| Page 2 of 3 < > |
Team Duncan Turns Up Heat On Planning Board Chief
Montrose Rd. Extension Starts
Council member Nancy Floreen (D-At Large) didn't mind showing her support this week for the controversial extension of Montrose Road, even saying she's happy about the appearance of bulldozers.
On Monday, Floreen joined Duncan in North Bethesda to officially start construction of Montrose Parkway West, a 1.8-mile highway project to connect Interstate 270 with "old" Old Georgetown Road.
Duncan heralded the project as proof that the End Gridlock slate on the County Council he helped elect in 2002 is following through on its promise to build more roads.
Some environmentalists and North Bethesda residents have been critical of the Montrose Road project, saying it will harm the environment -- including wetlands and Old Farm Creek -- while doing little to ease traffic congestion. Two dozen opponents protested at Duncan's announcement on Monday.
But Floreen, the only council member appearing with Duncan at the groundbreaking, made it clear she believes the highway must go forward.
"Seeing the plan go from the master plan to the bulldozer makes my day," Floreen said in a speech.
One of the protesters then yelled, "Do you like seeing trees come down?"
Floreen appeared unfazed and continued her prepared remarks.
Felton to Run for Council
Reggie Felton , who served on the county school board from 1994 and 2004, has announced his candidacy for an at-large seat on the County Council.
Felton, a Democrat, was the first African American to serve as school board president. The County Council does not have any black members.
Felton's campaign platform includes expanding early childhood and adult education, boosting public safety and addressing residents' concerns about traffic congestion and the lack of affordable housing.
"We have a great community, but we must do more to preserve the character and commitment that we have traditionally had to all citizens," said Felton, a Capitol Hill lobbyist for the National School Boards Association. "I am concerned that as we grow we are forgetting that it is the people who make our county a great place to live."
