Northwood News ♦ April 2020

President’s Message

By Samantha Jones

It feels like just yesterday winter was around the corner, and now it’s already spring.  The first three months of 2020 has certainly thrown everyone some curve balls, but I am proud of our neighborhood for sticking together and supporting one another.  For updates on how to get involved in the neighborhood, please visit the Civic Association’s website at www.nfcca.org.

At our February meeting, we had a lively conversation about transit and transportation.  NFCCA Board member Sharon Canavan presented information about upcoming WMATA and RideOn bus routes changes and cutbacks (see her article).  Beginning this fall, RideOn 19 will no longer service Dennis Avenue into our neighborhood.  Metrobus routes Z2, Z8, and Z11 will also be eliminated.  More information on these changes please visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dot and www.WMATA.com.

In February, we also heard from Barbara Coufal with the Citizens Against Beltway Expansion (CABE) group.  She provided helpful updates about Governor Hogan’s proposal to expand I-270 and I-495, and the impact this proposal could have on our neighborhood.  Groups like CABE, and many residents here in Four Corners, have serious concerns about the environmental and infrastructure impacts a beltway expansion would have.  Ms. Coufal also pointed out the heavy burden the expansion could have on taxpayers, as the Governor wants to provide state funds to the private developers who would build the expanded lanes.  To learn more about CABE and the beltway expansion proposal, please visit www.cabe495.com.  If you’re concerned about this project, please contact our District 19 Delegates and Senator to voice your concerns.  You can find all of our representatives’ contact information on the NFCCA website.

We also have a very exciting meeting planned for our April 15th meeting!  We are hosting a Board of Education candidates forum from 7:30–9:30 p.m. at Forest Knolls Elementary School.  Eleven of the 18 candidates for the Board of Education have RSVPed.  This forum will have a “speed dating” setup, meaning small groups of attendees will speak with each candidate for an allotted period of time over the course of the evening.  Please plan to attend and bring your questions and concerns to discuss with the candidates!

Given that the primary election has been postponed to June 2nd due to the COVID-19 crisis, our Board of Education candidates forum may be rescheduled for May.  Please monitor the NFCCA website and listserv for updates.  The NFCCA Board will also post other neighborhood updates on the website and listserv as the pandemic crisis evolves.

If you have any questions about the NFCCA, or want to share your thoughts about how the Board can better serve our neighborhood, please email me at president at nfcca dot org.  Thank you!   ■