Council Passes Lakeforest Redevelopment Plan

It was a vote years in the making! Thursday night, my colleagues and I unanimously voted to approve the Lakeforest Schematic Development Plan (SDP). You can watch the full meeting below.

Meet Congressional Candidate Lesley Lopez

Last month, I announced my endorsement of Delegate Lesley Lopez to be our next Representative in the U.S. Congress. Today, I'm inviting you to join me and County Council Member Dawn Leudtke at Barking Mad in Gaithersburg for a Happy Hour Meet & Greet with Lesley on Tuesday, March 26 from 7-9pm.  Donations are welcome, but not required.

In Annapolis, Lesley has shown a knack for garnering bipartisan support—a skill that is lacking in Washington these days—reaching across the aisle to ban illegal ghost guns. She’s also worked to expand healthcare access and lower childcare costs – two big concerns for many families across Maryland.

Our next Member of Congress has big shoes to fill. Congressman Trone has been such an important partner for the City of Gaithersburg, and the entire Sixth District. Our residents deserve someone who can continue delivering for the people of Maryland. And there is no one in the race who has a more established record of passing important legislation than Del. Lesley Lopez. But you don't have to take my word for it — come meet Lesley at Barking Mad on March 26 from 7-9pm.  Hope to see you there!

Click here to RSVP 

Jim Endorses Lesley Lopez for Congress

Today I announce my support for Lesley Lopez for Maryland’s 6th Congressional District. I made my announcement on Instagram below.

“As Lesley constituent in Legislative District 39, I’m proud to lend my support in her bid to be our next Representative in the United States Congress. Congressman Trone has been such an important partner for the city of Gaithersburg and all of District 6. Our residents deserve a representative who can continue his legacy of delivering for the people of Maryland. And there is no one in this race who has a more-established track record of passing effective legislation as Delegate Lesley Lopez. She have demonstrated a knack for working across the aisle to build bipartisan support for important bills. That is a skill that is in short supply in Washington. That’s why we need her in Congress, to fight for the issues that matter to the people of District 6, from Gaithersburg to Garrett County and everywhere in between. “

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COVID resurgence

Hope everyone is having a good summer!

The family and I just returned from a much-needed vacation, and unfortunately one of the souveniers we picked up on the trip was multiple cases of COVID! Three of the four of us ended up sick, with several other members of Amy’s extended family. Fortunately, we’re all on the rebound. But it’s a reminder that while the public health emergency has expired, COVID is still out there and can still cause significant illness. Because of my asthma, I was able to get the Paxlovid prescribed. (Wow, the side effects are as advertised!). The rest of the family is pushing through with OTC meds.

If my Facebook feed is any indication, we will continue to see cases continue to rise. I know I plan to take more precautions in crowded situations than I have recently. But, wow I forgot how much i dislike wearing masks for long periods of time!

My response to the Renters Alliance's letter concerning rent control

Earlier this month, the Mayor sent a letter on behalf of himself and City Council opposing the Rent Stabilization bill being considered by the Montgomery County Council. You can watch the discussion from our July 3 meeting here (discussion begins around the 36:00 mark).

In response, on July 10 the Montgomery County Renters Alliance sent a 6-page letter to myself, the Mayor and the rest of the Gaithersburg City Council detailing their disagreements with the positions and the rationale laid out by the Mayor.

Last Thursday, I replied to their email explaining my personal position on rent control. This afternoon, a quote from that email was included in a newsletter that the Renters Alliance Tweeted out (“Gaithersburg Councilmember Doubles Down on Rent Stabilization Letter”). In the interest of full transparency, I’m sharing the entirety of that email here:

Dear Mr. Losak and Members of the Board:

Thank you for your detailed and passionate response to Mayor Ashman’s letter, and for your advocacy on behalf our region’s renters. 

As you know, I voted in favor of extending the rental increase moratorium during the COVID-19 health emergency. At that time, I stated that in general I did not support rent control, but recognized the need to offer protections when we were asking people to stay home while they were sick to reduce the spread of the pandemic. 

Now that the health emergency has lapsed, my position has not changed. I do not believe it is the role of government to artificially set the pricing of housing or any other commodity, service, or goods. 

I recognize the significant challenges being faced by many in our city and county. I remain committed to working with our nonprofit partners to provide assistance where we can to those families who are cost burdened. Recently, the County announced it had purchased Westchester West Apartments to preserve 345 affordable units under the County’s Right of First Refusal, and immediately sold the property to the nonprofit housing organization Enterprise Community Development. I fully support these types of interventions to preserve affordable housing when appropriate and feasible. 

I also support efforts to increase our housing and rental stock here in Gaithersburg and across the county to help reduce the inflationary pressure on rents. As you may know, I voted in favor of the Lakeforest Sketch Plan and more recently, the Sketch Plan for the new development at the former Nike Missile Site off Muddy Branch Ave., both of which will be required to feature 15% affordable units. 

I welcome ongoing conversations to discuss other methods of providing relief to our cost burdened families, including finding ways to provide job training and increase investment in our community to provide better paying jobs that enable our residents to more easily afford the costs of living in the DMV. 

I know we disagree on rent control as an appropriate method, but please know we share a common goal.  I hope we can continue a positive dialogue for the benefit of our community . 

Very truly yours,

Jim

Jim McNulty
Council Member
City of Gaithersburg 

Thank you, Gaithersburg!

Source: City of Gaithersburg

Friends,

I cannot put into words how grateful I am for the opportunity to serve the people of our great city as a member of City Council! It was a highly competitive race, with five outstanding public servants vying to represent the people of Gaithersburg on the council. The drama played out into the wee hours of the night, with the unofficial results being published around 3 o'clock this morning.

I first want to congratulate Mayor Jud Ashman and Lisa Henderson for their victories as well. I am honored and humbled at the chance to work with you both, and I can't wait to get started!

I also want to thank Dave Belgard, Phil Cook, and Yamil Hernández for their outstanding, positive campaigns. I got to know all three candidates and their families throughout the course of the campaign, and I am proud to call each of them my friend. Having lost my first race four years ago, I know all too well disappointment of not seeing your name called. But I have no doubt all three will continue their work to improving the lives of those who live, work, and play in our great city.

Finally, I want to thank all of my incredible supporters: my family, my friends—both old and new—and my fellow citizens who wanted to bring a new voice to the City Council. Your voices were heard loud and clear, and I look forward to bringing that fresh perspective to our municipal government. I particularly want to thank everyone who helped out in the rain on Election Day. You went above and beyond!

Of course, none of this happens without the love and support of my amazing bride of 21 years, Amy, who put up with all the ins and out of the campaign, including me being out all weekends long knocking doors amid the chaos of a kitchen remodel, and even a candidate forum the night of our wedding anniversary! I love you, and I can't thank you enough.

My first official act will be to be sworn in at a virtual meeting of the Mayor and Council on November 15 at 7:30 p.m. I will share a link on my Facebook page.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for believe in me, and believing in our message.

Now, as Mayor Ashman likes to say, "Let's do great things, Gaithersburg!"

Yours,

Jim

MCPS Interim Supt. Recommends Boundaries for New Elementary School

The Interim Superintendent has released the recommended boundaries for the new Gaithersburg Elementary School #8 at Kelley Park. I’m thrilled to see that it reflects our demands that the contiguous neighborhoods would get to attend the new school—and reverses the terrible decision from 20 years ago to prevent the residents of Saybrooke from attending Forest Oak MS, which was built in Saybrooke!

The final step is for the Board of Education to approve the recommendation.

This will be a great outcome for our city and I call on the Board of Education to approve these boundaries, and we look forward to opening a walkable, state-of-the-art elementary school on the east side of Gaithersburg next year.

https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/planning/gaithersburgcluster8boundarystudy.aspx

McNulty Announces Key Endorsements

GAITHERSBURG, Md.—Gaithersburg City Council Candidate Jim McNulty received a key endorsement today from incumbent City Councilmember Neil H. Harris. Harris joins fellow incumbent Councilmember Robert T. Wu and former Councilmember Yvette Monroe in vocally supporting McNulty’s campaign.

McNulty is seeking one of two open seats on the Gaithersburg City Council this November, following the decision by both Councilmember Michael Sesma and Laurie-Anne Sayles not to seek reelection.

“I got to know Jim well during his campaign for city council a few years back,” Harris said in his Facebook post, announcing the endorsement. “It’s a testament to his sincere desire for community service that he stayed involved, not only with the Saybrooke HOA but as a member, and now chairman, of the city’s Olde Towne Advisory Committee, which has become a powerhouse since his term began. His ongoing input regarding issues facing the city is always thoughtful and valued by me and my colleagues.”

Harris is an experienced community and business leader, and has served on the Gaithersburg City Council since his appointment in 2014 following the vacancy created by then-City Councilmember Jud Ashman’s appointment to succeed Sidney Katz as the Mayor of Gaithersburg. Harris was elected to a full term in 2015 and reelected in 2019. Since joining the council, Neil has focused on a number of issues including fiscal responsibility, regional transportation, school funding, and public safety.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Neil for his support and endorsement,” McNulty said, “and I’m excited for the chance to serve together with him on the council.”

Harris is the third notable elected official or former elected official to announce their support for McNulty’s campaign. Harris’s colleague on the Gaithersburg City Council, Robert T. Wu, announced his support for McNulty on September 18.

Jim McNulty with Gaithersburg City Councilmember Robert T. Wu (right) during the 2021 National Night out Against Crime in the Kentlands.

“Jim is smart, independent-minded, and focused in the right way on the issues,” Wu said in his Facebook post. “He also brings great experience from his time on the Saybrooke HOA and serving the City on the Transportation Committee.”

Like Harris, Wu was first elected to the City Council in 2015 and reelected in 2019. Wu spent more than 20 years with the U.S. Army and Army Reserves, where he served as a Judge Advocate.

Former Councilmember Yvette Monroe was the first to throw her support behind McNulty, hosting the campaign’s kickoff meeting at her residence at Gaithersburg Station in Olde Towne back in June. The two met during the 2017 election campaign, when Monroe lost her bid to retain the seat to which she was appointed following the death of Councilmember Henry Marraffa in 2016.

Gaithersburg’s Municipal Elections are November 2, 2021, with early voting October 23-24. Applications for Mail-In Ballots were sent to all registered voters in the city in early September, and can also be downloaded on the city’s website.

For more information about Jim McNulty’s Campaign, visit jimmcnulty.org.

For more information about the City of Gaithersburg’s Election, visit gaithersburgmd.gov.

Gaithersburg City Councilmember Neil H. Harris (left) with Jim McNulty at McNulty’s Campaign Fundraiser during the soft opening of South House Garden in Olde Town Gaithersburg.

McNulty Announces First Fundraising Event at South House Garden

GAITHERSBURG, Md. — City Council Candidate Jim McNulty is holding his first campaign fundraising event on Saturday, August 28, at South House Garden in Olde Towne Gaithersburg during the restaurant’s long-awaited soft opening. Local band, Mike & Ben - The Dad Guys, will be providing live music during the event.

“We’re so excited to welcome South House Garden to Olde Towne,” McNulty said. “ I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate further investment in Olde Towne than to invite our supporters to come be a part of their opening weekend!”

South House Garden first announced its upcoming debut back in 2020, but ran into delays due to the pandemic. With its southern inspired menu featuring burgers, pastas, salads, brick-oven pizza, and more, combined with a beer garden boasting over 50 taps, it brings a welcome jolt of energy to the heart of the city’s Historic District.

McNulty has focused on the future of Olde Towne and Lakeforest Mall as integral parts of his campaign. McNulty is the Chair of the Olde Town Advisory Committee, a subcommittee of the City’s Economic Development Committee. If elected, McNulty would become the only elected member of the municipal government who lives east of I-270. Incumbent Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles, who announced earlier this summer she is not seeking a second term, is currently the only member of the five-person city council who currently lives on the east side of the city, and all of the other declared candidates for Gaithersburg City Council live—and Mayor Ashman—each live west of the interstate.

Tickets for the fundraiser are available here.

South House Garden is located at 317 East Diamond Avenue Lower Level, Gaithersburg, MD 20877.

For more information about Jim McNulty’s City Council Campaign, visit JimMcNulty.org.

Yvette Monroe Endorses Jim McNulty for Gaithersburg City Council

GAITHERSBURG, Md. — Former Gaithersburg City Councilmember Yvette Monroe announced her endorsement of Jim McNulty in this year’s Gaithersburg City Council Election. The announcement was made in a video shared to social media highlighting their joint appearance at National Night Out Against Crime events tomorrow, Tuesday, August 3, around the city.

Monroe was the first African American woman to ever serve on the Gaithersburg City Council. She was appointed to the City Council in 2017 following the passing of longtime Councilmember Henry Marraffa. Monroe unsuccessfully sought to retain her seat in the November 2017 election, coming in third place behind incumbent Councilmember Michael Sesma—by only 485 votes, and only 9 votes ahead of McNulty—and behind then newly-elected Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles.

Neither Sesma nor Sayles will seek reelection this November. Sayles announced her candidacy for an at-large seat on the Montgomery County Council last month, and Sesma will be retiring after serving the community for 16 years on the City Council.

“The city really needs Jim’s voice,” Monroe said in her endorsement. “His passion, his ability to understand and relate to the people will be a benefit to the council.”

Monroe serves on the Olde Towne Advisory Committee with McNulty, and is a resident of Olde Towne herself. The two struck up a friendship during the 2017 campaign.

“I’m grateful for Yvette’s and [her husband] John’s friendship over the years, as well as for her service to our city, McNulty said. “I’m honored by Yvette’s endorsement, I look forward to having her valuable insight during the campaign.”

This year the City of Gaithersburg will use a hybrid process that allows for mail-in or in-person voting. All registered voters in the city will receive an application for a mail-in ballot, and can also request one online. Early Voting will take place at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park on October 23 and 24. Election Day polls are open Tuesday, November 2, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information about Jim McNulty’s campaign, visit jimmcnulty.org. For more information about the Gaithersburg Municipal Elections, visit gaithersburgmd.gov/government/elections.

Twitter Q & A

Keith from @gburgnewsletter on Twitter posted some questions for Gaithersburg City Council Candidates to answer. Here are my responses:

Why are you qualified to be on the Gaithersburg city council?

A significant part of being a councilmember is being able to manage competing interests for the benefit of the city, while managing and allocating taxpayer funds appropriately.  One of the unique things about how the Gaithersburg City Government is set up is that the City Council is made up of five part-time, non partisan councilmembers who are still expected to have full-time jobs out in the community.  I’m not a politician, but I’ve had a number of experiences that I believe allow me to bring a unique insight if elected. Having served on multiple boards, including the Saybrooke HOA, the St. Martin’s School Advisory Board & Finance Committee, and the Board of Governors of the Washington, DC NATAS Chapter (the people who award the local Emmys), I have experience weighing multiple points of view and working to create a consensus on how best to proceed, all the while being mindful of the fiduciary responsibility that comes with managing other people’s money.  And as someone who has worked in marketing for over 20 years, I also have experience communicating complex messages, which can help our city improve it’s outreach efforts.

Why do you want to be on the city council?

I’m excited for the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of our residents. Ten years ago, I was taken hostage at Discovery Channel in Silver Spring, and my worldview was forever changed.  Since then, I’ve tried to use my second chance to make a real difference in the community.  As a problem solver, I truly believe that I can bring people together to create opportunities for the people of Gaithersburg.  As a resident of the east side of Gaitherburg, I can bring a unique insight to the issues affecting Lakeforest Mall and Olde Towne.  We’ve all seen the ugliness that politics can bring out in people. It’s my hope that if more people get involved for the right reasons, and go about things the right way, we can change the dynamic for the better.  So I’m modeling that behavior, raising my hand and saying I’m willing to put myself out there to work to make my community better.

If the city council could only work on one issue, what would you choose?

Recovering from this pandemic has to be our first priority.  It starts with making sure all our residents get vaccinated to protect each other from this deadly disease.  None of us wants to go back to 2020.  The next step is helping our small businesses recover.  Nationally, we saw between 10-17% of restaurants close forever.  Both Main Street Kentlands and Olde Town have vacancy rates over 5%.  We should expand our Economic Development toolkit grants to help more of our businesses impacted by the pandemic.

What’s your vision for the Lakeforest Mall property?

The redevelopment of Lakeforest will have a profound impact on the future of our city for decades to come.  As the Chair of the Olde Towne Advisory Committee, we hosted one of the city focus groups on the future of the property, and I was pleased to see many of the ideas discussed by our group reflected in the proposed new Master Plan for the property.  I remain convinced that Lakeforest needs a unique draw, something that sets it apart from our other business centers, such as the Kentlands, Rio, Crown, Olde Towne, Spectrum or even the 355 corridor.  The new proposed Master Plan currently calls for 35% public space, and it will be important that the property owners consolidate that space into something that can truly be an asset to the community, not simply green space scattered throughout the property.  The new Master Plan, when approved, will only be a guide.  We need a voice on the council that actually lives near the mall and understands the impact that the Mall property currently has on the surrounding communities, and what dominoes would fall based on any redevelopment plans that are submitted, and ask the right questions.  Like what would any new housing developments do to the already overcrowded school situation? What improvements will the city and state need to do to the surrounding roads and transit options to accommodate the influx of people? We need to take a holistic approach to Lakeforest so we can maximize the opportunity that Lakeforest presents.

What’s your vision for downtown Gaithersburg (the real downtown Summit and E. Diamond)?

I joined the Olde Towne Advisory Committee because as someone who lives in a nearby neighborhood, I’m invested in the success of Olde Towne.  I miss Growlers (when it was good), and I’m frustrated its new owners haven’t opened it back up to the public.  La Casita is a huge success, and Don Jorge’s is a regular dinner spot for my family, among other great spots.  We have seen some other success stories in Olde Towne (the city highlights them here), but there remains work to be done.  Olde Towne’s proximity to the MARC train makes it an attractive commuter option; but service needs to be expanded to enable it to work for the business community there, not just the residents working downcounty or in the District.  We must be careful, though, that any new development proposals are within the proper scale in relation to surrounding neighborhoods.  As both a Federal Opportunity Zone and State Enterprise Zone, incentives exist to support efforts to reimagine what Olde Towne can be, but we must work to ensure that we preserve Gaithersburg’s rich history.  Once repairs are done to the Park Plaza fountain, and the development on the Fishman site (between Park Plaza and Granary Row) is completed, my hope is that we have a destination where people want to come and spend time, exploring the various shops and restaurants and enjoying Gaithersburg’s true downtown.   

Meet Jim!

Lakeforest is on the Ballot this November

The next 4 years will go a long way towards shaping the future of the Lakeforest Mall site. Even now, the public record is open for comments about the proposed new Master Plan for the Mall properties.

We need a voice on the City Council that understands the impact that the Mall does have on the surrounding communities, and how any future development proposals will affect those who already live nearby. A voice from someone who actually lives near the Mall, and can ask the right questions once development plans are submitted to the city.

We all agree Lakeforest needs redevelopment. The challenge has always been that there are five separate owners of the properties that make up the Lakeforest site, and there are reciprocal easements on each of the properties that require all five to agree to a redevelopment plan.

The proposed Master Plan calls for mixed use development with 35% allotted to public space and up to 1,600 residential units. I chair the Olde Towne Advisory Committee, which hosted one of the public focus groups conducted by city staff. I was pleased to see many of the recommendations from our group reflected in the proposed Master Plan. But a Master Plan is only a guide. The real work comes once a development proposal comes in.

We need to make sure the city takes a holistic approach to redevelopment, and understands the dominoes that will fall as a reimagined Lakeforest takes shape.

What does redeveloping Lakeforest do to the surrounding infrastructure, particularly roads, transit and schools? Anyone who has driven 355 during rush hour pre-pandemic knows how badly it backs up at Montgomery Village Ave, as well as Summitt Ave. through Olde Towne. What improvements will be made when an additional 1,600 units bring several thousand more people to the area, combined with the potential of an additional 2,000 units as part of Montgomery Village’s redevelopment? And how does that affect our already overcrowded elementary schools in the city? And how does the proposal affect the legacy business districts like Olde Towne, the Kentlands and even Crown?

These are the kinds of questions that will need to be asked. These decisions cannot be made in a vacuum. And this is the kind of insight a voice that lives near Lakeforest can bring to the process. Someone who is a problem solver, who brings people together and can build consensus. Governing is all about managing competing interests. We need a voice that can ensure that all voices are heard during the process.

Jim McNulty is a candidate for Gaithersburg City Council. He serves as the Chair of the Olde Towne Advisory Committee, and is the former president of the Saybrooke Homeowners Association, a community of 478 homes on the east side of Gaithersburg.

Jim McNulty Enters 2021 Race for Gaithersburg City Council

NEWS RELEASE
CONTACT: JASON LUCAS
CAMPAIGN LIAISON
electjimmcnulty@gmail.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 15, 2021

JIM MCNULTY ENTERS RACE FOR GAITHERSBURG CITY COUNCIL

Discovery Channel Hostage Survivor Running to Give Back to His Community

GAITHERSBURG, Md.—Jim McNulty officially launched his campaign for Gaithersburg City Council today with a video on his social media platforms and website. McNulty is running for one of the two city council seats that are expiring this November.

McNulty, 47, is the Chair of the Olde Town Advisory Committee, a subcommittee of the city’s Economic Development Committee, and is the former president of the Saybrooke Homeowners Association, a community of 478 single-family homes on the city’s east side.

“I’m running to bring a new voice and a new skill set to Gaithersburg,” McNulty said.

McNulty’s campaign video focuses on the economic challenges facing Gaithersburg’s small business community in light of the pandemic, and the need to attract new jobs to the city.

“We need to make Gaithersburg an even more attractive place to create more jobs. Not just biotech, but all kinds of jobs: office jobs, union jobs, skilled labor and entrepreneurs.”

McNulty has also been a vocal advocate on education and transportation issues, as well as mental health. He testified multiple times before the Montgomery County Board of Education and Gaithersburg Mayor and City Council in support of building a new elementary school at Kelley Park.

In 2012, McNulty founded a peer-to-peer support group for trauma survivors at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Rockville, Md. McNulty was one of three people taken hostage by an eco-terrorist at the former headquarters of Discovery Communications in Silver Spring, Md., two years earlier.

This year the City of Gaithersburg will use a hybrid process that allows for mail-in or in-person voting. All registered voters in the city will receive an application for a mail-in ballot, and can also request one online. Early Voting will take place at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park on October 23 and 24. Election Day polls are open Tuesday, November 2, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information about Jim McNulty’s campaign, visit jimmcnulty.org. For more information about the Gaithersburg Municipal Elections, visit gaithersburgmd.gov/government/elections.

MCPS Announced Boundary Study Process for Gaithersburg ES #8 (Kelley Park)

The first information session about how the Boundary Study process will work for the proposed new elementary school at Kelly Park will be March 2, 2020, at Gaithersburg Middle School. To date, the City of Gaithersburg and MCPS have NOT yet come to an agreement on providing land to build that school.

I remain committed to building a new elementary school to help alleviate overcrowding on our city schools, but I also have remained consistent in my calls for MCPS to commit to including the neighborhoods that utilize Kelley Park in the boundaries for the new school.

It’s only fair—and logical—to tell the people who would be sacrificing a portion of their neighborhood park that they would enjoy the spoils of that sacrifice.

The study will also look at the area middle schools after BOE Member Rebecca Smondroski—at my request—introduced an amendment to the resolution recommending the Kelley Park location. It is my hope that this process will undo the grievous error made 20 years ago when Saybrooke was excluded from the Forest Oak Middle boundaries, despite being located in the Saybrooke neighborhood. It boggles the mind to think that if you lived at the school you couldn’t attend the school.

Opponents to the location of the new elementary school do bring up valid concerns about traffic and other issues that need to be addressed, but I feel these concerns can and should be addressed during the boundary study and development process, and are not necessarily disqualifying.

I remain convinced that a new elementary school at Kelley Park could be transformative for the surrounding neighborhoods—if they get to attend it. I also remain convinced that the decision makers are more likely to listen if the conversation remains constructive.

It’s hard to have a say if you don’t get a seat at the table.

What about the CCT?

Our city and county absolutely need improvements to our transportation system, but we need to make sure that they are indeed improvements.  If elected, I will be a strong advocate for sensible solutions.

Although the funding for the CCT was pulled until 2019 at the earliest, I do believe there are some significant concerns surrounding the plan in its current form should the state decide to move forward.  That being said, the idea of the CCT could have potential if executed in a more sensible fashion and done in conjunction with all-day, two-way traffic on the MARC Brunswick Line.  And since the MARC and Metro both stop at Rockville, leveraging our existing resources could provide the desired connectivity and could also reduce the need to construct dedicated lanes.

The decision to split the CCT Project in two phases and delaying phase 2 defeats one of the original goals of the CCT: providing better transit options to Upcounty Residents, particularly in Clarksburg and Germantown.   Where Phase 1 of the CCT would make sense is for the residents of Crown and through King Farm.  These were built as high-density developments with the idea that they would rely on public transit.

Currently, the last eastbound MARC train of the day leaves Metropolitan Grove at 8:24 a.m.  Being that the drive to Shady Grove is shorter by car than currently planned on the CCT from the Metropolitan Grove station, I don’t foresee commuters getting off I-270 to get on the CCT. NIST traffic would also benefit from adding AM westbound train service from Union Station and down-county stops that got off at Metropolitan Grove, versus only being served by half-hour ride from the Shady Grove Metro northbound on the CCT.

The original plan for the Kentlands station was to use the former Famous Dave’s location as a parking lot; however, the owner of that property currently has a development proposal going through the review process with the city to build apartments on that site.  No one has addressed where and how commuters would be able to park at this station should that parcel be developed as planned.  And the distance between where residents live within the Kentlands, Lakelands and Quince Orchard Park would likely preclude most people from walking to the station.  And without parking, none of the surrounding neighborhoods would be able to benefit from the CCT, unless they take a RideOn Bus and transfer, and at that point, wouldn’t the existing RideOn network suffice?

We need to take a fresh look at the CCT and figure out a way to make it work better for those who might actually use it.

Click here for the currently-proposed CCT Map

Why Hire a TV Producer?

When people ask why I want to be on the Gaithersburg city council, I tell them I want to bring a new voice and a new skill set to city government. This article does a great job explaining how the skills of being a producer translate outside the TV industry.

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/249777