Carroll Avenue Bridge Detour
The State Highway Administration (SHA) has started preparing for the rehabilitation of the 81 year old Carroll Avenue bridge. Utility relocations, construction of the temporary pedestrian bridge, installation of temporary traffic signals, and new detour/stop sign/signal signage is under development now as well. Unfortunately, there will be occasional times when the bridge is closed, but we have confirmation that these times will be few and temporary, moreover, affected residents will be noticed in advance to minimize the inconvenience.
The entire project is estimated to be completed within 18 months. The suggested traffic detour is scheduled to be discussed for public consumption on September 24, starting at 6:00pm at Takoma Park's Volunteer Fire Station located at 7201 Carroll Avenue. Residents will have the opportunity to discuss the project with SHA engineers, and give inputs. City Council will also discuss traffic calming measures this evening to wrap-up detour matters this evening.
The city is appreciative of the input and participation from our city's residents regarding the detour and other traffic issue solutions. Our city's staff and Public Works have consolidated those inputs and incorporated them where possible into the development of the detour routing during the construction period. If you are interested in reviewing those ideas please follow this link: http://citycounciltakomapark.s3.amazonaws.com/agenda/items/2015/council-20150908-4.pdf.
Takoma Park Election Date Change
There is a proposal to change Takoma Park city elections to even numbered years. By even numbered years, this proposal suggests that Takoma Park's elections take place at the same time as the county, state, and federal elections. While the timing of our elections is important, however, what is more important to me is voting and an understanding on the part of voters the issues and the people they are voting for.
One topic that is of great interest to me for our city is Compulsory Voting. To learn more about Compulsory Voting follow these links:
A voting policy change such as compulsory voting would accomplish more voter mobilization on the part of many who are somewhat passive when it comes civic participation. The latter is one of the most important topics to Takoma Park's City Council.
Lunch and Learn 2015 Wrap-Up
The third year of Lunch and Learn ended August 7, 2015. This year was also a roaring success with our final guest speaker of the summer being a Former Special Agent in Charge of the FBI and Chief Security Officer of General Electric's Enterprise Solutions, Ronald Nesbitt. This past summer's camp had 110 young people enrolled to strengthen their math, reading, computer science skills, etc. and hear from professionals in various careers so that they can begin planning a future for themselves with an understanding of what is required academically. To view a video that summarizes Lunch & Lean 2015 with participation from our District's State Senator, Mayor, Delegate, County Council Members, etc. here is the link to the segment that aired on Takoma Park's City TV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XB6S4BgYUrA.
Calendar Tidbit
Takoma Park Early Voting - begins October 30
Election day - November 3
