District of Columbia Proposes Signalization of Chevy Chase Circle

As this issue of the Crier went to print, the Village Board and staff were alarmed to learn that the District of Columbia is pro- posing to install traffic signals in Chevy Chase Circle where it intersects with eastbound and westbound Western Avenue. The Village learned of these plans via a District Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (ANC 3/4G) who was unsuccessful CRIER in opposing the ANC’s recent vote in support of the proposed sig- nals. The District of Columbia has yet to directly inform the Vil- July 2012 lage, Montgomery County or the Maryland State Highway Ad- ministration regarding the District’s plans to signalize the Circle. Vol. 100, No. 7 Continued on page 2, second column at bottom of page... Tentative Agenda Board of Managers’ Meeting New Streetlights Installed Chevy Chase Village Hall Monday, July 9, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. In an effort to increase the level of street lighting along Village Appeals streets and rights-of-way, the Board has authorized the installation 5628 Western Avenue of additional streetlights in several locations throughout the Village. 20 West Lenox Street Now that PEPCO has completed its installation of 14 additional Note: The full agenda will be available on the streetlights throughout the community, the Village Police Depart- ment is in the process of conducting a follow-up survey of the Vil- Village website by Friday, July 6. lage’s streets to determine remaining “dark-spot” locations. Based September Appeal Deadline: on this follow-up survey, staff will present its findings to the Vil- 8/20 at 5:00 p.m. lage Board for its consideration to address any remaining areas. Upcoming Events Continued on page 2, second column at bottom of page... July 4: July 4th Parade to the Park July 9: Regular Monthly Board of Policy and Procedures: Tree Planting in Village Managers’ Meeting Rights-of-Way July 17: Chevy Chase @ Home’s Meet & Mingles (see pg. 6) As described in last month’s issue of the Crier, at its June 11 meeting, the Chevy Chase Village Board of Managers adopted the What’s Inside: following policy and procedures regarding the planting of trees in the Village’s public rights-of-way. This policy takes effect imme- The Crier: A Work in Progress 2 diately. Please see the enclosed flyer for a revised list of the pro- Board Actions—May 14, 2012 3 posed sites and trees to be planted this autumn. Should you have any comments please send them immediately in writing to Tree Call for Volunteers: Building Facilities 4 Committee Chair Samuel Lawrence via the Village office by Commission emailing: [email protected].

Sidewalk Replacements for FY2013 4 Policy: To fulfill its objective of maintaining and enhancing the The Senior Committee for the Village. 4 Village tree canopy and an aesthetically pleasing streetscape, the Village will seek fully to utilize opportunities for planting trees The Police Beat 5 within Village rights of way, taking into consideration the need to State Tax Credit Information 6 plant a variety of species (to the extent possible, native to this area), constraints imposed by power lines and other utilities, ap- PEPCO Appliance Recycling Program 6 propriate spacing, and such special circumstances as may be brought to its attention through the process outlined below. Village Teens 7 Continued on page 2, top of page...

5906 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815 Chevy Chase Village Board of Managers’ Meeting, 2nd Monday of the month, 7:30 p.m. at the Village Hall Telephone: 301-654-7300, Fax: 301-907-9721, Email: [email protected], Website: www.chevychasevillagemd.gov

In The Village

...Continued from the cover article, “Policy and Procedures: Tree Planting in Village Rights-of-Way”

As funds become available, trees will be planted in all sites within Village rights of way absent compelling rea- sons not to do so. Additionally, in selected locations where a viable planting site is not available in the rights of way but the canopy and streetscape would be enhanced through a tree planted on immediately adjacent private property, the Village may, with that owner's concurrence, assume the cost for planting a tree that will be included in the Village tree inventory and maintained by the Village.

Procedure: As a product of the tree inventory now underway, the Village will maintain a roster of planting sites on Village rights of way. At least four months prior to planting, a list of trees proposed for planting in Village rights of way and the species proposed for each site will be published on the Village website and in the Crier. Additionally, letters will be sent by the Village office to those residents whose properties directly abut pro- posed planting sites. Residents will be invited to provide a written comment regarding proposed plantings adja- cent to their property as to the proposed species, preferred specific location, and possible unique circumstances which might render planting on the proposed site clearly inappropriate or infeasible. These comments will be re- ferred to the Village Tree Committee which at least six weeks prior to the planned date for planting will tally resi- dent comments for review by the Board of Managers and offer any further advice or comment it may have. The Tree Committee report will be reviewed and acted upon by the Board of Managers in public session prior to planting. At this time, any resident who believes the Tree Committee in its report has not appropriately addressed his/her circumstance may appear before the Board to state their concerns.

Residents located on streets where the ROW is not sufficiently wide to accommodate plantings will be invited to suggest trees which might be planted on their property in order to enhance the streetscape and Village canopy. Village staff or the Tree Committee may also from time to time advance recommendations for such plantings. These plantings will be negotiated with the affected residents on a case-by-case basis but with notification of any planned plantings also provided to close neighbors. ...Click here to return to the cover page Continued from the cover article, “Village Learns of the District of Columbia’s Proposed Plans to Signalize Chevy Chase Circle” The Crier: A Work in Progress Village staff have spent considerable time over the We have been working to improve the content and past couple of weeks trying to determine the status of format of the Village Crier, our monthly community this project and details about he proposed plans. Vil- newsletter. We welcome suggestions and comments lage staff will provide a report on information it has from residents regarding the recent changes and in- learned regarding the potential signalization at the Vil- forming us of the things you would like to see in lage Board of Managers’ meeting on Monday, July 9 at YOUR monthly community newsletter. We welcome 7:30 p.m. In the interim, please contact the Village of- volunteers who have expertise and interest in graphics, fice directly for more information. formatting and desktop publishing and composition to ...Click here to return to the cover page participate in our efforts to enhance this useful com- munications tool. ...Continued from the cover article, “New Streetlights Installed”

To provide comments, suggestions or to volunteer, To view the list of new streetlight locations please please contact the Village office at visit the Village website at [email protected]. www.chevychasevillagemd.gov and click on the “PEPCO and Streetlight” link under the News tab. Contact the Village office before you start your home improvement project to verify In order to maximum our efforts, residents are permitting requirements: strongly encouraged to report areas along Village streets (301) 654-7300 that are dark or have malfunctioning streetlights by con- or tacting the Village office at (301) 654-7300 or [email protected] [email protected]. ...Click here to return to the cover page

Page 2 July 2012

In The Village

Board of Managers Meeting ...Continued from the previous column.

Board Actions—June 11, 2012 Request to consider modifying the posted speed

Approval of Previous Meetings’ Minutes: May 14, Limit: Mr. Wheeler circulated a report from the commit- 2012 Regular Meeting—approved as amended. Ap- tee requesting Board authorization to conduct a series of peals: Variance & Special Permit Requests:A-6145 speed studies throughout the Village to support the (Special Permit Request)—103 Grafton Street: Re- Board’s request that the committee evaluate whether the place an existing asphalt and concrete driveway with a current 25 mph speed limit should be reduced to 20 mph. wider cobblestone driveway that would measure a The Board agreed that no further studies on the matter maximum of sixteen (16) feet in the front (south) yard are warranted at this time. Chevy Chase Open Space of the property—approved. A-6146 (Variance Re- Committee—Concept Plan Update: Staff provided an quest)—108 Hesketh Street: Reconstruct the steps overview of the progress made thus far on the concept leading to the front porch. The proposed reconstructed planning for the Chevy Chase Open Space Park. Park & steps would extend an additional one foot, one inch Planning staff will be holding a second community meet- (1’-1”) beyond the existing steps for a maximum en- ing on Monday, June 18 at 7 p.m. in the Village Hall to croachment of six feet, eight inches (6’- 8”) forward of discuss the concept plan and prioritizing what amenities the twenty-five (25) foot front building restriction should be installed. Old Business: Capital Improve- line—approved. A-6147 (Special Permit Request)— ment Program—Sidewalk Replacements: 108 Hesketh Street: a) Construct a new pair of cheek- Staff reported which sidewalks are proposed to be re- walls measuring one foot, two inches (1’-2”) in height placed in fiscal year 2013—approved. Proposed Policy alongside reconstructed steps in the Hesketh Street Regarding the Planting of Trees in Public Rights-of- public right-of-way. The proposed walls would termi- Way: Tree Committee Chair Samuel Lawrence pre- nate twelve (12) inches from the public sidewalk; and sented an overview of the draft policy, which was circu- b) install a pair of handrails measuring four feet, six lated to the Board prior to the meeting—approved as inches (4’-6”) in length mounted to the proposed amended. Proposed Wisconsin Avenue Sidewalk: cheekwalls. Eighteen (18) inches of the railings will The Board received an update on the recent walk-thru be installed on private property and thirty-six (36) with representatives from the State Highway Administra- inches of the railings will be installed in the Hesketh tion regarding the potential tree loss due to the construc- Street public right-of-way. The proposed handrails tion of the sidewalk. New Business: Contract Award would terminate one foot, two inches (1’-2”) from the Authorization—Janitorial Services (Village Hall): public sidewalk—approved. Committee Appoint- A report outlining the staff’s contract award recommen- ments & Reports—Ethics Commission: The Board dation for janitorial services (Village Hall) to Century unanimously agreed to request a full waiver of new Cleaning, LLC was circulated to the Board prior to the financial disclosure and reporting requirements from meeting—approved.

the State Ethics Commission. ad hoc Building Code Review Committee—The following residents were This is a synopsis of the Board’s actions. To view an appointed to the newly-formed ad hoc Building Code archive of the approved minutes, please visit the Village Review Committee: David Jones of Primrose Street, website: www.chevychasevillagemd.gov Marc Weller of East Melrose Street, Greg Dixon of by clicking on Governance, Board of Managers, Montgomery Street, and James Durham of Primrose Board Meeting Minutes. Street. Traffic Committee—Pending Request for a Connecticut Avenue Pedestrian Crossing: Commit- tee Chair Porter Wheeler reported that the Village con- 2012 Resident Directory tinues to await an official determination from the The 2012 Resident Directory will be Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) on presented at this year’s July 4th Cele- our request for a pedestrian-activated crossing light at bration at the large Oliver Street Park. Connecticut Avenue and Lenox Street. After July 4th, directories will be Continued at the top of the next column... available at the Village office.

July 2012 Page 3

In The Village

Call for Volunteers: Building Facilities Commission Contact Information for the Board of Managers The Village’s Building Facilities Commission is char- tered by Chapter 7 of the Village Code to ensure protec- Patricia S. Baptiste, Chair tion of the Village Hall for the enjoyment of the commu- (301) 654-7825 nity. This commission formulates and submits to the [email protected]

Board of Managers proposed rules and regulations con- Peter T. Kilborn, Vice-Chair cerning use of the Village Hall’s public rooms: Hum- (301) 652-7066 phrey Hall, Lambert Room and the Mary Anne Tuohey [email protected] Conference Room. The commission proposes rules and regulations for eligibility standards and hours for use, Richard Ruda, Secretary rental fees and permitted conduct during use. (301) 656-0982 [email protected] Commissioner Pamela Murphy’s (East Kirke Street) term on the commission has ended. Any residents inter- Thomas H. Jackson, Assistant Secretary ested in Board appointment to the commission are en- (301) 654-7121 couraged to contact Village Manager Shana Davis-Cook [email protected] at [email protected]. For Gary Crockett, Treasurer more information regarding the commission, please visit (240) 743-4440 the Village website at www.chevychasevillagemd.gov by [email protected] clicking on “Governance”, Village Commissions”, Michael L. Denger, Assistant Treasurer “Building Facilities Commission”. (301) 652-2067 Sidewalk Replacements for FY2013 [email protected]

At its meeting on June11, the Village Board author- David L. Winstead, Board Member ized the replacement of the following sections of side- (301) 951-6353 walks, during the upcoming fiscal year (July 1, 2012 – [email protected] June 30, 2013). Village Seniors Committee  Cedar Parkway  Grafton Street We held our first meeting on May  Primrose Street (between Connecticut Avenue and 23 in the Village Hall. Police Chief Brookville Road only) John Fitzgerald has asked our com-  West Irving Street mittee to assist his officers by identi-  West Lenox Street fying all our seniors who live alone  West Melrose Street and our residents with special needs. His goal is to visit or have his officers visit each household to inform These sidewalks have many areas that are in major them about the services that our Police Department of- disrepair, are uneven, have edges that have begun to fers and further to ask if they would like to have peri- fall away, missing bricks and up-heaved sections due odic visits. Since the officers cannot do this for an ex- to existing or former mature trees. A tentative schedule tended period of time, we hope to enlist other residents for this next round of replacements is available on the to take over for them. Village’s website at www.chevychasevillagemd.gov by clicking on the “Village Sidewalk Replacements” We will be working on this list all summer. If you link under the “Quick Links” section. can help us, please contact me by phone or e-mail: [email protected] or (301) 656-0597 Remaining sections of sidewalks, including those We’ll keep you informed as we proceed. around the Village Hall and along the Belmont Buffer, will be reassessed and subject to Board approval for Betty O’Connor replacement prior to the beginning of fiscal years 2014 Chair, Committee for Seniors & and 2015. Board Member of Chevy Chase at Home Page 4 July 2012 The Police Beat To e-mail Chief John Fitzgerald: [email protected]

New Communications Clerk Safety Tips for Joins the Village Bicyclists of All Ages

John Beall, 48, joined the staff of 1. The best and smartest bike riders the Communications Center on always wear their helmets. By law, June 18, 2012. Mr. Beall has lived all cyclists under 18 must wear a helmet, but com- in Rockville all of his life, where he mon sense tells us that adults should wear them, attended Rockville High School. too. He was a volunteer firefighter and 2. Make sure that your helmet fits correctly. The hel- he comes to us with 22 years of ex- met should fit low on your forehead so that it is perience supervising a customer service team for Com- only two finger widths above the line of your eye- cast. We welcome John to the Village! brows. 3. Traffic laws—the rules of the road—apply to bi- The Village’s Key Program only works if we cyclists and cars alike. Know them and obey have your house key. If you have not already them. done so, please return your house key in case 4. Being visible may save your life. Wear high-vis (fluorescent lime green) clothing with reflective you lock yourself out and so the Village Police piping to ensure that you’ll be easy to see both day can access your home in an emergency. and night. 5. Riding at night can be dangerous. If you cycle Before You Leave For when it’s dark, the law (and your survival) re- Vacation quires that your bicycle be equipped with a white

If you will be away from home for light on the front that can be seen from a distance more than twenty-four hours, contact of 500 feet, and a red light or red reflector on the rear of the bike. the Communications Center at (301) 654-7300 to arrange for a house check. Ride safely! House Check Requests can also be submitted via the Village’s website at www.chevychasevillagemd.gov. Stay Alert! For added security, the Police Department recommends having mail held at the Post Office by completing PS With schools being closed for the summer and an Form 8076. In addition, if you expect a package from abundance of warm weather please be mindful of chil- either UPS or FedEx, please leave a neighbor’s address dren playing outside. with the Communications Center so they may receive Remember to keep a sharp eye on your children when your packages. they are near a pool or any other body of water. Ac- cording to the CDC, every day, about ten people die The volume of packages and mail received in the Com- from unintentional drowning (non-boating related) in munications Center often exceeds the limited space the United States. Of these, two are children aged 14 or available. Your assistance is appreciated. younger. That means that over 700 children 14 or Recycle Old Cell Phones younger drown each year in the U.S. Drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury Residents may drop off old cell phones death in the United States. and chargers at the Communications Center. The Police Chief will deliver them to the The Chevy Chase Village Police Sheriff’s office for recycling. These phones will be Department will be focusing on ag- programmed for victims of domestic violence or sen- gressive drivers during the months ior citizens so they may call 9-1-1 to report an emer- of June through September as part gency situation. They cannot be used for any other of the statewide Smooth Operator initiative. function. July 2012 Page 5

Community News

THE SENIOR CORNER nd rd Flu & Pneumonia Vaccine Clinic Meet and Mingle – 2 & 3 Tuesdays 2:00-4:00 P.M. The Village will host its annual flu and pneumonia vaccine clinic in the Village Hall Summer is here and we want to help you celebrate on: Summertime in Chevy Chase. We have a fun day Wednesday, October 3: 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. planned for our M&M in July. July 17—Computer Tutors will help you with some of A flyer providing additional information will be in- your computer problems, and to introduce you to cluded in the September 2012 issue of the Crier and “Bookworm”, a great computer game. We’ll also have will be posted on the Village website. board games, bridge, summer reading and lots of re- freshments. State Tax Credit Information The Brunch Bunch for Chevy Chase at Home will get The Maryland Historical Trust has a list of together on July 21 and August 9 at the Olympia Café “Frequently Asked Questions” about rehabili- on Brookville Road. All are invited to drop in for good tation tax credits offered by the State on its conversations. website at: August 21 - Movie Day with Jerry Bernstein. Jerry will not give out the title, but the leading lady was born http://mht.maryland.gov/taxcredits_homeowner.html. in 1899. Come to watch the movie, enjoy Jerry’s stories The tax credit application and informational materials and our cooling summer treats. can also be found at this site. For additional information September 4 – Introduction to Seated Pilates, co-led about tax credits, please call the Office of Preservation by Laura Geller and Melissa Harrison, Certified Pi- Services directly at (410) 514-7628. lates instructors. Start Fall season off with a program full of fun and exercise. And you can do it all sitting PEPCO Appliance Recycling Program down. And we’ll have lots of refreshments to enjoy. Pepco’s Appliance Recycling Program offers a reward New Post Office Branch at and free at-home pickup of old, inefficient refrigerators 6900 Wisconsin Avenue Now Open and freezers. The Program allows customers to sched- ule a time of their choosing to have an old refrigerator or The Arlington Road Post office and the old post of- freezer picked up for free. Customers will also receive a fice on Wisconsin Avenue near Montgomery Lane are $50.00 check 4 to 6 weeks later and can potentially save currently closed. In addition to the Village’s local post as much as 3 times that much each year through lower office located at the north end of the Village Hall, a full household energy costs. Pepco’s Maryland residential -service post office is open on Wisconsin Avenue north customers can schedule a pickup time by calling of Bradley Lane near the Staples and CVS. This post (877) 395-5540 or by visiting Pepco’s website for fur- office is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday ther information: http://homeenergysavings.pepco.com/ and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. appliance-recycling-program. Weekly Toddlers Group Motor Vehicle Administration on Wheels The Weekly Toddlers Group meets every Monday at The mobile service bus will visit the Friendship Heights 9:30 in the Village Hall. The Village provides the Village Center from 10 a.m.—2 p.m. Monday, July 23. group with toys and a clean, indoor play space. Most kids are between one and three years old, but all ages- For information, call (301) 656-2797 or visit: including babies-are welcome! www.FriendshipHeightsmd.gov.

If you have questions regarding the group, please email Lesley Caldicott at [email protected] or Tanya Correa at [email protected].

Page 6 July 2012

5906 Connecticut Avenue Chevy Chase, MD 20815

The Board of Managers will not meet during the month of August. The Board will reconvene after its summer recess on Monday, September 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the Village Hall. The next issue of the Crier will run in early September.

BOARD OF MANAGERS Patricia S. Baptiste, Chair Peter T. Kilborn, Vice-Chair Richard M. Ruda, Secretary Thomas H. Jackson, Assistant Secretary Gary Crockett, Treasurer Michael L. Denger, Assistant Treasurer David L. Winstead, Member

VILLAGE MANAGER Shana R. Davis-Cook

Public Works Department/ Building Permits Issued in June 2012

Trash Collection 6303 Broad Branch Rd. Construct terrace in rear yard

Resident input regarding the 5405 Center St. Re-grade rear entry and walkway contracted services for trash and 115 East Melrose St. Construct window well recycling collection is an impor- 141 Grafton St. Construct screened porch tant factor during the evaluation 118 Hesketh St. Construct walkway, wall & steps of these services. 4102 Oliver St. Replace front walkway 31 Oxford St. Extend 6’ high fence in rear yard The Village provides rear-door collection of refuse 5501 Park St. Construct addition & enclose porch and recycling as a convenience to our residents. 11 Primrose St. Install drain pipes in front yard Please leave your gates unlocked to allow access to 102 Summerfield Rd. Construct 1-story addition your receptacles and remember to contact the Com- 22 West Irving St. Construct deck in rear yard munications Center if either your refuse or your recy- 47 West Lenox St. Construct 4’ high fence—front yard cling was not collected. When the Power Goes Out… On windy collection days, please weigh down the lids to your paper and trash receptacles. This small When a power outage occurs, it is important for all effort saves the collection crew from chasing lids and residents to call the following two phone numbers: debris all over the neighborhood and ensures your 1. PEPCO at 1 (877) PEPCO62 [737-2662]. lids aren’t lost. 2. Village Communications Center at (301) 654- Special Pickups of bulk items are collected on 7300.

Wednesdays. Requests must be submitted either If the power is restored and goes out again in a matter by phone or the Village website by 2:00 p.m. on of minutes, the above two phone calls must be made the preceding Tuesday to ensure collection. again so the new outage is registered. Chevy Chase Village 2012 Fall Public Tree Planting Notice

DEAR VILLAGE RESIDENT: This upcoming fall 2012 the Village will be continuing its multi-year program, to enhance the Village tree canopy and to use vouchers provided by PEPCO to replace trees which it has taken down under power lines in the Village’s right-of-way. PEPCO vouchers can only be used to purchase trees that do not reach a mature height greater than 35 feet. The Village’s current plan is to plant 45 trees in the fall 2012 and another 45 trees in the spring 2013. This list has been prepared by the Village Arborist in consultation with various Tree Committee members.

Below is a copy of the list of proposed planting sites for the fall 2012, if a tree is scheduled for planting near or in front of your home, you should check the specific planting site which will be marked with white paint and a blue flag.

Should you have comment on the proposed species or location on the fall 2012 list, please submit them in writing to the Village office c/o Tree Committee Chair Samuel Lawrence or via e-mail at [email protected] including your name, address and telephone number and a member of the Tree Committee will contact you to discuss the matter.

Address Common Tree Name

Belmont Buffer In Buffer Area Two (2) – Yoshino Cryptomeria Along Belmont Avenue brick wall Nine (9) – Yoshino Cryptomeria

Bradley Lane 3706 Legacy Sugar Maple 3800 Legacy Sugar Maple

Cedar Parkway 5500 Village Green Zelkova 5511 Village Green Zelkova 5700 (side yard on Oliver Street) Red Maple 5802 (side yard on Hesketh Street) Kousa Dogwood 5808 Trident Maple 5904 Trident Maple

East Kirke Street 106 Gingko

East Lenox Street 3 October Glory Red Maple

-over-

Address Common Tree Name

Grafton Street 7 Little Leaf Linden 100 (side yard on Cedar Parkway) Trident Maple

Hesketh Street 12 Littleleaf Linden 15 Gingko 22 Legacy Sugar Maple 24 Legacy Sugar Maple

Kirkside Drive Across 5505 Yellowwood 5505 Red Maple 5614 Black Gum

Montgomery Street 5615 Red Maple

Newlands Street 111 (side yard on Broad Branch Road) Trident Maple 111 (in front of house) Trident Maple

Oliver Street 4000 Yellowwood

Oxford Street 113 Londonplane 117 Londonplane

West Irving Street 3 Legacy Sugar Maple 20 Legacy Sugar Maple 28 Legacy Sugar Maple 31 Legacy Sugar Maple 32 Legacy Sugar Maple

West Kirke Street 6 Willow Oak

West Lenox Street 15 Trident Maple

West Melrose Street 3 Londonplane

Western Avenue 5600 (side yard on Cedar Parkway) Village Green Zelkova