The plan is being revised to maintain most of the existing commercial zoning along River Road and increase affordable housing in the Westbard area
Silver Spring, MD –The Montgomery County Planning Department, part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, presented the Westbard Sector Plan to the County Council on Tuesday, March 22. This meeting followed a work session held with the County’s Planning, Housing and Economic Development (PHED) Committee on Monday, March 14.
The Council recommended changes to the plan based on the PHED work session, including:
– Maintaining the existing commercial and industrial zoning, and building heights of 35 to 40 feet along River Road.
-Allowing a floating zone to be applied to River Road properties currently occupied by the American Plant garden center, Roof Center and Talbert’s Ice and Beverage Service, and allow future redevelopment of these sites.
-Increasing the affordable housing requirements for new residential construction within the entire planning area, from 12.5 percent moderately priced dwelling units (MPDUs) to 15 percent MPDUs.
-Decreasing the floor area ratio (FAR) for proposed commercial development within the Westwood Shopping Center area from 1.25 FAR to .75 FAR.
These changes will be reflected in the Westbard Sector Plan Draft Plan, which also reflects recommendations from Planning Board work sessions. The County Council will vote on approval of the Sector Plan in April 2016.
View the Planning Board Draft of the Westbard Sector Plan.
Background on the Westbard Sector Plan
The Westbard Sector Plan covers an area of approximately 181 acres and was last updated in 1982, making it the oldest master plan in Montgomery County. The Plan builds on the assets of the community by offering ways to improve neighborhood retail and maintain the existing light industrial areas, while expanding housing options and recreational and open spaces over the next 20 years. It allows for redevelopment of the older retail centers and recommends the creation of new parks in the Sector Plan area, which does not have a single County park. Restoration of the Willett Branch stream would both improve water quality and provide a significant amenity for the residents of Westbard and surrounding communities.
Recommendations in the Westbard Sector Plan focus on:
-Encouraging more housing choices.
-Revitalizing older retail areas.
-Emphasizing low-scale development of not more than seven stories.
-Preserving local light industrial uses.
-Restoring the Willett Branch stream as a public amenity.
-Creating better access to the Capital Crescent Trail.
-Establishing new gathering spaces and parks.
-Enhancing walkability with sidewalks shaded by street trees.
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