Contact: Kathy Zieger, 240-777-2528
For Immediate Release: August 23, 2001

Duncan Seeks Applicants to Fill
Long Branch Task Force

County Executive Douglas M. Duncan is seeking applicants to fill several vacancies on the newly created East Silver Spring/Long Branch Task Force. The purpose of the Task Force is to address quality of life concerns and residential and commercial revitalization in the Long Branch area of Silver Spring.

The Task Force will be composed of residential and business community stakeholders and may include representatives from the following groups: property management firms, tenant groups, public and private human service providers, developers, property owners, parent teacher associations, neighborhood and civic associations, housing organizations, religious organizations, business owners and operators, public safety groups, community development organizations, and educational institutions. Ex-officio members will include staff representatives of the Planning Board, Health and Human Services, Montgomery County Public Schools, Department of Economic Development, Department of Recreation, the City of Takoma Park, and outside experts. Staffing will be provided by the Department of Housing and Community Affairs and the Silver Spring Regional Services Center.

The Task Force will develop short and long-term strategies and implementation measures so that the Long Branch community may achieve both a comprehensive approach for residential and commercial revitalization and a clean, safe, and stable community. Strategies to be considered should address the needs of the diverse stakeholders, and may include enhanced delivery of existing government programs, grants, job creation programs, tenant education and ownership programs, private public partnerships, assembly and redevelopment of existing properties, business improvement districts, business development, and neighborhood improvement programs.

Meeting dates and times are not yet determined, but it is expected that the Task Force will meet at least monthly and subcommittees will also meet on an ongoing basis. The Task Force will provide periodic reports to the County Executive and County Council including a written report within one year of the first meeting.

Applicants should write by September 28 to County Executive Douglas M. Duncan at the Executive Office Building, 101 Monroe Street, Rockville, Maryland 20850. A brief resume including home and work telephone numbers should be enclosed.

Duncan’s appointments are subject to confirmation by the County Council. Applications of those selected for appointment are made public as part of the confirmation process.