich said. “I appreciate our collaboration and partnerships with the County Council, the Montgomery County Police Department, residents, and businesses to create a safer and more prosperous Silver Spring. Silver Spring is a vibrant and diverse epicenter that is critical to our county’s economy and quality of life. We are doing everything possible to make everyone feel safe and welcome here.”
According to a county press release, crime prevention measures for Silver Spring include:
- The County Council recently approved new legislation that will limit the operating hours of hookah lounges and tobacco and vape shops, which will be required to close by 2 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends.
- Pilot program for the Drone as First Responder Program, with expanded hours included in Elrich’s recommended operating budget for the 2025 fiscal year.
- Requirement for late-night safety plans for businesses operating in the late evening.
- Increased late-night business compliance checks.
- Expansion of the county’s Private Security Camera Incentive Program, offering rebates for residents and businesses to purchase security cameras.
- Expansion of parking garage cameras.
- Increased use of license plate readers at fixed locations and on police dashboard cameras.
- Enhancing police recruitment efforts.
- Expanding mobile crisis outreach teams and shelter security will free up police officers for crime prevention.
- Increased foot and bike patrols and parking garage patrols, with additional support from the Maryland State Police.
According to Councilmember Evan Glass, there was a 53% increase in calls regarding disorderly conduct between 2 and 3 a.m. in the downtown Silver Spring area between 2022 and 2023. However, Council Vice President Kate Stewart noted that other businesses remain undeterred, citing the recent openings of international brands like Uniqlo and Nike downtown, according to MoCo360.
“Like many communities across the DMV and the nation, we have seen a rise in certain crimes in our community, which causes concern for us all,” said Stewart, whose district includes downtown Silver Spring. “Ensuring Silver Spring remains a place for everyone to enjoy is ongoing work. I am committed to continuing that work in partnership with members of the community, our Police Department, and businesses.”
Several new businesses have recently opened or will open in downtown Silver Spring in the coming months, including Outback Steakhouse, Taco Bell Cantina, Java Nation, Gold’s Gym, Chido’s Tex-Mex Grill, Roaming Rooster, Prime Coffee & Bakery, the Solaire Social and Commas food halls, and the Silver Spring Recreation and Aquatic Center.
Additionally, Atwell on Spring, featuring 375 apartments and Montgomery County’s third MOM’s Organic Market location, is scheduled to open later this year.
“We expect that there are going to be more changes that need to occur in downtown Silver Spring to make it safer,” County Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Earl Stoddard said to MoCo360. “We expect that [county officials] and the people throughout this community are going to be part of that solution and moving us forward.”
Photo: © mehaniq41 – stock.adobe.com / Montgomery County Graphic