The Kensington Heights Civic Association (KHCA) supports the request of Ann Arevalo, 10801 Torrance Drive, Kensington, for the County to complete a sidewalk along McComas Avenue from 2908 McComas Ave. east to 2505 McComas Avenue.  Ms. Arevalo’s assessment of the situation is accurate.  We make no recommendation as to which side of the street should receive the sidewalk, leaving that decision to the professionals to determine; both sides have topographic challenges that we believe can be overcome.

KHCA believes that having a sidewalk on one side of McComas Avenue is essential for the safety of our residents.  McComas Avenue is our "Main Street" for pedestrians as well as motor vehicles and, without a sidewalk between 2908 and 2505, pedestrians generally use the street for walking.  Parking on McComas Avenue is allowed on both sides of the street and therefore the street is technically only the width of one moving lane.  In addition, there are several blind curves in the road that make it unsafe for pedestrians and vehicles to share that one moving lane. 

Sadly, about 10 years ago a pedestrian was killed while walking in the street at dusk on the east end of McComas; it was a tragic accident that might have been avoided had we had a sidewalk at the time. 

The usage experience of the sidewalk installed by the County in 2008-2009 on the south side of McComas Avenue between Farragut Avenue and Drumm Avenue (approximately 1,600 linear feet) is extremely positive.  This sidewalk is well used by people who could not be mobile on unpaved areas and who would find the street hazardous:  parents with strollers, kids riding tricycles and bikes with training wheels, people in wheelchairs (there is a nursing facility at 3000 McComas Ave.), and walkers and joggers.  This ability should be extended the remainder of the distance between the east and west ends of Kensington Heights.

KHCA supports completing the installation of a sidewalk on McComas Avenue as a high-priority safety item on our busiest street, on which vehicular traffic often moves faster than conditions allow.

February 2012:  KHCA comments to the County Council regarding the Kensington Sector Plan - COMING SOON!

October 11, 2011:  testimony comments to the County Council regarding the Kensington Sector Plan, from the Coalition of Kensington Communities (KHCA is a founding member)

July 8, 2009:  KHCA testimony/comments to the Planning Board regarding the Kensington Sector Plan

Here are some letters from KHCA:

November 28, 2011: Letter to County Council regarding the Wheaton Sector Plan

August 25, 2011: Letter to County Council regarding the Wheaton Sector Plan

July 29, 2010: KHCA Comments regarding the Wheaton Sector Plan

Click here for letter of December 6, 2011 to Department of Permitting Services regarding Parking Waiver Request by Westfield Wheaton,