Chevy Chase Town Council Meeting

The following is a brief summary of last Wednesday's Town Council meeting:

The Town Council approved a variance allowing Jim Roy to build a covered porch on the front of his property at 4511 Elm Street.

After a public hearing, the Council unanimously voted to adopt the Chevy Chase Challenge Climate Action Plan with a few small changes. The Council expressed its gratitude to the Environment Committee, particularly its Chair Judy McGuire, for all of their hard work. I believe that Judy was also the only one to speak at the public hearing and that the Council received no written comments.

The Council discussed the Community Services Survey, focusing primarily on the issue of public safety. The Council reiterated its desire to work on improving public lighting and support for the Public Services Committee's review of the issue. The Council also noted high levels of satisfaction with many areas, including staff performance.

Town Manager Todd Hoffman outlined his proposal the Council consider establishing a Capital Fund. A key purpose of the fund would be to make sure that the Town sets aside enough money to pay for expected capital costs, such as sidewalk maintenance and replacement, as well as future capital projects, such as potential land acquisitions for new parks or playgrounds.

Public Services Committee Liaison Al Lang presented a proposal to widen Oakridge Avenue. All members of the Council noted that the reaction of the residents in the area was unanimously negative to the proposal and a lack of a need for additional parking at this time. Many comments expressed satisfaction with the new sidewalks and a desire to leave well enough alone.