Residents urge council to oppose Board of Education 'option H' for Crown Farm and press city to clarify snow‑clearing responsibility

During the public‑comment period residents urged the council to take two issues up in future sessions. Steven Bolivus, a Gaithersburg resident, urged the council to oppose Montgomery County Public Schools' 'option H' that would relocate Wootton High School to a site in Crown Farm, arguing the property was annexed with a 30‑acre parcel specifically dedicated for a public high school intended to benefit Gaithersburg students. Bolivus asked the council to act before the Montgomery County Board of Education’s March 26 final vote; the mayor said city staff has followed the issue closely and would discuss next steps offline.

Several residents raised pedestrian‑safety concerns after a major snow event. Bob Rogers of Asbury Methodist Village presented photos of snow‑covered 'islands' and sidewalks around Gaithersburg Square and asked who is responsible; Russell Kennedy thanked public works staff for clearing many sidewalks but noted a handicapped ramp remained covered. Brian Fields, the director of public works, answered that homeowners are not expected to clear medians or 'pork‑chop' intersection islands, that responsibility varies by whether an intersection is city, county or state, and that city priorities during the storm were roads, intersections and city facilities. He said a snow recap briefing for the council is scheduled March 2.