It will be dejá vu for Silver Spring commuters headed for the Paul Sarbanes Transit Center as fencing is installed, cutting off some sidewalk access in preparation for Purple Line construction. Metro and bus riders will need to go around the perimeter, or access upper levels from Ramsey Avenue or Bonifant Street as construction will start this summer.
Applications are now being accepted to fill five vacancies on the Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board, according to an announcement from County Executive Marc Elrich. The 18-member board serves as a liaison between the community and the executive’s office. Applicants must live within the boundaries of the Silver Spring Regional Center and can apply online.
The bi-county Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission voted last week to “not concur” with the alternatives proposed for study in an attempt to relieve traffic congestion on I-994 and I-270. The 9-1 vote was taken as part of the public comment process required to complete and environmental impact statement for the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration’s Managed Lanes Study for the two highways. The effects on M-NCPPC parkland aren’t yet known; any decisions will be later in the process.
Scammers posing as law enforcement officers are using a phone scheme to swindle consumers in several counties, according Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh. Potential victims are being accused of missing jury duty or appearing as a witness, and immediate payment is demanded to settle the issue.
This week’s events feature several community meetings on school construction, the Purple Line and other topics, an online discussion with the county executive, film screenings, live music in several local venues and a Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts baseball game, among others.
“We’re getting very close,” promised Meg Kavanagh, marketing manager for District Taco, about opening a new store in the Blair Park Shopping Center on East-West Highway. A few lingering construction issues stand in the way of scheduling a grand opening, which should be soon.
The Silver Spring Civic Building was buzzing with activity this past Sunday. On the second level, the faces of the Silver Spring Time Bank volunteers greeted visitors. What wasn’t picked up in the exchange was donated to CREATE Arts Center.
The first lease for a tenant at Solaire 8250 Georgia has been signed with HSBC Bank USA, according to Charles Nulsen III, president of the project’s developer, Washington Property Co. Other potential tenants have signed letters of intent.
Montgomery County police have released a surveillance photo of two suspects in a stabbing that occurred May 8 in the 900 block of Bonifant Street. The department is asking for the public’s help to identify the two men.