SILVER SPRING – Planners are beginning work on a community plan for an area called White Flint 2 that lies between White Flint and the Rockville city limits. Yesterday, the Planning Board approved a scope of work that establishes the plan goals.
White Flint 2 is ripe for planning thanks to myriad factors: the community straddles Rockville Pike, which has been identified for change – both in a countywide study of rapid transit and the sweeping vision for a pedestrian-friendly boulevard in the 2010 White Flint plan. Moreover, recent development at the nearby Twinbrook Metro Station and a proposed new MARC train station will create spinoff effects for the area.
The plan will analyze land use, transportation and urban design in that changing context. It also will address the future of one of the county’s few light industrial areas as well as what makes up an appropriate level of new development.
In addition to recommending changes to Rockville Pike in the plan area, planners also will analyze how proposed realignment of area roads, such as Old Georgetown Road and Executive Boulevard, will impact White Flint 2. They also plan to recommend ways to improve the area bicycle network and pedestrian environment.
Since school overcrowding, particularly at the elementary school level, remains a concern in North Bethesda, the White Flint 2 plan will consider school capacity issues.
Planners will host an open house late this spring to engage area residents and solicit their ideas, and will work closely with Rockville city staff, particularly on proposed changes to two miles of Rockville Pike. Stay in the loop as the plan develops by signing up for our community contact list.
The staff draft of the plan is expected to go to the Planning Board for consideration in early 2013, then to the County Council later that year.
Planners develop master and sector plans to create a framework for each community designed to last 15 to 20 years. Those visions help planners and policy-makers – such as the Planning Board and County Council – develop land use strategies and decide on proposed development.
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