Updating the county’s General Plan, studying pedestrian safety in Aspen Hill and analyzing trip rates generated by mixed-use development among projects approved by County Council
SILVER SPRING, MD – The Montgomery County Planning Department, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, has secured the Montgomery County Council’s approval to proceed with its ambitious work program for fiscal year 2019 (FY19), which begins on July 1, 2018.
The County Council approved the Planning Department’s $20.2 million budget for FY19 at its meeting on May 24, 2018. These funds support the work program for the Department’s 149 employees.
“We are grateful for the support of the County Council in approving an important work program for Montgomery Planning in FY19,” said Planning Director Gwen Wright. “Our focus this year will be on updating the County’s General Plan – the most important policy document for how we plan for land use in our communities.”
Highlights of major new plans and projects to be undertaken by the Planning Department in FY19 include:
Updating the Montgomery County General Plan: The guiding land use policy for the county was last refined in 1993 and needs to be updated in response to recent changes in, among other areas, development and work patterns, demographics, technology and transportation modes. The first phase of this project will analyze the county’s residential market, housing and economic trends, and economic development indicators to pave the way for revisions to the General Plan.
Aspen Hill Vision Zero Pedestrian Study and Zoning Analysis: Some Aspen Hill community residents have expressed concern about pedestrian safety at major intersections. This study will look at traffic conditions in the area and solutions to eliminating accidents and improving pedestrian safety and accessibility.
Shady Grove Sector Plan – Minor Master Plan: The 2006 Shady Grove Sector Plan put forth a bold vision to transform an industrial area into a new mixed-use community. The plan has staging requirements that limit the amount of development that can occur until specific triggers, including major transportation infrastructure improvements, are met. This project will analyze the timing and potential achievement of the triggers for transportation infrastructure in consultation with the Shady Grove Implementation Advisory Committee and county agencies.
Ashton Minor Master Plan Amendment: This proposed plan amendment will evaluate the appropriateness of the rural village overlay zone in Ashton’s crossroads, around the intersection of New Hampshire Avenue and MD 108. A detailed examination of the zoning in Ashton will be part of this project.
Study of Traffic Generation from Mixed-Use Development: Building on the study completed in FY18, planners will gather data to create county-specific trip generation rates from mixed-use development and examine the impact of parking on trip generation.
Staff will continue to work on the master plans and projects that are currently in progress, including:
- Agritourism Study
- Bicycle Master Plan (set for a public hearing at the County Council on July 10, 2018)
- Missing Middle Study
- Forest Glen/Montgomery Hills Sector Plan
- MARC Rail Communities Plan
- Master Plan of Highways Technical Update (set for a public hearing at the County Council on July 10)
- Veirs Mill Corridor Master Plan