17 Story Luxury Apartment Building Heading for Silver Spring

From Businesswire release

Construction is to begin late this year on luxury apartments, located within walking distance of the Silver Spring Metro station.  Forty-eight of the 318 units, at 1050 Ripley St.,  are to be “moderately priced.”

Tropical Storm Hanna Update

From AlertMontgomery e-mail

Hanna moving towards Mid Atlantic States

The National Weather Service has issued a FLASH FLOOD WATCH for Montgomery County. At 5:00am, Satellite images indicated that Tropical Storm Hanna was located 430 South of Wilmington North Carolina. Hanna is moving NW as 20 MPH with winds of 65MPH and higher gusts.

Hanna is expected to reach the Baltimore/Washington metro areas as a Tropical Storm on Saturday. 4-8 inches of rainfall is expected with Hanna and higher amounts are possible. This amount of rain will lead to flooding of some streams and low lying areas. Sustained winds of 25-35 MPH are possible beginning Saturday morning and gusts to 50 MPH are possible. Power outages should be expected. Any remaining emergency preparations for this storm should be nearing completion.

Tropical Storm Warnings are now in effect for all coastal MD Counties. Travel to coastal areas should be discouraged.

Be Prepared for Hurricane Hanna

From AlertMontgomery e-mail

Hurricane Hanna Threatens East Coast This Weekend;
Executive Places County Emergency Workers On Standby
And Urges Residents to Be Prepared

With Hurricane Hanna threatening areas along the East Coast this weekend with heavy rain and high winds, Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett has placed emergency workers on standby and is urging residents to prepare for the possibility of flooding and power outages.

“I am asking employees and residents to prepare for the worst to ensure that this hurricane affects us the least,” said Leggett.  “Emergency preparedness is the best way to keep homes and people safe, and to limit the level of danger and disruption that comes with a major storm.  I am also asking our residents to check on their neighbors and offer help where needed, since this is a community that cares.”

The County’s Emergency Management Group has been on standby this week, monitoring weather reports, exchanging information and preparing to activate if a County-wide emergency response is necessary.  The group, consisting of senior staff from each of the County’s departments and agencies, works within the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and collaborates with other local jurisdictions as part of the National Capital Region (NCR) to manage an effective and efficient response to emergencies.  When activated, the group meets in the County’s Emergency Operations Center to assess risks, mobilize resources to prevent and address problems, and to meet local needs, including the need for regular and up-to-date information. The County’s Alert Montgomery messaging system will be sending alerts to residents regarding Hurricane Hanna, and additional messages will be sent as necessary through the same means.  In addition, the County will communicate with the public through the news media, the County home page, and emails.

The effects of a hurricane or tropical storm can be far-reaching.  Areas impacted directly by a hurricane or tropical storm can be affected by high winds and flooding, especially along waterways and in low-lying areas.  Fringe areas of these storms are vulnerable to tornadoes and in-land flooding caused by heavy rain.  Hurricane season continues through November.

A hurricane watch is issued if there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours.  A warning is issued when hurricane conditions are expected in a specified area in 24 hours or less.  Hurricane conditions include winds of 74 miles per hour (64 knots) or greater, and/or dangerously high tides and waves.  Actions to protect life and property should begin immediately when the warning is issued.

Hurricane Preparedness Tips

• Keep flashlights and battery-powered radios with extra batteries on hand, along with a basic first aid kit, emergency food and water, and a non-electric can opener.
• Listen to the radio or television for hurricane progress reports.
• Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys and garden tools; or anchor objects that cannot be brought inside but that could be wind-tossed.
• Remove outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys and garden tools; or anchor objects that cannot be brought inside but that could be wind-tossed.
• Clean out gutters.
• Turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest setting in anticipation of a power outage.  Open the door only when necessary and close quickly.
• Refrain from putting out trash cans the night before the regular pickup.

During Power Outages

• Keep a sufficient supply of flashlights and extra batteries on hand to provide lighting during power outages.
• Avoid using candles for lighting.  Use a battery-powered flashlight.
• Never use a candle when fueling equipment such as a kerosene heater or lantern, since the candle flame can ignite fumes from the fuel.

Flooding

• In anticipation of possible flooding, residents are encouraged to store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container; and avoid areas subject to flooding, including low spots, canals and streams.  Do not attempt to drive over a flooded road – you can be stranded or trapped.  The depth of the water and the condition of the road is not always obvious.

Night Time Safety

• Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers, downed wires and other hazards.

High Winds

• For downed trees on public property, residents should call the County’s Department of Transportation at 240-777-6000 during work hours (7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday–Friday).  After hours calls should be directed to the Police non-emergency number at 301-279-8000.  To report trees that have fallen on utility lines, contact the local utility companies.  “Hot” wires or sparking wires, especially those across roadways, may be reported by calling 9-1-1.

• Trees that have fallen on private property are the responsibility of the property owner.  The County’s Office of Consumer Protection advises homeowners to deal with established businesses only, and to call Consumer Protection first to check on a business complaint record.  Consumer Protection can be reached at 240-777-3636.

Residents can report damage by replying to this alert, or any alert issued from this system. Please indicate type of damage, location, and addrees where the damage occured.

For more information about emergency preparedness, go to the County website at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgtmpl.asp?url=/content/PIO/news/preparedness.asp .

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Bill to Ban School Fees Put in the Hopper by Gaithesburg Delegate

From the Gazette

Fees for some classes and fees for some books.  It’s become more common in Montgomery County public schools and Delegate Kumar Barv wants to put a stop to it.  So, he says he’ll introduce a bill, when the MD legislature returns to session, to ban fees statewide.

Shhhhhhh!! County Officals Want to Deal Land in Private.

From The Gazette

Want to know what deals are going to be made to move Montgomery County’s police headquarters, fire training academy, Board of Elections and several other county operations to new locations?  Maybe you will…or maybe these deals will be made behind closed doors.

Bay Bridge Back to 2 Lanes Eastbound

From MD DOT e-mail

After being down to just one Eastbound lane due to weather, traffic is again using two lanes heading toward the beach on the Bay Bridge.

Two-Way Operations Back In Effect on Westbound Span
Inclement Weather Clears; Delays Will Continue During Evening Rush Hour

Two-way operations are once again in effect on the westbound span. One lane on the eastbound span also is open for eastbound travelers, while the right lane of the eastbound span remains closed for repairs.

The MDTA urges motorists to stay alert and use caution when traveling the bridge:
• Call 1-877-BAYSPAN (1-877-229-7726) for 24/7 traffic conditions at the bridge.
• Visit baybridge.com to view live traffic cameras at the bridge and to sign up for traffic and email alerts.
• Obey posted speed limits and overhead lane-control signals.
• Stay alert — do not change lanes while traveling over the bridge.
• Make sure your vehicle is “road ready”– one disabled vehicle can cause extensive backups.

Bay Bridge Temporarily Down to ONE Lane Towards the Beach

From MD Transportation Dept. e-mail

Two-Way Operations Suspended
Expect Extensive Eastbound Delays at Bay Bridge During Evening Rush Hour

For motorists’ safety, two-way operations have been suspended from the westbound span of the Bay Bridge due to rain and poor visibility.

One lane on the eastbound span is open for eastbound travelers, while the right lane of the eastbound span remains closed for repairs.

We will attempt to resume two-way operations if and when weather conditions improve.

The MDTA urges motorists to stay alert and use caution when traveling the bridge:
• Call 1-877-BAYSPAN (1-877-229-7726) for 24/7 traffic conditions at the bridge.
• Visit baybridge.com to view live traffic cameras at the bridge and to sign up for traffic and email alerts.
• Obey posted speed limits and overhead lane-control signals.
• Stay alert — do not change lanes while traveling over the bridge.
• Make sure your vehicle is “road ready”– one disabled vehicle can cause extensive backups.

Bay Bridge: Now It’s TEN Weeks of Delays!!

From MD Highway Admin. e-mail

SIGNIFICANT DELAYS EXPECTED AS SAFETY ENHANCEMENTS ARE MADE TO BAY BRIDGE

Labor Day Beachgoers Urged To Travel Off Peak, Use Alternate Route
Construction Could Take Up To 10 Weeks To Complete

Starting today, the right lane of the Bay Bridge’s eastbound span will be closed continuously as work begins to strengthen the parapets (or barriers) lining the side of the bridge. The first section to be modified is near the Eastern Shore side of the span. Pending results of the ongoing testing, potential repairs to other sections of parapet on the eastbound span are possible and could take up to 10 weeks to complete.

“Our annual inspections, that go above and beyond federal requirements, confirm that the Bay Bridge is safe,” said Transportation Secretary and Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Chairman John D. Porcari. “Since the Aug. 10 incident, we have been aggressively assessing bridge operations and structural elements. In-depth testing done to date shows that improvements can be made to strengthen the parapet. Out of an abundance of caution, we want to execute these modifications immediately.”

During the right-lane closure, the posted speed limit on the eastbound span will drop to 40 mph at all times. Two-way traffic will operate as needed on the westbound span to provide two eastbound travel lanes. Commuters will still have three lanes westbound during morning rush hours, as will travelers returning from the Eastern Shore on Sundays and Labor Day Monday.

“The reality is that diminished capacity will lead to delays, particularly during the upcoming Labor Day weekend, but the safety of our motorists, employees and contractors is our top priority,” said MDTA Executive Secretary Ronald L. Freeland. “We’re asking our bridge commuters and local residents to work with us again during these modifications. We’re also encouraging Labor Day beachgoers to use alternate routes and avoid the Bay Bridge this weekend, if possible. Drivers should plan their trips by calling 1-877-BAYSPAN (229-7726) and logging onto baybridge.com.”

The MDTA began today’s repairs after ultrasonic and ground penetrating radar (GPR) testing of the parapet in the right lane near the Eastern Shore indicated corrosion of reinforcing steel bolts encased in the concrete barrier.

“The repairs we are starting today will restore the strength of the parapet,” said MDTA Chief Engineer Geoffrey V. Kolberg. “The corrosion is a direct result of voids in the center of the concrete parapet, where moisture has become trapped. If our ongoing testing identifies other parapet areas in need of strengthening, immediate corrective action will begin and could take up to 10 weeks for such repairs.”

Strengthening of the parapet involves bolting an L-shaped steel anchor strap (or bracket) to the parapet and to the bridge deck and bolting a double steel w-beam (or guardrail) to the parapet. Design of a permanent repair to the parapet is underway.

During the lane closure, trucks wider than 12 feet will be prohibited from traveling the bridge in the eastbound direction and must use an alternate route. The restriction includes trucks that have been issued blanket permits.

Suggested alternate routes to and from the Eastern Shore include:

EASTBOUND TRAFFIC

From Washington D.C., Baltimore Metropolitan areas and points north and west of Baltimore:
• I-95 north to DE 1 south to access beach resort areas
• Remain on DE 1 for all Delaware beach resorts
• For Maryland resort areas – use DE 1, to US 113, to MD 90. Take MD 90 to US 50 or continue south for Assateague and Virginia resorts
• Motorists traveling to Wicomico, Worcester and Somerset counties and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (Virginia) – exit DE 1 in Dover to US 13 south
• For motorists traveling to Kent, Caroline and Queen Anne’s counties – take I-95 north to DE 896 south which becomes US 301 south
• For motorists traveling to points south of Queen Anne’s County (Talbot and Dorchester counties), take US 301 south, to MD 213 south, to US 50 east

From Richmond, Virginia and points South:
• Take I-64 east, to US 13 north, into Maryland
• If traveling to the beach resort areas, exit US 13 north, onto US 133 north near Pocomoke City

WESTBOUND TRAFFIC
From Beach Resort areas:
• Delaware beach areas should use DE 1 to I-95
• Maryland beach areas should take US 113 north, to DE 1 to I-95 or remain on US 50 west from Ocean City and exit onto US 13 north, to DE 1 north of Smyrna to I-95

From other Eastern Shore areas:
• From Caroline County — take MD 404, to MD 313, to US 301 north, to DE 896, to I-95
• From Dorchester and Talbot counties — take US 50 west, to MD 213 north, to US 301 north, to DE 896, to I-95
• From Queen Anne’s County — take US 301 north, to DE 896, to I-95

The MDTA urges motorists to stay alert and use caution when traveling the bridge:
• Call 1-877-BAYSPAN (1-877-229-7726) for 24/7 traffic conditions at the bridge.
• Visit baybridge.com to view live traffic cameras at the bridge and to sign up for traffic and email alerts.
• Obey posted speed limits and overhead lane-control signals. The speed limit for the eastbound span and when driving in two-way traffic is 40 mph.
• Use your vehicle’s headlights in two-way traffic.
• Stay alert — do not change lanes while traveling over the bridge.
• Make sure your vehicle is “road ready”– one disabled vehicle can cause extensive backups.

They’re Going to Fix the Bay Bridge WHEN??????

From e-mail from the MD Transportation Authority

RIGHT LANE ON EASTBOUND SPAN OF BAY BRIDGE TO CLOSE TODAY
Drivers Should Expect Significant Delays; Labor Day Beachgoers Should Use Alternate Route

The right lane on the eastbound span of the William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial (Bay) Bridge (US 50/301) will be closed to traffic continuously. The speed limit on the eastbound span has been lowered from 50 mph to 40 mph for the duration of the closure.

The lane will close today and is expected to remain closed for the next two to three weeks. Two-way traffic will operate on the westbound span during peak travel times to provide two lanes for eastbound travelers. Commuters will still have three lanes westbound during the morning rush.

The Authority will be strengthening the bridge’s parapet along the right lane of the eastbound span near the Eastern Shore.

For travelers heading to Ocean City from the Baltimore area:
· I-95 North to Route 1
· Take Route 1 South thru Delaware
· Route 1 becomes Route 528 / Coastal Highway
· Take Coastal Highway into Ocean City

Mandatory Recycling in Rockville? You Have a Week Left to Make Your Voice Heard.

From The Washington Post

You only have until the end of the day a week from tomorrow (Fri., 8/29) to tell the City Council in Rockville what you think of its proposal idea to make recycling mandatory for businesses and apartments in that city.  (Of course, you can also voice your opinion by posting a comment to this post).