2014 February Trail Conditions

So, I did some targeted whining about snow on the CCT and I think I actually got somewhere!

At first I called the MoCo Parks Dept. They called back and basically said that they don’t have the funds to take care of it and I should “lobby” Council. Standard stuff.

So, I emailed my County Councilman along with Councilman Berliner whose district covers the trail. I got a call back from staff from my Councilman within ten minutes. It wasn’t super productive and he basically tried to give me the bureaucratic runaround about budgeting processes, Parks Dept. operational funds, etc. But I made my point about the need to treat the CCT like the major commuter route that it is.

Then, a few hours later I got a call back from an aide to Councilman Berliner (Bethesda) and was told that they are tired of the Parks Dept. dragging their feet on claiming they don’t have the funds and taking an “all or nothing” stance when some trails (CCT and MBT) clearly need to be treated differently. Berliner is getting other Councilmembers to sign on to a letter which will be sent to Parks (and the media) tomorrow. I’m going to get a copy. The letter will demand Parks come up with a budget figure and plan to keep the commuter trails open.

Will a letter from Council to Parks change anything? Is this just a feel-good stunt by Council? Perhaps. But at least they responded so there’s that.

I’ll share a copy of the letter when I get it.

@Steve O 77805 wrote:

This conversation has gotten off topic IMO. I might suggest it get moved over to the Snow Plowin thread.

That’s fine. Sorry for hijacking. I can just end it instead.

@baiskeli 77803 wrote:

I don’t know. I’m just saying. I don’t think I’d go to the point of calling it a “lie,” that’s all.

I think there is some truth to the statement that the NVRPA has hidden behind it as an excuse for doing nothing in the past. I mean, when enough snow has melted that half the trail is clear pavement and what is left is a patchy icy rutted mess, its probably reasonable to assume that XC skiers aren’t out there enjoying themselves. Honestly, I have trouble seeing XC skiers using the trail more than a few days after snow falls; even when snowcover is continuous, the whole thing is a pockmarked rutted icy disaster pretty quick from everyone walking/running/riding on it and the daily/nightly freeze-thaw cycle.

@sethpo 77804 wrote:

So, I did some targeted whining about snow on the CCT and I think I actually got somewhere!

Then, a few hours later I got a call back from an aide to Councilman Berliner (Bethesda) and was told that they are tired of the Parks Dept. dragging their feet on claiming they don’t have the funds and taking an “all or nothing” stance when some trails (CCT and MBT) clearly need to be treated differently. Berliner is getting other Councilmembers to sign on to a letter which will be sent to Parks (and the media) tomorrow. I’m going to get a copy. The letter will demand Parks come up with a budget figure and plan to keep the commuter trails open.

I’ve confirmed that the letter has been drafted and is being circulated now for additional signatures. If you use MoCo trails PLEASE send a quick email to your Councilperson urging them to sign on to Councilman Berliner’s Letter to the Parks Department about plowing their commuter trails.

Contact info here:
http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/council/

Thanks and sorry if this is the wrong thread.

Wilson underpass is flooded.

@Arlingtonrider 77822 wrote:

Also, does anyone have any afternoon updates on the Crystal City Connector? (Just in case I get a burger or bikeshare station craving.)

Rode through about a 1720. Had to flintstone a bit but it is getting better. I’d expect it will be clear tomorrow afternoon.