Overview Montgomery County has recently introduced two technology-driven public safety initiatives: the Parker security robot, deployed in 2025 as a pilot program in the Silver Spring Town Square garage, and the Drone as First Responder (DFR) program operated by Montgomery County Police, which launched in November 2023. These programs raise governance questions regarding transparency, data collection, public oversight, and the long-term expansion of digital surveillance infrastructure. Update (2026): The Parker security robot deployed in the […]
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Is Montgomery County Cutting Corners When Trying to Close the Digital Divide? Presentation with Q&A.
Monday, May 22, 2023, 7PM EDT, Webinar by League of Women Voters MoCo Watch the presentation on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/g1DhA0b2wW4?feature=share PRESENTERS:THEODORA SCARATO — Executive Director, Environmental Health Trust MITSUKO HERRERA — Program Director, Montgomery Connects, Montgomery County Office of Broadband Programs SABINE NESCHKE — Policy Analyst (business and technology issues), Bipartisan Policy Center Public infrastructure is more than roads and bridges. Bridging the “digital divide” is important for improving educational, economic, health, and political equity. Montgomery County […]
Continue readingBREAKING: 9 Groups + Mayor Sign Letter to @MoCoCouncilMD Calling for 1- Council to Follow MD Law, 2- Independent Investigation of Planning Board
This post is preserved as part of the public record and historical documentation of community engagement at that time. For broader regulatory and governance context, see: MC4T.org
Continue readingThank you to everyone who came out to support our Rally opposing ZTA 22-01
We’re still in this! Also, BIG Thanks to Fox5DC and @thesierrafox for helping to uplift our voices, raising more awareness. The rally was held Tuesday October 11thOn the steps of the County Council Building100 Maryland Ave, Rockville, MD Share the news coverage with friends! Post on social media!https://www.fox5dc.com/news/residents-protest-cell-towers-in-montgomery-county Second news report. https://youtu.be/f4N1ZMN3ecE Rally Highlight: Marion Edey, long-time Environmental Activist and once Founder of the National League of Conservation Voters (LCV), discusses the known […]
Continue readingCouncilmember Riemer Ignores County Executive’s Recommendation
to Table ZTA 22-01
Key Points From County Executive Marc Elrich’s Letter: NO federal obligation to pass this ZTA NO need Prudent to wait for FCC reply to Appeals Court ruling on “arbitrary and capricious” RF rules Won’t help address digital divide. Montgomery County digital equity efforts include: 12,294 County households have enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) – as of JUNE 2022 Residents enrolled in other benefit programs are eligible to receive $45 off their home or mobile broadband […]
Continue readingResidents Testify in Unanimous Opposition to Cell Tower ZTA 22-01 at a Truncated Daytime Public Hearing
Archived Advocacy Notice (September 2022) This post was originally published during the 2022 review of ZTA 19-07. It reflects community calls for engagement during the public comment period. It is preserved here as part of the legislative history surrounding zoning amendments related to wireless infrastructure in Montgomery County. Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 22-01, Antenna on Existing Structure – Use StandardsTuesday, September 13, 2022, 1:30 – 2:30pm ZTA 22-01 lets carriers turn utility and light poles […]
Continue readingNew Report by Project WTF: SAY NO to Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 22-01 — Effects are harmful and unfair to residents and neighborhoods
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Continue readingWatch Now: PRESS BRIEFING June 28, 2021 – MoCo Residents Protest Radical ZTA 19-07
This post is preserved as part of the public record and historical documentation of community engagement at that time. For broader regulatory and governance context, see: PRESS BRIEFING MONDAY, JUNE 28, 11:15 AM Montgomery County Coalition to Protect Neighborhoods Montgomery County Residents Protest Radical Bill ZTA 19-07 That Impose Cell Towers Near Homes — MoCo Council Poised for Straw Vote Who: Residents, Community Groups, Advocacy Groups What: Press Conference on Resident Opposition to “Small” Cell-Tower […]
Continue readingFacts about the Blair High School Cell Tower
Archived News and Action alert (2019) This post is preserved as part of the public record and historical documentation of community engagement at that time. For broader regulatory and governance context, see: A new 199 foot cell tower is about to be placed right near Blair High school. Take Action Now to Oppose This Installation & the loophole where future Telecom Antennas could be added without public notice or a hearing.The FCC hasn’t updated their […]
Continue readingCommunity Vision for Takoma ZTA19-07 Testimony
YOUR CHOICE IS CLEAR: Champion Public Interests – Or Let the Telecom Industry Rule Our Streets Nov. 19, 2019 Statement on behalf of Community Vision for Takoma* by Colleen Cordes Our Health and Safety Is Not Negotiable — Letting cell towers be installed as close as 30 feet from homes is to gamble with our health and the health of our children and grandchildren. Everyone on the Council is smart enough to know that we […]
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