Board Considers Impacts of the Dog Exercise Area at Brookville Road Park

Earlier this year, neighbors who live abutting the Dog Exercise Area at Brookville Road Park expressed concerns regarding impacts from use of the Dog Exercise Area (DEA).  Concerns include barking (from single dogs as well as the accumulative effect of dogs barking throughout the day), increased traffic and parking impacts (including access to parking adjacent to residents’ homes as well as dogs relieving themselves on residents’ yards after exiting parked vehicles), aggressive dogs and loud dog fights.  To directly address these concerns, increased signage was installed at the park to reinforce the established rules and Village police have performed daily patrols of the park.  The Village also established a park steward program consisting of Village residents who further reinforce the rules with fellow park users.
 
In response to these concerns, the Board convened an initial Public Hearing in May to hear from residents that abut the park as well as park users regarding the current use and experience. In an effort to acquire additional data, the Village hired a researcher to collect data regarding park use, including parking behaviors.  Data from this effort was reported to the Board at its second Public Hearing in June, at which additional testimony was heard. 
 
During its regular meeting in July, the Board held a third hearing at which the researcher reported on the use of controlled access systems at dog parks across the country.  The researcher was not able to identify any jurisdictions that had used access control systems as a means to control dog behavior, specifically barking.  Following this report, the public was again invited to speak.  All in attendance were park users who urged the Board to maintain the DEA. 
 
After consideration of various factors including that many residents are out of town for the summer, the Board postponed a decision to disestablish a DEA.  Given this delay and to provide some immediate relief to abutting households, the Board did vote to adopt an Ordinance to modify the DEA hours to 8:00 a.m. to sunset, weekdays and 9:00 a.m. to sunset, weekends and holidays.  The new hours will go into effect on Monday, July 22.
 
The Board acknowledges that a lot of time and careful consideration went into the establishment of the DEA at Brookville Road Park in the hope that embracing the community’s use of the space as an area for unleashed dogs would be a positive for the community.  As the Board has heard from many park users, indeed the space has become a community-gathering location.  Nonetheless, the Board recognizes and appreciates that for the small number of households that directly abut the park, the use of the space has negatively impacted their lives.  A small number of people are, in turn, being asked to bear the burden of this community asset. 
 
During its regular meeting on Monday, September 9, the Board will consider action to disestablish the Dog Exercise Area at Brookville Road Park, including the removal of the perimeter fencing that runs parallel with Brookville Road.  The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. Please see the enclosed “Notice of Public Hearing & Possible Board Action”.

Dog Exercise Area at Brookville Road Park:
Hours to Change Effective July 22

At its meeting on July 8, the Village Board of Managers adopted an ordinance to change the hours for access to the Dog Exercise Area at Brookville Road Park.  The new hours are:

8:00 a.m. to sunset, weekdays
9:00 a.m. to sunset, weekends and holidays

The new hours will take effect on Monday, July 22.  Village officers will strictly enforce the new access hours.  Violations should be reported to the Village’s Communications Center at 301-654-7300.
 
In response to complaints from abutting property owners regarding impacts from use of the Dog Exercise Area (including barking dogs and parking impacts), the Board is scheduled to consider and possibly take action to disestablish the Dog Exercise Area during its regular meeting on Monday, September 9.  Disestablishment of the Dog Exercise Area would include removal of the fence that runs parallel to Brookville Road.  See below to  view the Public Hearing Notice.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING & POSSIBLE
BOARD ACTION
Disestablishment of the Dog Exercise Area at
Brookville Road Park

Monday, September 9, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.
Chevy Chase Village Hall, 5906 Connecticut Avenue

 
Background: The Brookville Road Park officially reopened last summer including a Dog Exercise Area where dogs are permitted off-leash.
 
The Chevy Chase Village Board of Managers held Public Hearings during its regular meetings on May 13, June 10 and July 8 to solicit the views of the community regarding the park, to consider concerns voiced by abutting neighbors about noise, traffic and aggressive dogs, and to consider modifications to the use of the park and park access. At its meeting on July 8, the Board amended the hours for access to the dog park to
8:00 a.m. to sunset on weekdays and 9:00 a.m. to sunset on weekends and Village holidays.
 
Public Hearing and Possible Board Action:  The Board will hold a final Public Hearing to consider disestablishing the Dog Exercise Area at Brookville Road Park and removing the fence parallel to Brookville Road during its regular meeting on Monday, September 9, 2019.  The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. 
 
Residents who are unable to attend the Public Hearing on September 9 may submit written testimony for the record before September 9 either by e-mail to ccv@montgomerycountymd.gov or directly to the Village office at
5906 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD 20815.

Mosquito Management-What People Can Do at Home

It’s that time of the year again when mosquitos are forcing you inside and you can’t enjoy your porch or deck. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states that mosquito-borne diseases are spreading quickly around the United States. Many homeowners resort to spraying because it is a quick and obvious response. The environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and CDC do not recommend spraying due to the possible exposure to potentially dangerous pesticides and to the impact on pollinating insects such as honey bees, wild bees and butterflies that play an important role in the availability of many agricultural products.

Pesticides, alone and in combination with other factors, have had a devastating effect on honeybees and wild pollinators. Pesticides commonly found in lawn and garden products and used in agriculture are known to be hazardous to bees – some killing bees outright and others with subtle effects that reduce a bee’s ability to thrive.  Approximately 90 percent of all flowering plants require pollinators to survive. In agriculture, nearly a third of pollination is accomplished by honeybees. Cucumbers, almonds, carrots, melons, apricots, cherries, pears, apples, prunes, plums, cantaloupe, onions, avocados, kiwi, blueberries, cranberries and more depend on honeybee pollination. 

The Maryland Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Mosquito Control Section is responsible for administering and implementing mosquito control within the State of Maryland. The State works closely with the Montgomery County Mosquito Control Program.  Mosquito season typically runs from late May to early October. During this time, the State and County mosquito control program conducts a variety of routine activities including arboviral surveillance and testing, mosquito population surveillance activities, source reduction, biological control initiatives, ground and aerial application of insecticides, and public education. 
 
Mosquitoes undergo four life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Disrupting a mosquitos' life cycle and habitat may reduce the number of mosquitoes around you and your environment. There are steps you can take to reduce mosquito populations before choosing to use a pesticide product.  If you choose to use an insecticide, be sure to read and follow all label directions. Some products are designed to be applied directly to water to control mosquito larvae, while others are used more broadly to control adult mosquitoes.

Tips to Rid Your Home of Mosquito Breeding Sites

1. Clean rain gutters to allow water to flow freely.
2. Remove old tires or drill drainage holes in tires used for playground equipment.
3. Store plastic wading pools inside or turn them upside down when not in use.
4. Turn over or remove clay pots and plastic containers.
5. Dispose of all empty beverage containers, plastic wrappers, discarded toys, etc.
6. Check for trapped water in plastic or canvas tarps used to cover boats, pools, etc. Arrange the tarp to drain the water.
7. Pump out bilges in boats. Turn canoes and small boats upside down for storage.
8. Replace water in bird baths at least twice a week.
9. Remove pet food and water dishes that are not being used.
10. Don't leave garbage can lids lying upside down. Be sure that water does not collect in the bottom of garbage cans.
11. Flush water in the bottom of plant holders twice a week.
12. Fix dripping outside water faucets.
13. Turn wheelbarrows upside down when stored outside.
14. Check around construction sites or do-it-yourself improvements to ensure that proper backfilling and grading prevent drainage problems.
15. Check ornamental ponds, tree holes and water-holding low areas for mosquito larvae. Call the nearest Mosquito Control Office if you find, or suspect, mosquito larvae are present
16. Since mosquitos bite indoors, the CDC recommends the use of structural barriers such as window and door screens. Cover all gaps in walls, doors, and cover all baby carriers with netting.
17. Wear protective clothing when going outside in the early morning and evening. 

Spraying

Should you choose to hire a contractor to spray around your home to deter mosquitos, you should make sure that the company is licensed to apply pesticides in Maryland.  The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is the licensing body and it has a web tool where a user can enter the name of a company to determine if it is licensed.

Broader-scale spraying of mosquitos may be performed by the MDA or other public agencies when other mosquito controls are not possible or are not effective in reducing mosquitos below a level that may cause unacceptable annoyance or a public health threat.  
 
Marilyn Bracken, Ph.D.
Environment and Energy Committee

SAVE the DATE!

Saturday, September 28, 2019
9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Chevy Chase Village Hall
 
Landscape Noise, Pollution and Solutions

An expert panel including Dr. Jamie Banks, Exec. Director of Quiet Communities, and Chuck Elkins, WDC ANC Commissioner and former  Director of Noise Control and Federal Air Pollution Control Programs at EPA, will present. This information session is designed to help educate Chevy Chase residents about ways to reduce harmful pollution from landscape equipment and create a quieter, healthier environment for our community. The event, open to all, is organized by the Village Environment and Energy Committee and co-sponsored by the Town of Chevy Chase and Somerset. The following link to a story in The Atlantic, documents DC’s successful efforts to phase out gas-powered leaf blowers by January 2022. 

  New Yarn Group at The Village Hall

Do you like to knit or crochet? A new group, created by residents Elisabeth Boas and Elizabeth Gussie Lewis, is forming at the Village Hall on Monday afternoons from
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. The group is open to Village residents and began on Monday, June 24, 2019.

Please drop in at the Village Hall with your current project to enjoy two free hours of knitting or crochet on Monday afternoons. Questions? Please feel free to contact Ms. Gussie Lewis (6 Oxford Street). 

Montgomery Municipal Cable Highlights Municipal Independence Day Events

Staff from the Montgomery Municipal Cable (MMC) channel visited several municipal Independence Day events, including the Village’s Parade and Party the morning of July 4th. MMC has featured highlights from the event in a video that can be viewed at the following link: 4th of July 2019
 
Photos from the Village’s events are featured on our website at the following link: https://www.chevychasevillagemd.gov/gallery.aspx?AID=60. 
 
Please to join us for our next community event:  National Night Out on Tuesday, August 6 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Newlands Park (located on Connecticut Avenue across from Chevy Chase Club). 

Movie Night at Chevy Chase Local Park
Sunday, September 1

The Village of Martin's Additions is hosting a free Movie Night in the Park over Labor Day weekend. The Princess Bride will be shown on Sunday, September 1 (rain date of September 7th) beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Chevy Chase Local Park (3315 Shepherd Street).
 
The Village of Martin's Additions has invited residents of the surrounding communities to come and enjoy the event. Residents are encouraged to arrive early to picnic in the park. Attendees are encouraged to bring your own food and beverages, however, free popcorn and water will be provided by the Village of Martin’s Additions.

Farmers’ Market this Weekend at Taylor St.
and Brookville Rd. in Section 3

Join neighbors this Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for the Farmers’ Market. Offering all kinds of organic vegetables and fruit, and baked goods, New Morning Farm returns to Taylor St. at Brookville Road this weekend.  They have several other outposts in the area at Dupont Circle where they have been serving that population for decades and at the Sheridan School. We are thrilled to have them here in Chevy Chase every Saturday.

For those of you who can’t walk, there is ample parking at LaFerme restaurant.  They have graciously offered that space for shoppers at the Farmers’ Market.  Don’t forget to patronize our wonderful shops on Brookville Rd as well. 

We need to attract as many shoppers as possible so that it’s worth their while to serve our communities, so come visit, buy some farm fresh eggs, some delicious organic veggies and fruit.  You’ll find it’s a wonderful habit to get into every Saturday.  In future weeks, we will have a Food Truck serving breakfast and we hope to have buskers performing on acoustic instruments and a flea market table if folks reserve in advance. 

For further questions, contact the Village Manager of Section 3 at 301 656-9117 or villagemanager@chevychasesection3.org.

Summer Class Information Now Available

Summer class information, schedules and registration forms are now available.
Please click the following link for and note that the Summer Ukulele Class has been cancelled due to low enrollment Class Descriptions and Forms.

Beach Drive Rehabilitation Project: Wise Road through 

Rock Creek Park Remains Closed Until Fall 2019

The three year project to completely rehabilitate Beach Drive is in its final phase. 
 
Wise Road NW between Oregon Avenue NW and Beach Drive NW has now been closed to drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists until fall. The closure is to allow construction on Beach Drive and to completely resurface Wise Road. The road will stay closed until the Beach Drive Rehabilitation project is complete. The project is scheduled to end in fall 2019.

Beach Drive is currently closed from Joyce Road NW to Wise Road NW and from Wise Road NW to the Maryland - District of Columbia Border. The closure applies to drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.  Look under Work Updates on the Park Service’s trail closure map  for alternate routes.

For more information including alternate route maps, visit:

https://www.nps.gov/rocr/learn/management/beach-drive-rehabilitation.htm

Are You Prepared?

As we have experienced during various seasonal events, it is important to be prepared for local weather emergencies. In order the assist residents in their preparedness, the Village in partnership with the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS) offer a number of helpful tools, plans and free alerts to assist and keep you informed.

Village Website and Blast Email System – Have you signed up for the Village’s blast email system? This is the Village's primary method of communication with residents. The Village has 2 email lists you can sign-up for:

Urgent News Alert – include messages such as criminal activity, neighborhood disruptions such as water main breaks, power outages and road closures and major weather events.

General News Alerts – include messages about Board and committee meetings, community events, changes in public services such as refuse/recycling collection schedules and upcoming road closures.

To sign-up for the blast email system visit the Village website at www.chevychasevillagemd.gov and click on the tablet icon at the top of the Village’s homepage.
 

Alert Montgomery – Alert Montgomery is the official emergency communications service for Montgomery County, MD. During major crisis, emergency or severe weather events, Montgomery County will send event updates, warnings and instructions directly to you on any of your devices. To sign-up for Alert Montgomery please visit the OEMHS website www.montgomerycountymd.gov/oemhs and click on the “Alert Montgomery” link at the top of the page.

Family and Community Preparedness Information – Emergencies can take many forms and occur with or without warning. By taking a few simple steps now, you can ensure that you, your family and your community are better prepared to handle emergencies. To assist in your family planning, please visit the Village’s emergency preparedness page, www.chevychasevillagemd.gov/emergencyprep for helpful tools and links. Another important tool the Village has created to assist you in your preparedness efforts is our House Check Program. Always request a House Check when you are leaving town and ensure that your emergency contacts are up to date with the Village office.

For additional information please visit the Village’s website at www.chevychasevillagemd.gov and click on the “Are you prepared? – Emergency Preparedness Tips” link listed in the Quick Links on the homepage.

Emergency Contact Sheet

EMERGENCY - 911
 
Chevy Chase Village Police 
Non Emergency/24hrs - 301-654-7300

Montgomery County Police 
Non Emergency/24hrs - 301-279-8000

Bethesda - Chevy Chase Rescue Squad - 301-652-0077

Chevy Chase Fire Dept
(Opposite Columbia Country Club) - 240-773-4707

Bethesda Fire Dept
(Wisconsin Ave and Bradley Blvd) - 240-773-4706

National Capital Poison Center
(George Washington University Hospital) - 800-222-1222

Utilities
 

Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO)

Emergency-Live wires down, power failure - 877-737-2662

Customer Service - 202-833-7500

Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission

Emergency - 301-206-4002

Complaints, Leaks, Information - 301-206-4001

Washington Gas

Emergency - 703-750-1400

Information & Customer Service - 703-750-1000

Comcast - 800-934-6489

Verizon - 800-837-4966

**A cut out sheet is also located on page two of the January 2019 Crier.

You are receiving this email because you are subscribed to receive general news updates from Chevy Chase Village. Did you know the Village sends out urgent news updates as well, click here to sign-up.