SILVER SPRING – The Montgomery County Planning
Board unanimously voted today to purchase 1.3 acres of land adjacent to
Bethesda’s Hillmead Neighborhood Park for $2.5 million – increasing the size of
the park to 5.64 acres.
Located on Bradley Boulevard, the
park is home to two basketball courts, a tennis court and playground equipment. A house currently on the newly purchased property
will likely be demolished within the next six months. Eventually, in consultation with the
community, the Department of Parks may provide additional recreation facilities
on the land.
Today’s decision to purchase the
property for parkland expansion ends a contentious and controversial case that first
came to the Planning Board in 2006 when the land owner sought approval to subdivide
the property into four lots.
While that request was approved
and the property had potential for redevelopment, neighbors strongly opposed
any re-subdivision and since have been working with parks staff, planning staff
and the land owner to come to a different resolution.
Due to the funding source proposed
to be used for this acquisition, the Montgomery County Council must grant final
approval for the purchase. The Council
will take action on the matter in the coming weeks.