October 2019 – From the Mayor

The Office of Zoning and Administrative Hearings with Montgomery County issued a decision of denial on October 8, 2019 with regards to CU19-03, an application for conditional use (self-storage) at 10619 Connecticut Avenue. The applicant, 1784 Capital Holdings, has appealed the decision of the Hearing Examiner to the Board of Appeals.

While we are disappointed that the applicant has chosen to appeal the Hearing Examiner’s decision, the Council and I are prepared to provide the necessary testimony to uphold both the Planning Board and Hearing Examiner’s denial.

The  contractor  for the Modena  Reserve-Kensington  on Metropolitan Avenue has completed their site demolition and the official groundbreaking for the project was held on October 22, 2019. The $75 million project is the largest redevelopment project in Kensington’s history, and we are looking forward to the completion of the project in 2021. The project will rehabilitate two existing historic structures, Mizell Hardware and the old service station. Additional information on the project may be found at the following link: mccafferyinc.com/portfolio/modena-reserve-kensington

The Council will be holding a Work Session on Monday, October 28, 2019 to discuss proposed amendments to the Town’s Sign and Commercial Regulations, along with drafting language and possible restrictions with regards to adopting Montgomery County’s alcohol regulations. Any proposed amendments to the Town’s Sign Ordinance, along with drafted language for adopting the County’s alcohol regulations will be discussed at the November 18, 2019 Town Council Meeting to allow for public comment.