MCA Executive Committee Meeting Minutes 5/4/06

Lorraine N May 8th, 2006

NIH

Ralph Schofer reported that at the latest meeting of the citizen liaison committee for NIH he was informed that the ride on bus will likely be discontinued because of low passenger volume.


Allen suggested that we approach them with the request to build an extension of the sidewalk that will bridge over the stream and give walkers and bikers a safer route to the metro. At present, only a pedestrian zone sign and painted roadway is between pedestrians and cars that are going 40 miles an hour as they are making the turn and hurrying into the campus. MCA would also like to strongly advocate for passes for neighbors through the campus, as the only truly safe alternative. This issue should remain on the agenda for discussion.

BCDS

The first community meeting with the Nobel leaseholders went well. It will be important to maintain the independence of the Maplewood neighborhood, putting distance between Nobel’s lawyer, Mr. Shulman and the community. At present the committee is working on the Traffic Management Plan (TMP).

French School

The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 9 at 7PM. There are several issues under discussion:

  • Late night student pick-ups for field trips Principle has been notified of MCA complaints.
  • Having three representatives present at the Neighborhood Liaison Committee (NLC) Meetings: the principal, the board and Kate.B. Walsh
  • The use of the auditorium for operas from outside companies. Allen made it clear that violations of the agreed upon rules and commitments of the French School to MCA may result in complaints sent to the Board of Appeals.

On a positive note, the new school was to be dedicated this week and the old edifice has begun to be demolished.

Heart House

This will be the last meeting of the MCA at the Heart House.

Fire Board

Jim Winkler is on the Fire Board and will represent community concerns. He informed us that Bethesda is now an all-professional firefighting outfit. The Fire Board has been in existence since 1938. It has recently been reorganized.

Development Proposals for Pooks Hill

The architect and three representatives of a developer associated with the Pooks Hill Marriott Hotel came to show their drawings of a three building complex that is to be built on what is now the parking lot of the hotel. The towers will be 15 stories high and will contain 350-450 units. Presently the property is zoned for hotel space (HM) and not residential. The developers plan to propose a zoning change from the Montgomery Council Zoning Board.

The MCA committee questioned the rush to the initiative without adequate community input. Concern was raised about the number of parking spaces that would be possible, including visitors’ parking (10 to 12 spaces were declared). They were asked to consider putting side walks across Rockville Pike on the way to Grosvenor Metro. There would also be the need to add a third turning lane onto Rockville Pike. A traffic mitigation plan is a must.

The architect asked us what we thought of the plan. We talked about the need to provide a community center. Otherwise the plan has an anonymous, almost sterile presentation: three towers rising straight up, with little or no opportunity for neighbors to gather. MCA needs to closely review the Master Plan before agreeing to such a plan as to rezone for condo building. Allen will bring this matter to the Civic Federation. The community also wants the MPDU issue to be dealt with honestly and fairly.

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