Public invited to brainstorm creative ideas for improving Transit Center civic space, Ripley District and Metro Plaza
The Montgomery County Planning Department, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is partnering with the office of County Councilmember Hans Riemer, and the Silver Spring Urban District to host three design workshops focused on placemaking strategies for Downtown Silver Spring.
The current Silver Spring Sector Plan was last updated in 2000. Since then, many aspects of the plan have been implemented, transforming Downtown Silver Spring into a vibrant urban community. These workshops will explore creative ways of enhancing three downtown locations with proposed improvements. The public is invited to participate in these workshops. RSVP’s are encouraged but not required. RSVP for each event at www.silverspringplacemaking.com.
The first workshop, to be held on October 15 from 7 to 9 p.m., at the Planning Department Headquarters (8787 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring, MD) will explore the creation of civic space in the vicinity of the Transit Center. The session will examine enhancements such as temporary short-term green space and bike facilities improving pedestrian experiences from the Transit Center to Downtown Silver Spring via Wayne Avenue. RSVP for the first Silver Spring Placemaking workshop focused on the Transit Center and green space.
The second workshop happening on Wednesday, October 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Denizens Brewing Co. (1115 East-West Hwy, Silver Spring, MD), will focus on the community character of the Ripley District and the pedestrian experiences in the area to heighten community identity within the district. Creating a civic green space within the area will also be considered. RSVP for the second workshop focusing on the Ripley District.
The third workshop will take place on Wednesday, November 5 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.(location to be announced), will examine the areas immediately surrounding the proposed Purple Line station in Downtown Silver Spring. These areas are slated for high density development. Participants will explore design options for the redevelopment of the Metro Plaza site (located on the northeast corner of East-West Highway and Colesville Road), a prominent gateway to Downtown Silver Spring from the District of Columbia. So that redevelopment can proceed in a manner best suited to this location, the workshop will address transit support structures and streetscape enhancements aimed at improving pedestrian connectivity. RSVP for the third workshop examining the areas around the Purple Line station.
Learn more about the workshop series: www.silverspringplacemaking.com.