Silver Spring locals hope county officials keep their ears to the community this election season

Locals in downtown Silver Spring are hoping that community voices are heard beyond the ballot box this election.

Early voting in Montgomery County began Oct. 22, and many Silver Spring residents are looking for local officials to take community input more seriously in these next terms.

Jeren, who declined to give his full name, had lived in downtown Silver Spring for 14 years. Jeren said that an issue he wished had more community input was the Purple Line project.

Jeren has lived near the heart of construction around the Fenton Street and Wayne Avenue intersection, but said that the construction disruptions have made him recently make the decision to move outside of Montgomery County.

“I don’t think a lot of things were taken into consideration,” said Jeren.

The Purple Line, a construction project managed by the Maryland Transit Administration in partnership with the Purple Line Transit Partners, has been in development since 2017. The line, which will run through Prince George’s and Montgomery counties, is scheduled to begin operation at the end of 2027.

Construction of the line has had significant impacts on downtown Silver Spring, including several lane and road closures specifically near Wayne Avenue.

Jeren said that the inconveniences of the line are already great before operation has even begun. Because of how busy the intersection can get and the Purple Line tracks being in the middle of the street, Jeren said that he believes the project is bound to cause more traffic congestion and issues once it is up and running.

“To me, it is clear there were under the table deals,” said Jeren.

For Susana Feliz, a Montgomery County native, her primary concern this election has been the rising cost of living in the area. From grocery and gas to rent prices, Feliz said that downtown Silver Spring has not been exempt.

More specifically, Feliz said that while many rent prices are increasing, she has noticed that building conditions are not changing at the same speed. Feliz said that many affordable places she’s seen suffer from pest infestations or deteriorating infrastructure and that, to her, affordability and comfortability should not be separate.

“Everyone should be able to live comfortably,” said Feliz. “We should all be able to pay rent.”

Just last year, Arrive Apartments on Georgia Avenue was just one building placed on notice by Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs after multiple residents complained about a rat infestation, according to a report by WUSA 9.

When asked what she would hope the next group of elected county officials would do differently, Feliz said the main thing she hopes for is a listening ear rather than focusing on a personal agenda.

“Listen to the community,” said Feliz. “Remember why people voted for you guys.”

For other locals like Feliz, national issues are also on local ballots this election season. Many residents are hoping to see county elected officials advocate for their communities even beyond the local level.

Yasmin Leon, a Georgetown University business student, said that she hopes both local officials and residents think about all issues this election, from cost of living and local taxes to immigration and healthcare. But, most importantly, Leon said that she hopes that those who can vote do vote, at the very least.

“Make the right decision this time,” said Leon. “I just hope people who can vote do it.”