NEWS RELEASE
City of Takoma Park Police Department
● 7500 Maple Avenue ● Takoma Park, Md 20912
For more information contact:
Public Information Officer (PIO)
Catherine Plevy, 301/891.7142 or 240/338.2901
May 15, 2013 (3:50 p.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The City of Takoma Park Council, in a 6 to 1 vote, has adopted an amendment to the City Charter which significantly updates Takoma Park’s voting and election laws. The Charter Amendment Resolution, written in an effort to make City elections and voting more accessible for Takoma Park residents, contains several substantive revisions to the City Charter which include (but are not limited to):
• Reducing the minimum voting age in Takoma Park municipal elections to 16 on the date of the election.
• Reducing the residency requirements for voting from 30 days to 21 days before an election.
• Allowing convicted felons on probation or parole to register and vote in City elections.
• Establishing early voting for every City election.
• Providing for same-day voter registration in City elections.
The amendment was passed during its second reading. A well attended initial public hearing was held on April 8. A week later, on April 15, a first reading occurred and was voted on by the Council.
The Charter Amendment, legally required for proposals put forth by the Takoma Park City Council, will become effective on July 2, 2013 unless petitioned to referendum by the voters. If a valid Petition for Referendum is submitted on or before the 40th day after adoption (June 22) then the Charter Amendment will go to referendum and a referendum election will be held.
Takoma Park stands to be the only municipality in the United States to allow youth voting at this time. This amendment, rooted in the idea that broad community participation in elections should be encouraged, builds upon Takoma Park’s already innovative election laws which include instant runoff voting and non-U.S. citizen voting. Non-U.S. citizen resident voting was approved in 1992 and instant runoff voting has been in place since 2006. Takoma Park elections are non-partisan.
The adopted Charter Amendment Resolution is available at: http://cityclerk-takomapark.s3.amazonaws.com/resolutions/2013/car201301.pdf
Video interviews and excerpts of public testimony regarding the Charter Amendment are available upon request.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Brian Kenner Chosen As New City Manager - News Release
NEWS RELEASE
City of Takoma Park Police Department
● 7500 Maple Avenue ● Takoma Park, Md 20912
For more information contact:
Public Information Officer (PIO)
Catherine Plevy, 301/891.7142 or 240/338.2901
May 14, 2013 (4:42 p.m.)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The City of Takoma Park Council has selected Brian Kenner, currently the Chief Operating Officer for the Deputy Mayor's Office of Planning and Economic Development for the District of Columbia, to fill the role of Takoma Park’s City Manager.
Mayor Bruce Williams and the Takoma Park City Council seek to leverage Mr. Kenner’s unique background to help push Takoma Park forward. “We believe that Mr. Kenner's strengths in the area of public-private partnerships, budget and finance, and economic development are well suited to provide the City with the leadership needed as we move into the future. Mr. Kenner brings a wealth of experience in the areas of strategic planning, staff relations, and collaboration as well. We believe that his addition will be beneficial for our community.”
Kenner’s work for the District of Columbia has included managing a team that completed the reuse plan for the Walter Reed Army Medical Center site, and similarly, leading a team that developed and implemented a planning/redevelopment framework for the St Elizabeth's East Campus. Kenner also served as the primary liaison for the DC Housing Strategy Task Force which created a five year plan for affordable housing strategy in the city.
Kenner has also worked as a Senior Fund Manager of the Community Investments Group at Fannie Mae; served as Vice President of the Public Institutions Group at Jones Lang LaSalle (specializing in public-private initiatives); as a Manager of the Government Real Estate Advisory Services Consulting Practice at Ernst & Young; and, as a Presidential Management Fellow for the federal government.
When asked about his new position, Kenner is ready to lead. “I am excited to become the City Manager for Takoma Park and to help lead this vibrant and diverse community. My background in city government and the private sector has taught me how important it is to ensure a high quality of living for residents, help businesses thrive, and prepare for a bright future. I look forward to working with community stakeholders and the citizens of Takoma Park.”
Looking ahead to Brian Kenner’s new job as City Manager, Mayor Bruce Williams is optimistic. “Mr. Kenner is an impressive speaker and writer; those who know him well describe him as approachable and patient. We all look forward to working with him in the years ahead as we build on the strong position that the City of Takoma Park is in, while trying to resolve continuing issues and face new challenges.”
After the departure of previous Takoma Park City Manager, Barbara Matthews, in September, Takoma Park Deputy City Manager Suzanne Ludlow served as Acting City Manager. Under her leadership, Takoma Park has continued to thrive. Suzanne Ludlow has been instrumental in the success of many projects, including the budget process for fiscal year 2014. She will continue as Acting City Manager until Mr. Kenner's arrival in June.
Brian Kenner’s salary is set at $167,000 and includes a city car for business and commuting use with 2% match to deferred compensation ($3,340 maximum).
Friday, May 10, 2013
Celebrate Takoma - Community Advisory
The Takoma Park Recreation Department will be hosting an inaugural family festival celebrating the cultural diversity of Takoma Park and its residents on Sunday, May 19, 2013 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Ed Wilhelm Field. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and spend the afternoon with your neighbors. They are currently looking for food, merchandise and/or non-profit vendors to sell or distribute merchandise. They are also looking for local talent willing to volunteer to perform during the festival for exposure. If you would like to volunteer to teach a game passed down through your family please confirm your time soon. For more information please call 301-891-7290 or email celebratetakoma@takomagov.org.
May is Bike Month; Takoma Park Participating in Bike to Work Day - Community Advisory
May is Bike Month, and this year Takoma Park will join the regional Bike to Work Day network on Friday, May 17.
Everyone who registers for the free event by May 10 is entered into a drawing for prizes, and treated to light refreshments and a t-shirt at their 'pit stop.' The three pit stop locations in Takoma Park are:
- Gazebo in Takoma Urban Park (6:00 am - 9:00 am)
- Sligo Creek Trail at New Hampshire Avenue (7:00 am - 9:00 am)
- Takoma/Langley Crossroads (7:00 am - 9:00 am)
There are many ways to participate for those who commute from afar, including biking to your local Metro Station. You can register at www.biketoworkmetrodc.com.
Register today and 'Bike in Good Company!'
Any questions, please contact Erkin Ozberk, Planning, Housing and Community Development, at 301.891.7213.
Everyone who registers for the free event by May 10 is entered into a drawing for prizes, and treated to light refreshments and a t-shirt at their 'pit stop.' The three pit stop locations in Takoma Park are:
- Gazebo in Takoma Urban Park (6:00 am - 9:00 am)
- Sligo Creek Trail at New Hampshire Avenue (7:00 am - 9:00 am)
- Takoma/Langley Crossroads (7:00 am - 9:00 am)
There are many ways to participate for those who commute from afar, including biking to your local Metro Station. You can register at www.biketoworkmetrodc.com.
Register today and 'Bike in Good Company!'
Any questions, please contact Erkin Ozberk, Planning, Housing and Community Development, at 301.891.7213.
Takoma Park Police Department Weekly Crime Report: 5/3/13 - 5/9/13
Arrests:
7400 blk. of New Hampshire Ave., on Monday, May 6th at 10:29 p.m., a male 39, was arrested for possession of cocaine and paraphernalia.
7200 blk. of Carroll Ave., on Saturday, May 4th at 6:12 p.m., a male 22, was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.
7500 blk. of Maple Ave., on Saturday, May 4th at 8:10 a.m., a male 31, was arrested for having an open failure to pay fine warrant.
700 blk. of Colby Ave., on Friday, May 3rd at 3:35 p.m., a male 31, was arrested for having an open driving with a suspended license warrant.
Intersection of Philadelphia Ave., and Chicago Ave., a female 62, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.
*********************************************************************************************************************
Ward 1:
Robbery
7300 blk. of Holly Ave., on Tuesday, April 7th at 9:28 p.m., officers responded to a robbery that just occurred. A female victim was walking home from the Takoma Metro Station when she was approached by two male suspects. Suspect #1 produced a blunt object, assaulted the victim, and snatched the victim’s iPad. The suspects then fled in an awaiting vehicle onto Birch Avenue. The victim was not injured.
Assault
100 blk. of Philadelphia Ave., on Monday, May 6th at 5:51 p.m., officers responded to an assault in progress. Two males 15 and 18, were arrested for 2nd degree assault after punching a male victim as he was walking. The victim suffered minor injuries.
Commercial Burglary
6900 blk. of Carroll Ave., on Wednesday, May 8th at 9:35 a.m., officers responded to a burglary that occurred overnight. Unknown suspect(s) entered unlocked offices in a business center and stole four laptops.
Ward 2:
None
Ward 3:
Auto Theft
6400 blk. of Eastern Ave., on Thursday, May 9th at 9:00 a.m., officers responded to an attempted auto theft that occurred earlier. Unknown suspect(s) damaged a door lock to gain entry into the vehicle and attempted to steal the vehicle by tampering with the ignition, but were unsuccessful.
Ward 4:
None
Ward 5:
None
Ward 6:
Assault
7400 blk. of New Hampshire Ave., on Sunday, May 5th at 9:07 a.m., a male 19, was arrested for assaulting a female victim during an argument that turned physical.
Larceny
1300 blk. of University Blvd., on Sunday, May 5th at 11:07 p.m., officers responded to a theft that occurred earlier. Three unknown suspect(s) distracted a store employee and removed merchandise from the business without paying.
1300 blk. of University Blvd., on Saturday, May 4th at 5:19 p.m., a male 54, was arrested for theft after removing merchandise from a store without paying.
7400 blk. of New Hampshire Ave., on Monday, May 6th at 10:29 p.m., a male 39, was arrested for possession of cocaine and paraphernalia.
7200 blk. of Carroll Ave., on Saturday, May 4th at 6:12 p.m., a male 22, was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.
7500 blk. of Maple Ave., on Saturday, May 4th at 8:10 a.m., a male 31, was arrested for having an open failure to pay fine warrant.
700 blk. of Colby Ave., on Friday, May 3rd at 3:35 p.m., a male 31, was arrested for having an open driving with a suspended license warrant.
Intersection of Philadelphia Ave., and Chicago Ave., a female 62, was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.
*********************************************************************************************************************
Ward 1:
Robbery
7300 blk. of Holly Ave., on Tuesday, April 7th at 9:28 p.m., officers responded to a robbery that just occurred. A female victim was walking home from the Takoma Metro Station when she was approached by two male suspects. Suspect #1 produced a blunt object, assaulted the victim, and snatched the victim’s iPad. The suspects then fled in an awaiting vehicle onto Birch Avenue. The victim was not injured.
Assault
100 blk. of Philadelphia Ave., on Monday, May 6th at 5:51 p.m., officers responded to an assault in progress. Two males 15 and 18, were arrested for 2nd degree assault after punching a male victim as he was walking. The victim suffered minor injuries.
Commercial Burglary
6900 blk. of Carroll Ave., on Wednesday, May 8th at 9:35 a.m., officers responded to a burglary that occurred overnight. Unknown suspect(s) entered unlocked offices in a business center and stole four laptops.
Ward 2:
None
Ward 3:
Auto Theft
6400 blk. of Eastern Ave., on Thursday, May 9th at 9:00 a.m., officers responded to an attempted auto theft that occurred earlier. Unknown suspect(s) damaged a door lock to gain entry into the vehicle and attempted to steal the vehicle by tampering with the ignition, but were unsuccessful.
Ward 4:
None
Ward 5:
None
Ward 6:
Assault
7400 blk. of New Hampshire Ave., on Sunday, May 5th at 9:07 a.m., a male 19, was arrested for assaulting a female victim during an argument that turned physical.
Larceny
1300 blk. of University Blvd., on Sunday, May 5th at 11:07 p.m., officers responded to a theft that occurred earlier. Three unknown suspect(s) distracted a store employee and removed merchandise from the business without paying.
1300 blk. of University Blvd., on Saturday, May 4th at 5:19 p.m., a male 54, was arrested for theft after removing merchandise from a store without paying.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
State Highway Administration Begins Bridge Rehabilitation Project on MD 650 Over Sligo Creek in Montgomery County - Community Advisory
The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is beginning a $2.2 million bridge deck replacement project along MD 650 (New Hampshire Avenue) over Sligo Creek in Takoma Park. Located between MD 410 (Ethan Allen Avenue) and MD 193 (University Blvd.), the project should be completed in late 2014, weather permitting.
Beginning Thursday, May 9, at 12 noon, SHA will temporarily close Sligo Creek Parkway access to MD 650 and also close one or two lanes on southbound MD 650 near Sligo Creek Parkway to maneuver a temporary pedestrian bridge into place that will provide access to Sligo Creek Park from MD 650. Once work begins, travel lanes along MD 650 will shift; all through lanes will remain open during the morning and evening rush hours.
During the temporary closures, motorists will be detoured onto MD 410 (Ethan Allen Avenue) and MD 195 (Carroll Avenue). Weather permitting, all lanes of traffic along Sligo Creek Parkway and southbound MD 650 will reopen to traffic no later than 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 11.
Once the temporary pedestrian bridge is in place, to complete the work SHA may temporarily close one lane in both directions of MD 650 weekdays, between 5 a.m. and 3 p.m. and one or two lanes overnight, Sunday through Saturday, between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. Motorists traveling northbound or southbound MD 650 wishing to access Sligo Creek Parkway will be detoured around the construction zone via MD 410 (Ethan Allen Avenue and MD 195 (Carroll Avenue).
"Maintaining access to the Sligo Creek Parkway hiker/biker trail and area residences during the bridge deck replacement project is a top priority," said SHA administrator Melinda B. Peters. "SHA asks that motorists remain patient during construction and remain alert for work crews."
Originally built in 1932 and widened in 1964, the bridge is structurally sound but needs a new concrete deck (bridge driving surface). SHA will begin constructing new concrete medians, curb and gutter and upgrading sidewalks along MD 650 for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance before replacing the east and west sides of the bridge deck.
As part of the project, SHA will also:
* replace metal railings on the bridge;
* clean and paint steel sections of the bridge;
* resurface the pavement approaches;
* replace the traffic signal at the MD 650/Sligo Creek Parkway intersection; and
* apply new pavement markings.
Motorists should plan ahead and add extra commute time during construction. More than 69,000 vehicles travel along this section of MD 650 in Montgomery County daily.
SHA's contractor for the work is Ardent Company, LLC, of McLean, Virginia. Residents and travelers are advised that equipment used during construction can be loud and disruptive. SHA asks for your patience as crews work to complete these project. To learn more about the project schedule and additional impacts, SHA is hosting a community meeting on Wednesday, May 15, at 6 p.m. at the Takoma Park Community Center. Area residents are encouraged to attend.
SHA will use electronic message boards, construction cones and barrels, arrow boards and flaggers to direct motorists through the work zone. As crews work to keep work zones safe, each driver needs to actively modify his or her driving style to help prevent crashes. Stay alert - look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers. Slow down and don't follow too closely. Safer driving. Safer work zones. For everyone!
Beginning Thursday, May 9, at 12 noon, SHA will temporarily close Sligo Creek Parkway access to MD 650 and also close one or two lanes on southbound MD 650 near Sligo Creek Parkway to maneuver a temporary pedestrian bridge into place that will provide access to Sligo Creek Park from MD 650. Once work begins, travel lanes along MD 650 will shift; all through lanes will remain open during the morning and evening rush hours.
During the temporary closures, motorists will be detoured onto MD 410 (Ethan Allen Avenue) and MD 195 (Carroll Avenue). Weather permitting, all lanes of traffic along Sligo Creek Parkway and southbound MD 650 will reopen to traffic no later than 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 11.
Once the temporary pedestrian bridge is in place, to complete the work SHA may temporarily close one lane in both directions of MD 650 weekdays, between 5 a.m. and 3 p.m. and one or two lanes overnight, Sunday through Saturday, between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. Motorists traveling northbound or southbound MD 650 wishing to access Sligo Creek Parkway will be detoured around the construction zone via MD 410 (Ethan Allen Avenue and MD 195 (Carroll Avenue).
"Maintaining access to the Sligo Creek Parkway hiker/biker trail and area residences during the bridge deck replacement project is a top priority," said SHA administrator Melinda B. Peters. "SHA asks that motorists remain patient during construction and remain alert for work crews."
Originally built in 1932 and widened in 1964, the bridge is structurally sound but needs a new concrete deck (bridge driving surface). SHA will begin constructing new concrete medians, curb and gutter and upgrading sidewalks along MD 650 for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance before replacing the east and west sides of the bridge deck.
As part of the project, SHA will also:
* replace metal railings on the bridge;
* clean and paint steel sections of the bridge;
* resurface the pavement approaches;
* replace the traffic signal at the MD 650/Sligo Creek Parkway intersection; and
* apply new pavement markings.
Motorists should plan ahead and add extra commute time during construction. More than 69,000 vehicles travel along this section of MD 650 in Montgomery County daily.
SHA's contractor for the work is Ardent Company, LLC, of McLean, Virginia. Residents and travelers are advised that equipment used during construction can be loud and disruptive. SHA asks for your patience as crews work to complete these project. To learn more about the project schedule and additional impacts, SHA is hosting a community meeting on Wednesday, May 15, at 6 p.m. at the Takoma Park Community Center. Area residents are encouraged to attend.
SHA will use electronic message boards, construction cones and barrels, arrow boards and flaggers to direct motorists through the work zone. As crews work to keep work zones safe, each driver needs to actively modify his or her driving style to help prevent crashes. Stay alert - look for reduced speed limits, narrow driving lanes and highway workers. Slow down and don't follow too closely. Safer driving. Safer work zones. For everyone!
Armed Robbery - Community Advisory
On May 7, 2013, at approximately 9:28 p.m., Takoma Park Police responded to the area of Holly Avenue at Dogwood Avenue for the report of a citizen armed robbery that had occurred. The victim was walking home from the metro station along Holly Avenue when she was accosted and assaulted by two black male teens who stole property. The suspects fled down Holly Avenue towards Dogwood Avenue and possibly got into a waiting silver Honda minivan with Maryland tags, which then fled in an unknown direction. The minivan had a broken front passenger light, made strange engine sounds and had a possible flat tire. The victim was not seriously physically injured. Surrounding jurisdictions were notified.
Investigation continues under case #13020952. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301.270.1100.
You can now use your cell phone to send a tip to the Takoma Park Police Department and remain 100% anonymous.
* Text to 847411
* Type TPPDTIP at the beginning of your message.
* Type your message including as much detail as possible to ensure that your tip is thoroughly investigated.
* Send your tip, knowing that you are helping to reduce crime in your community while remaining 100% anonymous.
You can also now send a tip using the Takoma Park Police Department's Facebook page. In the left hand column you will find a link to "submit a tip." Your tip is important and CAN make a difference!
If you see a crime in progress and need to contact the Takoma Park Police, please call 301-270-1100. If you need to report an emergency that involves the need for fire or rescue services, you must call 9-1-1.
Investigation continues under case #13020952. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301.270.1100.
You can now use your cell phone to send a tip to the Takoma Park Police Department and remain 100% anonymous.
* Text to 847411
* Type TPPDTIP at the beginning of your message.
* Type your message including as much detail as possible to ensure that your tip is thoroughly investigated.
* Send your tip, knowing that you are helping to reduce crime in your community while remaining 100% anonymous.
You can also now send a tip using the Takoma Park Police Department's Facebook page. In the left hand column you will find a link to "submit a tip." Your tip is important and CAN make a difference!
If you see a crime in progress and need to contact the Takoma Park Police, please call 301-270-1100. If you need to report an emergency that involves the need for fire or rescue services, you must call 9-1-1.
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