News and information for the people of Rollingwood, Chevy Chase.
If you have not yet had an opportunity to renew your RCA membership, please consider doing so. Your support helps with RCA programming, special events, neighborhood communications, public safety initiatives, and community-building activities. Annual dues are only $40 per year. Please click here to renew online. Also, please look for our upcoming membership renewal mailing. Thank you!
RCA is excited to announce the launch of our RollingwoodRCA listserv. We hope to make this an active and robust forum for neighborhood communication and information sharing.
To join, please email rollingwoodRCAlistserv@gmail.com with your name and address.
Please Join Us!
1. This Sunday, March 10th at 4:00 pm, the Chevy Chase Historical Society (CCHS) is hosting an illustrated talk by Kim Prothro Williams on “The Lost Farms and Estates of Washington” at the Chevy Chase Village Hall, 5906 Connecticut Avenue. The lecture is free and open to all. Please scroll down to see our post about CCHS and their recent request for Rollingwood residents to contribute to their rich archives of Chevy Chase history!
2. Back by popular demand, our third annual Rollingwood Happy Hour will be held on Sunday, April 7th from 5-8 at Le Bar at La Ferme restaurant! All are invited. Meet new neighbors and catch up with old friends. Appetizers provided. Cash bar. Kindly RSVP to Molly Mullally at jmandmolly@gmail.com No children please.
3. Please join us for the 11th Annual Rock Creek Conservancy Extreme Cleanup on April 13th from 9:00am-12:00pm. Get to know your neighbors as we help clean up the park so near and dear to us. We will meet at the Meadowbrook Maintenance Facility at 9:00am. Waterproof boots and garden gloves are recommended. We will provide trash bags.
County Legislation will Expand Rental Apartments and Co-Located Houses in Suburban Communities
The Montgomery County Council is considering legislation that would significantly relax existing standards governing “accessory dwelling units” (ADU) – apartments inside single family homes and separate houses built on lots with existing homes. This legislation could have significant impacts on Rollingwood and similar suburban neighborhoods. The County Council is currently soliciting feedback on this bill. The RCA board is also interested in your thoughts to help inform any action the association may take on this legislation.
Current standards address ADU size, the relative proximity of ADUs, and parking availability. They are intended to permit ADUs while balancing neighborhood impacts.
Councilmember Hans Riemer introduced the new legislation, expressing concern that “the County’s rules treat this housing type as a nuisance to be avoided rather than a resource to be welcomed.” As an example, Councilmember Riemer points to a requirement that a second house may only be built on one-acre lots or bigger. He believes standards should be relaxed in order to provide more affordable housing, rental income for people who would not otherwise be able to afford buying a home, and housing options for family members. Councilmember Riemer also states that his bill includes community protections such as requirements that a combined structure cannot be larger than what is already allowed for a single family house. It cannot be used for short-term rentals (ie, Airbnb). And the property must be owner occupied.
County Executive Marc Elrich recently expressed opposition to the legislation. Noting that the existing rules just became effective at the end of October 2018, Mr. Elrich stated that the legislation “. . . does more than tweak the standards. It would eliminate the parking and distance separation standards, increase the allowable size of the units, and allow detached ADUs in the county’s smallest lot zones . . .” Mr. Elrich notes that, “. . . the current standards were adopted because many single-family neighborhoods have narrow streets, shared driveways, congested on-street parking conditions, and overcrowded schools.” Expressing concern for unintended consequences, Mr. Elrich notes “. . . additional density in our suburban areas will lead to more car-dependent housing – more traffic on already overcrowded roads.”
While RCA has not taken a position on the legislation, it is important for residents to understand this proposal. The County Council held a public hearing on the legislation on February 26th. The legislation is still being considered in committee, which may be followed by a vote of the full County Council. More comprehensive details of the proposed legislation can be found at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/council/Resources/Files/agenda/col/2019/20190115/20190115_4A.pdf. If you wish to express your thoughts on this matter, email sent to this address is distributed to each member of the council: county.council@montgomerycountymd.gov. The RCA board would also be interested in hearing your views to help inform any action the association may take on this legislation. Your reply to this message will be shared with the board.
This Sunday, March 10th, at 4:00 pm, the Chevy Chase Historical Society (CCHS) will host an illustrated talk by Kim Prothro Williams on “The Lost Farms and Estates of Washington”. The lecture is free and open to all. Rollingwood residents are especially invited to attend and learn more about CCHS and their programs.
CCHS was organized in 1981, and since then has collected, recorded and shared materials relating to the history of Chevy Chase. The nonprofit volunteer organization provides resources for historical research and offers lectures, programs and newsletters to foster knowledge and appreciation of the community’s history.
For the first time, CCHS is reaching out to Rollingwood residents seeking donations of any historical documents, photos or memorabilia relating to Chevy Chase. These donations would be added to the CCHS’s Archive and Research Center, a resource for scholars, students and residents located at 8401 Connecticut Avenue. This rich collection includes: photographs; maps; architectural drawings; documents, including diaries, letters and postcards; oral history interviews; house histories and resources to help citizens conduct their own house histories; books; DVDs and exhibits. To offer donations, search collections, or become a member, please visit http://chevychasehistory.org.
On Monday, 10/01/18 at 4:30 PM Read to a Dog: Chevy Chase Library is partnering with P.A.L.s (People Animals Love) to provide a read to a dog program on the first Monday of every month! Young readers will be able to share stories with a furry friend. Dogs will never judge or correct them, which allows them to really improve their reading skills. Drop in.
On Tuesday, 10/02, 9 16, 22 and 30 at 10:30 AM English Conversation Group: Every Tuesday from 10:30 am to 12 Noon. Open to all non-native English speakers interested in practicing English in a friendly, informal and fun setting. Join us! For more information, please call 240-773-9590. Free. No reservations needed.
On Tuesday, 10/02, 9 and 16 at 10:30 AM Toddler Storytime: ** NOTE: ** We will be handing out tickets at the Information Desk 30 minutes before storytime– starting at 10:00 AM– first come, first served. Space is limited. Get up and get moving at storytime! These 20-30 minute programs are full of a diverse collection of books, songs and fun activities. They are designed to introduce your child to the culture of reading and help develop your child’s language skills. Children are encouraged to engage with the stories and activities, and their grownups to participate in the program along with the children. NEW! Free-play time after storytime for 30 minutes, from 11:00-11:30 AM. No tickets needed for free-play time. Read More
Come Join the Fun!
Rollingwood Citizen’s Association is hosting our 8th Annual Potluck Picnic on September 23rd from 4-8pm. The picnic will be held at Candy Cane Pavilion at Meadowbrook Park. There will be food, friendly neighbors and fun!
Families with the last name beginning with:
A-F: Main Courses
G-R: Sides and Salads
S-Z: Desserts
Bring your favorite beverage, folding chairs and tables (if you have them)
For more information contact Phil Sturm psturmrltr@aol.com or 301-213-3528 (c)
Below you will find the link to sign up to bring an appetizer, main course or dessert!
