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 

>> April 28: Forest Buffer Cleanup

KHCA, in cooperation with Wheaton Westfield Mall, is planning to schedule its annual cleanup of trash and debris within the forest buffer along the Mall's ring road on Sunday April 28. We are also working to secure Student Service Learning credits for the event. Plus, KHCA may be able to have a group of electric cars join us at our meeting site at the Kenmont Poll so interested persons can learn how to "go green" in the car world. Please plan to join us, it’s always a great time and a great community activity. Specific details will be coming soon. 

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. 

KHCA UPDATES

Submitted by Andy Fraser, Chair

COMMUNITY NEWS & CALENDAR

Senator Waldstreicher and Delegates Carr, Shetty and Solomon are holding a Constituent Reception at the Hollywood East Cafe (in Wheaton Westfield Mall) to socialize, talk about current issues as well as what's happening in Annapolis. It will take place Sunday, March 10, 5:00-8:00pm. Buffet dinner provided. RSVP here or by calling 301-858-3137.

The Montgomery Council hearing on the proposed Zoning Text Amendment to expand the availability of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) was held February 26, 2019. The February KHCA newsletter outlined the proposal and invited feedback from Kensington Heights residents. The KHCA Executive Committee approved submission of written comments (to be posted soon on the KHCA website) after giving time for input from the KHCA community. The KHCA comments argued against the bill at this time because there were changes to the ADU provisions made just last fall that have not yet had time to be effective or analyzed. KHCA in effect took a neutral view toward the proposed changes while suggesting that the County be more vigilant about whether such units are already being built but without the needed permits, and that the County also enhance its publicity about the ADU options. The next step is a hearing on the amendment before the Council’s Planning, Housing, and Economic Development committee; it is currently scheduled for 2 pm on March 18 at the Council building.

The Veirs Mill Master Plan, as drafted by the Planning Board, was recently forwarded to the County Council and Executive for their consideration. The original plan proposes specific treatment for vairous areas along the entire Veirs Mill corridor from Wheaton to Rockville to form a more friendly roadway for all forms of traffic, including public transit, bikes, and pedestrians in addition to the current auto-oriented structure. Many of the proposals are intended to implement the Vision Zero approach. 

A February 28 memo for a work session to address Council staff input to the plan is now available. Based on these comments, there may be significant modificaitons to the draft plan. Issues are identified regarding cost, about the lack of likely assistance from the state, and about the need for changes in road design. It was also noted that perhaps a greater concern may be Georgia Avenue because its homes are not as buffered from the roadway as many of those on the Veirs Mill corridor. Committee work on the plan will continue with the likelihood of changes and refinements during the next several weeks.

The MCCF's February meeting focused on the County’s Vision Zero plan and other traffic safety issues. The program was well attended with participants from all over the County, each of whom had their own concerns about excessive speeds, inadequate crosswalks, poor road design, and likely leading to accidents and near misses.The program included a discussion by Corinne Hart, head of the Woodside Park Civic Association about how her group worked to get the County to make changes to Dale Drive. That road, which is narrow, windy, and not overly well lit is, nevertheless, a major cross-county roadway. For those interested in this type of community process, Corinne Hart's Powerpoint presentation will be posted on the KHCA website soon along with two presentations from the County on Vision Zero.

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