All:
Please plan to attend the annual neighborhood meeting for SGSTA, at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 11, at #7519.
Items to be discussed include the 2007 budget; election of officers, if needed; an update on the ICC issue; and any other neighborhood business.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
ICC: Response from the state
[Note: I received the following email today from Alvis Dickerson, our contact with the state of Maryland highway administration regarding the ICC offer for our property. Please contact me (awitze@gmail.com) for any of the attachments. Thanks.]
Responses to questions from the Shady Grove Station Townhouse Association
Comment: Please survey and stake the portion of our property that the State plans to take for the ICC. How soon can we expect the State to do this? None of us are able to decipher the maps and get a concrete sense of exactly which portion of our property the State would like to purchase.
Response: Your reality specialist can request SHA survey crews to stake out the required Right of Way for you.
Comments: Please provide us with all information that the State has on the vertical profile and appearance of the proposed ICC from existing I-370 to Redland Road, particularly the portion that passes closest to our community. Please provide us with clear graphic depictions, numerical data on the ICC's elevation and location relative to our homes and land, and all other relevant information.
Response: A copy of the proposed profile in this vicinity as well as detailed cross sections have been attached. Note that these represent what is anticipated, but since this is a Design – Build project, some adjustments are possible.
Comment: Does the State plan to provide noise barriers along the ICC between existing I-370 and Redland Road ? If so, where exactly would they be located, how high would they be, and what would they look like? What cumulative noise levels does the State predict our community would experience if the ICC is built? By cumulative we mean the noise from traffic on the ICC, on the I-370 spur, on Shady Grove Road, and from other sources. If the State does plan to build noise barriers along this stretch of the ICC, by how many decibels does the State predict these barriers would reduce predicted noise levels in our community? If the State does not intend to provide noise barriers along this stretch of the ICC, why not?
Response: Noise Barriers are warranted for this area. Since this is a Design – Build project, it is up to the Design – Builder to design and build the noise barriers, so exact heights and appearances of the barriers are not known at this time. The Design – Builder is required to meet with each of the impacted communities to discuss the design of the noise barriers where they are warranted. A copy of the noise technical report has been attached, which shows the anticipated cumulative noise at the receptors with and without the proposed noise barrier.
Comment: How would the ICC's construction affect traffic flow on Shady Grove Road between Route 355 and Midcounty Highway, and on other local roads?
Response: The Design-Builder shall be allowed to access the ICC ROW from Shady Grove Road, so there will be some disruption of normal traffic on Shady Grove Road. However, the Design-Builder shall be required to coordinate all construction traffic impacts with the Community Outreach Manager and the Administration as outlined in Design Requirement 3.2 (attached). The Design-Builder shall not be allowed to access the ICC ROW from other local roads in this vicinity. However, the Design-Builder shall be allowed to reconstruct Redland Road from the Redland Road Right-of-Way.
Comment: How does the State plan to gain access to this stretch of the ICC during construction? Would crews access the site through the cul-de-sac at the end of Berclair Terrace? If so, what impact would that have on our community members driving into Weatherby Drive or using the cul-de-sac of Berclair Terrace for parking, as many of us do?
Response: The Design-Builder will access the ICC ROW through Shady Grove Road and MD 115. The Design-Builder will not be allowed to access the ICC ROW through the community.
Comment: When does the State plan to begin construction of the ICC along the stretch that would pass through our community? How long will this construction last? Please provide the State's best estimate on the levels of (a) noise; (b) dust and dirt; and (c) air pollution during construction, including the projected length of exposure for each.
Response: The Notice to Proceed for Contract A is currently set for March 2007. The anticipated completion for Contract A is sometime in 2010. During this time period various types of construction may take place such as: grading, noise wall construction, roadway construction, landscaping, etc. The construction noise must not exceed the construction noise limits outlined in the Design Requirements 3.8 (attached). The measures to reduce the dust and air pollution are listed in Design Requirements 3.5 (attached).
Comment: What impact would air pollution from vehicles on the ICC and other roads, and from other sources, have on residents of our community? Has the State modeled the pollution levels that would occur? Has it assessed the potential impacts on our health?
Response: The ICC, which is a managed facility, will tend to reduce congestion and vehicle delays within the study area, thereby improve traffic flow. In general, air quality is improved as traffic congestion and delays are reduced. As required by the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (CAAA90), a local air quality analysis was prepared for the ICC study area in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) guidelines. For the local air quality analysis, impacts due to Carbon Monoxide (CO) were analyzed. CO is used for the local air quality analysis because it is inert. The calculated CO concentrations are compared to the State and National Ambient Air Quality Standards (S/NAAQS). These standards are set by EPA, based on the requirements of the Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA90), to protect public health, including the health of "sensitive" populations such as asthmatics, children, and the elderly. If the calculated CO concentrations exceed these standards, a "violation" is determined to exist. The local CO air quality analysis for the ICC shows that there are no violations of the S/NAAQS, and therefore, the ICC will meet the requirements of CAA90 which protects public health, including the health of "sensitive" populations such as asthmatics, children, and the elderly.
In addition, the Washington (DC-MD-VA) region was designated a non-attainment area for PM2.5 (fine particulate matter - soot & diesel engine smoke) on January 5, 2005 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and, therefore, an analysis of the amount of fine particulate matter produced by the ICC was performed. Based on this analysis, it was determined that the ICC project conformed to the fine particulate matter requirements of the Clean Air Act, and that the proposed ICC project will not cause or contribute to a new violation of the PM2.5 NAAQS, or increase the frequency or severity of an existing violation
Finally, on February 3, 2006 FHWA issued "Interim Guidance on Air Toxic Analysis in NEPA Documents". Air toxics are pollutants which although not currently regulated, could cause adverse health effects. A Mobile Source Air Toxics (MSAT) analysis was completed with the assistance of EPA and FHWA and is consistent with the above guidance. In general, the MSAT analysis demonstrates that over time the amount of MSATs will decrease substantially from current levels as vehicle emissions controls devices improve.
Comment: If the State plans to light the ICC throughout the night, what impact would that lighting have on our community?
Response: The mainline of the ICC would not be lighted. Only the interchanges, Gateway Overpass Bridges, and some underpasses will require new lighting as outlined in Design Requirement 13.0 (attached).
Comment: The State's valuation of the land that it plans to purchase from our homeowner's association appears not to take into account the drop in property values that would almost certainly occur if the ICC is built so proximate to homes and our neighborhood. If the valuation does not include this impact on our property values, why not? If it does, please explain how.
Response: An appraisal is inherently subjective and represents only one estimate of a property’s Market Value. The forecasts and projections contained herein are based on current market conditions, anticipated short-term supply and demand factors and a continued stable economy. These forecasts are, therefore, subject to changes with future conditions, as is the value conclusion.
Responses to questions from the Shady Grove Station Townhouse Association
Comment: Please survey and stake the portion of our property that the State plans to take for the ICC. How soon can we expect the State to do this? None of us are able to decipher the maps and get a concrete sense of exactly which portion of our property the State would like to purchase.
Response: Your reality specialist can request SHA survey crews to stake out the required Right of Way for you.
Comments: Please provide us with all information that the State has on the vertical profile and appearance of the proposed ICC from existing I-370 to Redland Road, particularly the portion that passes closest to our community. Please provide us with clear graphic depictions, numerical data on the ICC's elevation and location relative to our homes and land, and all other relevant information.
Response: A copy of the proposed profile in this vicinity as well as detailed cross sections have been attached. Note that these represent what is anticipated, but since this is a Design – Build project, some adjustments are possible.
Comment: Does the State plan to provide noise barriers along the ICC between existing I-370 and Redland Road ? If so, where exactly would they be located, how high would they be, and what would they look like? What cumulative noise levels does the State predict our community would experience if the ICC is built? By cumulative we mean the noise from traffic on the ICC, on the I-370 spur, on Shady Grove Road, and from other sources. If the State does plan to build noise barriers along this stretch of the ICC, by how many decibels does the State predict these barriers would reduce predicted noise levels in our community? If the State does not intend to provide noise barriers along this stretch of the ICC, why not?
Response: Noise Barriers are warranted for this area. Since this is a Design – Build project, it is up to the Design – Builder to design and build the noise barriers, so exact heights and appearances of the barriers are not known at this time. The Design – Builder is required to meet with each of the impacted communities to discuss the design of the noise barriers where they are warranted. A copy of the noise technical report has been attached, which shows the anticipated cumulative noise at the receptors with and without the proposed noise barrier.
Comment: How would the ICC's construction affect traffic flow on Shady Grove Road between Route 355 and Midcounty Highway, and on other local roads?
Response: The Design-Builder shall be allowed to access the ICC ROW from Shady Grove Road, so there will be some disruption of normal traffic on Shady Grove Road. However, the Design-Builder shall be required to coordinate all construction traffic impacts with the Community Outreach Manager and the Administration as outlined in Design Requirement 3.2 (attached). The Design-Builder shall not be allowed to access the ICC ROW from other local roads in this vicinity. However, the Design-Builder shall be allowed to reconstruct Redland Road from the Redland Road Right-of-Way.
Comment: How does the State plan to gain access to this stretch of the ICC during construction? Would crews access the site through the cul-de-sac at the end of Berclair Terrace? If so, what impact would that have on our community members driving into Weatherby Drive or using the cul-de-sac of Berclair Terrace for parking, as many of us do?
Response: The Design-Builder will access the ICC ROW through Shady Grove Road and MD 115. The Design-Builder will not be allowed to access the ICC ROW through the community.
Comment: When does the State plan to begin construction of the ICC along the stretch that would pass through our community? How long will this construction last? Please provide the State's best estimate on the levels of (a) noise; (b) dust and dirt; and (c) air pollution during construction, including the projected length of exposure for each.
Response: The Notice to Proceed for Contract A is currently set for March 2007. The anticipated completion for Contract A is sometime in 2010. During this time period various types of construction may take place such as: grading, noise wall construction, roadway construction, landscaping, etc. The construction noise must not exceed the construction noise limits outlined in the Design Requirements 3.8 (attached). The measures to reduce the dust and air pollution are listed in Design Requirements 3.5 (attached).
Comment: What impact would air pollution from vehicles on the ICC and other roads, and from other sources, have on residents of our community? Has the State modeled the pollution levels that would occur? Has it assessed the potential impacts on our health?
Response: The ICC, which is a managed facility, will tend to reduce congestion and vehicle delays within the study area, thereby improve traffic flow. In general, air quality is improved as traffic congestion and delays are reduced. As required by the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (CAAA90), a local air quality analysis was prepared for the ICC study area in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) guidelines. For the local air quality analysis, impacts due to Carbon Monoxide (CO) were analyzed. CO is used for the local air quality analysis because it is inert. The calculated CO concentrations are compared to the State and National Ambient Air Quality Standards (S/NAAQS). These standards are set by EPA, based on the requirements of the Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA90), to protect public health, including the health of "sensitive" populations such as asthmatics, children, and the elderly. If the calculated CO concentrations exceed these standards, a "violation" is determined to exist. The local CO air quality analysis for the ICC shows that there are no violations of the S/NAAQS, and therefore, the ICC will meet the requirements of CAA90 which protects public health, including the health of "sensitive" populations such as asthmatics, children, and the elderly.
In addition, the Washington (DC-MD-VA) region was designated a non-attainment area for PM2.5 (fine particulate matter - soot & diesel engine smoke) on January 5, 2005 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and, therefore, an analysis of the amount of fine particulate matter produced by the ICC was performed. Based on this analysis, it was determined that the ICC project conformed to the fine particulate matter requirements of the Clean Air Act, and that the proposed ICC project will not cause or contribute to a new violation of the PM2.5 NAAQS, or increase the frequency or severity of an existing violation
Finally, on February 3, 2006 FHWA issued "Interim Guidance on Air Toxic Analysis in NEPA Documents". Air toxics are pollutants which although not currently regulated, could cause adverse health effects. A Mobile Source Air Toxics (MSAT) analysis was completed with the assistance of EPA and FHWA and is consistent with the above guidance. In general, the MSAT analysis demonstrates that over time the amount of MSATs will decrease substantially from current levels as vehicle emissions controls devices improve.
Comment: If the State plans to light the ICC throughout the night, what impact would that lighting have on our community?
Response: The mainline of the ICC would not be lighted. Only the interchanges, Gateway Overpass Bridges, and some underpasses will require new lighting as outlined in Design Requirement 13.0 (attached).
Comment: The State's valuation of the land that it plans to purchase from our homeowner's association appears not to take into account the drop in property values that would almost certainly occur if the ICC is built so proximate to homes and our neighborhood. If the valuation does not include this impact on our property values, why not? If it does, please explain how.
Response: An appraisal is inherently subjective and represents only one estimate of a property’s Market Value. The forecasts and projections contained herein are based on current market conditions, anticipated short-term supply and demand factors and a continued stable economy. These forecasts are, therefore, subject to changes with future conditions, as is the value conclusion.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Jan. 25 meeting regarding transportation in Montgomery County
Thursday -- January 25
Montgomery County Council Holds an Important Town Hall Meeting on Transportation Priorities
Please Mark Your Calendar!
Time: 7:30 pm
Place: Montgomery County Council Office Building
100 Maryland Avenue
Rockville
(a ten-minute walk west of the Rockville Metro station)
Recommended Actions
1. Please sign up to testify. To register, call Delphine Harriston as soon as possible.
Ms. Harriston's number is: (240) 777-7931
It's fine to leave a message. Ms. Harriston is very reliable at returning calls.
2. Please urge family, friends and colleagues to attend and testify.
3. If the speakers' roster is full, please ask Council President Marilyn Praisner to schedule an additional hearing/town hall.
Montgomery County Council Holds an Important Town Hall Meeting on Transportation Priorities
Please Mark Your Calendar!
Time: 7:30 pm
Place: Montgomery County Council Office Building
100 Maryland Avenue
Rockville
(a ten-minute walk west of the Rockville Metro station)
Recommended Actions
1. Please sign up to testify. To register, call Delphine Harriston as soon as possible.
Ms. Harriston's number is: (240) 777-7931
It's fine to leave a message. Ms. Harriston is very reliable at returning calls.
2. Please urge family, friends and colleagues to attend and testify.
3. If the speakers' roster is full, please ask Council President Marilyn Praisner to schedule an additional hearing/town hall.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
ICC: Area in question has been staked
Thanks to Terry Smith for pointing out that the area slated for seizure for the ICC has been marked by stakes. You can see them at the end of Berclair Terrace. I was only able to see three but perhaps there are some I didn't see in the brush and in the dark. So check it out.
I will next send an update to all neighborhood residents when I hear back from the state regarding answers to questions that arose at our Dec. 17 meeting.
I will next send an update to all neighborhood residents when I hear back from the state regarding answers to questions that arose at our Dec. 17 meeting.
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