May Town & Budget Updates!
AmyJean Chung Fry
Dear Neighbors,
First, let me say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported me during the recent election. It was a challenging season in many ways, but your encouragement reminded me of why I stepped up to serve. I remain committed to the work we’ve started together.
A Note of Gratitude to Mayor Kayce
Before I go any further, I want to give a huge shoutout to Mayor Kayce. Her leadership has broken barriers, achieved major milestones, and uplifted the culture and energy of Cheverly in meaningful ways.
As a newly elected Councilmember, her support meant everything. She encouraged me to speak up—even when my voice shook—and, as Mayor, she intentionally changed the Council’s culture to one where open, honest dialogue was not only welcomed but protected. Her leadership gave me the confidence to express differing views without fear of retribution or bullying.
Mayor Kayce never let double standards or personal attacks distract her from her values or her commitment to the work. I am forever grateful for her leadership and friendship, and I look forward to continuing to collaborate with her for the betterment of our beloved town.
Reflecting on the Campaign and Our Community
This past campaign season was incredibly challenging—and, at times, disheartening. I encourage you to watch the personal remarks shared by Board of Election Supervisor Robin Kaye at our May Town Meeting. Her words echoed much of what I experienced myself: targeted hostility not just toward candidates, but toward our volunteer election officials—our neighbors.
The level of vitriol and “bullying by proxy” aimed at the Board of Elections, Town staff, the Board of Ethics, myself, and others is deeply troubling. This behavior cannot be excused, even in a national political climate that normalizes it. We are Cheverly, and we must treat each other better.
We’ve also seen disturbing comments suggesting Town staff would be fired under new leadership. Let me be clear—this is not acceptable. Our staff work hard. They deserve respect and to be held to a reasonable standard, not one that demands perfection.
Thank you to Vice Mayor Bryner for using her time during the candidate forum to call out this behavior. I’m committed to reflecting on my own actions and to speaking up when I see harm being done. I hope you will do the same. That’s how we move forward—together, with accountability and care.
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, a time that’s personally meaningful to me as a Korean American. Although I wasn’t able to read the Town's proclamation this year, I stand firmly behind its message: our community must continue to embrace inclusion and reject efforts to erase history. You can watch the reading of the proclamation.
MEETINGS :You can watch recordings of all town meetings here.
May 15th FY26 Final Budget Review: The FY26 budget is the result of significant work and direction from former Mayor Kayce. I applaud Mayor Kayce for working hard with our department heads to tighten our belts this year, knowing that the uncertainty from the federal government has already hit our residents.
I also want to note that our ability to keep the tax rate steady this year is a direct result of the Council’s decision to raise it over the past two years. Those difficult but responsible choices have positioned us to weather today’s growing financial challenges without an increase. I applaud the Councilmembers who had the courage to vote for what was right for the long-term health of the Town—not just what was popular at the time.
Click Here To Review The Proposed Budget
The First Reader of the FY26 budget has been completed, with no increase to the residential tax rate, which will remain at $0.5799, and the multi-family rate holding steady at $0.75—the same as in the FY25 budget.
While the budget is not balanced, with a deficit of $334,106.00, the Town Administrator feels fairly confident that we will not need to dip too far into our fund balance.
The Second reader will be at the Work session on May 22. You can see the full agenda here.
May 8 Town Meeting
Agenda can be found here.
Board of Elections:
A big thank you to our Board of Election Supervisors and Judges for their work in making Election Day a success. While I was disappointed by continued violations of electioneering rules—even after repeated reminders—I truly appreciate how the Supervisors managed the day, handled challenges, and upheld the process with professionalism.
👉 I encourage everyone to watch the May meeting to better understand the scope of what they faced.
Planning Board:
The Planning Board is still in need of volunteers. If you’re interested in serving, please reach out—I’d be happy to help you get started.
What’s Happening with Walgreens?
Many residents have asked what’s planned for the former Walgreens space. Like you, I have plenty of ideas—but before speculating, I’ve requested that the Town contact the property owner to find out if any plans are already in motion.
Vice Mayor Selection:
Although I was nominated to serve another term, I declined. I was proud to nominate Councilmember Bryner, the next most senior member, and—along with Councilmember Garces—support her appointment as Vice Mayor. While I was disappointed that two councilmembers abstained from the vote despite a 5 -2 clear majority, I’m confident Vice Mayor Bryner will do an outstanding job.
Town Administrator :
Deputy Town Administrator Farana Abdul has joined our administrative team. I hope when you have the chance to welcome her, you give her that Cheverly welcome.
Maryland Municipal League Conference in Ocean City begins on June 22, 2025. It will be a great opportunity for this new council to bond and to attend trainings and learn or refresh a few of our basics when it comes to municipal governing.
Police Department Update
There has been a notable increase in catalytic converter thefts in our area. If you experience or witness any suspicious activity, please report it to CPD immediately—even if you're unsure. This data is critical in helping our police identify patterns and target enforcement where it’s needed most.
📢 You may have seen CPD’s recent notice about this uptick—please take a moment to review it. Stay vigilant, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the department if your vehicle is tampered with.
Public Works Update: Food Composting Pilot Program
Inspired by Bowie’s success in redirecting 5.4 tons of food waste from landfills, and my own experiences in Korea, I’ve become very interested in food composting. I brought this idea up with the Town Administrator last year, and, after a fair request to wait until the Eley Building was completed, I’m excited to share some progress. The Town of Edmonston has invited us to join a pilot composting program with ECO-City Farms. Starting this summer, 60 participants will be able to take part in the program, which will run from June to November.
🔗 Sign up here. If you don’t make it into the pilot, don’t worry—keeping your name on the list will help the Town gauge interest and shape what a full-scale program could look like in Cheverly.
Mount Hope Commission Update
On May 10, I had the privilege of joining the Mount Hope Commission Board for the dedication of a time capsule. It was a meaningful moment to reflect on what we love about Cheverly, and to share our hopes for the future of our town.
Cheverly’s history is rich and complex, and it’s important that we remember and educate ourselves about it. This dedication serves as a great opportunity to have important conversations and continue working together to make Cheverly an even better place for all.
🔗 Learn more about the Mount Hope Commission here: Mount Hope Commission
Upcoming Events
For more information about these and other events, check out the town newsletter
📌 4th Ward Civic Association: Monday, May 19, 7:00 PM | Zoom
📌 55 & Up Hand Dancing Event with Instruction : Wednesday, May 21, 6:30pm-8:30pm | Town Hall (6401 Forest Road)
📌 Town Worksession (Second Reader of Budget): May 22, 7:30pm | Hybrid
📌 Cheverly Community Market :Saturday, May 24, 8am-noon | Town Hall
📌 Memorial Day: Monday, May 26 Town Offices Closed and Services Suspended
📌 CAACO Meeting: May 26, 2025, 7:00 PM
📌Rec Council: May 27, 2025, 7:00 PM | Town Hall Large Conference Room
📌 Public Safety Day: Friday, May 30, 5:30pm-8:30pm |Town Park
📌Ms. Vee’s (Rec Council) Pickleball Tournament: Saturday, May 31, 9am-5pm | 6401 Forest Rd.
📌 Planning Board Meeting: June 3, 2025, 7:30 PM
📌 WSSC - Municipal Town Hall:June 4, 2025, TBD
📌 Cheverly Community Market: June 7, 2025, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Community Center Parking Lot
📌 Town Meeting (Final Reader of Budget Ordinance and Passage): June 12, 2025, 8:00 PM | Hybrid
📌 Maryland Municipal League: June 22, 2025- June 25, 2025 | Ocean City, MD
Stay Connected
Check out the Cheverly Town Newsletter [en Español]
If you missed the Town Meeting on Thursday, you can watch recordings of all town meetings [here] or watch on YOUTUBE.
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