The Nighttime Economy Task Force Comes to Wheaton

The bevy of activity regarding redevelopment, the opening of Costco and the success of events such as Taste of Wheaton has brought on new energy and excitement in the community. The spotlight will once again shine on Wheaton this coming Monday, July 15, when The Montgomery County Nighttime Economy Task Force hosts its monthly meeting at Hollywood East Restaurant at Westfield Wheaton Mall from 5pm-7pm. As Vice Chair of the Task Force, I represent Wheaton on behalf of the Wheaton Urban District Advisory Committee (WUDAC). I encourage members and stakeholders of our community to attend this Task Force meeting and provide their input on the ways the county can improve its nighttime offerings.

The Montgomery County Nighttime Economy Task Force was created to examine policies, resources, and amenities that address the county’s nighttime capabilities and make recommendations that enhance after-hour activities and boost the economic vitality of the county and its surrounding communities. The Task Force is now in its third of six monthly scheduled meetings and meets on the third Monday of the month. Past meetings have included presentations on the general business regulatory environment in the county, as well as ways to attract young professionals to Montgomery County.

Monday’s meeting will examine case studies on the use of public facilities such as Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring, and will include a presentation by Tom Stanton, owner of the Limerick Pub in Wheaton, who will speak on the history of Tornado Alley and ways that Wheaton is looking to create an Arts & Entertainment district in the community. Tom’s input will provide insight to the challenges faced by businesses and entities around the county and be an example for recommendations and thoughts to make it easier to set up Arts & Entertainment events and/or district hubs.

This is a great opportunity for Wheaton to lend its voice to this process. As a leader on the Task Force, I have leaned on my knowledge and experience living in our community and serving on WUDAC to be a voice for Wheaton. My thoughts and ideas are only magnified by you and your active participation. Many of you are actively engaged in the redevelopment process and have provided input and thoughts on what a redeveloped Wheaton should look like. The Nighttime Economy Task Force is an opportunity to add an additional layer of input on what that new Wheaton looks and feels like after hours. I highly suggest you take advantage of this and attend our July 15th meeting.

You can learn more about the Task Force by visiting our website at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/nighttimeeconomy/index.html . If you cannot attend Monday’s meeting, you can sit in on the Task Force’s subcommittee meetings scheduled for July 23 at the Mid County Regional Services Center, also in Wheaton. Please visit the website for more details. This is a great opportunity to showcase Wheaton, and I look forward to the community’s active participation in the coming weeks.