Purple Line a Reality

Long discussed and barely imaginable, the light rail project that will create a much-needed East-West link is finally moving forward. The Federal Transit Administration made a Record of Decision on March 19, approving the Environmental Impact Study, and full funding of the project was recommended. Maryland Transit Administration (MTA's) final request for proposals is June 2014, and proposals are due October 2014. In January, MTA will award a contract and construction will begin. The Purple Line is expected to open in 2020. MTA has begun acquisition of properties along the 16-mile route for the rail alignment and power stations.

MTA has created a workforce development program with the MD Department of Labor & Licensing, and plans to hire local residents as much as possible for Purple Line jobs. A business assistance program has been created to help businesses impacted by Purple Line construction. If you're starting to wonder how your business will be impacted, ask the CDA to arrange a meeting with MTA representatives. Click here to learn more or call 443-451-3706.

Docs In Progress visits CDA

Early this month, the CDA met with Docs in Progress, a nonprofit organization that teaches documentary filmmaking as a means to create community. We discussed the potentially interesting stories of CDA business owners, who might be featured in Docs in Progress documentaries. The films would give businesses great visilibity, as student films are uploaded to YouTube, and presented at an annual festival.

Docs in Progress' students choose from a variety of subjects for their film projects. This week, Docs in Progress reported that a couple of CDA businesses will be selected by current Docs in Progress students for film projects.

County Council & Radio America

The Montgomery County County Council has a new partnership with Radio America (WACA 1540 AM) that will bring information on County issues and programs to the Latino community each Friday at 2:00pm. The most popular Spanish-language station in the region will broadcast â€œSintonÃa con el Concejo del Condado de Montgomeryâ€ with guests talking about important issues, information about County programs, and a "call in" for listeners to express opinions and ask questions.

Save the Date

CleanUpGreenUP

Sat., Apr. 26
9am-Noon
Langley Park Community Center
1500 Merrimac Drive

Help beautify Langley Park by volunteering in the Transforming Neighborhood Initiatives Langley Park team's seasonal cleanup. Volunteers will be given gloves and bags, along with refreshments.

Bike to Work Day

Fri. May 16
7:30-9:00am
Kirklynn Ave & NH Ave

Get your workout before you get your work in! Join thousands of commuters who peddle to work everyday for exercise, environmental benefits, and cost savings. New bike routes, signs, and lanes have been created throughout the DC region including Takoma Park to meet the surging demand of a growing population of cyclists. The CDA is sponsoring a pit stop once again, one of three in Takoma Park that will provide refreshments and t-shirts to registered participants. Register by May 9 here to get a free t-shirt and be added to bike raffles

Crossroads Farmers Market

Wed., June 4
11am-3:00pm
1021 University Blvd @Anne Street

Every Wednesday starting June 4 through November 19, the market will be open selling fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs, along with pupusas and other lunch offerings. This year, the market is opening at a new location at the edge of the CDA, just behind Expo Emart on Anne Street.