On March 14, the County’s Planning, Housing and Economic Development Committee held its last work session and sent its recommendations to the Council
Silver Spring, MD – Staff from the Montgomery County Planning Department, part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, met with the County’s Planning, Housing and Economic Development (PHED) Committee on Monday, March 14, to hold the last work session for the Westbard Sector Plan.
The PHED Committee, which comprises County Councilmembers Nancy Floreen, George Leventhal and Hans Riemer, met at the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Avenue in Rockville. County Council member Roger Berliner also attended the work session to discuss the plan for Westbard.
The discussion focused on the River Road corridor and affordable housing within the planning area. PHED Committee members recommended maintaining the existing commercial and industrial zoning, and building heights of 35 to 40 feet along River Road. They recommended increasing affordable housing requirements for new residential construction within the entire planning area, from 12.5 percent moderately priced dwelling units (MPDUs) to 15 percent MPDUs.
These changes will be reflected in the Westbard Sector Plan Draft Plan, which also reflects recommendations from Planning Board work sessions. The County Council will vote on approval of the Sector Plan on Tuesday, March 22.
View the Planning Board Draft of the Westbard Sector Plan.
Background on the Westbard Sector Plan
The Westbard Sector Plan covers an area of approximately 181 acres and was last updated in 1982, making it the oldest master plan in Montgomery County. The Plan builds on the assets of the community by offering ways to improve neighborhood retail and existing light industrial areas, while expanding housing options and recreational and open spaces over the next 20 years. It allows for redevelopment of the older retail centers and recommends the creation of new parks in the Sector Plan area, which does not have a single County park. Restoration of the Willett Branch stream would both improve water quality and provide a significant amenity for the residents of Westbard and surrounding communities.
Recommendations in the Westbard Sector Plan focus on:
-Encouraging more housing choices.
-Revitalizing older retail areas.
-Emphasizing low-scale development of not more than seven stories.
-Preserving local light industrial uses.
-Restoring the Willett Branch stream as a public amenity.
-Creating better access to the Capital Crescent Trail.
-Establishing new gathering spaces and parks.
-Enhancing walkability with sidewalks shaded by street trees.