By Ernie Benjamin, AGWG President

Our September 10th AGWG Neighborhood Picnic was a wonderful success. Nearly 100 friends and neighbors gathered on the Triangle in our first widely attended event since Covid. Thanks specially to Skip Schnapp who arranged the live music and provided the picnic set-up and barbeque. Thanks also to Larry Campbell and Mary Starich who hand-delivered the flyers to all our neighbors. It was great to see so many folks, including some I hadn’t seen in many years.

Where to go from here? As a political scientist I’ll begin by expressing my surprise at the recent County primary election in which Marc Elrich again bested David Blair by an extremely narrow margin of an even larger turnout than four years earlier. In 2018 the vote was Elrich 37,532 to Blair 37,455 for a margin of 77 votes. This year, with a substantially larger turnout, Elrich won 55,504 to Blair’s 55,472 for a margin of 32 votes. What’s particularly important for AGWG about the narrow margin is not that it is unusual—though it certainly is, or even the lesson that voting matters—as it clearly does, but what it tells us about the future direction of County development.
Voters may have had many reasons for their choices but it seems clear that the election turned substantially on attitudes toward the issues discussed in the County’s plan for the future “Thrive Montgomery 2050.” The core issue was whether the County should emphasize economic development: such as improved commuter expressways, more jobs, residents and denser housing; or should emphasize slower growth, and such concerns as pedestrian safety and neighborhood preservation. Of course, many of us may want some of both, but choices have to be and will be made. Plainly the electorate is closely divided. And I have to think that, as I suggested last Spring, many AGWG folks may lean a bit more one way than another especially when it comes to specifics.

If you wish to consider the issues you might down-load or visit the library and read the sections that interest you of the latest version of “Thrive Montgomery 2050.” Or for the latest update of contested issues you might download the recent Montgomery County report on possible amendments to the Report here.

This discussion focuses on economic development in view of the facts that, on the one hand, the County is at the 99th percentile of all U.S. counties in terms of household income, household net worth and educational attainment. But, on the other hand, “Since 2008 job growth has been slow, household incomes have been flat. The County’s economic performance has been mixed at best since the Great Recession of 2008. Job growth over the past two decades has been slow and household incomes have been flat. These trends, if unaddressed, threaten Montgomery County’s future success.” The committee report goes on to suggest that employers prefer communities with attractive housing for their potential workforce including those with a wide range of incomes, skills and preferences. But one must ask the obvious question: would a community with a wide range of incomes continue to be in the 99th percentile of family incomes? And, if not, how would the County best manage changes and sustain the residential opportunities that make the County such an attractive place to live.

Following on the successful picnic, we had hoped to schedule a fall general meeting where we might have an opportunity not only to introduce some new AGWG Board member volunteers, encourage others and elect board members and officers, but especially to engage in an open general discussion of how AGWG residents feel about how we should balance the mutually worthy but inevitably sometimes contradictory goals of improving the County’s economic development and preserving the County’s wonderful residential neighborhoods including ours. Unfortunately, an uptick in Covid cases in our immediate neighborhood and the likelihood of further increases as the weather cools has led us to decide to defer the general meeting until Spring.

Meanwhile we are continuing to track the two specific local developments of which we are aware:

1) the construction of the bike and walking lane on Layhill Rd. where it crosses Buckthorn Branch just north of the ICC currently planned for 2025; and

2) the widening of Layhill road--especially the impact on the Drury Rd. intersection and possible need for an as yet unplanned traffic light. Note, in terms of the preceding discussion, that the bike and walking lane is primarily oriented to enabling the safe pedestrian walking that makes out neighborhood attractive while the widening of Norbeck is primarily directed to improving commuter traffic flow but the resulting larger and faster traffic flow may not only hamper cars turning in and out of Drury but endanger pedestrians—including kids crossing to and from their school bus--if we are unable to get a traffic light.

In the absence of a general meeting, please do e-mail me or other AGWG officers and Board members about your specific questions or concerns. And please let us know if you would like to become more involved in AGWG affairs. We look forward to meeting with you in person next Spring.

ICC Motorcycle Noise

Although many of us greatly appreciate the relative peace our neighborhood enjoys at this difficult time, many have also been disturbed and some have complained about the all too frequent intrusive roar of racing motorcycles that exponentially exceeds the ICC’s ordinarily annoying motor noise. At our recent Zoom meeting the AGWG Board requested that I write to the County Police to seek a remedy. A brief summary of my note to County Community Service Officer Beard, her response, Larry Campbell’s follow-up with the ICC patrol and the ICC patrol Commander’s response follow as well. Note that the responses suggest two numbers, highlighted below, that you may wish to call when a disturbance occurs.

“Dear Officer Beard,

Last May 2019, you came to the Allanwood, Gayfields, Willson Hills, Gaywood Estates, Civic Association (AGWG) and discussed community related issues and answered a number of our questions.

Recently, many members of our civic association have expressed concerns about the noise from the Intercounty Connector, Route 200 (ICC), resulting from speeding motorcycles. The noise is very loud and occurs at all hours.

The AGWG would appreciate if you could provide an article for our next Newsletter addressing what can and cannot be done about the noise on the ICC from speeding motorcycles.

If you have any questions about the article, please contact me.”

Officer Beard responded:

"Hi Ernie,

I hope you are well and staying safe.

As far as the ICC, we have concurrent jurisdiction but we do not patrol that area. We can write a ticket if we see someone speeding on that roadway, but we do not patrol it regularly, meaning that it is not part of our sectors or areas of responsibility. It is the responsibility of the transit police so you would have to contact them about the noise and make complaints to them.

“So, call 410-537-6905 when you hear the racing noise. [Emphasis added] The more calls the better. Law enforcement only considers an event a possible crime when it is reported. You can also email the Commander: Lt. Michelle Mount: Mmount@mdta.state.md.us”

Please let me know if you have questions or if there's anything else I can do to help.

Larry Campbell followed-up with Commander Mount who responded:

“Greetings,

Thank you for contacting me. Let me reassure you that we take your concerns seriously and will work diligently to address them.

During this challenging time we are maintaining high visibility and responding to life threatening incidents to take proper enforcement actions to save lives.

Our Motor’s Unit has been working the ICC periodically to assist in increasing our enforcement efforts. I am also working with our Special Ops Unit to request additional resources.

We are taking the following enforcement efforts to address your concerns:

· Increase in patrol personnel / presence /enforcement – to include response from our Motor Unit and Special Ops
· Attentive monitoring of traffic flow / noise
· Utilization of resources (speed detection devices, unconventional police vehicles, investigative tactics)
· Targeted High Visibility Enforcement Initiatives for aggressive driving of all vehicles to include motorcycles In correlation with MD State Highway Traffic Enforcement
· Ongoing Community Relations and Safety Education

A focus group is also being formulated to further strategize on ways to address this concern

Again, allow me to reiterate, we take the concerns of our traveling motorists and surrounding community very seriously and would like the opportunity to work together to resolve any issues that may exist. Should you wish to discuss this further please feel free to contact me. My contact information can be found below.

Should you have information that would necessitate an immediate police response pertaining to aggressive driving please contact our Dispatch center at 410-537-7911.

We appreciate you bringing this to our attention and look forward to working together towards a resolution.

Thank you,
Lieutenant Michelle Mount, Commander"

And then the MDTA Police issued the following report to the community:

In response to community concerns about speeding and aggressive driving on the Intercounty Connector/MD 200, the MDTA Police enhanced its traffic safety efforts in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties this weekend.

From June 5-7, officers from the Intercounty Connector Detachment conducted a high visibility enforcement initiative with assistance from the Commercial Vehicle Safety Unit, the Criminal Investigations Unit, the Special Operations Division and other officers from across the agency.
MDTA Police Officers made 159 traffic stops, issued a combined 259 traffic citations, warnings and safety equipment repair orders, and made the following arrests:

* 2 criminal arrests (operating a stolen motorcycle and drug possession with intent to distribute)
* 3 arrests for Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
* 2 warrant arrests (theft and prescription fraud)

The MDTA Police remind motorists to:
· Obey posted speed limits.
· Buckle up. Every SEAT. Every time.
· Move over for emergency vehicles, tow trucks and service vehicles.
· Devote your full attention to the road.
· Drive sober or make a plan for a designated driver.

MDTA Police will continue REGULAR PATROLS AND TARGETED traffic safety initiatives to keep EVERY MOTORIST safe. To report aggressive or dangerous driving on Maryland toll roads, call MDTA Police Dispatch at 410-537-7911.

Controlling Your Electric Rates: Third Party Suppliers and Solar Panels

By Tim Grahl, AGWG Treasurer

We’ve all felt the cringe as we receive the newest electric bill. Over time the rates we pay to the utility company trend higher and higher. This has led many of us to look for ways to reduce and take control of our energy costs. Two of the popular ways to manage this cost is purchasing electricity from a third party electric supplier and installing solar panels.

Third Party Suppliers:
In 2012 Maryland deregulated electricity, allowing homeowners to change the supplier and rate you pay for electricity. If you look closely on your bill, you have two main sections. The first is Delivery which includes transmission, taxes, fees, etc. The second is Supply which is the actual generation of the electricity itself. This is the portion of your bill which you can competitively shop.
When selecting a Third Party Supplier you have many choices. The rate you select is obviously one of the most important factors. Other factors you should also look for are the contract term/length, cancellation fees, and source of the electricity. Several companies offer clean energy options meaning that certain percentages of their power will come from sources such as wind and solar.
Shop around and see what rates are available. A quick internet search will offer several options and it only take a few minutes to switch. However, as a word of caution, if you do decided to change suppliers be sure to monitor your rate as the term of your contract period is nearing its expiration. A few companies are notorious for offer “teaser rates” with 6-12 month locked in rates. At the end of the term, if you don’t lock in again or select a different supplier their rate increases rapidly becoming 3-4 times higher than average rates.

Solar Panels:
As I travel throughout the AGWG community, I’ve noticed that more and more homeowners are having solar panels installed on their homes; my home included. Due to increasing electric costs, decreasing costs of solar, and growing customer options, it has become increasingly easier to go solar.

When considering solar for your home (assuming your home is good for solar and is not heavily shaded), the first choice to make is to whether to purchase and own your system, or to sign a contract for a Solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). Each option has its own Pro’s and Con’s. Researching the options will help determine which is best for you.
When purchasing, you are faced with the upfront cost and also long-term ownership and maintenance. However, you are also eligible for various incentives from the state and federal government’s which would help to reduce this cost. After the payback period, you essentially have a free source of electricity. Over the long-term, this option is likely to save you the most money on your utility costs.

Solar PPA’s were first offer to Maryland homeowners around 2010. Since their introduction, they have increased significantly in popularity. Under most PPA’s, the solar is installed for free. Yes, for free. You simply pay for the electricity generated by the solar panels at a rate less than the utility company. Often times this rate can be 10-30% less than your current utility rate.

Having solar installed for free is wonderful, but it does come with a commitment. Most companies require a 20-yr contract during which you will buy their electricity. In return, the solar company owns, operates, and maintains the system. If want to use solar energy for your home, reduce your electricity bill, and avoid the upfront cost and long-term ownership obligations this choice may be better for you.

Like any industry, there are good companies and bad companies. It’s importance to research your options and the integrity of the company you’re doing business with.

AGWG Garden Club
Did you know that our neighborhood has an organized garden club? It is comprised of your neighbors who either have a passion for gardening or folks who just want to learn more about their plants, trees, and shrubs. The group meets monthly at members' homes to listen to experts in a variety of fields. We have learned about pruning techniques, controlling the critters in our yards, the importance of bees, and how to incorporate art into our landscapes, just to name a few. We also hold a plant sale on the Triangle each spring and have enjoyed seeing many of you there!
The club members enjoy exploring outside of our community as well, so field trips are organized. We have viewed the gardens of Hillwood and Brookside, visited nurseries such as Surreybrooke and Susannah's, been awed by the cherry blossoms, and enjoyed visiting neighborhood gardens.

Of course, the Gaywood Garden Club gives back to our community. Recent charitable projects have included the preparation of floral arrangements for local nursing homes, donations of food to the Oak Chapel food bank and professional clothing to a local organization, and contributions of greeting cards to St. Jude’s. Annually, we host a sit-down dinner for the Park Police. In addition, flowers and trees have been planted in our neighborhood and at the grounds of local places such as the Trolley Museum and have been maintained by club members.
This is a neighborhood garden club, but it is recognized by many national gardening organizations. We are the proud recipients of many awards, ranging from membership to Save the Bay to recognition of our fantastic newsletter!

We are always welcoming new members. So, if you have a passion for gardening, or just want to learn more about how to take care of those trees, flowers, and shrubs in your yard, we’d love to you to join us for a Monday meeting. Contact Mary Beth Broring at mbbroring@aol.com for more information.

AGWG Newsletter

The AGWG Board Needs a New President–Could It Be You?

Elevating Engagement in the Community

Time for New AGWG Leadership

A Breath of Fresh Air and Continuing to Discuss Plans for Our Future