The “Housing Production Fund” was established by the Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC) with Montgomery County to finance the construction of new, mixed-income housing throughout the county in March 2021.��

Despite being commended for its progressive strategies, Montgomery County has faced criticism for its existing housing plans, simultaneously endorsing affordable housing initiatives and promoting luxury apartment markets. This duality has sparked debates among community members who question the county’s commitment to addressing the diverse housing needs of its residents.

Stacy Eastway, 48, concerned over rising rent, contacted the county to rent a place under one of the county’s initiatives in August 2023.��

“I never receive a response. How are we supposed to access these programs and initiatives when the county officials never reply?” said Eastway.��

Eastway, who works at Sibley Hospital, pointed out the difference between her income and rising rent prices every year.

“I will never be able to afford a house in Montgomery County. Rent going up every year is just concerning,” said Eastway. “The apartments raise the rent by $600 every year. I don’t get a raise that much.”

Montgomery County,, has implemented policies and programs that have set benchmarks nationwide.�� However, the experiences of certain individuals within the community suggest a more complex narrative.��

In a meeting organized by the League of Women Voters of Montgomery County last Tuesday, Chris Gillis, director of policy and neighborhood development at Montgomery Housing Partnership, said, “No, we’re not doing as much as we should have in the affordable housing domain.”

The meeting targeted��how much progress is being made around affordable and attainable housing. While the county is happy about the $100M fund, it is still unclear where the money will go.��

91���� contacted the Department of Housing and Community in Montgomery County about using the Housing Production Fund but didn’t receive a response.��

Andrew Friedson, Montgomery County councilmember, acknowledged that buying a house in the county is out of reach for so many people in the meeting. The Council is continuously working towards the planning and implementation, he said.��

“We are concentrating on mixed-income housing to reduce the rents and help the residents. Other plans include converting parking lots into public housing which seems to work really well in Bethesda, Grover and Forest Glen,” said Friedson.��

Some argue that the praised initiatives may not be as universally effective as portrayed, with concerns arising about the accessibility and suitability of the existing housing options provided.��

Anne Williams, a resident of Montgomery County going through a specific disability, expressed how difficult it is to afford a shelter with medical bills to be paid.��

“To me, it’s a moral failing if you cannot afford the housing you need. But the core of my problem is that the difference between health and sickness is luck, pure and brutal,” said Williams.

Notably, the spotlight on high-income areas like Bethesda and Chevy Chase adds nuance to the debate.��

While these locales are expected to be affluent, there is an acknowledgment that the progress toward more inclusive housing solutions may require time.

Community members emphasize the importance of ensuring that the benefits of affordable housing programs extend beyond specific neighborhoods and income brackets.

Amy Johnson, a resident of Gaithersburg in Montgomery County, talked about how she toured the apartment buildings under the affordable housing initiatives and found the units under ‘not livable’ conditions.��

“I toured seven places, and none of the places matched with the pictures shared on their official websites. The places were filled with bugs, roaches and poop. It’s disgusting. There was no water. The doors don’t lock,” said Johnson, which highlights the issue with existing housing plans.

Lisa Govoni, the Housing Policy Coordinator at MoCo Planning Dept. of the Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission, said that the county is missing middle-income housing and needs to work on existing housing strategies.��

Moreover, the shows significant increases in the cost of living, particularly in housing and childcare costs.��

The Self-Sufficiency Standard specifies how much income families of various sizes and compositions must earn to live in selected geographic locations without receiving governmental or private assistance.

As the discourse unfolds, Montgomery County finds itself at the intersection of its celebrated achievements and the perspectives of those who contend that the reality on the ground does not align with the county’s acclaim.��

The ongoing debate underscores the complexities inherent in addressing affordable housing issues and highlights the need for a comprehensive, inclusive approach that caters to the community’s diverse needs.

The post Community voices clash with Montgomery County’s lauded affordable housing plans first appeared on 91����.

Employees who go to work on St. Elmo Avenue have been involved in a parking struggle with construction workers for the last 15 months.

TJ Callahan, an employee from one affected business around the block, expressed frustration. “The workers of the construction started using up the garage. Everybody who drives here for work faces this issue,” said Callahan.

The issue extends beyond mere inconvenience, as employees are confronted with a need for more available parking spaces during their working hours.��

“They get here by 8 a.m. and start working early, so there are no spots left for us until we come here,” Callahan said.

Businesses in the vicinity are feeling the impact, with complaints ranging from the loss of customer traffic to the financial burden of parking tickets.��

Jose Cerpis, the manager of Chicken on the Run, voiced his concerns and said, “They park their vehicles here and disappear all day long. We understand that they are working, but it causes inconvenience to us and our customers.”

Jeremy Redd, a construction worker on the site, acknowledged the parking issue but emphasized the need for more parking space.��

“It would be convenient for us if Montgomery County officials increase more parking space in the garage. Long-term parking would be considerate, but yeah, it doesn’t leave a lot of spots right now. I don’t want to park on the street because I don’t want anyone to mess with my vehicle. There have been traffic issues around the block, but we need to work anyway,” Redd said.

91���� reached out to the construction owner, Sophia Bethesda, but has not heard back.

Monica Chavce, a receptionist at Franz Sebastian Salon, shared her business’s challenges with ongoing construction-related parking problems.��

“All of the construction workers park right here because it is closest to their site. I have been here for six months now. Since there are no spots left on the top floor which is all-day parking, I have to park on the second floor of the garage which is 3-hour parking, and I have to keep visiting the garage in between my working hours to top up the payment,” said Chavce.

91���� contacted Montgomery County officials about the issue but has not responded.��

Chavce is concerned about the adverse impact on businesses.

“There are clients who don’t want to deal with these issues of loud sound, traffic issues, and parking space. We are losing some business because of it,” said Chavee. “Some employees here have gotten more than nine tickets because they are so busy in the working hours that they forget to top up the payment. If you don’t pay it in two weeks, it keeps adding up, which is not affordable at all.”

Chavce said that if employees and customers continue to face challenges in finding parking spaces and dealing with the associated disruptions, businesses may experience a decline in foot traffic, resulting in financial losses. The persistence of these parking and traffic issues poses a threat to the vitality of local businesses.

The post Business employees face parking issues amid construction first appeared on 91����.

Two employees got stuck in an elevator of a broadcast tower at 4001 Nebraska Ave, Northwest, DC, Tuesday afternoon, said the DC Fire and EMS.

“Both the employees are stuck since 1:44 pm in the elevator. We’re in constant contact with them. Glad they’re safe, but we’re waiting for them to be rescued,” said Matt Glassman, News director of NBC4. The special operations rescue team has cleared the scene.��

The rescue team had seven members up the tower. “It was a “rope-based rescue,” and they tried to rescue the two NBC4 employees by putting helmets on and bringing them down safe,” said Irene Johnson, Public Information Office from the DC Fire and EMS department. Rescue squads 1 and 3 assisted in the operation.

Special Operations is in process of a rescue from a broadcast tower at 4001 Nebraska Ave. NW
Two employees are in an elevator on the side of the tower. Bravest.

— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems)

“Since I’ve been here, it is the first time we’re conquering this problem from an 800-feet tower, which is why it was taking time,” said Johnson.

DC Fire and EMS department said both the employees were safe and rescued at 4:15 pm. It was a high-angle rescue. They were not injured and did not need medical attention.

The cause of the stuck elevator is still unknown. It wasn’t an electricity issue, said Glassman.

The post Special operations rescue two men from NBC4 broadcast tower first appeared on 91����.

“More people have become aware of the existence and importance of native plants and there is a definite surge of people planting native plants around the neighborhood,” said Borelli.

She highlights the resilience and adaptability of these plants and attributes their popularity to increased environmental consciousness.

Borelli emphasized the minimal impact of weather and climate change on native plants compared to exotic species. Native plants, she said, have evolved to thrive in the local ecosystem. “Native plants are very adaptive and hardy,” said Borelli.

Various factors have driven the surge in awareness of native plants. Rose Cabral, an environmental education and garden associate at Bethesda Green, elaborated on the Be Green Living and Be Green Business programs, which encourage businesses and residents to collaborate on creating a sustainable urban ecosystem.

“I have definitely noticed an increase in no grass yards and native plant promotions at garden centers,” said Cabral. “Planting native plant gardens which can promote low-impact landscape, supports pollinators and preserves biodiversity.”

One of the initiatives is the installation of pollinator gardens, aimed at promoting the importance of pollinators and native plants within the community.

Native plants like coneflowers (Echinacea) and black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia) attract essential pollinators, making them an attractive option for those looking to support local wildlife.

Mariana Borelli also noted that Bethesda residents are converting their front yards to more valuable spaces.

“People are reducing their lawns and replacing them with native plants because they’ve become aware of how ecologically useless lawns are,” said Borelli. “Lawns don’t provide food for wildlife and have shorter roots, which don’t filter water properly or prevent erosion.”

According to the National Wildlife Federation, one in four people (25 percent) specifically buy native plants—an increase from 17 percent in 2020. The number of people planning to transform a portion of their lawn into wildflower native landscape has doubled from 9 percent in 2019 to 19 percent in 2021.

Moreover, the use of native plants has extended to public spaces and developments. Public gardens and parking lots in the area are incorporating more native plants, indicating that there might be grants or subsidies supporting such programs, although specific details remain unclear.

Tracey Johnstone, an employee at American Plant Nursery, sheds light on the growing trend of choosing native plants over their non-native counterparts and the benefits these plants offer to the environment.

“The native plants can handle our weather better. Our summers are pretty hot, and our winters are a lot less predictable,” Johnstone said. “Native plants have adapted to these conditions, making them a more suitable choice for local gardens.”

One example of this adaptability is the creeping phlox, a versatile native plant. Its evergreen foliage provides year-round appeal and serves as an excellent border plant, discouraging the use of non-native alternatives. Even when not in bloom, this plant attracts those looking for low-maintenance yet visually pleasing landscaping options.

Another advantage of native plants is their positive environmental impact, particularly in reducing the need for fertilizers and minimizing runoff into waterways.��

Non-native grasses can often be invasive, choking out other plants and requiring excessive maintenance. Johnstone said this has prompted the importance of native plants in many communities, including the Washington, D.C. area.

Considering the sales perspective, the emphasis on native plants is not merely a trend but a sound economic choice. As Johnstone said, “Native plants are no longer a niche item. We’ve always had a good-sized native plant collection, but we’ve made it substantially bigger, and it’s turning into good business.”

Nursery owners and employees agree that the popularity of native plants surges and how it is essential to ensure that the right native species are chosen for the specific region. “What is native” can vary from person to person, and the selection of native plants should consider the local climate and ecosystem.

Johnstone suggested , which provides guidance on native plant selection and care and is the bible for enthusiastic gardeners.

In a time when the nursery business is challenging and unpredictable, native plants have become a beacon of hope, said Johnstone.��

The COVID-19 pandemic has also played a role in boosting gardening activities. As people spent more time at home, the sales of native plants surged, according to Borelli and Johnstone.

However, the future remains uncertain as various factors, including weather conditions influence the nursery business.

According to a from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, a lack of native plant seeds is a major obstacle to ecological restoration and other revegetation initiatives across the United States. The report concerns for more concentrated efforts to develop a more robust native seed supply and industry, particularly as climate change increases the likelihood of extreme weather events, which frequently destroy natural regions.

With the ability to withstand local weather, reduce the need for fertilizers, sufficient supply and support biodiversity, native plants are the way for a greener, more sustainable future.

The post Native plants gain ground, bolstering environmental resilience first appeared on 91����.

He spends hours wrapping up Barbie dolls, teddy bears and games for kids in the community to play with each holiday. The end of the year is always a special season for him.��

But, unfortunately, the reality is far from joyous this year, he said.

“We actually decided to close up as the rent is too expensive for us. I was hoping to continue till December at least since we’re a toy store, and it’s a great time of the year for our business,” said Solie Darvish, the toy store owner. “But we have to vacate the space before that.”��

The transition from the prospect of making kids’ dreams come true to packing up toys into boxes is a shift from joy to sorrow that weighs on Darvish and the community.

As part of a new shopping center development, Montgomery County officials years ago asked small businesses in the area to vacate their current spaces by the end of November. Developers said they offered the affected businesses space inside the new mall but at higher market rate rental rates. Businesses, who spoke with 91����,�� said they cannot afford the new rent, forcing them to decide between relocating or closing.��

It’s not just the toy store that feels the impact.��

Scott Kotus, owner of Custom Framers, said he’s been framing memories into carved wood since 1974.����

“It’s the end of the business for us. We’re going to close up and move away,” said Kotus. “It makes me sad. I wish I could stay longer.”

Kotus said he resented the redevelopment for forcing him to give up his business he had spent a lifetime building.

Kotus emphasized the struggles of closing up, especially coming off the COVID-19 pandemic. He said the store survived business downturns after 9/11 and due to the pandemic, but this redevelopment was the last straw.��

“It’s such a huge job and cost. It would have been better if it was affordable. COVID shutdown was crippling for the store. It took a while to recover from that. We survived all economic downturns over the years. But this is just too much for us,” Kotus continued.��

The other community staple stores like the dry cleaners and martial arts studio face the same concerns.

“It’s a good thing for the neighborhood, but I spent so much time, energy and money in this space, and now I have to move my business away because of redevelopment and go through it all over again,” said Young Lee, owner of Master Lee’s Martial Arts and Taekwondo.��

Westbard shopping center, soon to be known as Westbard Square,�� will include new shops and restaurants, parks, townhouses, a multi-level senior living facility, and more parking and pedestrian pathways.��

The currently operating Giant Food store will remain open until��the new, adjacent site, located on the third floor of a brand-new building, is ready for consumers.

The building will have 200 new parking places, stores and offices on the second floor, while eateries on the first floor. A centrally positioned green space will be located across from the building.��

Westbard was purchased by Regency Centers, a national retail complex developer, and an existing construction plan by previous owners Equity One in 2016 was revised.��

“We are creating more (and better) shop space than is there today, which will allow for more shops and restaurants – many of which will be small/local businesses, including not only some of the current but new businesses we hope to announce in the near future,” said Eric Davidson, senior manager of communications at Regency Center.

91���� reached out��to Montgomery County but did not receive a response about its take on small business owners having to vacate the space.

The post Small businesses to vacate space for Westbard Shopping Center redevelopment first appeared on 91����.

Mary Anne Wise and her team at Multicolores, a non-profit rug-hooking cooperative established in Guatemala, presented weaved art pieces at the in Bethesda last week.��

Their journey began when Wise recognized the pressing need for additional income-generating opportunities in Guatemala, a country where traditional weaving skills are highly regarded, but economic challenges are widespread. Wise decided to teach a rug-hooking class to a group of Mayan women.

Wise developed a curriculum tailored to women’s needs and abilities while respecting and honoring their Mayan culture. The artists, initially known for their intricate weaving and rug hooking, unlocked a new avenue for their cultural expression.

“Sometimes it’s hard for people to understand a culture and create a good format of cultural art. If you are innovative, we can preserve the culture and help find ways how people can be connected to the culture of indigenous lives,” said Wise.��

The gallery represented the art pieces under “Mother Earth: Fine Fiber Art from the Middle of the Americas.” The gallery owner, Amy Kaslow, said this is the second time Multicolores is being represented at their gallery and is receiving a huge response from the art collectors and appreciators.

One of the highlights of this transformation was when the Mayan rug-hooking artists showcased their rugs at the renowned International Folk Art Market in Santa Fe. Their creations received acclaim from visitors and enjoyed sales success, significantly boosting the economic outlook of the artists and their community.��

“We have managed to succeed by having high-price sales and high-profile sales for Multicolores. We have had them profiled in a significant piece in the by the art critic, and we’ve written about them a great deal as journalists,” said Amy Kaslow. “We’ve had public fora discussions about their work and their impact as a multiplier regionally and their possibility to be highly replicable in crisis areas around the world.”����

The perspective of Multicolores and Rug Money has shaped the future of this successful nonprofit business, emphasizing the importance of community, education, and empowerment for women.��

“Women’s integration into the workforce is the single most economic driver for developing countries,” said Kaslow, promoting indigenous women to monetize their artistic skills. She also talked about how indigenous women contribute their money to get food or buy school uniforms for their children, depicting their struggle in Guatemala.��

, poverty is estimated at 55.2 percent of the population in 2023, with the informal economy accounting for 49 percent of GDP.

Rug Money celebrates the achievements of Multicolores in Guatemala, where artistry and creativity have become catalysts for change. While the initiative began without a clear end goal, its success has become a model for organizing and advancing a nonprofit while driving social change.��Multicolores contributes to a sustainable future for the environment by recycling clothes into cultural art. “The life of these artists who boost and travel around the country to innovate new art styles understand that they need to be sustainable to be able to survive in this environment,” said Jim Taglauer, co-director of Bethesda Row Arts.��

According to The average US consumer discards 81.5 lbs of clothing annually. An estimated 11.3 million tons of textile waste, or 85% of all textiles, are disposed of in landfills each year in America alone. This translates to about 2,150 pieces each second nationwide and 81.5 lbs (37 kg) per person annually, which calls out to find sustainable ways to recycle and reuse at an alarming rate.

In a world where creative expression and sustainable practices are more important than ever, Rug Money and Multicolores stand as examples of how art can serve as a force for change, both in the lives of individuals and in the global community.

The post Sustainable art transforms the lives of Mayan women and helps the environment first appeared on 91����.

The Urban Partnership, an organization that promotes downtown Bethesda, confirmed some “unhoused individuals” are causing problems. Restaurant owners and customers have complained about panhandling customers, fights and other concerns.��

“Conceptually, the Streetery is a great idea and initially provided a pleasant atmosphere. Unfortunately, a small group of individuals has escalated issues to the point where they trespass into the restaurant area, engage in loud altercations, and even initiate physical fights,” said General Manager of Olazzo, Moises Cruz. “We’ve had to call the police on four occasions. Managing this situation has become a challenge. We’ve added extra staff to oversee the tables in the Streetery, but it has reached a point where customers don’t want to hang out here anymore.”��

Cruz talked about some incidents that occurred over the last couple of weeks, including:��

• A couple walking down the sidewalk in front of the restaurant were allegedly assaulted by a man who reportedly sleeps on the Streetery.
• A mother and daughter riding bikes were verbally harassed by some people who hang out in the Streetery.
• Non-customers trespassed the restaurant area to get access to the charging station.

��Cruz went on to express concerns for the safety of restaurant patrons and female staff when exiting the Streetery late at night.��

“Just last Monday, a fight broke out, and it took the police nearly 50 minutes to respond. We can’t continue to handle this on our own,” added Cruz, while urging the Montgomery Police Department for more timely assistance. Restaurants and businesses are now seeking increased security presence in the Streetery to address these issues.��

91���� emailed and called the Montgomery Police Department asking about security in the area, specifically about the accusation of slow response times, and has yet to receive a reply.

Other local businesses surrounding the Streetery have also voiced their grievances.

“There are some individuals who are a little too much sometimes. It would be better if there is more security around the area so that customers feel safe to hang out here,” said Craft Beer and Wine store worker John Lyon.��

Restaurant proprietors are growing increasingly anxious about the potential impact on their sales if these issues persist.��

Bethesda Urban Partnership has acknowledged the situation and actively engages in discussions to develop strategies for addressing the ongoing challenges.��

The organization sent a statement to 91���� that addressed the issue.��

“We are fully aware of the issues related to some unhoused individuals at the Bethesda Streetery and are working closely with our partners at Bethesda Cares, Montgomery County Government, and the Montgomery County Police to resolve this matter.”

91���� contacted Bethesda Cares but failed to receive a comment about the upcoming strategies for the Streetery.��

Bethesda Streetery is one of many areas in the county to seeing an increase in unhoused individuals. According to the latest from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, Montgomery County observed a 53% increase in the number of persons suffering homelessness compared to the 2022 figure.��

One small business owner in the area, who asked her name not be used, raised concerns about how unhoused people lack access to adequate mental health resources.��

The post Bethesda Streetery faces concerns over panhandling and disputes first appeared on 91����.