Plan recommendations include preserving recreation and open space, encouraging mixed-use development and enhancing connectivity in the Village
SILVER SPRING, MD – The Montgomery County Planning Department, part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, secured approval of the Montgomery Village Master Plan and accompanying Overlay Zone from the Montgomery County Council on Tuesday, February 9, 2016.
The Master Plan envisions the future of Montgomery Village, a 2,435-acre planned community built by the Kettler Brothers in the 1960s. The planning efforts began in October 2014 and involved residents, property owners and multiple homeowner associations.
The Plan identifies four main goals—preserve the Village’s character, maintain the public recreation and open space, encourage reinvestment and enhance connectivity—in order to move Montgomery Village into the future. It recommends a comprehensive rezoning of Montgomery Village to replace the current Town Sector zone in the Village.
Master Plan Recommends Mixed-Use Redevelopment and Additional Open Space
When originally established fifty years ago, the entirety of Montgomery Village was placed under the Town Sector zone but the new zoning code specified that, going forward, when land zoned TS was part of a new Master Plan effort, the zone could not be reconfirmed or applied to new land. As a result, all of the land in Montgomery Village needed to be rezoned. About 90 percent of the land in Montgomery Village is being reclassified to 15 zones that closely match existing development patterns and densities. Approximately 10 percent of the land is anticipated for redevelopment, so the Commercial Residential Town (CRT) or Commercial Residential Neighborhood (CRN) zones, which allow for mixed use development, are recommended for these areas.
Master Plan recommendations for the former Montgomery Village golf course include:
-Clustered, compact development patterns that are compatible with adjacent surrounding neighborhoods.
-Protection of viewsheds when locating new development clusters.
-Additional public open space and a trail connection between Great Seneca Stream Valley Park and Cabin Branch Park.
-The dedication of about 40 acres of stream valley to the Montgomery County Department of Parks for open space and trail uses, should redevelopment occur on the former golf course.
Master Plan Encourages Preservation of Open Space
The Overlay Zone that covers the entire 2,435 acres of the Village imposes requirements and standards that are necessary to achieve the goals and objectives of the Master Plan. It restricts the permitted uses for property zoned RE-1 in order to preserve the recreation and open space provided on certain properties owned and operated by the Montgomery Village Foundation. In addition, the zone is intended to ensure a compatible relationship between new and existing development, and preserve the unique character of Montgomery Village.
Next Steps for Montgomery Village Master Plan
On March 24, 2016, the Planning Board will consider a request to file a sectional map amendment with the County Council to implement the zoning recommendations in the Master Plan. The rezoning of Montgomery Village will replace the original Town Sector zone and its development plan, and will reclassify the Village into 15 zones. The Overlay Zone will be mapped as part of the sectional map amendment. It is anticipated that the Council’s adoption of the new zones will occur in late spring 2016.
View the Public Hearing Draft of the Montgomery Village Master Plan.
View the Council Resolution.
About the Montgomery Village Master Plan
The new Master Plan builds on the assets of Montgomery Village through four major recommendations:
Preserve the Village’s character: Built in the 1960s by Kettler Brothers, Montgomery Village was purposefully planned with a vast range of housing types. From the apartment communities clustered in the lower Village to the grand colonials of Whetstone, the homes appeal to a variety of lifestyles with a wide selection of designs and prices for residents. The Master Plan recommends preserving this variety and expanding housing choices in the future.
Maintain the public recreation and open spaces: The Village’s sylvan environment is one of its greatest assets. The Master Plan strongly recommends that most of its recreation and open spaces be maintained and preserved. When new development or redevelopment occurs, developers should emulate the Kettlers’ town planning principles to provide ample green spaces, vistas and recreational opportunities. Additional trail connections, with natural or hard surfaces, should be provided to enhance community connectivity.
Encourage reinvestment: Montgomery Village has six conveniently located shopping areas (Montgomery Village Crossing, Montgomery Village Plaza, The Village Center, Goshen Plaza, Goshen Crossing and Goshen Oaks) throughout the community that serve the everyday retail needs of residents. Over several decades, however, retail competition has grown in the mid-County area and consumer preferences have shifted, as has the tenant mix in the Village’s centers. Some redevelopment opportunities exist in the Village, and the Master Plan strongly recommends a sustainable and competitive Village Center. Short blocks with identifiable edges to reinforce the mixed uses and the introduction of new housing units can potentially transform the suburban blocks into walkable, connected and inviting areas, reinvigorating a sense of community and creating attractive centers for community life.
Enhance connectivity: The Master Plan encourages increased options for mobility and connectivity by all modes — transit, walking, biking and private motor vehicles. The Village’s private street network, coupled with many trails and pedestrian connections, offers unique opportunities to enhance multimodal links. Montgomery Village can improve connectivity for pedestrians and bicyclists by providing missing links to open spaces, parks, the Village Center and other destinations around the community and beyond.
Past PowerPoint presentations and other materials from the Montgomery Village Master Plan process are posted on the Montgomery Village Master Plan webpage.