In Memoriam: Woody Brosnan

May 7, 2020April 28, 2022 / Anna White / 1 Comment

Woody Brosnan, a North Woodside resident for more than 30 years, died at home on April 15, 2020. Self-described as a “civic busybody” and called the Mayor of North Woodside by others, Woody was an active community volunteer and organizer, who served on the board of the North Woodside Citizens Association.

The news of his death spurred an outpouring of tributes, with neighbors describing him as a great neighbor; a kind and principled human being; a leader in our community; a decent, kind soul; a mainstay of the neighborhood; an anchor of the community and so many good causes; a tireless activist; and his death as a huge loss for our neighborhood and the larger community.

Woody, you will be missed. May we honor your memory by continuing your example of civic involvement. Memorial contributions can be made to Sligo Creek Golf Association, Safe Silver Spring, or Montgomery Hospice. For more information see his obituary.

Neighbor Tribute to Woody

Woody and family moved here at a period when I was president of our citizens association and then chairman of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (MNCPPC). It was during what the press called the Silver Spring War, between 1984 and 1996. As Woody became engaged with the issues (Purple Line was a part of the overarching struggles), we would talk. In time, he came to work for an At-Large County Councilmember who lived in the Bethesda area. In those years, he importantly brought to her office a perspective about Silver Spring’s unique character and attributes that she otherwise would not have had. She grasped the significance of a new Blair High School and Purple Line and revitalized downtown Silver Spring. As chairman of MNCPPC and thereafter, Woody would remind me of the value of our modest Sligo Golf Course, “Even though you’re no golfer, Gus.” I always valued Woody’s quiet voice.

—Gus Bauman

Resolution Honoring James “Woody” Brosnan

December 15, 2019

The North Woodside Citizens Association hereby resolves to honor the contributions of James “Woody” Brosnan to the neighborhood of North Woodside and the greater Silver Spring community.

As a longtime resident of North Woodside, and former president of the Citizens Association, Woody spent many years working to improve the quality of life of those who live here. His capacity to see all sides of an issue and pragmatic approach to problem solving have helped to shape the neighborhood’s approach to many issues.

His dedication to bettering the lives around him goes beyond his immediate neighborhood. In addition to serving on the Association’s executive board, Woody has also been a longtime member of the Presidents’ Council of Silver Spring Civic Associations (Prezco), co-founder of Safe Silver Spring, president of the Sligo Creek Golf Association, and staffer for former Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg. His leadership across a range of organizations has served to inspire others to get involved in efforts to improve the community.

Besides his community service, Woody is also well known as a loving husband and father and for his distinguished career as a journalist.

Those who live in North Woodside are lucky to have Woody Brosnan as a neighbor, friend and community leader. We take great honor in recognizing Woody’s contributions to our neighborhood and thanking him for his service and friendship.

2nd Annual Talbot Avenue Bridge Lantern Walk

February 7, 2020April 20, 2021 / Anna White

The historic Talbot Avenue Bridge has been demolished and the new one is yet to be built, so the 2nd Annual Lantern Walk honored the legacy of the Bridge connecting adjoining neighborhoods, while not actually crossing over it.

On Saturday, November 9, 2019, neighbors from Lyttonsville, North Woodside, and Rosemary Hills and friends gathered at dusk behind the Coffield Community Center for a few remarks and lighting of lanterns. As darkness fell, they carried their lights in a procession around the Rosemary Hills-Lyttonsville Local Park, returning to where they started for light refreshments and hot beverages. See below for a gallery of photos taken by Jay Mallin.

Many thanks to North Woodside’s local community artist extraordinaire, Bertie LoPiccolo, for leading a lantern-making workshop at the Coffield Community Center earlier in the day. Both events were organized by the Talbot Avenue Bridge Committee.

See photos of last year’s inaugural Talbot Avenue Bridge Lantern Walk and Lantern-Making Workshop here.

Progress Continues Towards Improving the Georgia Avenue Corridor

February 7, 2020April 20, 2021 / Anna White

By Geoff Gerhardt, Vice President

Following the Montgomery County Planning Board’s approval of the Forest Glen-Montgomery Hills Sector Plan in September, the County Council began the process of considering the plan. NWCA President David Cox and Vice President Geoff Gerhardt testified in support of the sector plan at a County Council hearing in November. Council committees are holding working sessions on the plan, and the full Council is scheduled to vote on it later this winter. Meanwhile, the State Highway Administration is making slow but steady progress on its plan for overhauling Georgia Avenue between 16th St. and Forest Glen Rd. Earlier this year, the state announced it had selected a version of the plan, known as Alternative 5B Modified.

This plan would bring wider sidewalks, protected bicycle track, and a landscaped median with dedicated left turn lanes to Georgia Ave. The plan would also make improvements to the Beltway interchange and eliminate the southbound “slip lane” at 16th St., creating a traditional “T” intersection instead.

The SHA plan is currently at the 30 percent design stage. This fall, the Federal Highway Administration gave preliminary approval to Alternative 5B Modified, which allows design and engineering efforts to move forward. Redesign plans for Georgia Ave. could be finalized by SHA by the end of this year.

However, much work remains to be done to secure construction funding for the project, which is estimated at $35–$40 million. In November, Geoff Gerhardt testified at a hearing of state senators and delegates representing Montgomery County in support of state funding for the project.

In addition, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation listed Georgia Ave. as its highest priority highway project in a draft letter to Maryland Department of Transportation. The final letter is scheduled to be sent to Maryland DOT this spring. Assuming it’s finalized, placement of Georgia Ave. at the top of the county’s transportation priorities list will be a huge victory—due in large part to letters and emails sent by residents of North Woodside. Thank you!

Three Neighborhoods Meet to Discuss Traffic Concerns

February 7, 2020April 20, 2021 / Anna White

Michael Paylor, MCDOT, fielding a plethora of questions from local residents.

by Julie Lees, Traffic & Safety Committee

Neighbors from North Woodside, Lyttonsville, and Rosemary Hills met on January 13th with Michael Paylor, Chief of Traffic Engineering, Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT). The goal was to develop a common understanding of potential traffic issues stemming from the new Talbot Ave. Bridge and the county’s plan for traffic calming and pedestrian safety.

Julie Lees, co-chair of the North Woodside Traffic and Safety Committee, began the meeting with an outline of concerns, noting that the wider two-lane bridge will potentially increase vehicular speed and may attract more vehicles, especially from out-of-area drivers. There is particular concern about pedestrian and cyclist safety in the area where the pedestrian/cyclist trail crosses the two lanes of traffic on the bridge at 4th Ave.

Michael Paylor discussed the county’s current plan for traffic control around the bridge and responded to audience questions and comments. The plan is to reestablish a three-way stop at the 4th Ave. end of the bridge. Mr. Paylor said he understood that the Purple Line was responsible for traffic mitigation on the bridge, but was told during the meeting that the state has explicitly stated that traffic mitigation and safety was the responsibility of the county. A recurring theme was the challenge of enforcement. Signs alone do not change driver behavior.

Audience members suggested a raised crosswalk for the trail, which Mr. Paylor said was feasible. There were questions about pedestrian-activated lights. There are two types of lights—one linked to a stoplight and one that sets off a blinking yellow light. Mr. Paylor said the former was a poor fit for our needs due to the short distance on the bridge. There were questions about design options that could slow vehicles, such as the bump outs on Dale Dr. and at Spring and Second. The bump outs can be done at the request of the neighborhood association in conjunction with county traffic engineers.

Vehicle Access Restriction, which requires a specific percentage of out-of-area traffic, was discussed as an option. Examples of VAR include the restrictions on Second Ave. access in Woodside during rush hour. Mr. Paylor noted that VAR restricts turns or entrance for residents as well as out-of-area vehicles. In the three- neighborhood area, examples include one-way access to the bridge during rush hour or restrictions on feeder streets such as Grace Church at 16th St. No recommen-dations or preferences were noted.

Geoff Gerhardt, NWCA vice president, asked that MCDOT provide our neighborhoods with a list of traffic mitigation and safety options for our consideration. This was met with audience applause. Mr. Paylor agreed to this request and said he would be meeting with his staff to discuss our suggestions and concerns.

To request a more detailed summary of the meeting, contact the Traffic and Safety Committee.

Lyttonsville, North Woodside, and Rosemary Hills neighbors mingle, check out the Talbot Avenue Bridge map, and ask questions of Michael Paylor, MCDOT, after the meeting.

Talbot Avenue Bridge Design and Traffic Mitigation

November 7, 2019April 20, 2021 / Anna White

The traffic committee has made some headway on the Talbot Avenue Bridge design issue—the fencing will now be faux-wrought iron backed by chain-link over CSX tracks (two-thirds) and by plexiglass over Purple Line tracks (one-third). Previous designs featured plexiglass across the entire bridge and, later, only chain link over the CSX tracks. Note: The plexiglass and chain link in the current design are elements required by Purple Line and CSX standards.

We are also working with Lyttonsville and Rosemary Hills to set up traffic mitigation discussions with Montgomery County Department of Transportation for when the new Talbot Bridge opens. Stay tuned for future meeting notices.

Neighbors who are interested in working on the Traffic and Safety Committee on these and other traffic/pedestrian safety issues can contact the co-chairs.

Block Parties

November 7, 2019September 27, 2023 / Anna White

Lining up for jello battle. Luzerne Block Party 2019
Serving up baking competition treats
Baking competition entries
Watching the talent show
End of the parade, with longtime residents watching

In September 2019, Luzerne Avenue hosted its Annual Labor Day Block party with a parade and festivities—a beloved North Woodside tradition for thirty years that always has a great turnout of kids and families. This year several residents of the 2000 block of Luzerne organized the event, including Genevieve McDowell Owen, Cheryl Copeland and Susanna Drayne.

The annual parade of kids riding their bikes and scooters down the street started the afternoon. The popular baking competition followed, with a line stretching almost to the street full of people eagerly awaiting to try the sweet treats. Eileen O’Connor’s gooey chocolate bars won the popular vote in the adult division, and Bridget Drayne won first place in the kid division for her chocolate cake.

After the bake-off, the day continued with the sticky fun jell-o fight, which is always a big hit with the younger kids. Then the talent show commenced with many little children singing their hearts out. The day ended with the potluck cookout hosted by the Dirksens on the corner of Glen Ridge and Luzerne. Overall the day was a rousing success, creating many fun and happy memories, and ended summer 2019 well.

— Ellie Owen

Farewell to a Historic Bridge

November 7, 2019June 4, 2023 / Anna White

Talbot Avenue Bridge Candlelight Vigil, on eve of the century-old bridge’s final closure before demolition.

On June 4, 2019, the Purple Line Transit Constructors closed and began demolition of the historic wood and steel Talbot Avenue Bridge. Built in 1918 from an overturned train turntable from West Virginia, the century-old Bridge was the last remaining historically-significant structure of the historically African-American community of Lyttonsville, founded in 1853 by free man of color Samuel Lytton. Originally two-lane, the Bridge served as a lifeline to Lyttonsville residents through a significant portion of the 20th Century, when Silver Spring was very starkly racially segregated and ~50 neighborhoods in Silver Spring, including North Woodside, had racially restrictive deed covenants that prohibited African Americans from owning property or living in them, except as domestic servants. In recent years, current and former Lyttonsville residents have shared visceral memories of racial bigotry they experienced in North Woodside, and how they viewed efforts by North Woodside residents to permanently close the Bridge in the 1990s as racially-motivated.

A year ago, Lyttonsville, North Woodside, and Rosemary Hills neighbors came together to organize the Talbot Avenue Bridge Centennial Celebration at which NWCA President David Cox presented a unanimously-passed NWCA Board resolution acknowledging and strongly denouncing racial bigotry in all its forms, past and present. North Woodside is the first (and only so far) neighborhood in Montgomery County—and one of only a few in the U.S.—to publicly acknowledge and denounce racist deed covenants of the past. Read the resolution in full and view its presentation.

Over the past year, neighbors connected by the Bridge have continued to collaborate, organizing a number of Bridge-related social and educational community events. At sunset on the eve of the Bridge’s closing community members gathered on the Bridge one last time for a Candlelight Vigil to mark this transition and enjoy a final moment in the historic space.

On July 5, 2019, a small crowd gathered for the much anticipated lifting of the Bridge’s steel girders. The girders are currently being stored by the County, along with other saved parts, for eventual placement along the Capitol Crescent Trail in a new County park that will be created in Lyttonsville following Purple Line construction.

For photos, videos and more info about Talbot Avenue Bridge events this past year, go to the Talbot Avenue Bridge Centennial website (click on “Events”).

Thanks to all neighbors, too numerous to list, who have contributed in one way or another to Bridge-related events this past year!

For more information about the history Talbot Avenue Bridge and racial segregation in Silver Spring, watch Silver Spring: A Sundown Suburb in the Capital’s Gateway, a presentation by public historian David Rotenstein or check out his collection of writings on the the topic.

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