July News Roundup: Catch Up On Montgomery County This Month

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — Did you stay up to date with the news in Montgomery County this month?

Catch up on anything you might have missed between busy weeks and vacation days this July.

July 2 - A Ruff Year Turns Around At The Montgomery County Adoption Center

The Adoption Center saw a surge in adoptions after reopening fully to the public, no appointments required. In the first week of being open 76 animals were adopted, compared to 58 total animals in the three weeks prior to that. This week's number is even higher than pre-pandemic levels — the week of June 20 in 2019, 52 animals were adopted.

July 6 - All MOCO Libraries Now Reopened, With Final Six Debuting Tuesday

All Montgomery County Public Libraries are now reopened, with the exception of those undergoing remodels.

July 7 - Landlord Sued: Tenants Say They Are Charged Illegal Water Fees

A Germantown landlord is accused of overcharging tenants for water. "For the last three years, the residents have been abandoned, discriminated against, and taken advantage of by loopholes within the housing system, all while paying the heavy price of high water costs and more," said Ana Laura Garcia, tenant's association president of the Middlebrook Mobile Home community, in a statement from CASA, the organization that brought the lawsuit.

July 8 - MOCO Police Audit Calls For Review Of Use Of Force Cases

An independent audit of the Montgomery County Police cited mental health response and use of force cases as two areas for improvement, and was released in late June. A dashboard for tracking progress of police reform recommendations was launched publicly in July.

July 16 - Police Shooting At Gaithersburg McDonald's: Video Clips Released

Police fatally shot 21-year-old Ryan Leroux in a McDonald’s drive-through on July 16, and released clips of the body-worn camera footage from officers who responded earlier this week. Chief of Police Marcus Jones narrated some of the clips when showing them to the press this week, but did not say if he thinks the shooting was justified. Four officers are on leave during the investigation.

July 20 - Energy Benchmark Proposal Sees Support At First Public Hearing

A bill that would create requirements for energy use in commercial and some multi-family buildings was introduced at the County Council, seeing a showing of support from some officials. The bill, known as BEPS, would have fines for buildings that are not making efforts to comply. "BEPS is a necessary step beyond benchmarking to meaningfully reduce greenhouse gas emissions," said Takoma Park Mayor Kate Stewart. "It has also many co-benefits that include lowering operating costs for building owners, improving health from better indoor air quality and reduced air pollution, and creating local jobs."

Zone Change To Build Affordable Housing Approved By Council

A developer was given the go ahead to build another building on its property in Silver Spring, next to already existing affordable housing. The move is expected to create 76 new units of affordable housing.

July 21 - I-270, I-495 Toll Lanes Voted Back Into Action By Planning Board

After the Planning Board voted to remove the toll lanes from a federal study, effectively removing them from the project, it decided to add them back in a late July vote. Some Montgomery County officials — including County Executive Marc Elrich and Rockville Mayor Bridget Newton — protested one day before the vote, saying the toll lanes weren’t the right solution.

BioNTech, Pfizer Vaccine Partner, Opens Research Plant In MOCO

Cell therapy research will expand in Montgomery County, as BioNTech bought a research plant in Gaithersburg. "We are thrilled that BioNTech will build on its lifesaving work and support more of the high-skilled jobs that help fuel our economy," County Council President Tom Hucker said in a news release. "There is real value in locating here next to the nation's capital with nearby access to numerous federal labs, 18 federal agencies, three major airports and the nation-leading diversity that characterizes our county."

July 27 - 5G Towers Approved: Council Allows Antennae Installations In MOCO

The County Council voted to allow 5G antennae in Montgomery County, something some local residents have pushed back on for years, citing concerns about health, the environment, and racial inequity and social justice. Councilmember Craig Rice says he’s gotten emails from people about inequity concerns, something he said is unfounded. "The reality is the majority of people are looking for ways to try and keep their families connected," said Rice. "So much so that they would bring their children and put them in the parking lots of their jobs just so they could log on to Zoom and make sure they had access to their classwork and their classmates."

Masks Required In MOCO Schools, Regardless Of Vaccination Status

The Board of Education announced Tuesday that all students, staff, and visitors to Montgomery County Public Schools will be required to wear masks when they enter school buildings. Superintendent Monifa McKnight said that between 45 and 52 percent of their students aren’t even eligible to get the vaccine yet. "As we think about prioritizing bringing them back into school for in-person instruction in the fall and to be able to prosper and learn academically to thrive in those environments, we do need to take into serious consideration what that means," said McKnight at the board meeting. "New information is coming forward every day, every week."

Ledecky Wins Gold In First 1,500 Meter Free In Olympic History

Bethesda native Katie Ledecky set an Olympic record when she won the gold in the 1,500 meter freestyle this week —this is the first year women have competed in the event. Ledecky won the silver in the 400 meter freestyle and in the 4x200 meter freestyle relay.

Bonus - Levain Bakery Opens On Bethesda Row, Serving Up Gooey Cookies

Decadent cookies just came to Bethesda, as chain Levain Bakery expands. Get Chocolate Chip Walnut, Two Chip Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin, Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip or Chocolate Chip Walnut (with gluten free ingredients).