Residents of Wheaton Woods are invited to participate in a community meeting aimed at enhancing safety around their local elementary school. Set for Wednesday, January 15, at 7 p.m., the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will host the meeting at the All Purpose Room of Wheaton Woods Elementary School, located at 4510 Faroe Place, Rockville.
The focal point of the gathering will be the presentation of safety improvement concept designs for four key intersections nearby. Specifically, these locations include Faroe Place at Evanston Street, Faroe Place at Freeland Road, Faroe Place at Parkland Drive, and Grenoble Drive at Parkland Drive. The goal of this initiative is to engage with the community and collect feedback on the proposed plans, ensuring they meet the needs of local residents.
According to MCDOT, "On Wednesday, Jan. 15, at 7 p.m., the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) will hold an in-person meeting to present the concept design for safety improvements at four different locations near Wheaton Woods Elementary School." This effort is part of MCDOT's broader commitment to enhancing safety around schools through its Safe Routes to School program.
During the meeting, attendees are strongly encouraged to share their input and suggest any additional changes they think would benefit the community and its children. MCDOT emphasizes the importance of resident involvement, as their insights could shape the final proposals and implementation plans. Registration for the meeting is not required, allowing for greater accessibility for all interested community members.
For residents wishing to review the concept plans prior to the meeting, they are encouraged to visit the project website, where the details are available for public access. This will provide attendees with the necessary background to engage meaningfully during the discussion.
Those who cannot attend the meeting can still provide their feedback. Written comments are welcomed and can be submitted via email at [email protected] or by phone at 240-777-2192. The deadline for written input is February 14, ensuring ample time for contributions even after the meeting has concluded. It’s important to note, MCDOT has stated, “Written feedback will carry the same weight as oral testimony,” highlighting their commitment to considering all forms of community input equally.
The community meeting is not solely focused on improvements at the intersections but also emphasizes MCDOT's dedication to ensuring the path from home to school is safe for children. The initiative is part of the Walkshed Safety Studies currently being undertaken across Montgomery County, which aim to identify and rectify safety concerns for pedestrian routes surrounding schools.
Interpreter services will also be available upon request, which is aimed at making the meeting inclusive for non-English speaking residents. To utilize this service, community members must provide five business days’ notice, allowing MCDOT to accommodate their needs effectively.
For those interested, more information on MCDOT’s Safe Routes to School program can be found on their official website. This program not only addresses safety but endeavors to promote walking and biking as viable transportation options for school-aged children, contributing to healthier lifestyles and reduced traffic congestion during school drop-off and pick-up times.
The Wheaton Woods Elementary School community meeting stands as a proactive approach to addressing safety concerns and fostering collaboration between local authorities and residents. Engaging parents, guardians, and community members is seen as a cornerstone of successful public safety initiatives, demonstrating MCDOT’s commitment to creating safer environments for the county’s youngest residents.
Residents are encouraged to attend, participate actively, and make their voices heard on January 15. Collectively, they can shape the safety and accessibility of their neighborhood for generations to come.
