Northwood
NewsPublished Bimonthly by the Northwood-Four Corners Civic Association ■ April 2004 InterCounty Connector Forum to be Held May 12 By Charles G. Pritchard many of us are somewhat in ply to remain neutral without It was formally resolved the dark about the project taking a position. Alterna- by the NFCCA at its Febru- which has produced a welter tively, the Association can ary 2004 meeting that it of strident claims and coun- defer voting until 9 June 2004 carry out a special forum that ter claims by adherents for to allow time for members to would present “both sides” and against it. absorb the data presented. A of the proposed InterCounty In pursuance of forum special make-up board of our Connector (ICC) before con- participants, I was directed directors will be held after 12 sidering whether or not the to Sam Rader of the State May before the summer hia- Association would take a Highway Administration tus. In so far as I know, no position on this controversial (SHA), which is responsible forum has been presented to project. Other than recog- for planning and construct- the public, although the issue nizing the controversy from ing the ICC. After several has been widely debated by articles in the media and po- years of considering various the two opposing sides. sitions taken by county and alternative routes, the SHA state politicians and a num- has settled on two potential ber of private organizations, east-west alignments that would connect I-270 near Next Meeting on Gaithersburg with the town April 14th INSIDE of Laurel in Prince Georges Creek Care...... 3 County. Rader will provide an The next meeting of the The next biannual clean-up update on SHA plans for the Northwood-Four Corners of Lockridge Creek will be project and Richard Parsons, Civic Association will be held Saturday, April 17. Join us! representing the Montgomery on Wednesday, 14 April 2004 County Board of Trade, will at 7:30 p.m. at the North Four Rachel Carson Greenway...... 4 offer arguments in favor of Corners Rec Center. The Rec NFCCA President Char- the ICC. Arguments against Center is located at the end lie Pritchard spoke at the funding and construction of of Southwood Road, just off ceremony renaming the Edgewood Drive. Northwest Branch Trail. the ICC will be made by two members of the Sierra Club, As a special bonus, all meeting attendees will receive No. Four Corners Park Update...... 7 Montgomery Group. a ready-to-plant flower from The NFCCA requests an ap- Because of the lim- pointment with our County ited time before our summer a local nursery and there will Council representative to break, the forum will be held be an on-the-spot drawing discuss the two compet- on Wednesday, 12 May, at featuring several flowering ing proposals for the park 7:30 p.m. at the Rec Cen- bushes as door prizes. expansion. ter. The association can then All residents of the North- vote following on the presen- wood-Four Corners area are Membership Update...... 8 tations whether to support the invited to attend and express How does your street rank? ICC, not to support it, or sim- their views. President’s Message ‘Bring Back A number of present and future issues and events that The Cans’ Rally affect our community are worthy of note. These include: By Charlie Pritchard There is going to be a rally 1. The addition of a Trader Joe’s market on Colesville to “bring back the (trash) Road below Lockwood Drive (see story on page 3). cans” at Candy Cane Park on Beech Drive (soccer field 2. Ongoing negotiations with the County Council and #4) at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, elements of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Plan- March 27. We expect 200- ning Commission (MNCCP) on trash collection in our 300 people to show up to pro- streetscaping facility (see below). test the removal of trash cans in our urban parks and the 3. Competition for North Four Corners Park (see story degredation of the parks as on page 7). a result. TV and print media have been invited. We expect 4. Renaming of the Northwest Trail in our local stream members of Parks and Plan- valley park as the “Rachel Carson Greenway” (see page 4). ning maintenance and police as well as other legislators and community groups to be rep- 5. Reopening of Northwood High School (see story on resented. For details, contact page 8). me, 301.593.1781.
6. An association-requested forum on the effects of the Northwood Intercounty Connector (ICC) and Bi-County Transit Con- News nector (formerly the “Inner Purple Line) on our fiscal and traffic problems (see story on page 1). Northwood News is pub- lished by the Northwood-Four Corners Civic Association. Negotiations on the streetscape trash pick-up prob- The NFCCA represents the lem continue. Alan Friedman, a member of our board of 1,485 households in the area directors, has negotiated with the major players in this is- bounded by Colesville Rd. sue. Negotiations with the County Council have not been (Rte. 29), University Blvd. encouraging. Although trash pickup is continuing at two (Rte. 193), Caddington Ave., other sites in the County, we have been advised that the and the Northwest Branch. Any resident of this area is Council will not move on this issue although the legality of eligible to join the NFCCA. the other pickups is questionable in terms of equity. Pre- Annual dues are $10 per sumably, the current poor state of County finances rules out household and may be paid official action. We were advised to initiate a suit against the at any Association meeting or County Executive to achieve any relief. Unless we have an mailed to the treasurer. affluent pro bono lawyer in our midst or wish to engage in Northwood News is pub- a major fund raising campaign to sue the County govern- lished five times a year—in October, December, February, ment, a suit would appear impracticable at present. At least April, and June. To place an one resident, who served as a volunteer trash remover and ad or discuss a story, please who lives near the mini-park, has complained about pub- contact the editor. lic health threats (rats, for example, are drawn to the site). Alan will continue to see other means until June, at which Editor time we may have to seek a radical alternative, namely, to Jacquie Bokow have the streetscape facility removed as a public nuisance. 10603 Cavalier Drive Silver Spring, MD 20901 301.593.8566 —Charles G. Pritchard [email protected]
2 April 2004 Northwood News NFCCA Crime Prevent’n Trader Joe Is In Board Officer at Next By Jacquie Bokow The Board of Directors for David Fink of Finmarc the Northwood-Four Corners NFCCA Meeting Management called me Feb. Civic Association meets five 12, the day after our last meet- times a year, in October, De- By Jim Zepp ing, to confirm that Trader cember, February, April, and Joy Patil, the Crime Pre- Joe’s has signed a lease with June. All Board meetings are vention Officer for the Mont- Burnt Mills Shopping Center. open to the public. gomery County Police Dept.’s Other lease negotiations Silver Spring District, will join continue; demolition should President (Acting) us at our April 14 meeting begin within 30 days. I’ll give Charles Pritchard to talk about current crime an update on other shops at 10612 Margate Road 301.593.1781 trends in the area and crime the April meeting. prevention measures that [email protected] residents can take. Awareness of what op- Vice President (Acting) portunities burglars and other Jim Zepp Creek Care 10602 Lockridge Drive criminals are looking for and It’s time for our annual 301.593.7863 removing them can help you spring cleanup of Lockridge [email protected] to avoid being a victim. For Creek. Help beautify our sur- example, as warmer weather roundings and reduce the Treasurer approaches, windows and loading of pollutants to the Margaret Hawkins doors may be left open or un- Northwest Branch. Celebrate 10205 Lorain Avenue locked. This may provide easy Earth Day by planting trees 301.681.0762 access to your house when and removing invasive exotic [email protected] there is no activity evident to weeds. Join us at 9:00 a.m. deter intruders. And don’t Secretary on Saturday, April 17th. Michele Frome leave your ladder out in your (Raindate: Sunday, April 18.) yard; it makes it too easy for 10802 Lockridge Drive We will start at the Lockridge 301.593.3554 thieves to climb to an upper Drive and Dennis Avenue in- [email protected] window to gain access. tersection and work our way into the Northwest Branch At Large Park. Be sure to bring gloves Alan Friedman and wear sturdy shoes, long 126 Snowy Owl Drive Upcoming sleeves, and long pants. For 301.681.9156 more information or to help [email protected] NFCCA with this event call Carole Ken Hawkins Barth at 301-593-7863. Meetings 10205 Lorain Avenue Please mark these dates 301.681.0762 [email protected] on your calendar for the next NFCCA meetings: Heather & Matt Maurano 10208 Lorain Avenue 14 April 2004 301.593.5809 [email protected] 12 May 2004 [email protected] (Special ICC Forum, Jim Zepp see page 1) Trash frequently ends up in 10602 Lockridge Drive the creek at Lockridge Drive. 301.593.7863 9 June 2004 Help us clean up this blight! [email protected]
Northwood News April 2004 3 Rachel Carson Greenway Celebration By Charles G. Pritchard tion Corps. Currently this rec- On Saturday, March 20, reational trail complex offers a at the Burnt Mills Dam on six-mile loop of the river north Landscapes Colesville Road, the Maryland- of the Burnt Mills Dam and an Plus National Capital Park and Plan- east bank trail below Colesville ning Commission (MNPPC) Road extending to the Capital ♦ Yard Clean-ups celebrated the renaming of the Beltway Bridge where it joins a ♦ Mulching and Wood Chips former Northwest Branch Trail hard surface trail that runs all ♦ Landscape Design and Corridor as the Rachel Carson the way to the Peace Cross in Greenway in honor of the late Prince Georges County and a Installation renowned pioneer American further connection with trails ♦ Shrub/Tree Installation natural scientist and early envi- on the Northeast Branch and ♦ Lawn Renovation-Seeding/ ronmentalist. D.C. Both the east bank and MNCPPC plans to extend Fertilizing west bank natural surface trails the trail north to Rachel Car- ♦ Landscape Consultations between Colesville Road (Rt. son Conservation Park and the ♦ Shrub Pruning and Removal 29) and Randolph Road have Patuxent River. There are also ♦ Flower-Perennial-Annual been improved during the tentative plans to connect the past several years, thanks to a Rachel Carson Greenway with Installation combined partnership of the the Seneca River Greenway and MNCPPC and local residents. the Potomac River in western Avi Chertock Many of the latter are from the Montgomery County. This (301) 593-0577 communities along this major overall natural surface trail tributary of the Anacostia river. would provide from 90 to 100 Headed by a dedicated team of miles of outdoor recreation for ground Railway, which pro- Park and Planning trails spe- and natural observation while vided an avenue of flight from cialists, the effort was also aid- passing through some of the slave-holding states to the free ed by the Americorps’ National most historic and scenic re- states of the north before the Conservation Corps, and the gions of the county, including Emancipation Proclamation of Montgomery County Conserva- portions of the famed Under- Abraham Lincoln. MNCPPC staff is planning another com- munity meeting in April. For more information, the new website address for Montgom- ery County’s trail network is www.montgomerytrails.org. Lyn Coleman, 301-650-4391, serves as project supervisor. As part of the celebration, attendees could participate in a one-mile nature walk or six- mile hike along the trail or visit the Carson home at 11701 Ber-
Jim Zepp wick Lane in the Quaint Acres County Councilmember Marilyn Praisner, flanked by MNCPPC neighborhood, where she lived Chairman Derick Berlage (left) and NFCCA President Charlie while writing her seminal book, Pritchard (right), prepares to cut the ribbon at the unveiling of a Silent Spring, published in new trail kiosk near the Burnt Mills Dam during the celebration of 1962, which helped launch the the renaming of the Northwest Branch Trail Corridor as the Rachel modern environmental move- Carson Greenway. Pritchard spoke at the celebration. ment. She died in 1964.
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6 April 2004 Northwood News this change is that the Parks North Four Corners Park Update Department may address the By Jim Zepp and Carole accepted for an appointment, overflow-parking problem by Barth the NFCCA will actively seek demolishing the recreation Following the decision at other avenues for communi- center building to build a the last Association meeting cating its position to County larger parking lot. Zepp noted to request an appointment officials, including contacting that parking was not the only with our County Council the local press. issue raised by residents. The representative to discuss our Since the Parks Depart- large groups that the Parks concerns about the Parks ment staff had previously said Department rents the facility and Recreation Departments’ that another public meeting to and the human defecation two competing proposals for on the park would be held in due to the lack of restrooms the North Four Corners Park March but no notice had been would not be solved by more expansion and to present received by March 8th, NFC- parking spaces. Sussman re- our community’s alternative, CA Vice President Jim Zepp sponded that these other con- NFCCA President Charles spoke with Heidi Sussman, cerns could be solved through Pritchard contacted Mari- the planner assigned to the better park management and lyn Praisner’s office for this project, to confirm whether installation of portable toilets. purpose. Her legislative aide or not this was scheduled. More important is the indicated that they are aware She informed him that the question as to whether the of the issue and are monitor- Parks Department manage- purpose of the North Four ing developments. However, ment has decided to broaden Corners Park is to serve the the earliest date that a meet- the facilities planning project residents of the surround- ing could be scheduled was to include the existing park. ing neighborhoods or a much June 4. While this date was Among the implications of (continued on page 10)
Northwood News April 2004 7 Northwood High School Funding Membership: By Michael Sauter peared to recognize the obvi- How Does Your Northwood High School ous need for all of these items. will be reopening as a fully Much of the funding for Street Rank? operating high school this fall. these items is requested in fis- The County Council approved cal years ’05 and ’06, but over By Margaret Hawkins $16.5 million to fund MCPS’s $4 million is delayed until For the past couple of request for construction to ex- FY09-10. Cluster coordina- years the NFCCA has been pand the “core capacity” of the tors informed Mr. Silverman trying to increase member- facilities by building an ad- that the community would ship. We set a goal of 150 ministrative suite in front of like that funding pushed up in households (10 percent of the the auditorium, a media cen- order for the work to be com- homes in our area). So far, ter in back of the auditorium, pleted before the first class 120 households have support- and expanding the cafeteria. graduates from Northwood in ed our Association by paying $2.5 million of that funding is 2008. membership dues. dedicated to installing central Community members Membership support air conditioning in the build- can support Northwood High varies from street to street. ing. A little over $9 million School by advocating for full Below is listed membership in additional funding has funding of the additional levels by street: been requested in the Board funds requested by the Board of Education’s current capital of Education for reopening 10-plus households: budget request. Northwood High School. Lombardy Road and Court On Monday, March 8, Contact your County Council 2004, County Council Presi- members from district 4 Mari- 7-8 households: dent Steve Silverman toured lyn Praisner (240.777. 7968, Edgewood Avenue the building with Principal Councilmember. Praisner@ Hannes Street Henry Johnson, his assistant montgomerycounty md.gov). Lockridge Drive principal, and PTA cluster You can also contact District Lorain Avenue coordinators. Mr. Silver- 5 Representative Tom Perez Loxford Terrace man asked to see what was (240.777.7966, Councilmem- Pinewood Avenue already funded, and what ber.Perez@...), as well as the additional funding would the at-large councilmembers 5-6 households: cover. He was shown the Nancy Floreen (Councilmem- Caddington Avenue items currently listed as ber.Floreen@...), George Cavalier Drive and Courts “add alternates” in the plans Leventhal (Council member. Glenwild Road and Court which are going out to bid Leventhal@...), Michael Subin Margate Road shortly. These include: sci- (Council member.Subin@...), ence laboratory improve- and Council President Steve 3-4 households: ments, including new case Silverman (Councilmember. Belton Road and Court work; technology education Silverman@...), or the Coun- Chiswell Lane laboratory improvements; cil generally at county.council Dennis Avenue new ceiling tiles throughout @montgomerycountymd.gov. Eisner Street the entire facility; painting the The County Council completes Malta Lane entire facility; toilet improve- decisions on the capital bud- Marvin Road ments, including new parti- get close to Memorial Day. Snowy Owl Drive tions and replacement of worn The next Northwood High Southwood Avenue fixtures; window replace- School PTSA meeting is April Sutherland Road ments throughout the facility; 20, 2004, in the Northwood Timberwood Avenue updated telecommunications cafeteria. Come join your wiring; and painting existing community rebuilding educa- lockers. Mr. Silverman ap- tion at Northwood High. (continued on page 10)
8 April 2004 Northwood News The only Real Estate Number you need in Northwood 301-622-7002
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Recreation Numbers Ciment, Barbara...... 301-622-7002 Amtrak Info...... 1-800-872-7245 Forest Knolls Elementary...... 301-649-8060 Arena Stage...... 202-488-3300 Forest Knolls Swim Club...... 301-593-9883 Baltimore Orioles...... 410-685-9800 Holy Cross Hospital...... 301-754-7000 Baltimore Ravens...... 410-261-7283 Metro Transit Info...... 202-637-7000 Cable (Comcast)...... 301-424-4400 Montgomery County Govt...... 240-777-1000 Folger Shakespeare Theater...... 202-547-1122 Motor Vehicle Admin...... 1-800-638-8347 Ford’s Theater...... 202-347-4833 Pepco...... 202-833-7500 Kennedy Center...... 202-467-4600 Poison Control...... 1-800-492-2414 MCI Center...... 202-628-3200 Recycling...... 301-590-0046 Merriweather Post...... 301-596-0660 Telephone - Verizon...... 301-954-6611 National Theater...... 202-628-6161 Time...... 301-844-2525 National Gallery of Art...... 202-737-4215 Transit - Ride-On Bus Info...... 301-217-7433 Olney Theater...... 301-924-3400 Trash Pick Up...... 240-777-6410 Redskins (Fed Ex Field)...... 301-276-6000 Washington Gas...... 703-750-2500 Smithsonian Museum...... 202-357-2020 Washington Post (Delivery)...... 202-334-6100 Ticketmaster...... 202-432-7328 Weather Forecasts: Local...... 301-936-1212 Ticketplace (Same day Wheaton Library...... 240-777-0678 1/2 price tickets)...... 202-842-5387 Renewal...... 240-777-0007 Washington Convention & Wheaton Recreation Ctr...... 301-929-5500 Visitors Association...... 202-789-7000 Wheaton Ice Rink...... 301-649-2250 White House Tours...... 202-456-7041 White House...... 202-456-1111 Wolf Trap...... 703-255-1860 WSSC (Water Service)...... 301-206-4001 Zoo Information...... 202-673-4800 Important or Local Numbers
Realtor Northwood News April 2004 9 Treasurer, NFCCA, 10205 a regional clientele rather Membership Lorain Avenue, Silver Spring, than local area residents who (continued from page 8) MD 20901. Dues are $10 per are more likely to walk or 2 households: household. Payments are de- bike there. Kinsman View Circle posited 1-2 per month. As a result of the expand- Mountain Quail Road Dues are used to help fi- ed planning effort, the Parks Woodridge Avenue nance the newsletter, special Department will probably not flyers, Allied Civic Association schedule a public meeting 1 or no households: dues, rental of the community until June. Zepp proposed Colesville Road center for meetings, and to that the County planners Eastwood Avenue match county grant dollars for meet with representatives Irwin Street such projects as the neighbor- from the community during Kerwin Road and Court hood sign. the development of these new Ladson Road plans so that their concerns Mountain Quail Road might be addressed in a more Northwood Avenue Park Update acceptable manner. This of- Ordway Drive fer was not accepted. Playford Lane (continued from page 7) This situation makes clear Royalton Road and Terrace larger area. Obviously, ex- that only through persistent Thistle Drive and Court panding the park’s facilities and determined effort will University Boulevard to attract larger crowds will the community’s position be Whittington Terrace still have adverse impacts for heard and made a priority. the surrounding community. The support of our residents Dues can be paid by check Increased parking implies will be very important in or cash to Margaret Hawkins, that our local park is serving making this happen.
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10 April 2004 Northwood News Northwood Park 50th Reunion Lunch Sunday, May 30, 2004 1-4 p.m.
Entertainment Casual Dress
Forest Knolls Elementary School Directions: From the Beltway (495) take 10830 Eastwood Avenue exit 29, University Blvd. (193) toward Silver Spring, MD 20901 Wheaton. Turn right on Caddington. The (Handicapped accessible) school will be on your right.
Bring pictures and memorabilia to share (photos, yearbooks)!
(Coming from out of town? Make hotel reservations early since big crowds are expected for Memorial Day events downtown.)
RSVP by May 16. Please fill out form and mail to: Dorothy Kant 302 Cavalier Drive Silver Spring, MD 20901 Cost $25.00 (adult) $12.50 (6-12) (under 6 free) Number of adult tickets @ $25.00 ______Number of child tickets @ $12.50 ______Total enclosed $______Name ______Address ______City, State, Zip ______Phone ______Make check out to Dorothy Kant; put “Northwood Reunion Party” on memo line. Print names as you’d like them to appear on nametags:
Northwood News April 2004 11 For all Your Real Estate Needs, Call Your Neighbor...
Maureen Bovich
Office: 301 388-2625 Home: 301 593-6209 Email: [email protected]
Northwood/Forest Knolls/Kinsman Update January 1, 2004 to March 15, 2004
Address Sold Price Style BR FB HB DOM 424 BELTON RD $328,000 Rambler 6 2 4 10610 CAVALIER DR $329,900 Rambler 4 2 5 10712 CAVALIER DR $350,000 Split Level 3 2 1 13 10220 EDGEWOOD AVE $451,000 Cape Cod 4 2 5 420 EISNER ST $305,000 Split Level 4 2 1 84 230 HANNES ST $390,000 Colonial 5 4 112 334 HANNES ST $292,000 Split Level 4 2 1 315 LADSON RD $286,000 Cape Cod 4 2 13 1021 LOXFORD TER $332,000 Split Level 4 2 123 10615 MARGATE RD $426,000 Colonial 4 2 2 131 407 UNIVERSITY BLVD W $285,000 Rambler 5 2 90
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12 April 2004 Northwood News