SILVER SPRING CITIZENS ADVISORY BOARD ANNUAL REPORT June 11, 2011
The Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board had a tremendously successful year. During the 2011-2012 year we consolidated our meetings dates into one night while also experiencing the greatest level of citizen participation in these committee meetings. The decision to reorganize the committee meetings may have been the result of a time management analysis, but the increased public participation at these meetings was the direct result of collaboration among board members and committees, and the discussion of more engaging content. The Neighborhoods Committee’s focused its close attention issues of youth crime and employment. Specific accomplishments include: •
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Organized community meetings on the proposed teen curfew legislation. Guests including the police, Safe Silver Spring, ACLU, local businesses, youth and other concerned residents. Facilitated meetings dedicated to after school programs offered by Montgomery County Public Schools and non-profit organizations serving at risk youth. The Committee and Impact Silver Spring co-hosted several networking events to promote neighborhood-based youth employment and volunteer opportunities. Gathered with various communities learn about their concerns, including leaders of Takoma Park’s neighborhood and tenant associations, senior citizen organizations and eco-businesses.
The Commercial and Economic Development Committee continued its focus on small businesses: • Celebrated the 2nd Annual Taste the World in Fenton Village, with over 30 participating businesses and 15 sponsors. • Organized a meeting titled: “The International Corridor: Portrait of a Threatened Small Business Community – How the Purple Line Can Break or Build a Neighborhood.” • Supported the re-use of the MCPD sub-station on Sligo Avenue into artist studios. Transportation and Pedestrian Safety Committee • Organized meeting with residents, businesses and houses of worship of South Silver Spring with the Parking Department to discuss the use of the Kennett Street Garage. • Advocated against the redesign of sidewalks along Georgia Avenue. • Supported continued pedestrian improvements for the streets surrounding the future Silver Spring Library. The Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board remains committed to education and advocacy for the Silver Spring community. With the infusion of new board members for the 2012-2013 year, we are confident that we will build upon momentum we created this year.