Volunteers press Cheverly to replace storm‑damaged fencing at 5701 Landover Road

Diane Beadle of the Community Native Planting Project updated the council on work at the town‑owned parcel at 5701 Landover Road. Volunteers have cleared invasive species, installed paths, and begun plantings, but recent storms shredded the temporary plastic fencing. Beadle said the flapping fence is now a hazard and asked the town to remove the damaged material immediately and reinstall stronger temporary fencing while bids for permanent fencing are obtained.

Beadle proposed a pragmatic approach: erect a four‑foot black chain‑link fence that could be replaced or upgraded later, estimating a ballpark price in the low tens of thousands of dollars. She said prior grant attempts for a higher‑end industrial fence had failed and that a lower‑cost option would be more attainable. "If we said, you know, not let the perfect be the enemy of the good and went for something like 4 foot tall chain link fencing...that could be covered by the amount that's in the budget," Beadle said.

Council members and staff agreed to prioritize removing the hazardous orange fencing immediately (town staff committed to reinstall temporary fencing within two weeks) and to gather bids for a permanent solution to discuss during upcoming capital planning and budget talks. The council acknowledged the site’s volunteer base and discussed pursuing an AARP 'community challenge' grant (roughly $15,000) to fund an accessible pathway and gathering pad; Beadle said she intends to apply and that volunteers will continue planting and maintenance.

Ending: Council directed staff to act on the short‑term fence replacement quickly and to return cost estimates and grant options in time for March budget discussions.