City Council

CITY OF TAKOMA PARK, MARYLAND CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING Monday, June 14, 2021 MINUTES Minutes adopted November 3, 2021 CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Stewart, Councilmember Dyballa, Councilmember Kostiuk, Councilmember Seamens, Councilmember Searcy Absent: Councilmember Kovar, Councilmember Smith Also Present: City Manager Ludlow, Deputy City Manager Jessica Clarke, Housing and Community Development Manager Rosalind Grigsby, Division Chief of Downcounty Planning Elza Hisel-McCoy, Master Plan Supervisor Leslye Howerton, Lead Planner John Marcolin, Outreach Lead Melissa Williams The City Council convened at 6:30 PM via Zoom. PRESENTATION AND WORK SESSION 1. Proposed Boundaries for the Minor Master Plan Housing and Community Development Manager Grigsby introduced the Montgomery Planning team. Lead Planner John Marcolin gave presentation overviewing the Takoma Park Minor Master Plan Amendment Planning Process and highlighted the schedule and scope of work (attached). Outreach Lead Melissa Williams explained that she will be leading a four-phase Community Engagement process. Mayor Stewart asked why the boundaries of the Minor Master Plan were drawn to include Opal Daniels Park and other sites. Division Chief of Downcounty Planning Elza Hisel-McCoy responded that these additions were the result of working with City staff. Councilmember Seamens asked for clarification on what objective the minor master plan is trying to accomplish. City Manager Ludlow responded. Mr. Seamens asked about transportation planning for residents in the densely populated areas. Master Plan Supervisor Leslye Howerton explained that all modes of transportation will be Page 1 of 2 analyzed as part of the process. Councilmember Dyballa expressed confusion over why parks were included in zoning proposal, specifically Opal Daniels Park. She also asked the Montgomery Planning team if they were collecting the opinions of residents living near the proposed boundary on the plan. She was assured that residents near the boundary area are part of the process. Councilmember Kostiuk asked about whether transportation networks located outside the designated area were included in Montgomery Planning’s study analysis. A member of the MP team responded yes. Councilmember Kostiuk asked about the equity repercussions of the plan as well as what would be the advantages and disadvantages of including more attainable housing properties within the boundary. Councilmember Searcy asked about the zoning of a commercial strip that is not currently located within the proposed boundary. She also commented on how the plan impacts the connectivity of residents. Councilmember Searcy asked if outreach to Washington Adventist stakeholders would be conducted. Mr. Hisel-McCoy and Ms. Williams confirmed that this would be done. ADJOURN The City Council adjourned for the evening at approximately 7:40 p.m. Page 2 of 2