Where Elrich & Floreen stand on beltway expansion - a summary from a Bethesda neighborhood that borders the beltway & a Silver Spring one too:
Dear neighbors--
I've gotten a few requests for this; see below. There is a connection between the lead story about and new warnings about climate change and the highway widening issue.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/energy-environment/2018/10/08/world-has-only-years-get-climate-change-under-control-un-scientists-say/?utm_term=.9f9f6ab80aa5
Here is relevant information on tomorrow night's Action Committee for Transit meeting:
October 9 (7:30 pm) - Organizing against highway widening when the earth is warming
Speaker: Pete Altman, dontwiden270.org
Change of location: Old B&O Railroad Station, 8100 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring
Frederick County's legislative delegation will play an important role over the next four years. Let me know if you are interested in knocking on doors in Frederick County next weekend in support of two candidates opposed to the widening: Ron Young (incumbent), former Frederick mayor, has long focused on downtown revitalization and sees MARC service as a big part of that. Ken Kerr came to MTOC's Trains Not Tolls meeting and has come out against any widening of I-270.[MTOC = Maryland Transit Opportunities Coalition
https://www.transitformaryland.org/ ]
Governor: The widenings are a signature project of Gov. Hogan. Ben Jealous is opposed, and (as noted in a previous e-mail) attended the Sept 30 transportation rally. The rally was "to promote affordable, sensible transportation options in place of Gov. Hogan's plan for Lexus Lanes on I-495/I-270."
County Executive: Democrat Marc Elrich www.marcelrich.orgis opposed and also attended that rally. Republican Robin Ficker is in favor.
https://www.robindeliversforyou.com/transportation
Nancy Floreen, who lost the D primary but is running as an independent, appears to strongly support the widenings. She called the governor's widening plan "terrific" in testimony at a November 2, 2017, meeting. “If we’re going to think big, I urge that we should think as creatively and as differently as we can for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” From a Sept. 21, 2017, Bethesda Magazine article: “I am thrilled to death,” she said in a phone interview. “I really believe this is the way the region needs to go, and my hat is off to the governor for getting this going.” Noting that both of those quotes are from 2017, a quick Google search for more recent information found only this neutral comment from her as well as information on how to submit comments:
http://nancyfloreen.blogspot.com/2018/07/i-495-and-i-270-managed-lanes-study.html
Last night I attended the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Workshop for the I-495 and I-270 Managed Lanes Study. MDOT provided an update on the study status and proposed schedule. We received an overview of the study's Purpose and Need and the range of alternatives under consideration. We also participated in small working groups with MDOT technical staff so residents could provide comments and ask questions.
Your voice counts and MDOT wants your feedback. If you couldn't attend one of the workshops you can still provide your comments. You can visit the program website to participate in a virtual workshop or, here's a list of other ways to stay informed:
• Contact the study team via email at
495-270-P3@...
• Call the study team toll free at 833-858-5960
• Sign up for email notifications on the
website at www.495-270-p3.com
• Read the Study Newsletter
• Submit a comment by mail to:
Maryland Department of Transportation
State Highway Administration
I-495 & I-270 P3 Office
707 North Calvert Street, Mail Stop P-601
Baltimore, MD 21202
Attorney General: Don't think candidates have taken a position on this. Brian Frosh as a state senator opposed the Beltway widening when it was last proposed.