Posts by Cavan Wilk — Guest Contributor
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Pedestrian safety should be paramount at construction sites
While an enclosed walkway on Marinelli Road between the White Flint Metro and its parking garage was meant to shield pedestrians from an adjacent construction site, it has actually made conditions less safe. The walkway does its job during rush hour, but it creates an unneeded dark alley for people coming home after dinner. Last weekend, I had dinner with a friend of… Keep reading…
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A talk with Maryland Delegate Ana Sol Gutierrez
Ana Sol Gutierrez is the senior incumbent in the Maryland House of Delegates representing District 18. I recently had the opportunity to sit down with her to discuss some of the issues important to her. Ana lives in Chevy Chase and is a chemist and a computer systems engineer. She was first elected to the Maryland House of Delegates in 2002 and is currently running for reelection… Keep reading…
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Wall in White Flint endangers pedestrians
Outside the White Flint Metro station, a stone wall has been erected to force pedestrians to cross Marinelli Road at the intersection of Rockville Pike. While this barrier prevents pedestrians from crossing outside of the crosswalk, it also creates new dangers. Improving pedestrian conditions here is especially important because White Flint lacks a bus loop. Among Montgomery… Keep reading…
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Status quo wastes Montgomery’s Glenmont Metro investment
Recently, the Gazette discussed the future of the Glenmont Shopping Center. This site serves as a golden opportunity for a White Flint-style suburban-to-urban retrofit. Such a move towards environmental and economic sustainability would just be plain Smart. As the article alludes, the shopping center is currently underutilized. It has acres of seldom-used… Keep reading…
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The Transit Trust Fund: a 21st century solution
Cities and towns all over the United States are demanding more transit infrastructure. But a lack of funding has stymied transit expansion. Finding a solution to this problem is essential. Since its invention the mid-19th century, transit has been a powerful economic development tool. Some of our most celebrated cities grew up around their rail systems: the New York… Keep reading…
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Veterans’ Plaza in Silver Spring worthy of The Turf’s legacy
Last week, I had a chance to walk around Veterans’ Plaza, the new small urban park that replaced The Turf at the corner of Ellsworth Drive and Fenton Street in downtown Silver Spring. I saw an array of benches, trees, unprogrammed space, and an amphitheater. Because of its simple layout and effective amenities, it will be even more successful than its celebrated… Keep reading…
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MD Delegate candidate Chris Stoughton (D-20) discusses campaign finance, smart growth, and clean energy
Chris Stoughton is a candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates, District 20, which includes downtown Silver Spring and Takoma Park. Chris lives in Silver Spring. He says he was motivated to run in the District 20 delegate primary because of his belief that the district needs a different voice for innovation in the General Assembly. His sentiments have been bolstered… Keep reading…
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3 questions with Md. delegate candidate Dana Beyer
Dana Beyer is a candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates, District 18, which includes Wheaton, Kensington, Chevy Chase, and Woodside (west Silver Spring). Dana lives in Chevy Chase and has spent much of her career as a medical doctor. She has also long served as a Senior Assistant to Montgomery County Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg (D-At Large). On her website,… Keep reading…
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How to make a successful urban park
This Saturday, June 12, organizers will be showing the U.S.-England World Cup game at 2:30pm in Dupont Circle. Dupont Circle is an ideal location for a locally-oriented public gathering because it’s our region’s most celebrated small urban park. While most Washingtonians recognize Dupont Circle as a celebrated park, its current venerated status is… Keep reading…
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3 questions with Md. delegate candidate Vanessa Atterbeary
Vanessa Atterbeary is a candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates, District 18, which includes Wheaton, Kensington, Chevy Chase, and Woodside (west Silver Spring). Vanessa lives in Silver Spring (not downtown), and works as a lawyer. In private conversations with Vanessa, she expressed her support for the Purple Line in addition to Smart Growth initiatives in District… Keep reading…