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Town Submits Comments on Thrive Montgomery 2050 Draft Plan
On December 14, prior to the County Council’s second Listening Session on the Thrive Montgomery 2050 (Thrive) Draft Plan, the Town submitted a letter setting out our comprehensive views about the plan to the County Council.
The letter expresses support for many of the principles of the general plan update and its overall objective of encouraging higher density development along transit corridors and activity centers around the County. It also provides comments and recommendations to improve the plan, such as the need for the plan to:
-- Address economic competitiveness and environmental resiliency;
-- Establish use of the master and sector plan processes to implement land use changes;
-- Promote market-rate affordable housing and amenities in more locations, including suburban areas;
-- Advocate for improved infrastructure when increasing housing density;
-- Include a more imaginative transportation approach; and
-- Schedule an update every five years given that facts and circumstances can change considerably during that time.
The Town’s letter also applauds Thrive’s recognition of the vital contribution made by urban parks to the success of complete communities, citing the Town’s recent authorization of contributing up to $4 million to the creation of two new parks in Bethesda, connected to the redevelopment of the Farm Women’s Market, as an example of an innovative public-private partnership and of the partnership value that municipalities such as the Town could bring to Thrive.
The Town Council extends its appreciation to the Town’s Long Range Planning Committee for its work in developing this letter and identifying and refining the ideas therein.
Last month, a majority of Montgomery County Council members expressed support for Thrive but also called for more discussion before a final vote. It is uncertain when that final vote will occur as County Council work sessions have yet to be scheduled. Residents are encouraged to continue to send comments about the plan to the Town Council at townoffice@townofchevychase.org and to the County Council at county.council@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov.