County planners discuss transportation, schools and environment.
SILVER SPRING, MD – The Montgomery County Planning Department, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, held a community meeting on April 22 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Walt Whitman High School to present the latest refinements to the Westbard Sector Plan, which was last revised in 1982. The Sector Plan is now being updated at the direction of the Montgomery County Council to keep pace with the times and changes in the area. Its recommendations aim to enhance the experiences of people who live in the Westbard area by providing for more choices of retail and housing, new parks and open spaces, and greater environmental sustainability.
At the April 22 meeting, planners focused on issues related to transportation, noting that recent traffic studies show no failing intersections and no need for road widening in the area. Staff’s recommendations include curb cut consolidation along River Road to minimize traffic stresses and improve safety. They also call for creating a new road connecting Westbard Avenue and River Road, and cycle tracks on those streets, along with upgraded sidewalks for pedestrians.
In addition, possible options for additional public school facilities serving the Westbard area and improvements to environmental quality were addressed at the session. Converting the Willett Branch from a concrete storm drain into a green community amenity was recommended, along with increasing the number of open spaces in the Westbard area. A central civic green proposed near Giant Food would provide a place for community gatherings and events.
Review the April 22 presentation.
Since the PlanWestbard charrette, a weeklong brainstorming session held in November 2014, planners have been revising the Sector Plan to address community concerns. Refinements include lower heights for new buildings, more open spaces and bike paths, and placemaking strategies that relate to Westbard’s rich history. The vision for the Sector Plan now concentrates on smaller scale buildings, appropriate density, diversity of housing, mixed uses, affordability and community amenities.
Feedback from the April 22 meeting will be incorporated into the Westbard Concept Framework Plan, which will be presented to the Montgomery County Planning Board on April 30, 2015 for review and approval.
Learn more about the Westbard Sector Plan.