KHCA is a non-partisan neighborhood organization dedicated to representing the interests of all homeowners and residents of the Kensington Heights neighborhood in maintaining and enhancing the quality of life in our community

KHCA NEWS BULLETINS 

Time:  7:30 pm

Place: 10801 Torrance Drive, home of Ann and Alberto Arevalo

If you have thoughts or feedback about matters relevant to KHCA and cannot attend our meeting, you may contact us by using this link. 

>> Please Share Your Photos of Our Neighborhood with KHCA

As part of revamping the KHCA website, we hope to include a rotating display of seasonal photos focused on our Kensington Heights neighborhood and residents. We welcome your contributions to our collection -- we're looking for pictures of activities happening during the seasons, for instance pictures now of people sledding, a snowman, birds at a feeder. To forward photos to us, please use our KHCA drop box by clicking here and follow the instructions. THANK YOU, we look forward to receiving your many wonderful scenes. 

>> Announcing KHCA Happy Hour at Bar Louie:  Friday February 8 @ 5:00 pm

Continuing our KHCA Happy Hour tradition, we are planning a February 8 gathering at Bar Louie. Please plan to join us. 

Also, we'd love to know if you have any thoughts about scheduling our happy hours, or if you have ideas for supporting a social environment within Kensington Heights. Please let us know what you think by clicking here, and thank you!  

>> Volunteer as KHCA Delegate to Montgomery County Civic Federation (MCCF)

KHCA is a member organization of MCCF, a not-for-profit county-wide umbrella group of civic and community associations in Montogomery County that addresses a wide range of issues (see info on MCCF below in the Community News section). KHCA, like every member organization, can appoint voting delegates to MCCF. KHCA delegates need to be dues paying members of KHCA and are asked to attend all MCCF meetings which are held the second Monday evening of each month in the first floor auditorium of the County Council Building in Rockville.

KHCA is seeking two volunteers for this position. It is an opportunity to impact your community and to learn about County issues. If you are interesed or have questions, please use this link to contact KHCA. 

COMMUNITY NEWS & CALENDAR

> Re-scheduled hearing date: February 7 Hearing Before County Council, 7:30pm Rockville

Council Hearing Room (Third Floor), 100 Maryland Ave. Sign up to testify by 10am January 29. More info.

KHCA is considering whether to develop comments concerning a Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) focused on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). ADUs are separate dwelling units on the same property as a single-family residence. Often they are constructed as part of a single house, but they can also be a separate tiny house or cottage, or an apartment above a garage. A proposed ZTA (ZTA 19-01) would reduce barriers that prevent homeowners in Montgomery County from building ADUs. More info about ADUs, the proposed ZTA, and the public hearing to be held February 26 at 7:30pm is available at this link. Background information developed by the KHCA President will be available later this week on the website under Resources and titled "Accessory Dwelling Units."  

The development of 94 apartments as affordable housing/independent living for seniors 62 years+ -- and to be known as Knowles Manor -- has been proposed for the area across the street from Strosniders currently occupied by two houses (3906/3910 Knowles Avenue). Ms. Donna Savage of Kensington Heights attended the January 22 public meeting focused on the proposal, and she has shared her notes with KHCA. Click here to read her meeting summary.

Do you know a current or soon-to-be college or graduate student from Maryland Legislative District 18 who is interested in applying for a scholarship? Delegate Emily Shetty invites applications for her Scholarship Program. To be eligible, the student must complete a 2019-20 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) by March, have a permanent residence in District 18, and submit the Delegate Scholarship application. For questions, contact the Annapolis office of Delegate Shetty using this email. 

Montgomery Parks Division of Planning and Stewardship is working to create Energized Public Spaces Design Guidelines with the goal of creating inviting, easily accessible, attractive, comfortable and safe public spaces in Montgomery County. A working draft plan has been created (click here). The deadline for public comment on the working draft has just closed but interested persons can view the comments by clicking here. 

Information about the activities and meetings of MCCF can be found in the MCCF Newsletter at this link. The mission of MCCF is to preserve and improve the quality of life for current and future residents of Montgomery County. Civic associations, including KHCA, are constituents of MCCF. All county residents are welcome to attend MCCF meetings so they can interact with other communities around the County and meet State and County officials. 

KHCA CONTACTS

President:                            Karen Cordry (Torrance Drive) karenc425@aol.com

Vice President:                    Erl Houston (St. Paul Street) erlhouston@verizon.net

Secretary:                            Ann Arevalo (Torrance Drive) annarevalo@hotmail.com

Treasurer:                            Jim Ryan (Brunswick Ave) Jim.ryan@longandfoster.com

Immediate Past President:     Danila Sheveiko (Melvin Grove Court) dsheveiko@hotmail.com

Beautification Chair                Jon Foreman (University Blvd)  jonforeman@gmail.com

Communications Chair           Shruti Bhatnagar (McComas Avenue) shruti_bhatnagar@yahoo.com

Education Chair:                     Shruti Bhatnagar (McComas Avenue) shruti_bhatnagar@yahoo.com

History Chair:                         vacant

Land Use Chair                      Derek Karchner (Torrance Drive) dkarchner@gmail.com

Safety Chair:                          vacant

Traffic Chair:                           Andrew Fraser (McComas Avenue) afraser@sandglass.com

Newsletter:                             Christine Taylor (Torrance Drive) ctaylor3450@gmail.com

Website:                                 Ricardo Gonzalez ricardo@bobbleheaddw.com