Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, County Council President Andrew Friedson, Maryland State Senator Will Smith, State Delegates Lorig Charkoudian, David Moon and Jheanelle Wilkins and Montgomery Parks Director Mike Riley joined community leaders Tuesday morning for the presentation of two checks totaling $805,600 to fund improvements at the Long Branch Library and Long Branch Parks. The check presentation ceremony took place at the Long Branch Library, located at 8800 Garland Ave. in Silver Spring.
The funds will come from the Maryland Department of General Services’ Capital Grants Program according to a press release from the County.
The District 20 representatives to the State legislature sponsored two Legislative Bond Initiatives for the Long Branch Community that were approved by the General Assembly and signed by Governor Wes Moore during the 2023 session. The County will receive a $250,000 check for the Long Branch Parks initiative and a $555,600 check for the Long Branch Library Initiative.
Under Phase 1 of improvements scheduled at the Long Branch Library, the Montgomery County Department of General Services (DGS) will apply the $555,600 grant toward the installation of an awning system over the upper roof plaza of the library. The new awning will make the space more enjoyable during spring and summer months as the plaza often was too hot for festivals or other community gatherings. DGS will begin the installation once a color selection is made by the community and library staff. In addition, the County will spend an estimated $200,000 to purchase several picnic tables and install outdoor electric outlets for community use at the facility. The total cost of improvements at the Long Branch Library will be $1 million.
Montgomery County Parks will apply the $250,000 grant to improve the overall quality of several park facilities that serve the Long Branch area. Those facilities are aging, in poor condition and need to be renovated.
