Germantown Road Encampment Debris Finally Cleared Near I-270
Top 3/2/2026. Bottom 3/14/2026 (Photos: Montgomery Fix)
GERMANTOWN, Md. — A hazardous mess of trash and debris on Germantown Road near the I-270 northbound entrance ramp has finally been cleared following a push from Montgomery Fix and County Council Vice President Marilyn Balcombe’s office.
Germantown Road top of picture. (Photo Montgomery Fix, 3/2/2026)
The site, located just off the westbound sidewalk, had been an eyesore for nearly a year. While not an active residential encampment, the area served as a frequent dumping ground and site for illicit activities. Earlier this month, Montgomery Fix documented the extent of the neglect, finding furniture, suitcases, pallets and appliances over a carpet of alcohol bottles, drug paraphernalia, Narcan dispensers, discarded sharps, and garbage.
The cleanup followed a March 2 report from Montgomery Fix to Balcombe’s office. Because the land sits within a state highway right-of-way, Balcombe’s staff had to coordinate a response between the Montgomery County Police Department and the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA).
(Google Earth)
County police first inspected the site to confirm no one was living there. Once the area was deemed vacant, the SHA took over the cleanup. The debris was removed last week, leaving only a muddy field behind.
(Photo: Montgomery Fix, 3/14/2026)
Montgomery Fix is committed to working with communities and local government to ensure dignified outreach and support services reach unhoused people in Montgomery County, and to restoring public spaces to safe, clean and enjoyable conditions.
