Cutting down trees and digging up dirt in Amalyn

A trench for a fence

 Last week I saw them digging narrow trenches where they will be putting in a silt fence. They always do this shortly before construction starts, so that is the sign that they will be building here soon.

 

They are opening up a new area of the WMAL radio transmitter site for housing. Yesterday they were cutting down trees to clear the area. The heavy equipment they use makes quick work of it and they made it at least most of the way down the field.  This is the part of the project that is closes to Interstate 495, from Renita Lane to Greentree Road.

In addition to taking out trees they have started grading more of the field. In the background is Renita Lane. Renita will be extended through the site all the way to Greentree Road. When completed there will be over 300 single family houses and townhouses in this 75 acre development. You can read all my posts on this subject.

It looks like they are building another water retention pond. Currently the banks are above the surrounding ground so water won't flow into it, but I wouldn't be surprised if they built up the ground to be even with the top of the bank.

8015 Old Georgetown Road construction update

 

It has been months since I last posted about the former Christ Lutheran Church site. They have been doing lots of work, but it hasn't been very visible.  First, they dug a big hole, and then have been building up.  They have finally reached ground level. The church is being replaced with about 297 apartments in a development called 8015 Old Georgetown Road. Above is the development as seen from Glenbrook Road.

After months spent excavating and building what will be underground, they have reached ground level and are starting to build up.

This is the north side of the 8015 site. To the left (not visible) is Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad. There is a significant retaining wall buit here.

 

The smell of smoke hangs in the air

Looking down Old Georgetown Road from Auburn Avenue. The buildings get progressively fainter the further away they are.  June 6, 2023.

 This week has been hazy, and, this morning (and yesterday) I could smell smoke in the air.  Smoke from wildfires in Canada has made its way to Bethesda, leaving us with a smokey haze, a less-than-totally-pleasant smell, and terrible air quality. 

Free smoke on Woodmont: The Bethesda Circulator drives down Woodmont Avenue with the buildings shrouded in smoke,  2023-06-08.

 

Yesterday the Air Quality Index (AQI) was in the 180s, and this morning it is even worse at 283. This is deep in the purple or Very Unhealthy zone.  I sometimes check the PurpleAir AQI map for Bethesda and it shows some readings over 300, wich is Hazardous. Consider wearing a mask if you go outside, especially if you are sensitve to smoke or pollution.  MCPS released an statement reading in part "Therefore, for today (6/7) and tomorrow (6/8), all outdoor recess and other activities will be canceled or rescheduled. Athletics will operate under guidelines similar to heat index warnings, which include reduced outdoor time and increased monitoring of athletes. Field trips may need to be rescheduled or modified depending on the location and extent of outdoor activity. Adjustments could be made to outdoor graduations. Any modifications will be communicated as conditions continue to be monitored.".

Old Georgetown Road at Greenwich Park looking north 2023-06-08.

Bethesda parking garages will require payment on Saturdays

 

Starting July 8th, you will have to pay on Saturdays to park in the public parking garages in downtown Bethesda, MD.  Prior to this you only had to pay Monday through Friday.

The rates are unchanged at $1.50 an hour between the hours of 7am and 10pm.  Parking will remain free all day Sunday.