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Friendship Heights council: Page Park permit work advancing; Red House near completion
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Summary
Council members heard progress reports that Page Park permit paperwork is nearly complete with work likely to begin in May, and that the Red House has received most final inspections though a contractor paving change order remains unresolved.
Chair Sault said the council’s top priority remains Page Park and reported steps to correct previous mistakes that delayed the project, including hiring an experienced project manager and completing a mandatory stormwater management plan. "The council in 2022 approved a park design that was not ADA compliant," Sault said, noting the pergola was removed after community input and Montgomery County permitting concerns.
Project manager Jim Wilson told the council the Red House is substantially complete and that "we have received final inspections on the lift, on the electrical, fire protection, and I think the building final is scheduled for Wednesday." He said the project missed an earlier finish target (the week of April 3) but anticipated final inspections in the next two days. Wilson flagged an outstanding change‑order proposal for paving at the back of the parking lot and said he is waiting for the contractor to clarify the scope before recommending approval.
Wilson and Village Manager Julian described Page Park as in the last steps of permit processing; Julian said access documents are being signed and notarized and that, barring permitting delays, construction could start in mid‑May. Wilson estimated the contractor’s schedule at about two months to complete the work once mobilized.
The council emphasized ensuring permits are obtained before work begins and that future contracts be reviewed by counsel — a provision that has been added to a draft contracts and acquisitions policy the council later adopted. The mayor and members also said the village will consider an artistic focal point for the park only after the park receives final inspections and opens to the public.
The meeting record shows no public speakers on the park items during the advertised hearing and staff directed residents to the village website for permitting updates and comment forms.
