The Mapleleaf Online

Barbara H March 29th, 2010

Maplewood Citizens Association (MCA)

General Membership Meeting – January 27, 2010

Officers present were: Allen Myers, President; Janet Maalouf, Vice-president; Hugh Barteman, Treasurer; Barbara Harrison, Secretary. In addition, at least 20 members of the community attended.

Presentation by State Highway Administration

Christina Lavoie, a project manager in the highway design division of SHA, presented an update on the evolving plans for modifications to four local intersections that are being proposed as a result of the merger of Walter Reed Hospital/National Naval Medical Center operations. Ms. Lavoie stressed that these modifications will be implemented in “tiers” as funds become available. Tier 1 consists of those that can be done with existing funds, Tier 2 is those to be funded if TIGER grants (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) from the ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009) stream or funds from DAR (Defense Access Roads) are received, Tier 3 projects will go forward only if additional funds are available, and Tier 4 are long term study proposals. The aim of the improvements is to restore the function of intersections that are expected to fail due to increased BRAC traffic back to the now existing level of service or better. Presently, $34.1 million is available; $6.1 million for design and $28 million for construction of three Tier 1 projects:

1. 355 (Rockville Pike) at Cedar Lane
Changes would be made south of the 355/Cedar Lane intersection, including an additional southbound lane on 355 extending as far as Wilson Dr. and a left turn bay for traffic entering Navy Medical. On the northbound side, there will be a 4^th lane from the northernmost Navy Medical exit onto 355 extending to Cedar Lane. These changes are projected to improve a.m. peak period vehicle delays by 36%, improve p.m. peak period delays by 46%, improve the a.m. peak period volume to capacity ratio by 17% and improve the p.m. peak period volume to capacity ratio by 16%. Overall, operations are expected to be as good as or better than pre-BRAC conditions through 2022, despite extra traffic from BRAC and other local developments. Construction is projected to begin in June 2011 and be completed in spring of 2013. It will include replacing culverts under Rockville Pike and Cedar Lane to handle 100-year storm conditions.

2. Jones Bridge Road at 185 (Connecticut Avenue)
The proposed change would add a southbound right turn lane on 185, extending from the Beltway to Jones Bridge Road. This is projected to improve a.m. peak period vehicle delays by 41%, improve p.m. peak period delays by 2%, and improve the a.m. peak period volume to capacity ratio by 19%. Overall, operations are expected to be as good as or better than pre-BRAC conditions through 2018, despite extra traffic from BRAC and other local developments. Construction is expected to start in December 2010 and be completed in fall 2011.

3. Jones Bridge Road at 355 (Rockville Pike)
Dynamic lane controls will be used during p.m. peak hours , changing a through lane on 355 southbound into a left turn lane. No roadway widening is involved. This is projected to improve p.m. peak period delays by 51%, and improve the p.m. peak period volume to capacity ratio by 12%. Overall, operations are expected to be as good as or better than pre-BRAC conditions through 2016, despite extra traffic from BRAC and other local developments.

The combined impact of all three Tier 1 projects is expected to decrease carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile oxygen compounds by 34% during the peak a.m. hour and by 11% during the peak p.m. hour, compared to the No-Build condition.

Tier 2 projects, contingent upon receipt of TIGER grant (ARRA) and DAR (Defense Dept) funding, are:

1. 355 and Jones Bridge Full Buildout. This would create additional right turn lane coming out of NIH and develop pedestrian upgrades and a hiker/biker trail.

2. MD 185 at Jones Bridge Rd. Widening along the median to get a 4^th through-lane heading northbound on 185 is proposed.

3. MD 187 (Old Georgetown Rd.) at Cedar lane. Some geometric changes will permit the addition of a right turn lane northbound on Old Georgetown Road from NIH Center Drive to Cedar Lane.

Tier 3 and Tier 4 projects involve additional potential changes to these intersections to further reduce negative impacts from BRAC.

Bylaw Revision

A proposed revision to bylaws was published in the Mapleleaf, replacing the words “single-family detached houses” with “single-family houses” in describing eligibility for membership in MCA. The purpose of the proposed change is to permit acceptance of memberships from townhomes in Maplewood. A motion was made and seconded to approve the proposed revision. In discussion, it was noted that FAES properties might be included in future if this revision is approved. A motion to table the proposal was made and seconded. The vote was 5 in favor of tabling and 9 against. Membership then voted on the original motion to approve the revised bylaw wording. The motion carried 14 to 2. Accordingly, the new wording in the bylaw is “Membership in the Association shall be open to all owners and residents of single-family houses within the boundaries of Old Georgetown Road, West Cedar Lane, Rockville Pike, and I-495.”

Possible Ride-on Bus Cuts

Allen reviewed a proposed budget-driven cut to Ride On Bus route #30, which travels through Maplewood. Residents were encouraged to contact the County Council‘s Transportation and Education committee, chaired by Nancy Floreen, if they oppose this cut. It was noted that this bus is used by many at rush hour and offers a way to help decrease the impact of BRAC traffic. Members unanimously approved a motion asking Allen to send the Council a letter on behalf of MCA expressing vigorous opposition to cutting route #30.

Neighborhood Watch Signs

Four signs are up at: Alta Vista and 355, Cedarcrest and W Cedar Lane, Beech and Old Georgetown Road, and Linden Lane and Pooks Hill Road. The county will install more signs if we pay, at a cost of $20 per sign. Spruce Tree and Bethesda Crest will pay for the signs at their entrance roads. The cost of signs for the remaining 6 entrances is $120. Expenditure of these funds was moved, seconded and unanimously approved. Allen also noted that we need more block captains.

Secretary’s Report

Minutes for the 9/30/2009 general membership meeting had been distributed for review and were approved unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report

Hugh Barteman reported that we now have 135 members, good for this time of the dues year, which began Sept. 1. The funds collected for legal action on the FAES project are being accounted for separately. Total expenses were $1036.26 since October 1, 2009 (3 months of Verizon telephone bills, office supplies, 2 printings of The Mapleleaf, expenses and refreshments for meetings, rental of PO Box 2483). Total income was $4135 (membership dues, payment for the Sept. Mapleleaf insert, and contributions to the FAES Legal Fund). Our checking account balance of $7670.02 includes the $890 donated to the Legal Fund. A seconded motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report passed unanimously.

Spring Social Function

Dee Dee Lynch, Social Committee Chair, is working on plans for a spring social for Maplewood, to be held one of last 2 weekends in April at the Maplewood Alta Vista Park. She invited members to a planning meeting and asked for volunteers able to help on the day of the social to let her know (301-897-2521, deedeesmartt@hotmail.com). Her proposed budget for the event will be published in the March newsletter. It was also noted that the rest of the playground equipment for the park has arrived and will be installed when the weather permits.

Draft Submitted by Barbara Harrison

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