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ViVa White Oak and other Projects– Updates

by on September 10, 2018 in Uncategorized

Viva

Check out the White Oak News September 2018 issue HERE with the latest related to the White Oak Science Gateway Master Plan!

One of my top priorities since joining the Council in 2009 was accelerating the White Oak Science Gateway Master Plan so this project could move forward. In 2015, after much deliberation and public comments, the Council voted in favor of Resolution 18-195 to dispose of Site II Property on Industrial Parkway in Silver Spring to partner with a private developer to create a “vibrant, mixed-use, transit-oriented” life science village that was envisioned in the White Oak Science Gateway Master Plan.

The White Oak Science Gateway Master Plan seeks to leverage the many assets in the White Oak area and establish the foundation upon which the area may evolve into a community that offers more opportunities to learn, live, work and play. The Plan also envisions the commercial centers will evolve from conventional, auto-dependent suburban shopping retail centers, business parks and light industrial areas into vibrant, mixed-use, transit-served nodes.

If you haven’t already, make sure to “Like” the White Oak Facebook Page!

Read the rest of the White Oak News September Issue HERE.

Wheaton Revitalization News!

by on March 9, 2018 in Uncategorized

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Welcome to Wheaton Revitalization News!

Wheaton Revitalization News is an email distribution list that will provide frequent updates to the surrounding community on the Wheaton Revitalization project. The purpose of this distribution list is to provide you with project updates and construction activities.  For additional information on the Wheaton Revitalization Project please visit http://www.wheatonproject.com

Look Ahead – Week of March 11 to March 17, 2018

Executive Summary

The project continues to track on-schedule and within budget. The key activity on site this week is plumbing of the geothermal system. See Geothermal System below.

Demolition of the Mid-County Regional Services Center (RSC) Building

Demolition of the Regional Services Center (RSC) Building commenced on Monday, February 12. Demolition and cleanup is expected to take 6-8 weeks to complete.

The contractor continues to carefully dismantle the RSC building where it adjoins the Triangle Building to its north.

In addition to dismantling the RSC building where it adjoins the Triangle Building, the contractor commenced with the larger scale demolition with the use of a hydraulic excavator with a special attachment to chew away at the structure. (see photo)

The area adjacent to the demolition is protected by fencing and plywood barriers. WMATA has reviewed and approved the building demolition plans including areas of close proximity to WMATA operations.

Traffic operations along Reedie Drive have not been affected by the demolition and pedestrian movement will remain unchanged except for the closure of the “cut through” walkway adjacent to the Regional Services Building leading from Reedie Drive to the Metro stairs. Signage will be posted.

Foundation Construction

Construction of the building foundation is ongoing.

The contractor continues with construction of individual concrete footers. All footers are tied into underlying rock, 10 feet below the footers, with the use of down anchors. Tie-down anchors were drilled earlier in the project and are 20-foot long steel rods that are embedded and grouted into underlying rock typically 10 feet beneath the building foundation. The tie-down will offset any hydrostatic pressure of normal elevations of groundwater present at the site.

Geothermal System

Plumbing of the geothermal wells is the key activity on the project this week.

The 150 geothermal wells are now being connected (plumbed) in 15 wells circuits. In all, ten 15 well circuits will be developed and tied into a single manifold at entry to the building. Each circuit is pressure and flow tested before being tied into the circuit. This horizontal plumbing will continue over the next several weeks after which the 18-inch steel reinforced foundation slab will be placed.

Site Dewatering

Foundation construction requires the continuation of site dewatering. Generally speaking, the 16-deep dewatering wells, operating around-the-clock, are pumping 30 gallons of groundwater per minute (30gpm), half of what was expected. This clean water is discharged into the storm drain system as designed. All water discharged from the site is tested and treated for proper pH levels, if necessary, per the Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) requirements.

Follow Project Progress via the Project Camera

A camera has been installed to view construction on the site. Click here to access the camera.

Upcoming and Ongoing Activities

  • Foundation construction
  • Horizontal piping for Geothermal System
  • Monitoring Inclinometer stations for embankment movement
  • Monitoring 3-D survey points on Support of Excavation system
  • Testing and monitoring of groundwater discharge water

Project schedule

RSC Demolition Progress

RSC Demolition Progress

Geothermal Piping

Crucial Wheaton-area Community Services Open in New Permanent Spot

by on February 16, 2018 in Uncategorized

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For Immediate Release: Friday, February 16, 2018

Proyecto Salud Clinic, the Gilchrist Immigration Resource Center, the Adult Behavioral Health Program and Mid County United Ministries are available in the Westfield South Tower at 11002 Veirs Mill Road

The status of the revitalization of Downtown Wheaton seems to be set in construction cranes and a deep foundation in the middle of the Wheaton Triangle Business District as the three-year project continues. However, some permanent parts of the future of Wheaton that have recently been established as critical service providers including Proyecto Salud Clinic, the Gilchrist Immigration Resource Center, the Adult Behavioral Health Program and Mid County United Ministries are now open in their new permanent homes.

The overall project continues to be on schedule for completion in 2020, and continues to be on budget. Part of the plan included for those services, which were previously located in the former Mid-County Regional Services Center, to move to new permanent space that was also easily accessible to public transit.  Those services are now open at the Westfield South Tower at 11002 Veirs Mill Road in Wheaton.

Details on the relocated services:

  • Proyecto Salud Clinic: 11002 Veirs Mill Road / Suite 700 – 7th Floor / Wheaton, Md.  20902. Phone 301-962-6173.
  • The Gilchrist Immigration Resource Center: 11002 Veirs Mill Road / Suite 506 – 5th Floor / Wheaton, Md.  20902. Phone 240-777-4940.
  • Adult Behavioral Health Program: 11002 Veirs Mill Road /Suite 705 –  7th Floor / Wheaton, Md.  20902. Phone 240-777-1323.
  • Mid County United Ministries: 11002 Veirs Mill Road / Suite 710 – 7th Floor /Wheaton, Md.  20902. Phone: 301-929-8675.

Over the next two-and-a-half years, the Wheaton Revitalization Project will be transforming Wheaton’s central business district with mixed-use, transit-oriented development. In addition to a 14-story government office building, the project will provide about 400 below ground parking spaces, retail and residential space and a new town square.

The most significant area impacted during construction is the Wheaton Triangle area between Veirs Mill Road and Georgia Avenue. The local roads of the Triangle area include Grandview Avenue, Reedie Drive, and Triangle Lane.

Construction got underway in June 2017. This week, work began to demolish the former Mid-County Regional Services Center Building on the Reedie Drive side of the project. That was the building that had been home to the newly relocated services and was vacated in September. That location will become a town square providing space for public use and entertainment purposes.

The Mid-County Regional Service Office is now operating at a temporary location at 11435 Grandview Ave in Wheaton. The phone number is 240-777-8101. The regional service office will move to the new County Government building when it is completed.

After nine months of excavation, the construction of the building is now underway. The foundation hole is approximately 55 feet deep.

A camera has been installed to view construction on the site and can be accessed via the project’s website at wheatonproject.com. Information about the project is available at the website in English and Spanish.

Additional street lighting has been added along Reedie Drive and Triangle Lane as a measure of safety during the diminished daylight hours of winter.

The Wheaton Revitalization Project will create a more walkable, pedestrian friendly community with access to public open space. The project aims to increase use of the Wheaton Metro Station, reduce traffic congestion, increase employment opportunities and services in the area as well as introduce outdoor entertainment opportunities on the new town square.

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Release ID: 18-444
Media Contact: Patrick Lacefield 240-777-6507

Wheaton Revitalization News!

by on February 16, 2018 in Uncategorized

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Wheaton Revitalization News is an email distribution list that will provide frequent updates to the surrounding community on the Wheaton Revitalization project. The purpose of this distribution list is to provide you with project updates and construction activities.  For additional information on the Wheaton Revitalization Project please visit http://www.wheatonproject.com

Look Ahead – Week of February 18 to February 24, 2018

Executive Summary

The project continues to track on-schedule and within budget.

Demolition of the Mid-County Regional Services Center Building

Demolition of the Regional Services Building commenced on Monday, February 12. Currently, the contractor is dismantling the interior elements of the building and disconnecting the Regional Services Center (RSC) building from the adjoining Triangle Building from atop.

Mass (exterior) demolition of the RSC will be accomplished by means of a hydraulic excavator with a pinching (grabbing) attachment that will “chew” away at the building. The area immediately to the demolition will be protected by fencing and plywood barriers. WMATA has reviewed and approved the building demolition plans including areas of close proximity to WMATA operations.

Traffic operations along Reedie Drive will not be affected and pedestrian movement will remain unchanged except for the closure of the “cut through” walkway immediately adjacent to the Regional Services Building leading from Reedie Drive to the Metro stairs. Signage will be posted.

Tie-Down Anchors

Installation of tie-down anchors at the footers is complete (see photo).

In all, one hundred sixty-nine (169) foundation tie-down anchors were installed around the perimeter of the building foundation. Tie-down anchors are long steel rods that are embedded 20 feet into the underlying bedrock and grouted in place (see photo). The rods penetrate through the building foundation and are secured at the topside of the footer with large washers and lock-down nuts. Tie-down anchors are installed to resist expected upward hydraulic pressure generated by normal groundwater elevations once the dewatering operation ceases.

Recovery and Connection of the Geothermal System

The process of recovering the one hundred fifty (150) geothermal wells, installed earlier in the project, is complete. The wells were pressure tested and flushed with clean water. In the upcoming weeks the wells will be joined together in 15 well circuits with horizontal piping and ready for tie-in to the future building energy system.

Construction of the sub-foundation Elements

Construction of the sub-foundation elements such as the WSSC vault and elevator pits is well underway (see photo). The contractor is now carefully preparing subgrade and protecting the subgrade with a concrete cover known as a “mud mat” upon which the building foundation will be constructed.

Site Dewatering

Mass excavation and construction of the building foundation requires the lowering of the groundwater table, which is generally 35 feet below the existing ground surface. The dewatering process will temporarily lower the groundwater roughly 25 feet to allow for construction. Dewatering is currently underway 24/7 and will continue over the next 22 months at which time pumping will discontinue and groundwater will restore to its normal levels. As noted above, all tie-down anchors will be in place and secured tightly prior to deactivation of the dewatering system. All water discharged from the site is treated for proper pH levels per the Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) requirements.

Administrative Preparations

The Contractor, Architect, Developer, and Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) are busy exchanging and reviewing detailed submittals to ensure strict compliance with project specifications and all applicable building codes. In all, over 2,000 separate submittals will be developed, exchanged, and reviewed by the project team. No construction is permitted to proceed until all related material submittals, craftsman qualifications, testing, and Quality Assurance/Quality Control has been approved.

Follow Project Progress via the Project Camera

A camera has been installed to view construction on the site. Click here to access the camera.

Upcoming and Ongoing Activities

  • Foundation construction.
  • Foundation subgrade preparation and protection with mud mats.
  • Placement of foundation slab.
  • Horizontal piping for Geothermal System.
  • Form, reinforcing, and pour sub-foundation elements (see photo).
  • Monitoring Inclinometer stations for movement.
  • Monitoring 3-D survey.
  • Testing and monitoring of groundwater discharge water.

Schedule

Area Below Main Lobby & Elevators

Area Below Main Lobby & Elevators

Footer Construction & Tie-Down Anchors

Footer Construction & Tie-Down Anchors

Wheaton Revitalization News!

by on February 9, 2018 in Uncategorized

MCDOT Banner

Wheaton Revitalization News is an email distribution list that will provide frequent updates to the surrounding community on the Wheaton Revitalization project. The purpose of this distribution list is to provide you with project updates and construction activities.  For additional information on the Wheaton Revitalization Project please visit http://www.wheatonproject.com

Look Ahead – Week of February 11 to February 17

Executive Summary

The project continues to track on-schedule and within budget.

Temporary Closure of Reedie Drive

A 7-hour temporary closure of Reedie Drive will take place on Saturday, February 10, from 5am to noon to stage a mobile crane in Reedie Drive.

The mobile crane is needed to “air lift” (remove) several large pieces of construction equipment out of the 55-feet deep hole. The construction equipment (excavators and drill rigs) were required to work long after the removal of the ramp exiting the hole. The only means out of the hole at this point in time is to be “air lifted’ out by a mobile crane with the hoisting capacity to make such a lift.

The on-site tower cranes do not have the hoisting capacity for such heavy lifts. Therefore, a mobile crane will arrive early Saturday morning, set-up on Reedie Drive, and remove the excavators and drill rig.

Building Foundation Excavation Completed

Excavation for the building foundation is complete.

Demolition of the Mid-County Regional Services Center Building

Demolition of the Regional Services Building will commence on Monday, February 12 and require six (6) weeks to complete.

The demolition will be accomplished by means of a hydraulic excavator with a pinching (grabbing) attachment that will “chew” away at the building. The area immediately to the demolition will be protected by fencing and plywood barriers. WMATA has reviewed and approved the building demolition plans including areas of close proximity to WMATA operations. Pedestrian and traffic operations will be largely unaffected.

Traffic operations along Reedie Drive will not be affected and pedestrian movement will remain unchanged with the exception of closure of the “cut through” walkway immediately adjacent to the Regional Services Building leading from Reedie Drive to the Metro stairs. Signage will be posted.

Service providers formerly located in the Mid-County Regional Services Building have relocated as noted in the Special Bulletin.

Tie-Down Anchors

Installation of tie-down anchors will be complete this week, including hydraulic testing (see photos). In all, one hundred sixty nine (169) foundation tie-down anchors will be installed around the perimeter of the building foundation. Tie down anchors are long steel rods that are embedded 20-feet into the underlying bedrock and grouted in place (see photo). The rods penetrate through the building foundation and be secured at the topside of the footer with large washers and lock-down nuts. Tie down anchors are installed to resist expected upward hydraulic ressure of groundwater once the dewatering operation ceases.

Recovery and Connection of the Geothermal System

The process of recovering the one-hundred-fifty (150) Geothermal wells, installed earlier in the project, is complete. The wells were pressure tested and flushed with clean water. In the upcoming weeks the wells will be joined together in 15-well circuits’ vis-à-vis horizontal piping.

Construction of the sub-foundation Elements

Construction of the sub-foundation elements such as the WSSC vault and elevator pits is well underway (see photo). The contractor is now carefully preparing subgrade and protecting the subgrade with a concrete cover known as a ‘mud mat” upon which the building foundation will be built. The 10-day weather forecast is calling for periods of rain well into next week. The contractor is planning accordingly and protecting foundation subgrade.

Site Dewatering

Mass excavation and construction of the building foundation requires the lowering of the groundwater table, which is generally 35 feet below the existing ground surface. The dewatering process will temporarily lower the groundwater roughly 25 feet to allow for construction. Dewatering is currently underway 24/7 and will continue over the next 22-months at which time pumping will discontinue and groundwater will restore to its normal levels. As noted above, all tie-down anchors will be in place and secured tightly prior to deactivation of the dewatering system. All water discharged from the site is treated for proper pH levels per the Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) requirements.

Administrative Preparations

The Contractor, Architect, Developer, and Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) are busy exchanging and reviewing detailed submittals to ensure strict compliance with project specifications and all applicable building codes. In all, over 2,000 separate submittals will be developed, exchanged, and reviewed by the project team. No construction is permitted to proceed until all related material submittals, craftsman qualifications, testing, and Quality Assurance/Quality Control has been approved.

Follow Project Progress via the Project Camera

A camera has been installed to view construction on the site. Click here to access the camera.

Upcoming and Ongoing Activities

  • Temporary 7-hour closure of Reedie Drive on the morning of Saturday, February 10 (5am to noon) for removal of several large pieces of construction equipment from the bottom of the hole.
  • Foundation subgrade preparation and protection with mud mats.
  • Horizontal piping for Geothermal System.
  • Installation and testing of foundation tie-down anchors.
  • Form, reinforcing, and pour sub-foundation elements (see photo).
  • Hydraulic Testing of Tie Down Anchors (see photo).
  • Monitoring Inclinometer stations for movement.
  • Monitoring 3-D survey.
  • Testing and monitoring of groundwater discharge water.

Project Milestone Schedule

Milestone

 

Reinforcing Below the Building Lobby

Reinforcing Below the Building Lobby

Hydraulic Testing a Tie-Down Anchor

Hydraulic Testing a Tie-Down Anchor

Sub-foundation Construction

Sub-foundation Construction

 

FY18 Budget Recap

by on May 24, 2017 in Uncategorized

FINAL FINAL BUDGET FY RECAP_NN

Councilmember Navarro’s Remarks on the FY18 Budget

by on May 18, 2017 in Budget, Nancy in the News

FY18 Budget Remarks
May 18, 2017

Since the Great Recession, we have had to make tough choices in order to close significant budget gaps. We can agree that the path to fiscal recovery has not been an easy one. Nonetheless, in FY17 we approved a “course-correction” budget that prioritized our school system’s growing needs, a system that has added 20,000 students with great needs since 2007.

For FY18 we have taken a balanced approach, and as Chair of the Government, Operations and Fiscal Policy committee I am proud to report that we have adhered to our adopted fiscal policies and responsible Spending Affordability Guidelines. We were able to fully fund our public employee union’s negotiated agreements.

We have strengthened our safety net by funding, and adding additional staff capacity to programs, and non-profits that help those who need it most. The Council funded over $3 million in community grants, and an additional $8 million for the Department of Health and Human Services (DHSS), including $600,146 to restore the County Executive’s one percent non-profit contracts reduction. We also increased County contracts with eligible nonprofits by 2 percent.

We continue to address the opportunity gap by funding programs that support children and youth, recreation, and expanding accessible, affordable, high quality early care education and after school programs by funding: forty slots in CentroNia, converting to full-time 10 additional Head Start classrooms, investing $2 million in reducing WPA subsidy waitlist for 0-5 year old children, adding funds for the Care for Kids Program and Montgomery Cares, adding two additional sites for Safe Spaces—a positive youth development initiative for vulnerable youth, and increasing quality after school activities at three elementary schools.

This budget also protects our neighborhoods by increasing the number of police officers in targeted areas, such as Wheaton. I proposed and got funding for three additional officers. This Council has always been fully committed to our transportation priorities, which is why we added funding for key transportation services and infrastructure projects along Route 29. I am extremely pleased the Council added $1 million to the Public Election Fund to support clean elections. This brings the total Fund to $11 million as recommended by the Citizens Commission to Recommend Funding for the Public Election Fund. It’s gratifying to know that our program has become a model for other jurisdictions in Maryland.

We continue to support our economic development efforts, as well as our workforce development initiatives. On this note, I led the effort to include $200,000 in initial funds to fund Bill 6-12 SBAP, which will send a strong signal to business owners in Wheaton that the County is prepared to respond. I was proud of the support to add a position to provide additional capacity within the Department of Finance to carry out the duties as specified by this Bill.

Budgets are about tough choices but they are also a reflection of our values and who we are as a society. As a community, we are making investments today that will ensure a brighter future for all of our residents. I want to thank the Council fifth floor staff for their outstanding work ethic and commitment to giving the Council the best analysis available; our outstanding public employees— your service and dedication is what makes this County a great place to live, work and play; our County Executive for sending a responsible budget; Council President Berliner for his steady leadership during this process; and, my colleagues, in particular my GO committee members Katz and Riemer for their diligent work in advancing our priorities.

Finally and most importantly, I want to thank our constituents for their trust, their extensive feedback, and the daily contributions they make to our great County!

OLO Report: Pre-K in Montgomery County and Other Jurisdictions

by on March 13, 2017 in Uncategorized

Since before running for elected office, I’ve been a childcare advocate, consumer, and practitioner. I used to run a licensed family childcare business at my previous home in Wheaton. A few years after starting this, I founded a nonprofit called Centro Familia to help train other family childcare providers about opening licensed family child care business out of their homes. The need for affordable, quality childcare and early education far outpaces the supply in the County, and this remains a challenge. There is plenty of evidence that suggests being ready for kindergarten determines the trajectory of a student’s educational career and socioeconomic success. The most strategic and effective interventions occur at the earliest possible moment in a child’s academic life.

This morning, the Montgomery County MD Council’s Education Committee and the Health and Human Services Committee will meet jointly to review the findings of the Office of Legislative Oversight’s (OLO) report Pre-K in Montgomery County and Other Jurisdictions. In February, OLO released this report on Pre-K programs, benefits, best-practices and estimated costs to expand Pre-K in the County.

The joint committee will meet in the Seventh Floor Conference Room of the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Avenue in Rockville. This worksession is also televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM), which can be viewed on Cable Channels 996 (high definition) and 6 (standard definition) on Comcast; Channels 1056 (HD) and 6 (SD) on RCN; and Channel 30 on Verizon. It is also available live via streaming through the Council web site.

You can learn more about some of the County initiatives related to this topic below.
FINAL FINAL ECE

Joint Statement: Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett and the Montgomery County Council County Leaders Reaffirm Community Values

by on January 30, 2017 in Press Releases

Montgomery County is committed to building and maintaining a safe and inclusive community for our residents. Understanding, tolerance, and respect are hallmarks of the Montgomery County way. Social justice for all is what we strive to achieve in our County.

We greatly regret the anxiety that has been stoked among many in our community as a result of the President’s Executive Orders. We issue this statement to assure all of our residents that those orders will not change the way that County police officers or County workers interact with the public and will not impact how we provide social services.

It is longstanding County policy that County police do not enforce federal immigration law. Neither will they inquire about immigration status when individuals are stopped nor target individuals based on their ethnicity, race, or religious beliefs.

The County’s law enforcement leaders are also committed to our values, and they will continue working to build trust in our community. Police Chief Tom Manger, Corrections and Rehabilitation Director Rob Green, Sheriff Darren Popkin, and State’s Attorney John McCarthy are sworn to protect the rights of all residents and to treat all individuals equally.

Your County leaders stand ready to take the steps necessary to defend our values and maintain the integrity of our community. Executive orders are not self-executing. They require additional actions by federal agencies to be implemented.  In addition, executive orders are subject to public scrutiny and legal challenges.

Montgomery County has a long history of working to promote community safety and trust among its residents regardless of their culture, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation. In 2011 the Council passed a resolution to promote public trust in government and law enforcement to ensure that that the federal Secure Communities initiative was implemented consistent with its stated purpose.

In November 2016, the Council approved a resolution reaffirming community safety and trust and denouncing anti-immigrant activity, racial bias, and discrimination. Also in November, the County Executive initiated solidarity with our friends and neighbors from all walks of life at the “Stand Up for the Montgomery Way” rally, which was a strong and broadly shared public declaration of our collective values.

Montgomery County remains steadfast in its commitment to fairness, justice, and equal treatment under the law. We believe that no deportations should take place without ensuring that individuals to be deported receive adequate representation and due process of law under the Constitution.  Regardless of immigration status, we will uphold the Fourth Amendment rights of our residents.

As your local leaders we will continue to speak out on behalf of all of our residents to promote the values that define our community. Montgomery County will remain an inclusive and welcoming place to live, work, and raise a family.

Residents who are in need of legal resources or support services are encouraged to dial 311 for help or visit the MC311 web page at: http://www3.montgomerycountymd.gov/311/Home.aspx .

Montgomery Council committees to discuss New York City’s plan to implement its ‘Pre-K for All’ Program

by on January 26, 2017 in Press Releases

Also on Thursday, Jan. 26: Moving ahead on

White Oak Science Gateway Redevelopment

ROCKVILLE, Md., January 25, 2017—The Montgomery County Council’s Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee and its Education Committee will meet jointly at 1:45 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 26, to receive a briefing on New York City’s efforts to implement its “Pre-K for All” program. Councilmembers have long expressed interest in expanding quality early childhood education and care services, including Pre-kindergarten (Pre-K) opportunities to ensure that children enter kindergarten ready to learn.

The HHS Committee, which is chaired by Councilmember George Leventhal and includes Councilmembers Roger Berliner and Craig Rice, and the Education committee, which is chaired by Councilmember Rice and includes Councilmembers Marc Elrich and Nancy Navarro, will meet in the Third Floor Hearing Room of the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Ave. in Rockville. The meeting will be will be televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM), which can be viewed on Cable Channels 996 (high definition) and 6 (standard definition) on Comcast; Channels 1056 (HD) and 6 (SD) on RCN; and Channel 30 on Verizon. The sessions also will be available live via streaming through the Council web site at http://tinyurl.com/z9982v8 .

The joint committee requested the briefing to gain insight on how New York City funded and implemented its full-day, universal pre-K program over a two-year expansion period.

New York City representatives expected to talk with the Council by conference call include:

  • Richard Buery, deputy mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives
  • Josh Wallack, deputy chancellor of Strategy and Policy in its Department of Education
  • Charissa Townsend, policy advisor in the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives
  • Jeyla Mammadova, special projects coordinator for Pre-K for All

County representatives expected to participate in the briefing include:

  • JoAnn Barnes, chief of Children, Youth, and Families in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
  • Monica Ortiz-Neustrup, DHHS early care and education policy officer
  • Deann Collins, director of the Division of Title I and Early Childhood Programs for Montgomery County Public Schools

“High-quality universal pre-kindergarten programs are key to leveling the playing field for all of our children and helping to close the opportunity gap,” said Councilmember Navarro, who has served as a member of President Obama’s Advisory Commission on Education Excellence for Hispanics.  “We have seen results working with our community Pre-kindergarten providers and Montgomery County Public Schools, but I believe it’s time for us to follow the New York City model where every child has access to high-quality early learning programs. I am excited to learn from the experience of New York City leaders, and I am committed to expanding Pre-kindergarten programs in Montgomery County.”

The background and highlights of the New York City program include:

  • In his campaign for New York City mayor in 2012, Bill de Blasio pledged the creation of universal full-day Pre-K funded by an income tax surcharge. After Mayor de Blasio’s election, the state legislature agreed to provide $300 million each year for five years to fund universal Pre-K in New York City in 2014.
  • New York City offers free, high quality, full-day Pre-K to all 4-year-olds in its five boroughs. As of the first day of the 2016-17 school year, more than 70,400 children were registered in Pre-K for All—an increase from 19,287 prior to the expansion of Pre-K for All.
  • The two-year expansion effort began in the 2014-15 school year and focused not only on ensuring access but also on investing in Pre-K quality. The New York model implements research-based instruction and family engagement practices and provides differentiated support at the classroom and program levels using program quality data and standards.

The New York model uses a mixed delivery system for Pre-K services that are provided through district schools, New York City Department of Education Pre-K Centers and community-based providers (New York City Early Education Centers). Almost 60 percent of Pre-K students are enrolled in early education centers.

At 9:30 a.m. in the Seventh Floor Hearing Room, the Government Operations and Fiscal Policy Committee, which is chaired by Councilmember Navarro and includes Councilmembers Sidney Katz and Hans Riemer, and the Planning, Housing and Economic Development Committee, which is chaired by Councilmember Nancy Floreen and includes Councilmembers Riemer and George Leventhal, will address issues related to the White Oak Science Gateway Redevelopment Project.One issue that will be discussed is County Executive Ike Leggett’s recommendation of an amendment to the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) and supplemental appropriation to the Fiscal Year 2017 Capital Budget in the amount of $47.2 million.

The funds would go toward the demolition of on-site buildings for the Site II Property on Industrial Parkway in Silver Spring and construction of master-planned roads.The joint committee also will receive an update on White Oak redevelopment from Peter Fosselman, the White Oak Science Gateway implementation coordinator.

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