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Long Branch Task Force declares
first year a success
BY AMY MARCUS
"Silver Spring is rolling.
Now is the time," said Montgomery County Councilmember
George Lenventhal, as the Long Branch Task Force presented
its first Annual Report on October 16. "We have the opportunity–it’s
up to the task force to think big."
The task force’s mandate is to "address the full
range of issues affecting the quality of life in the Long
Branch community, including the needed revitalization of the
residential and commercial areas of Long Branch...[and] work
to achieve a healthy, stable, and sustainable community."
Long Branch encompasses the area between I-495, Colesville
Road, Northwest Branch Park, Carroll Avenue, and Sligo Creek.
The recommendations of the Task Force fall into four categories:
Safety, Economic Development, Housing, and Youth and Schools.
Each category is addressed by a separate committee within
the task force.
The Task Force members agreed that the potential siting of
Washington Adventist Hospital’s office building in Long
Branch would be a real boon to the area. In fact, Leventhal
characterized it as the cornerstone of the area’s economic
development.
"This excites many members of the community," said
Councilmember Tom Perez, who lives in the Long Branch area.
"It is one of many potential noteworthy accomplishments."
Maria Elva Maldonado, co-chair of the task force, listed
one of its achievements as managing to free up $60,000, which
had been frozen during the county’s recent fiscal troubles.
She emphasized that the work done this year is only the beginning,
and the task force is looking forward to addressing the many
remaining issues.
"We are committed to doing that work," she said.
"The common goal is...a better neighborhood, and will
do what’s necessary."
Co-chair Mary Bradford said that cleaner, safer streets are
a clear priority. Another popular item was housing improvements.
Suzanne Ludlow, a task force member and employee of the City
of Takoma Park, said that upcoming issues to be addressed
include "issues regarding race and ethnicity, single-family
homes, and apartments."
Ludlow said that each member of the task force has different
ideas about priority issues, and that the first year was devoted
to addressing "everything we could agree on."
"The neighborhood is special, encompassing so many types
of housing and interests," said Bradford. "It is
a gateway community of apartments, starter homes, and older
homes that are added onto. Long Branch is like a little city,
surrounded by parks."
Despite its residential character, concerns about gentrification
were not addressed this year, nor were the issues associated
with high turnover of apartment residents.
Regarding the meeting itself, Floreen said, "Last night
was a first. It was fabulous for us to listen to [the concerns
of the] community. It is important for…those folks to
know they are part of the process."
Perez was pleased with the turnout. "It was very diverse,
with a remarkable diversity of leadership. [The Task Force]
engaged the community in a meaningful way; it’s not just
a few deciding what’s important. Next year they are going
to need a larger room!"
Appointed by the County Council, the Long Branch Task Force
consists of 26 voting members and 11 ex officio members, and
includes homeowners, tenants, business people, community and
religious leaders, and representatives from Montgomery County
Public Schools, the Montgomery County Police, and other county
agencies. The members were appointed in 2002 for three-year
terms.
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