In today's edition of Purple Line NOW News, here's what you'll find:

• Important: April 15 Forum POSTPONED
• Update on House Bill 540
• Update on House Bill 1236
• Progress Along the Purple Line Corridor

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April 15 Forum -- POSTPONED

IMPORTANT: We are postponing our April 15 Forum, Getting Ready for the First Purple Line Ride, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please stay tuned for details as we look at different ways to get the information to you -- perhaps through an online webinar or call-in event -- we will keep you posted. In the meantime, all of us here at Purple Line NOW hope that you remain healthy during this difficult time. Stay safe and wash those hands!

CONSTRUCTION NEWS TO KNOW

House Bill 540

A month or so ago, we sent an action alert out about House Bill 540, sponsored by Delegate Jheanelle Wilkins (D-Silver Spring) to aid businesses affected by Purple Line construction. We have an update on that bill. Although the bill initially passed through the House, because of some amendments made in the Senate, the bill had to make its way back through the House. Unfortunately, because Maryland's General Assembly adjourned three weeks early due to the Corona Virus pandemic, the bill simply ran out of time. You can read more about the bill and about other measures the state is taking to aid business along the Purple Line corridor in Bethesda Magazine.

House Bill 1236

We were pleased that a bill, sponsored by Delegate Jared Solomon (D-Montgomery), which explores connecting Maryland's commuter train service (MARC) with Virginia was one of the final bills passed during this year's General Assembly. The link could greatly strengthen Purple Line connectivity because all three MARC lines connect to the Purple Line. Read more about what's in the bill here: Maryland Approves Plan to Expand MARC Commuter Trains into D.C., Virginia.

Progress Along the Purple Line Corridor

We know that those who can are staying home these days for their health and the health of our community, but because commercial and residential construction has been deemed essential, Purple Line construction will continue. As you are out on your daily walks, while practicing social distancing, snap a few photos of progress you see happening on the Purple Line. We'll try to publish as many photos as we can - don't forget to caption your photo and let us know to whom we should give credit! Send photos to: [email protected]. Here are a few from some of our board members to get us started:

The two photos below are on Manchester Road, which intersects with Wayne Avenue. Manchester Road (as opposed to Manchester Place) is one long block from the Plymouth Tunnel.

Photo Courtesy of Tina Slater

Photo Courtesy of Tina Slater

The next photo is taken on Wayne Avenue, between Dale and Sligo Creek.

Photo Courtesy of Tina Slater

The next two photographs come from PLN President Ralph Bennett of the Silver Spring bridge. The second is taken from the top of the Sarbanes building, looking north across Colesville Road as the bridge snakes west over the MARC and Metro tracks. 

Photo Courtesy of Ralph Bennett

Photo Courtesy of Ralph Bennett

PURPLE LINE NOW NEWS AND EVENTS

IMPORTANT: We are postponing our April 15 Forum, Getting Ready for the First Purple Line Ride, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please stay tuned for details as we look at different ways to get the information to you -- perhaps through an online webinar or call-in event -- we will keep you posted.

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