Council votes to approve recommendations for improved connections, environmental upgrades and affordability along portions of the Georgia Avenue corridor
SILVER SPRING, MD – The Montgomery County Planning Department, part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, is pleased to announce that on Tuesday, March 31, 2020, the Montgomery County Council unanimously voted to approve the Forest Glen/Montgomery Hills Sector Plan. The sector plan’s recommendations focus on transportation and road improvements, pedestrian and bicycle safety and connectivity, environmental upgrades, affordable housing and land use considerations. The planning area stretches along the Georgia Avenue corridor to encompass the Montgomery Hills commercial area, the Forest Glen neighborhood and a small portion of the Wheaton community. The plan boundary stretches from Spring Street to Dennis Avenue.
“This plan is about reconnecting, reinvesting, and reimagining this important section of the Georgia Avenue corridor,” said Planning Director Gwen Wright. “In working with the Forest Glen and Montgomery Hills communities and the County Council, we hope this plan will encourage equitable, attractive development while improving connectivity and, most importantly, Vision Zero goals to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and severe injuries.”
The plan’s recommendations and goals were developed based on community needs and stakeholder feedback gathered throughout the planning process. County and community leaders view the plan as a significant step toward achieving the county’s Vision Zero goals in the area.
The final document will include the County Council’ recommendations. Learn more about the Forest Glen/Montgomery Hills Sector Plan.
About the Forest Glen/Montgomery Hills Sector Plan
The Montgomery County Planning Department launched the Forest Glen/Montgomery Hills Sector Plan in 2017 with a study of traffic conditions along the Georgia Avenue corridor from 16th Street in Silver Spring to the Forest Glen Metro Station.
Previous plans for the area, including the 1996 Forest Glen Sector Plan, 2000 Silver Spring North and West Master Plan and the 1989 Master Plan for the Communities of Kensington/Wheaton, need to be updated due to recent changes planned for the corridor. The Maryland State Highway Administration initiated planning for road improvements along Georgia Avenue between 16th Street and the Capital Beltway, and these upgrades will affect properties on both sides of the road.
The planning team has explored ways of improving pedestrian and bicycle access, connectivity and safety within the Forest Glen/Montgomery Hills plan area. Included in the plan are strategies to help implement the county’s Vision Zero policy.
Planners examined opportunities for redevelopment at strategic locations to provide walkable, neighborhood-serving development. They also looked at previous plans and studies of streetscape designs to improve sidewalks, street trees and lighting.
All previous meetings, presentations, videos and outreach materials related to the Forest Glen/Montgomery Hills Sector Plan are available online.
For more information, contact lead planner Melissa Williams at 301-495-4642 or melissa.williams@montgomeryplanning.org.