History

A Brief History

In 1896 Harry M. Martin began buying land parecels of 35 to 50 acres from the Chevy Chase Land Company, from Wilson Offutt, Henry N. Griffith and others. He called his acquisitions “Martin’s Additions to Chevy Chase.” Martin’s purchases went as far as the current site of La Ferme Restaurant and the “No Gain" property (at the corner of Thornapple Street and Brookville Road), both on the west edge of Martin’s Additions.

On April 11, 1916, Maryland enacted Senate Bill 207 establishing a Special Taxing District known as Martin’s First, Second , Third and Fourth Additions to the Village of Chevy Chase. The bill authorized election of a Citizens’ Committee that had substantial powers, including the regulation of farm animal behavior.

Concerns over development and other pressures caused residents to seek incorporation during the early 1980’s. A three-member Steering Committee was appointed to draft a Charter and to help the Council fulfill the requirements to become a municipality.

A Village-wide referendum for Martin’s Additions residents, 92 per cent voted in favor of incorporation. Following approval by the Montgomery County Council (Resolution No 10-11164, effective February 14, 1985) the state recorded the municipal incorporation of the Village of Martin’s Additions, on March 19, 1985. The Village’s first ordinances came into effect on July 9, 1989.

The Village has more than 300 homes and is governed by an elected, five member Village Council and Manager. Public Council meetings are held on the Third Thursday of the month in the Village office at 7013 B Brookville Road, Chevy Chase, MD. The meeting agendas are posted on the Village Bulletin Board located at the Brookville Road Village Center and on this website.

Council elections and the Village Annual Meeting are held each spring. The newsletter Martin’s Edition, keeps residents informed of services, community issues and neighborhood interests in addition to this website.