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

• What's Happening at PLN?
  • Input Needed for our 100th Issue of Purple Line NOW News!
  • Are You a Purple Line NOW Donor?
• Purple Line in the News
• Happening Along the Purple Line Corridor
  • Growth Along the Corridor
  • Support for Housing at Chevy Chase Library Site
  • Biden Administration Announces Transit-Oriented Priority
  • New Placemaking Minor Prepares Students to Envision Public Spaces
• Construction News & Project Features
  
  • Open Houses Scheduled to Meet New Builder
  • Community Advisory Team Meetings
  • Photos from Around the Corridor

Share This Newsletter

Please feel free to share this newsletter - no permission from us needed! You can always find a link to our newsletter on our Purple Line NOW website which makes it easy to share with your friends, neighbors, constituents, customers, and employees.

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT PLN?

Input Needed for our 100th Issue of Purple Line NOW!

We have just four issues left before our 100th issue of Purple Line NOW News! Thank you to those who have sent blurbs of memories from the early days (specifically, the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s!) We need more! Pictures are particularly fun -- and if someone is rocking those muttonchop sideburns while advocating for what was (eventually) to become the Purple Line, all the better!

If you didn't catch it in our previous newsletters, we are planning a commemorative issue and want to take a stroll down memory lane -- back to the beginning of the project, when the idea of a Purple Line was just a hope and a dream. If you were around these parts back then and have photos, an anecdote or two, or even a memory of the work that went into imagining an east-west light rail train, finding support from elected officials, applying for federal funding, or any other hurdle (or achievement), PLEASE send them our way!

We will include as many as we can in the issue, but time is running out. Send to Christine Scott, Executive Director at [email protected]. Thank you! 

Are You A Purple Line NOW Donor?

Each month, we rotate onto our Donors List those who have made a financial contribution to Purple Line NOW in the previous month. If that includes you, your name will stay on that list for a full year following your contribution. Thank you, thank you!

**If you do not see your name on our Donors List, we hope you will consider helping us continue our work!** 

We use every donation we receive to continue our newsletter, continue offering regular webinars, continue being a strong liaison to help connect you to people who can solve your issues, and continue our strong advocacy for the project in every way possible. If you would like to know more about who we are, why we are asking for donations, and what we do with your gift once it arrives on our doorstep, you can read all about it in our November newsletter.

Thank you so much for your consideration! Unless you tell us otherwise, your name will be listed on our website and in publications for a year following your donation.

THE PURPLE LINE IN THE NEWS

Bohnel, S., “County Council says it supports housing at Chevy Chase Library site.” Bethesda Magazine, 12 May 2022.

Haslam, M., "New Creative Placemaking Minor to Prepare Students to Envision Public Spaces." Maryland Today, 2 May 2022.

HAPPENING ALONG THE PURPLE LINE CORRIDOR

Growth Along the Corridor

As we have seen since the Purple Line was given the green light back in 2015, there has been lots of new growth adjacent to the coming light rail. According to the Diamondback (May 8, 2022), one such development is set to open later this summer in College Park. The Aster is a 393-unit apartment complex which will include a Trader Joe’s grocery store, restaurants, and other retailers. The complex is located just south of campus and will appeal to the wider College Park community. Read more here: Aster: New multi-use development set to open in College Park

If you attended Purple Line NOW's virtual forum back in August 2020, you may remember John L. Ziegenhein, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Chevy Chase Land Company and Justin Kennell, Development Manager, Bozzuto Development Company gave a brief overview of their new property development alongside the Purple Line station in Chevy Chase. They recently announced some of the new retailers that will be located within their plaza by late 2023, including The Creamery (the beloved Baltimore ice cream shop), restaurants Elena James, UnCorked, and Playa Bowls, as well as CVS, an as-yet-to-be-named grocer, and others. Read more here: https://www.chevychaselake.com/community/

Support for Housing at Chevy Chase Library Site

The Montgomery County Council has voted unanimously for an amendment calling for housing at the redesigned Chevy Chase Library, which happens to be very close to the new Purple Line station. According to an article in Bethesda Magazine, while the bill doesn’t guarantee housing at the site, it does “allow for the possibility of redevelopment of the Chevy Chase library, including housing on the site.” How many units might be included or under what price points the housing will fall has yet to be determined. (Bohnel, S., “County Council says it supports housing at Chevy Chase Library site.” Bethesda Magazine, 12 May 2022.)

Biden Administration Announces Transit-Oriented Development Priority

The Biden administration has announced that it is prioritizing transit-oriented development in the infrastructure bill passed on a bipartisan basis last year.

It appears that the U.S. Department of Transportation is prioritizing density and transit-oriented-development as it disburses discretionary funds from the bipartisan infrastructure package. You can read more about the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) at the link.

New Placemaking Minor Prepares Students to Envision Public Spaces

According to an article in Maryland Today, the University of Maryland’s School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation and the College of Arts and Humanities have created a minor in creative placemaking that "will use art, culture and design to spark conversations about a community's future.” As part of the curriculum, students will work in local communities, “including those that stand to be impacted by the the construction of Maryland's Purple Line to advance community goals, protect and celebrate identity and spur equitable economic development." (Haslam, M., "New Creative Placemaking Minor to Prepare Students to Envision Public Spaces." Maryland Today, 2 May 2022.)

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES & PROJECT FEATURES

Open Houses Scheduled to Meet New Builder

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) will be holding two in-person open houses to introduce the public to Maryland Transit Solutions (MTS), the new design-build team. According to their press release, MDOT MTA Administrator Holly Arnold said, "The team is looking forward to introducing our new design-build team to the community. We want to proactively engage with residents, businesses, and other stakeholders to let them know in advance what construction work they can expect to see as we begin a new chapter of delivering the Purple Line for Maryland.”

The open houses will take place at two venues in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties:

• May 25, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Silver Spring Civic Building, 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring MD 20910
• May 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m., University of Maryland Stamp Student Union, Atrium, 3972 Campus Drive, College Park, MD 20742

We are looking forward to meeting the new partner and learning about the construction schedule going forward.

Community Advisory Team Meetings to Resume in June

We are thrilled the Community Advisory Team (CAT) meetings will resume in June and will publish those dates as soon as they are set.

Photos from Around the Corridor

Thank you to MDOT MTA for the following photos! Do you have a snap from around the corridor you'd like to share? Send them along to [email protected]. Photos must be your original. 

STAY CONNECTED

Get Connected

Make sure you are signed up for timely alerts from Purple Line NOW via our Twitter and Facebook pages, and at our website Purple Line NOW.

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

• What's Happening at PLN?
  • Input Needed for our 100th Issue of Purple Line NOW News!
  • Are You a Purple Line NOW Donor?
• Purple Line in the News
• Happening Along the Purple Line Corridor
  • PLN VP Gives Project Update to ACT
  • The Purple Line Makes Google Maps!
• Construction News & Project Features
  • Purple Line Contract Finalized!
  • Open Houses Scheduled to Meet New Builder
  • Update on Community Advisory Team Meetings Schedule

Share This Newsletter

Please feel free to share this newsletter - no permission from us needed! You can always find a link to our newsletter on our Purple Line NOW website which makes it easy to share with your friends, neighbors, constituents, customers, and employees.

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT PLN?

Input Needed for our 100th Issue of Purple Line NOW!

We have just five issues left before our 100th issue of Purple Line NOW News! Thank you to those who have sent blurbs of memories from the early days (specifically, the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s!) We need more! Pictures are particularly fun -- and if someone is rocking those muttonchop sideburns while advocating for what was (eventually) to become the Purple Line, all the better!

If you didn't catch it in our last newsletter, we are planning a commemorative issue and want to take a stroll down memory lane -- back to the beginning of the project, when the idea of a Purple Line was just a hope and a dream. If you were around these parts back then and have photos, an anecdote or two, or even a memory of the work that went into imagining an east-west light rail train, finding support from elected officials, applying for federal funding, or any other hurdle (or achievement), PLEASE send them our way!

We will include as many as we can in the issue. Send to Christine Scott, Executive Director at [email protected]. Thank you! 

Are You A Purple Line NOW Donor?

Each month, we rotate onto our Donors List those who have made a financial contribution to Purple Line NOW in the previous month. If that includes you, your name will stay on that list for a full year following your contribution. Thank you, thank you!

**If you do not see your name on our Donors List, we hope you will consider helping us continue our work!** 

We use every donation we receive to continue our newsletter, continue offering regular webinars, continue being a strong liaison to help connect you to people who can solve your issues, and continue our strong advocacy for the project in every way possible. If you would like to know more about who we are, why we are asking for donations, and what we do with your gift once it arrives on our doorstep, you can read all about it in our November newsletter.

Thank you so much for your consideration! Unless you tell us otherwise, your name will be listed on our website and in publications for a year following your donation.

THE PURPLE LINE IN THE NEWS

Parsons, J., "Maryland's Purple Line Readies for Restart." Engineering News-Record, 22 April 2022.

HAPPENING ALONG THE PURPLE LINE CORRIDOR

PLN Vice President Gives Update on Project

On April 12, before the news regarding the financial close was announced, Purple Line NOW's Vice President Greg Sanders gave a project update to Action Committee for Transit. The update included an overview of the schedule until opening day, a little bit about the new builder, and some of the modified provisions provided in the new contract. One important takeaway came from Maryland State Delegate Jared Solomon (D-18) who said that he and his colleagues continue to advocate for opening the Capital Crescent Trail when the project enters an extensive testing phase, before the rail opens to the public, but after construction has been completed. We will keep you posted when we learn of any news on that front.

The Purple Line Makes Google Maps

Even though it isn't "official" news, we noticed that the Purple Line stations are now designated on Google Maps! That is welcome news, especially for those who are new to the area (or even some long term residents) who are still unsure where those stops will be. Progress!

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES & PROJECT FEATURES

Purple Line Contract Finalized

In case you missed the news, not quite two weeks ago, the concessionaire, Purple Line Transit Partners, had reached financial close with the new builder, Maryland Transit Solutions.

What does that mean, you might ask?

Financial close means that all of the necessary loans are in place. In addition to the direct support from Maryland and the federal matching loan, the public-private partnership includes public financing through a Transportation Infrastructure Financing and Innovation Act and private financing, both held by the concessionaire.

Just like it is important to close a mortgage before moving in and starting renovations on a house, this financial close was necessary before major construction activity by the new builder could begin. It is the final step in the process of onboarding the new builder which will now allow them to begin ramping up construction in a big way along the corridor later this spring.

We are thrilled the parties have reached this milestone and wanted to share the good news with you, too! More details about the impending schedule, construction updates, and news from the state and concessionaire to come. Purple Line NOW congratulates all parties involved and thankful the project is moving forward!

You can read more here: MDOT MTA Press Release

Open Houses Scheduled to Meet New Builder

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) will be holding two in-person open houses to introduce the public to Maryland Transit Solutions (MTS), the new design-build team. According to their press release, MDOT MTA Administrator Holly Arnold said, "The team is looking forward to introducing our new design-build team to the community. We want to proactively engage with residents, businesses, and other stakeholders to let them know in advance what construction work they can expect to see as we begin a new chapter of delivering the Purple Line for Maryland.”

The open houses will take place at two venues in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties:
• May 25, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Silver Spring Civic Building, 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring MD 20910
• May 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m., University of Maryland Stamp Student Union, Atrium, 3972 Campus Drive, College Park, MD 20742

We are looking forward to meeting the new partner and learning about the construction schedule going forward.

Community Advisory Team Meetings to Resume in June

We are thrilled the Community Advisory Team (CAT) meetings will resume in June and will publish those dates as soon as they are set.

Photos from Around the Corridor

Thank you to MDOT MTA for the following photos! Do you have a snap from around the corridor you'd like to share? Send them along to [email protected]. Photos must be your original. 

STAY CONNECTED

Get Connected

Make sure you are signed up for timely alerts from Purple Line NOW via our Twitter and Facebook pages, and at our website Purple Line NOW.

The concessionaire, Purple Line Transit Partners, has reached financial close with the new builder, Maryland Transit Solutions.

What does that mean, you might ask?

Financial close means that all of the necessary loans are in place. In addition to the direct support from Maryland and the federal matching loan, the public-private partnership includes public financing through a Transportation Infrastructure Financing and Innovation Act and private financing, both held by the concessionaire.

Just like it is important to close a mortgage before moving in and starting renovations on a house, this financial close was necessary before major construction activity by the new builder could begin.

It is the final step in the process of onboarding the new builder which will now allow them to begin ramping up construction in a big way along the corridor later this spring.

We are thrilled the parties have reached this milestone and wanted to share the good news with you, too! More details about the impending schedule, construction updates, and news from the state and concessionaire to come.

Purple Line NOW congratulates all parties involved and thankful the project is moving forward!

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

• What's Happening at PLN?
  • Input Needed - 100th Issue of Purple Line NOW Coming Soon!
  • Please Consider Becoming a Donor to PLN
• Purple Line in the News
• Features & Highlights
  • Silver Spring Arts & Entertainment District Seeks Input
  • Quebec Terrace and New Hampshire Estates Community Discussion Held
  • Article: Preparing Transit for the Future of Work
• Construction News
  • Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program
  •  Article: Lessons from Maryland Purple Line's Amended Contract

Share This Newsletter

Please feel free to share this newsletter - no permission from us needed! You can always find a link to our newsletter on our Purple Line NOW website which makes it easy to share with your friends, neighbors, constituents, customers, and employees.

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT PLN?

Input Needed for our 100th Issue of Purple Line NOW!

It is hard to believe, but we will be publishing our 100th issue of Purple Line NOW News in early summer! We are planning a commemorative issue and want to take a stroll (ride?!) back to the beginning of the project, specifically the early days of the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s.

If you were around these parts back then and have photos, an anecdote or two, or even a memory of the work that went into imagining an east-west light rail train, finding support from elected officials, applying for federal funding, or any other hurdle (or achievement), PLEASE send them our way!

We have been receiving some awesome documents, pictures, and memories, so please keep them coming. We will include as many as we can in the issue. Send to Christine Scott, Executive Director at [email protected]. Thank you! 

Help Us Continue Our Work - Become a Donor!

**If you do not see your name on our donors' list, we hope you will consider helping us continue our work!**

We use every donation we receive to continue our newsletter, continue offering regular webinars, continue being a strong liaison to help connect you to people who can solve your issues, and continue our strong advocacy for the project in every way possible. If you would like to know more about who we are, why we are asking for donations, and what we do with your gift once it arrives on our doorstep, you can read all about it in our November newsletter.

Thank you so much for your consideration! Unless you tell us otherwise, your name will be listed on our website and in publications for a year following your donation.

THE PURPLE LINE IN THE NEWS

Bousquin, J., "The Dotted Line: Lessons from the Maryland Purple Line's amended contract." Construction Dive, 29 March 2022.

Caros, N., "Preparing Transit for the Future of Work." ENO Transportation Weekly, 18 March 2022.

FEATURES & HIGHLIGHTS

Silver Spring Arts & Entertainment District Seeks Input

Do you live in or around Silver Spring? The Silver Spring Arts and Entertainment District is asking for the public to fill out a survey "to help guide the district as it goes through the process of getting a second 10-year redesignation from the state."

They would like input on a series of questions about which aspects of the district would be most interesting (for example, cinema, music, dance, etc.), as well as what residents value the most about Silver Spring. You can find their survey by clicking the link.

Quebec Terrace and New Hampshire Estates Community Discussion Held

On March 23, a community discussion with residents of Quebec Terrace and New Hampshire Estates was held and featured speakers from Action in Montgomery and the Purple Line Corridor Coalition. Read through the Twitter thread to learn more about their discussion, what excites the group about the coming Purple Line, what concerns residents have, and ways to keep housing affordable.

Preparing Transit for the Future of Work

Although this op-ed, which appeared in the Eno Transportation Weekly, is not Purple Line-specific, it does provide a look ahead at what may change with regard to transit in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, especially as it pertains to the changing needs of the workforce, one in which many are transitioning to remote or hybrid workplace situations. Written by Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduate PhD student, Nick Caros, the article goes on to say, "As many agencies begin to restore service that was cancelled during the pandemic, emphasis should be placed on delivering routes and schedules that can be adjusted quickly to capture the new demand patterns of remote workers." (Caros, N., "Preparing Transit for the Future of Work." ENO Transportation Weekly, 18 March 2022.)

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program

Did you know that the MDOT MTA Purple Line contract incorporates a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program? You can learn more by viewing this helpful video. The DBE assists small business in participating in the Purple Line project, which gives them an opportunity to grow and expand, and potentially gain access to funding opportunities.

Lessons from Maryland Purple Line's Amended Contract

An article from Construction Dive offers keen insight on how the Purple Line Public-Private Partnership (P3) may impact future projects. According to the article, which largely aligns with the changes MDOT MTA has made with the new contract, emphasizes that the issues that plagued the Purple Line will be studied in most, if not all, future P3 projects. One of the biggest issues with the original contract was that it allowed the builder to walk away without fault if there was a delay of more than a year, a clause that has been removed in the new contract. "Construction attorneys say the modified public-private partnership (P3) agreement has the potential to set precedent for other closely watched public works projects, particularly as funds from the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act flow to the states." (Bousquin, J., "The Dotted Line: Lessons from the Maryland Purple Line's amended contract." Construction Dive, 29 March 2022.) 

Photos from Around the Corridor

Thanks to MDOT MTA for the following photos and thanks to the hardworking Purple Line crews!

STAY CONNECTED

Get Connected

Make sure you are signed up for timely alerts from Purple Line NOW via our Twitter and Facebook pages, and at our website Purple Line NOW.