Proposed Ecodistrict information now available online, along with opportunity to give comments on framework concept, and take online visual preferences survey
SILVER SPRING, MD – The Montgomery County Planning Department encourages the community to learn about the principles of an “ecodistrict” that is being proposed for incorporation into the Bethesda Downtown Plan. The purpose of the ecodistrict is to integrate the goals of social, economic and environmental sustainability over the broader downtown area. In order to achieve these goals, the sector plan recommendations and implementation strategies will have to be carefully crafted.
Learn about the proposed Bethesda Downtown Plan ecodistrict and give comments online.
Residents have until June 6 to take the online visual preference survey for the Bethesda Downtown Plan. This informal survey poses questions about street character, gathering space, and the types of landscaping for each neighborhood in downtown Bethesda. The results will give direction to the Planning Department about how the Downtown could look and feel for the next twenty years and beyond.
The draft Framework Plan was presented at the May 17 Bethesda Downtown Plan Community Workshop. The concept shows several areas as “Expanded Centers of Activity” and two as “Emerging Centers of Activity.” These designations were informed by the community’s input at the March 1 Community Workshop. A “Symbolic Center” is shown at the Bethesda Metro Station which acknowledges the fact that while the area around the station is not a retail destination or center of a wide variety of activities, it is still a “Symbolic Center” and a transit destination. Blue circles show where lively, enhanced “Civic Gathering Spaces” can be in the future. The framework concept also shows other existing and proposed open spaces. Give your comments on this framework plan by emailing the Bethesda Downtown Plan Team: bethesdadowntownplan@montgomeryplanning.org
View the presentation from the successful May 17 community workshop. Learn more about the Bethesda Downtown Plan and how to get involved: www.bethesdadowntownplan.org
About The Montgomery County Planning Department: The Montgomery County Planning Department, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, aims to improve quality of life by conserving and enhancing the natural and built environment for current and future generations. The Planning Department creates great communities by developing master plans, reviewing applications for development and analyzing various types of information to help public officials plan for Montgomery County’s future. The Department is comprised of 140 staff members and provides recommendations, information, analysis and services to the Montgomery County Planning Board, the County Council, the County Executive, other government agencies and the general public. Visit www.montgomeryplanning.org
# # #