EVP Report: Planning Board holds draft hearing regarding future of M-83

M-83 Update –The Montgomery County Planning Board held a draft hearing on Thursday, Feb. 13 to discuss findings and recommendations regarding the future of Midcounty Highway Extended (M-83). The main focus of the discussion was removal or
retainment of M-83 in the Master Plan of Highways and Transitways (MPOHT), as the Planning Board was also recommending a Technical Update to the plan.

The staff report presented at the meeting recommended removing the northern extension of M-83 (from Montgomery Village to Clarksburg) and retaining the southern extension. The Planning Board felt that retaining the northern extension provided false hope for
upcounty residents and prevented the ability to find real transportation solutions in this area. The Planning Board voted 3 – 1 to recommend this proposal to the County Council; the council will make the decision to accept or reject this recommendation later this
year.

Wightman Road Culvert Update – In January 2022, the Montgomery Village Foundation (MVF) Board of Directors authorized the Executive Vice President (EVP) to enter into a Letter of Agreement and execute any other necessary documents with Montgomery County and the State Highway Administration to perform a culvert replacement project along Wightman Road, near the Goshen Road intersection. The county is moving forward with this project and has determined that prescriptive and perpetual easements for the area through MVF property are necessary. After an appraisal of the affected area, the county has offered a de minimis amount for the disturbance in the area, which has been accepted to advance the project. A project timeline is not yet available, but will be released to the public once obtained.

The culvert replacement project will improve the drainage issues at this location along Wightman Road. During the project, the sidewalk will be closed in that area, and one RideOn Bus Stop will be moved approximately 100 yards to the next available stop. Information will be posted online when the project begins.

New 6^th District Commander – Montgomery County 6^th District Police (MCPD) Commander Eric Stancliff will be taking a new position with MCPD, and moving on from the 6^th District. His replacement has been named as the current 1^st District Commander, Brian
Dillman. We thank Commander Stancliff for his hard work and dedication to Montgomery Village residents and look forward to working with Commander Dillman in the same capacity. Commander Stancliff has a deep understanding of the 6^th District and worked
with his staff to address and reduce crimes in the community. Best wishes on your new endeavor, Commander Stancliff, and welcome, Commander Dillman!