Councilmember Trachtenberg Introduces Development Oversight Legislation

At this morning’s County Council session, Councilmember Trachtenberg introduced new legislation to require oversight and coordination of new complex development in Montgomery County. Trachtenberg is Chair of the Council’s Committee on Management and Fiscal Policy.

Joining Councilmember Mike Knapp, Chairman of the Committee on Planning, Housing and Economic Development as original co-sponsors are Councilmembers Phil Andrews (D-District 3) and Roger Berliner (D-District 1)

Bill 1-10 amends the County’s laws governing coordination of development and “provides further coordination and oversight of master-planned development … and further coordination and oversight of development districts.”

The bill directs the county executive to designate an employee in the Office of the Executive or in the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer as the development coordinator for each planning area for which a newly revised master or sector plan has authorized intensive new development or redevelopment. The coordinator would oversee the financing and development of County infrastructure in the planning area. The coordinator also would serve as the primary point of contact for residents and businesses located in the planning area and the developer of any development located in the area.

In her remarks during the Council session, Councilmember Trachtenberg discussed the need for oversight and coordination for complex. “I am looking forward to the conversation with the community, homeowners, business and developers about this proposal,” said Trachtenberg. She said that the proposal would be discussed in a joint work session of the Committee on Management and Fiscal Policy and Committee on Planning, Housing and Economic Development.

A press event with representatives of the business community, developer community and civic community is scheduled for Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 11 a.m. in the Council Office Building in Rockville, Maryland.

Duchy Trachtenberg Meets with White Flint Partnership Representatives

Councilmember Trachtenberg met with representatives of the White Flint Partnership to discuss developments related to the White Flint Sector Plan, which is currently being considered by the County Council. Among the subjects discussed were the needs for pro-active community outreach, community partnerships, a sustainable fiscal plan, timely transportation infrastructure, and a transparent oversight framework for redevelopment.

The White Flint Partnership was begun in 2008 by a collaboration of local landowners working to together to transform the White Flint area into an accessible, engaging and vibrant community.

The Partnership’s website is located at http://www.whiteflintpartnership.com/.

To review the draft White Flint Sector Plan, click here.