Traffic

Traffic concerns are the most common issue raised by residents throughout the U.S. As unique as Takoma Park is, we share this concern. Within the city Takoma Junction is indisputably at or near the top of traffic problem areas. I am truly thankful that we are finally addressing the many roadway and traffic challenges at …

Racial Equity

I am truly happy to hear the growing attention that racial equity concerns receive in the media and the increasing number of people who are stepping forward to find ways to address disparity and institutionalized racism, and thereby improve our communities. I’m admittedly not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but throughout my 18 years …

Speedbumps Were Hard

Years ago, I remember one of the more difficult topics the City Council faced was speedbumps. Plans for speedbumps were developed over many council meetings, with lengthy discussions and numerous community comments. The speedbumps for installation on Maple Avenue from Carroll Street to Philadelphia Avenue probably raised the most discussion. As you might expect, passion …

Open Letter to the Co-op and NDC

It is reassuring to hear that you are working together in mediation to resolve any development plan issues. I truly hope that you both reach an agreement that is mutually beneficial to your companies and the community. Please approach this opportunity as a fresh start. Shortly after this project started, there was a suggestion that …

What is Reasonable?

You and I know what’s reasonable, just hope that nobody asks us to define it. The Council gave guidance to NDC, the selected Takoma Junction developer, that reasonable accommodation should be given the Co-op for continuing operations of their business. To the outsider, this may in itself seem strange. Here’s a little history. When the …

Save the Co-op

The TPSS Co-op is an important part of the City’s brand. When people think of Takoma Park, they mention, among other things, the Nuclear Free Zone, the Folk Festival, the Co-op and Roscoe the Rooster. It swings the other way, too. For example, if you mention the Co-op, people think of Takoma Park and usually …

Oppose Corporate Interests

A growing theme during City Council meeting public comments is concern that the Council is placing corporate interests above community. The planned Takoma Junction development project is the catalyst for these comments. As a Council member who is now threatened by a recall petition, I feel it is prudent to review my role on this …

Recall Terry Seamens

At Wednesday night’s City Council meeting, a Co-op supporter opposed to the Takoma Junction development plans notified the Council that a group is circulating a recall petition for six of the seven Councilmembers. Yours truly was among those in the crosshairs. A recall requires the signature of 20 percent of the qualified voters of a …

An Open Letter to Rachel Hardwick, President, TPSS Co-op Board of Representatives

Rachel, I am writing to ask if the TPSS Co-op is truly entering mediation with the goal of reaching agreement with NDC on details that will allow the Takoma Junction Development to move forward. I am asking because, despite what you have said in public meetings, I continue to fear that the Co-op Board's true …