The Mapleleaf Online

Barbara H September 30th, 2008

General Membership Meeting Minutes, Maplewood Citizens Association (MCA)

MCA ATTENDEES

Officers present were: Allen Myers, president; Janet Maalouf, vice-president; Joe Levin, treasurer; Barbara Harrison, secretary

Approximately 40-45 community members attended

SECRETARY’S REPORT

Minutes from the May meeting were not available and will be presented for approval at the next general membership meeting. Barbara Harrison was introduced as the new secretary for MCA

TREASURER’S REPORT

For the fiscal year September 1, 2007 to August 31, 2008:

· Starting bank balance was $6397.18.

· Income sources: $4520 (Dues) and $806.36 (Other). Total income: $5326.36

· Expenditures: Newsletter $2410.45 (Newsletter), $931.72 (Spring picnic), $363.98 (Verizon phone for 12 months), $200 (Donation to Walter Johnson High School, $1503 (Liability insurance for officers), and $253.97 (Other). Total expenses: $ 5663.12

· Final bank balance $6060.48.

Allen commented that we are looking for an advertiser for the next newsletter – $350 is cost of the newsletter, so would like to have someone pay for it. Please notify Jan Maalouf if you know of anyone who might be willing to do this.

RENEWING MONTGOMERY

Chuck Sullivan and Carter Wilson are members of the organization "Renewing Montgomery", a group of small builders that seeks to promote considerate involvement of all stakeholders in the process of infill building in established communities. The website www.renewingmontgomery.org has more detail about the organization and contains useful links to information about zoning, permitting, noise ordinances, pending legislation, etc. In response to questions, Chuck mentioned that if there is a Renewing Montgomery sign in front of a project, this means the builder is a member of the group and thus has indicated that he/she respects the practices presented on the organization website. Discussion of this might be a good way for affected neighbors to approach a builder when problems present.

PENDING CHANGES TO ZONING LEGISLATION

Montgomery County Councilmember Roger Berliner discussed a zoning text amendment that he introduced to the Council this spring: ZTA 08-11 Infill Development Legislation. He was accompanied by his staff member, Miti Figueredo. The proposed amendment provides stronger restrictions on the size of dwellings. For instance, for R-60 zoning (most homes in Maplewood), the law currently allows building on 35% of the lot. The proposed amendment would reduce this to 30% for a 6000 square foot lot, but would exempt architecturally enriching aspects of design such as porches, bay windows, chimneys and single car detached garages. There is also pending legislation that anyone considering home improvement of a certain size be required to notify neighbors 30 days before filing a permit. Berliner believes that the legislation will be enacted by November, but there will be a period after enactment during which plans may be submitted that meet the old guidelines.

Berliner stressed that there is a growing consensus for "Smart Growth" that calls for denser development along major transportation arteries, and that Bethesda has both Wisconsin Avenue and the Metro red line, so dense development will happen here. Residents expressed concerns about the overall impact of multiple large developments in our community (especially. the American College of Cardiology property and the FAES property, which are currently in the planning stages for development). Berliner offered to look into these 2 projects. Allen Myers suggested MCA members sign up for the MCA listserve to make sure they get up to date communications from MCA (visit www.maplewoodcitizens.org).

HEART HOUSE

The American College of Cardiology building (Heart House) site is zoned R60, but it operates under a special exception. The ACC has advanced several possible plans for use of the property, including development as a residential neighborhood. However, most recently, Cathy Gates has communicated that the ACC is finalizing details on sale of the property to a school, (name not available until the sale is final). Operation of a school at the site would require a special exception from the Board of Appeals. This should allow Maplewood the opportunity to comment on the process. We anticipate that Heart House and or the school will probably present their proposal at the November general membership meeting. If the school desires a special meeting prior to the membership meeting, one might be arranged with the neighbors who live near the Heart House.

BRAC (Base Realignment and Closing Commission).

Janet Maalouf is a community member of the Montgomery County BRAC Implementation Committee. Plans are in flux due to Federal and State budget cuts for traffic mitigation projects. The Navy has accepted some responsibility for traffic impact outside the gates and requested defense access road financing. Design and engineering have been funded, but funds to build are lacking. In early winter, the state highway administration will reveal plans for the four major intersections most affected by the project. The September 2008 issue of The Mapleleaf and the website at www.maplewoodcitizens.org contain more information about the BRAC situation.

FAES (Foundation for Advancement of Education in the Sciences)

FAES has notified the MCA that it would like to construct 31 townhomes to house students who are obtaining advanced education degrees through the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The townhomes would be constructed on property owned by FAES and bordered by West Cedar Lane, Cypress Avenue, and Acacia Avenue. The proposed townhouses (4 bedrooms per unit) would be market rate units, but would be considered Moderately Priced Dwelling Units (MPDUs) based on the income level of the students who will occupy them. The initial proposal included 50% as open space in a park-like area on the north side of the property, as well as some off-street parking for each unit.

Many issues need to be addressed, including: consistency with the Master Plan, need for a zoning exception, potential problems with options for management of the "park" area and whether FAES would be allowed to sell the units in future. FAES was supposed to meet with the planning board staff this week. There will be opportunities for neighborhood input if this proposal moves forward. Allen has asked for a report in writing from FAES regarding the zoning issues surrounding the site. Members were asked to sign up for the FAES committee if interested in monitoring this project for MCA.

CRIME/NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

An attack occurred on Spruce Tree. Attackers followed an elderly couple from an ATM to their home. This follows numerous reports of attempted break-ins, thefts from automobiles and automobile vandalism in recent months. Members should call police if a crime occurs and try to get them to take fingerprints if there is anything that might have retained fingerprints. 301-279-8000 is the non-emergency number for police. Let Allen know if the police are not responsive.

Members discussed formation of a Neighborhood Watch committee. This is labor intensive. Members should let the President know if they are interested in leading or participating in a Neighborhood Watch Committee.

DONATION TO FIRE DEPARTMENT

MCA members unanimously approved providing $100 to the Bethesda Fire Dept to thank them for coming to our spring 2008 social event.

METRO NOISE

Several residents have complained that Metro is noisier lately. Allen talked with noise control officer for county and has been in touch with a Metro management official. Allen asked members to let him know where/when it is noisy.

PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT

The park manager has confirmed that the play equipment at the Maplewood/Alta Vista Park is rotten and will need to be completely removed for safety reasons. We hope to have new equipment installed by next summer. A suggestion was made that we could offer to match county funds – similar to what was done for the Ayrlawn playground. More information about this will be provided to Allen for follow-up.

Minutes submitted by Barbara Harrison, MCA Secretary

Approved 11-19-08

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