Attendees offered feedback on plans to improve MARC station areas in Boyds and Germantown
SILVER SPRING, MD – The Montgomery County Planning Department, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, concluded the second phase of its design workshops, held from March 14 through March 16, for the MARC Rail Communities Plan at the Upcounty Regional Services Center (12900 Middlebrook Road, Germantown, MD 20874). The purpose of the workshops was to identify community concerns and gather ideas for the MARC station areas in Boyds and Germantown, and enable all stakeholders to participate and to have a voice in the ultimate vision.
Design Workshop on March 7
The most recent sessions followed an all-day workshop held on March 7 when residents and stakeholders dropped in to meet with Planning Department staff and County and state officials, and learn about various aspects of the rail station areas. Discussion topics included land use policy, historic preservation, schools, environmental issues and transportation connections. An open house and community visioning exercise followed in the evening, when the public brainstormed ideas and asked questions.
Design Workshops from March 14 to March 16
During the second phase of the MARC Rail Communities Plan Design Workshops, held from March 14 through March 16, planners synthesized ideas from the March 7 event and explored additional ideas in order to determine the priorities for the Boyds and Germantown station areas. Discussions centered on road access, parking, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, historic preservation, environmental issues and other topics.
On March 14, the planners focused on Boyds and on March 15, they turned their attention to Germantown.
Staff used a smart screen to demonstrate interactive maps and invited workshop participants to draw and write their comments about the station areas in Boyds and Germantown. Suggestions from the communities included more bike and bus connections, more MARC parking, new gathering places, increased pedestrian safety and preserving the historic districts in each community.
On March 16, the final day of the Design Workshops, participants were provided the opportunity to learn about the proposed concepts developed during the previous two days. They gave feedback about concepts to planners through comments and drawings. This important interaction will serve as a basis for refinement to the initial concepts that will be presented at a series of future community meetings.
Online Map Available for Registering Comments about Boyds and Germantown Station Areas
Residents and stakeholders who didn’t attend the workshops or want to add more comments based on the workshop discussions can offer suggestions for the Boyds and Germantown station areas from their phones or computers. View the feedback map to record online comments about the future of MARC stations in Boyds and Germantown.
Through this interactive map, participants are asked to comment on connections, placemaking and other topics relevant to the Boyds and Germantown MARC stations. The comments will be posted in real time on the map for the public to view and will be considered by planners as work continues on the MARC Rail Communities plan.
About the MARC Rail Communities Master Plan
The MARC Rail Communities Plan is focused on improving the transit station areas in Boyds and Germantown in ways that are sensitive to the character and scale of these historic communities. Planners are considering opportunities for physical and operational improvements that could enhance commuter rail stations in this area of Montgomery County.
Recommended land uses and existing zoning will be evaluated for consistency with the desired scale and character for the area. Access and connections in the vicinity of the stations will be evaluated and enhancements recommended where needed. In coordination with MARC Rail and County and state agencies, the Plan will consider land uses and alternative arrangements for existing surface parking and access.
Master Plan recommendations will be presented to the Planning Board in fall 2016 and a public hearing about the Plan will be held towards the end of 2016. Learn more about this plan: www.montgomeryplanning.org/marcrailplan
Stay connected
- Stay informed and join the MARC Rail Communities email list at montgomeryplanning.org/marcrailplan
- Email us at Duke@montgomeryplanning.org
- Meet with us in our offices in Silver Spring or attend a public meeting in Boyds or Germantown.
Our team
- Roberto Duke, Planner Coordinator, 301.495.2168
- Leslie Saville, Planner Coordinator, 301.495.2194