Silver Spring, MD - This evening Senator Roger Manno spoke at the AGWG Civic Association (Allanwood, Gayfields, Wilson Hills, and Gayfields Estates - "AGWG") annual meeting, and discussed issues of revenue and local transportation. The civic group represents residents and subdivisions in and around the Layhill Road and Norbeck Road area of Silver Spring, and is located within the Intercounty Connector (ICC) segment of "Contract B."

After a presentation and question-and-answer session by State Highway Administration (SHA) 3rd District Engineer Cedric Ward, Roger represented the community perspective of the challenges brought about by the ICC. Roger also polled the group on the community's support of Roger's ongoing efforts to have Norbeck Road widened and straightened, and to ensure that Layhill Road remain a 2-lane road between Bonifant Road and Norbeck Road -- both of which were received favorably by residents.

For many years, Roger has been an outspoken advocate for the communities most adversely impacted by the ICC. While numerous issues remain unresolved, including state and local road traffic volume and congestion throughout the ICC construction, Roger's efforts in partnering with members of the 19th District Delegation and community/civic groups have yielded numerous concessions and mitigation measures for the community. Some of these include: securing sound and visual screening walls, landscaping berms and plantings; alterations in the number, size and placement of ICC signs; construction noise, safety and traffic mitigation measures; greater accountability of ICC construction crews, including fines for environmental violations; and improved pedestrian / bicyclist access and rights of way.

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