Katie Daly
Updated on: October 13, 2024 9:34 pm GMT
The Montgomery County Planning Board and the Montgomery County Planning Department have unveiled an impressive calendar of events for October 2024. This month will feature a range of meetings and community events that promote civic engagement and provide vital opportunities for residents to learn about local planning initiatives.
For those eager to participate, it’s a chance to influence planning decisions that impact their community. The board aims to ensure everyone has access to the discussions that shape Montgomery County’s future. Whether it’s attending a virtual session, providing written input, or speaking in person, there are multiple ways for residents to get involved.
Upcoming Events and Meetings
The calendar is packed with essential meetings and informative sessions. Here are some highlights:
- October 2: A listening session on Attainable Housing Strategies will be held virtually from 12 to 1:30 p.m. Join Montgomery County Council President Andrew Friedson, Planning Board Chair Artie Harris, and Planning Director Jason Sartori.
- October 3: The Planning Board will meet weekly in-person at the Wheaton Auditorium or online.
- October 8: The Development Review Committee (DRC) meets virtually, discussing development applications.
- October 9: Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) meets with both in-person and virtual options available.
- October 15: An important community meeting on the University Boulevard Corridor Plan will occur at Montgomery Blair High School from 7 to 9 p.m.
- October 19-20: The Damascus Placemaking Festival will transform a section of Main Street into a community gathering space with activities for all ages.
The calendar also includes opportunities for residents to engage with planners and contribute their thoughts on various topics, such as historic preservation and development applications.
Caption: Panelists discussed critical community planning topics at a recent gathering.
How to Participate
Residents can take part in the Planning Board meetings and events through various channels:
- In-Person Attendance: The Planning Board typically meets at 2425 Reedie Drive in Wheaton, MD, and welcomes attendees.
- Virtual Participation: Residents can join meetings online or view them on-demand on the Planning Board’s website.
- Public Testimony: Opportunities are available to comment via email or during meetings. Written comments can be submitted to mcp-chair@mncppc-mc.org by noon, two business days before a meeting.
To ensure all voices are heard, the board encourages residents to reach out for accessibility accommodations if needed.
Highlights of Future Community Engagement
The effort towards engaging the community continues with multiple significant meetings planned throughout the month:
October 17 will feature the Planning Board’s Speaker Series, where professionals will discuss various implementation successes in planning. This session is free and open to the public.
October 23 will host two important events, including an open house about the Eastern Silver Spring Communities Plan, highlighting community-driven planning efforts.
October 30 will again present preliminary recommendations for the University Boulevard Corridor Plan during a virtual community meeting.
These events are designed not only to inform but also to encourage collaborative discussions on the county’s development and preservation strategies.
Staying Informed
Residents are encouraged to consult the Planning Department’s website at www.montgomeryplanning.org for the latest updates on meeting agendas, community engagement opportunities, and event developments. Agendas are typically made public ten days prior to meetings, offering ample time for residents to prepare their participation.
This October is an exciting time for people in Montgomery County who want to help their communities grow and improve. There are many important topics to talk about, like housing plans and ways to make neighborhoods better. You can share your thoughts and ideas to help make Montgomery County an even better place to live!
