Worksession Will Look at Proposal That Would Keep Closer Look at Evolving Future Development Districts and Intensive New Development
ROCKVILLE, Md., September 17, 2010—The Montgomery County Council’s Planning, Housing and Economic Development (PHED) Committee on Monday, Sept. 20, will discuss Bill 1-10 that would require the County Executive to designate an employee in the office of the Executive or the County’s Chief Administrative Officer as development coordinator for each approved development district and each geographic area where a newly revised master or sector plan has authorized intensive new development or redevelopment.
The worksession will begin at 2 p.m. in the Seventh Floor Hearing Room of the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Ave. in Rockville.
Duchy Trachtenberg, chair of the Council’s Management and Fiscal Policy Committee, and Mike Knapp, chair of the Council’s PHED Committee, and Councilmembers Phil Andrews and Roger Berliner are sponsors of the proposed legislation.
The bill does not require the Executive to create a new position to fulfill the requirements of the bill unless it is decided that no current employee or employees can perform the required functions.
Council staff will tell the committee on Monday that in their opinion, the bill would require the Executive to designate coordinators for the Clarksburg Town Center development district, which has been approved, but not implemented. It also would require coordinators for the recently adopted White Flint sector plan.
Showing posts with label development oversight. Show all posts
Showing posts with label development oversight. Show all posts
Monday, September 20, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Bill 1-10: Development Oversight
Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg testified today at the Planning, Housing and Economic Development (PHED) Committee meeting in support of her proposed Bill 1-10: Development Oversight.
The bill will create a new County position to oversee future development projects and will ensure that plans are followed as envisioned.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Residents call for large-scale development supervisor - Gazette
White Flint Sector Plan would be in crosshairs
by Jen Beasley - Staff Writer
Residents of the White Flint area are praising a proposal to create an overseer for the county's long-term development projects as a needed step toward accountability.
The bill, sponsored Jan. 19 by County Councilwoman Duchy Trachtenberg (D-At Large) of North Bethesda, would allow the county executive to designate a person in the executive's office to keep tabs on progress when sector plans — like the White Flint Sector Plan and the Gaithersburg-West Master Plan currently before the council — call for large-scale development. The overseer would monitor financing and infrastructure development in such areas.
Trachtenberg, who lives in White Flint, said problems that arose when development in Clarksburg happened slowly and off-track from the way it was planned, coupled with concerns from her neighbors about accountability, led her to introduce the legislation.
"I know from comments from my neighbors they have questions about who is going to be in charge, and how do we know that the money will be there," Trachtenberg said. "It gives people a sense of assurance."
To view the complete article in the Gazette, click here.
by Jen Beasley - Staff Writer
Residents of the White Flint area are praising a proposal to create an overseer for the county's long-term development projects as a needed step toward accountability.
The bill, sponsored Jan. 19 by County Councilwoman Duchy Trachtenberg (D-At Large) of North Bethesda, would allow the county executive to designate a person in the executive's office to keep tabs on progress when sector plans — like the White Flint Sector Plan and the Gaithersburg-West Master Plan currently before the council — call for large-scale development. The overseer would monitor financing and infrastructure development in such areas.
Trachtenberg, who lives in White Flint, said problems that arose when development in Clarksburg happened slowly and off-track from the way it was planned, coupled with concerns from her neighbors about accountability, led her to introduce the legislation.
"I know from comments from my neighbors they have questions about who is going to be in charge, and how do we know that the money will be there," Trachtenberg said. "It gives people a sense of assurance."
To view the complete article in the Gazette, click here.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Development Oversight Press Conference Video
Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg hosted a press event yesterday to discuss newly introduced legislation to require the Montgomery County Executive to designate an official to coordinate developments regarding new master-planned development. Representatives from the civic, development and business community joined Councilmember Trachtenberg to discuss the proposed legislation.
Click here to see the video of the press conference.
Click here to see the video of the press conference.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Duchy Trachtenberg Holds Press Event for Development Oversight Legislation
Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg (At-Large) hosted a press event today to discuss newly introduced legislation to require the Montgomery County Executive to designate an official to coordinate developments regarding new master-planned development. Representatives from the civic, development and business community joined Councilmember Trachtenberg to discuss the proposed legislation.
“With this legislation, we can provide all of the stakeholders in the development process—neighbors, taxpayers, labor, business owners, the development community, and County officials—with the assurances that our critically important development efforts will move forward, efficiently, effectively, expediously, and at reasonable cost to our County,” said Trachtenberg. "With this legislation, we can bring much needed oversight and coordination to the complex development process—something that I think we can all agreed is welcome and needed.”
Attending today’s press event were: Duchy Trachtenberg, Montgomery County Councilmember; Rollin Stanley, Director, Montgomery County Planning Department Paul Meyer, Friends of White Flint; Rod Lawrence, representing JBG Companies and the White Flint Partnership; Suzanne Hudson, a Garrett Park resident; Francine Waters, representing the Lerner Companies and the White Flint Partnership; Barnaby Zall, representing Friends of White Flint; Ed Rich, a resident of Old Farm; Vance Ayres, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Washington, DC Building and Construction Trades Council; Dan Hoffman, Randolph Civic Association; Della Stollsworth, Luxmanor Civic Association
The press event was broadcast live on County Cable Montgomery (CCM).
Attending the event on behalf of Councilmember Trachtenberg were Naomi Bloch, Laurie Edberg, Wil Gutierrez and Chief of Staff Alan Bowser.
Click here for the County Council Press Release.
“With this legislation, we can provide all of the stakeholders in the development process—neighbors, taxpayers, labor, business owners, the development community, and County officials—with the assurances that our critically important development efforts will move forward, efficiently, effectively, expediously, and at reasonable cost to our County,” said Trachtenberg. "With this legislation, we can bring much needed oversight and coordination to the complex development process—something that I think we can all agreed is welcome and needed.”
Attending today’s press event were: Duchy Trachtenberg, Montgomery County Councilmember; Rollin Stanley, Director, Montgomery County Planning Department Paul Meyer, Friends of White Flint; Rod Lawrence, representing JBG Companies and the White Flint Partnership; Suzanne Hudson, a Garrett Park resident; Francine Waters, representing the Lerner Companies and the White Flint Partnership; Barnaby Zall, representing Friends of White Flint; Ed Rich, a resident of Old Farm; Vance Ayres, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Washington, DC Building and Construction Trades Council; Dan Hoffman, Randolph Civic Association; Della Stollsworth, Luxmanor Civic Association
The press event was broadcast live on County Cable Montgomery (CCM).
Attending the event on behalf of Councilmember Trachtenberg were Naomi Bloch, Laurie Edberg, Wil Gutierrez and Chief of Staff Alan Bowser.
Click here for the County Council Press Release.
Statement of Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg at the Press Event for Development Oversight
Statement of Montgomery County Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg
January 20, 2010
Yesterday morning, I joined with my colleagues—Councilmembers Mike Knapp, Phil Andrew, and Roger Berliner—to introduce a bill that will require important oversight of our County’s future development efforts.
Our bill requires that 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.
With this legislation, we can provide all of the stakeholders in the development process—neighbors, taxpayers, labor, business owners, the development community, and County officials—with the assurances that our critically important development efforts will move forward, efficiently, effectively, expediously, and at reasonable cost to our County.
With this legislation, we can bring much needed oversight and coordination to the complex development process—something that I think we can all agreed is welcome and needed.
I am particularly proud of the coalition of stakeholders who are present with me today.
The business community is represented so ably by many, many individuals and groups. While our legislation would apply to all future master-planned development in the County, I want to particularly acknowledge the work of the White Flint Partnership with regard to the discussions regarding the White Flint Sector Plan. I commend their hard work and their outreach to the community.
The civic community is well represented today by the Friends of White Flint and leading civic organizations. I have benefited from many conversations with our very well informed neighbors and have attended many meetings where important development issues have been discussed and debated. I thank them as well for their interest in these matters and their support.
And, I am particularly proud of the support that this concept has received from working men and women. Mr. Vance Ayers, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Washington, D.C. Building and Construction Trades Council, is here with us today—heralding a valuable and “constructive” new partnership with all of the individuals and groups who are interested in the development of new walkable urban environments that will provide housing, new businesses, jobs, access to transit, and attractive public amenities.
I look forward to our future conversations about economic development and growth, the coordination of our development efforts, and the financing of infrastructure, among others.
This is the beginning of an important discussion, not the end of it. I am confident that, at the end of the day, we will forge an impressive and important partnership between all of these stakeholders that will work in the best interests of Montgomery County.
###
For more information, contact Alan S. Bowser, Office of Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, 240-777-7965.
January 20, 2010
Yesterday morning, I joined with my colleagues—Councilmembers Mike Knapp, Phil Andrew, and Roger Berliner—to introduce a bill that will require important oversight of our County’s future development efforts.
Our bill requires that 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.
With this legislation, we can provide all of the stakeholders in the development process—neighbors, taxpayers, labor, business owners, the development community, and County officials—with the assurances that our critically important development efforts will move forward, efficiently, effectively, expediously, and at reasonable cost to our County.
With this legislation, we can bring much needed oversight and coordination to the complex development process—something that I think we can all agreed is welcome and needed.
I am particularly proud of the coalition of stakeholders who are present with me today.
The business community is represented so ably by many, many individuals and groups. While our legislation would apply to all future master-planned development in the County, I want to particularly acknowledge the work of the White Flint Partnership with regard to the discussions regarding the White Flint Sector Plan. I commend their hard work and their outreach to the community.
The civic community is well represented today by the Friends of White Flint and leading civic organizations. I have benefited from many conversations with our very well informed neighbors and have attended many meetings where important development issues have been discussed and debated. I thank them as well for their interest in these matters and their support.
And, I am particularly proud of the support that this concept has received from working men and women. Mr. Vance Ayers, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Washington, D.C. Building and Construction Trades Council, is here with us today—heralding a valuable and “constructive” new partnership with all of the individuals and groups who are interested in the development of new walkable urban environments that will provide housing, new businesses, jobs, access to transit, and attractive public amenities.
I look forward to our future conversations about economic development and growth, the coordination of our development efforts, and the financing of infrastructure, among others.
This is the beginning of an important discussion, not the end of it. I am confident that, at the end of the day, we will forge an impressive and important partnership between all of these stakeholders that will work in the best interests of Montgomery County.
###
For more information, contact Alan S. Bowser, Office of Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, 240-777-7965.
Statement by Francine Waters at the Press Event for Development Oversight Legislation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Craig Sutherland
(813) 787-0525
January 20, 2010
Statement by Francine Waters on Behalf of
Lerner Enterprises and the White Flint Partnership
"The White Flint Partnership, a unique collaboration of property owners in the White Flint area of Bethesda, released the following statement today in support of legislation introduced by County Councilmembers Duchy Trachtenberg and Mike Knapp to advance infrastructure improvements as part of a new White Flint Sector Plan.
“In a time of severe economic uncertainty, the redevelopment of the White Flint area has the potential to create almost 8 million square feet of net new office and retail space. This would become home to as many as 30,000 new workers in well-paying jobs, as well as entry level service jobs, all within walking distance of the existing Metro station.
“It will require bold action to transform the current hodge-podge of retail sprawl with $500M of targeted infrastructure improvements --10 new East/West roads and 6 new North/ South roads creating a new network grid of streets, dedicated bike lanes, dedicated transit way all to make a new livable, walkable and safe White Flint community.
“That degree of public and private investment requires a dedicated senior-level official to ensure that the infrastructure planning, funding and construction are well coordinated with open lines of communication within the community. This oversight will give residents and property owners alike the security to invest in a new White Flint community.
“We applaud Councilmembers Trachtenberg and Knapp for their efforts to move the residents of a New White Flint closer to the development of a community that residents, and the whole county, can be proud to call our own.”
Contact: Craig Sutherland
(813) 787-0525
January 20, 2010
Statement by Francine Waters on Behalf of
Lerner Enterprises and the White Flint Partnership
"The White Flint Partnership, a unique collaboration of property owners in the White Flint area of Bethesda, released the following statement today in support of legislation introduced by County Councilmembers Duchy Trachtenberg and Mike Knapp to advance infrastructure improvements as part of a new White Flint Sector Plan.
“In a time of severe economic uncertainty, the redevelopment of the White Flint area has the potential to create almost 8 million square feet of net new office and retail space. This would become home to as many as 30,000 new workers in well-paying jobs, as well as entry level service jobs, all within walking distance of the existing Metro station.
“It will require bold action to transform the current hodge-podge of retail sprawl with $500M of targeted infrastructure improvements --10 new East/West roads and 6 new North/ South roads creating a new network grid of streets, dedicated bike lanes, dedicated transit way all to make a new livable, walkable and safe White Flint community.
“That degree of public and private investment requires a dedicated senior-level official to ensure that the infrastructure planning, funding and construction are well coordinated with open lines of communication within the community. This oversight will give residents and property owners alike the security to invest in a new White Flint community.
“We applaud Councilmembers Trachtenberg and Knapp for their efforts to move the residents of a New White Flint closer to the development of a community that residents, and the whole county, can be proud to call our own.”
Statement of Friends of White Flint at the Press Event for Development Oversight
Friends of White Flint
Promoting a Sustainable, Walkable, and Engaging Community
P.O. Box 2222, White Flint Station, Kensington, MD 20891-2222 301-984-1200
http://www.whiteflint.org/
Contact: Barnaby Zall 301-231-6943
Immediate Release
Statement on the Introduction of Legislation to Coordinate and Expedite the Implementation of the White Flint Sector Plan
January 20, 2010
In the four-year development of the White Flint Sector Plan, Friends of White Flint and other organizations held hundreds of meetings with thousands of Montgomery County residents. Most people agree with the vision for a transit-oriented, sustainable, walkable White Flint. But there was some opposition; what was surprising was the nature of that opposition.
Why did people oppose the White Flint Plan? It wasn’t, as we predicted, because we were proposing a new kind of urban model – transit-oriented, walkable, sustainable.
Much of the opposition to the White Flint Plan sprang from fear that Montgomery County would not follow-through on its promises. The 1992 North Bethesda-Garrett Park Master Plan, for example, promised transit-oriented development. But what it produced was . . . Rockville Pike today.
Today County Councilmembers Duchy Trachtenberg and Mike Knapp will introduce legislation to resolve that problem. The bill would designate a county employee to coordinate the financing and development of County infrastructure in White Flint, advise the County and State about “any action needed to expedite the financing and development of County infrastructure,” “serve as primary point of contact for residents and businesses,” and “take or recommend any other action needed to assure that County infrastructure keeps pace with private development.” There would be one person with the responsibility for infrastructure, and the accessibility for residents and businesses (who often get lost in the shuffle of complicated planning processes).
Accountability, accessibility, action. A good prescription. Would it be a guarantee of success? No, but it’s a good start, and it’s precisely what’s needed to resolve many peoples’ concerns.
A confidence booster. Because a lack of confidence is generating a lot of the opposition to the White Flint Plan. So something that boosts confidence in the likelihood of success will go far in resolving fears about the White Flint Plan.
At its meeting on January 14, the Board of Directors of Friends of White Flint voted to endorse the Trachtenberg/Knapp bill.
Friends of White Flint is a non-profit corporation promoting a sustainable, walkable and engaging community in White Flint. Its Board is divided evenly between residents, businesses and property owners. http://www.whiteflint.org/.
Promoting a Sustainable, Walkable, and Engaging Community
P.O. Box 2222, White Flint Station, Kensington, MD 20891-2222 301-984-1200
http://www.whiteflint.org/
Contact: Barnaby Zall 301-231-6943
Immediate Release
Statement on the Introduction of Legislation to Coordinate and Expedite the Implementation of the White Flint Sector Plan
January 20, 2010
In the four-year development of the White Flint Sector Plan, Friends of White Flint and other organizations held hundreds of meetings with thousands of Montgomery County residents. Most people agree with the vision for a transit-oriented, sustainable, walkable White Flint. But there was some opposition; what was surprising was the nature of that opposition.
Why did people oppose the White Flint Plan? It wasn’t, as we predicted, because we were proposing a new kind of urban model – transit-oriented, walkable, sustainable.
Much of the opposition to the White Flint Plan sprang from fear that Montgomery County would not follow-through on its promises. The 1992 North Bethesda-Garrett Park Master Plan, for example, promised transit-oriented development. But what it produced was . . . Rockville Pike today.
Today County Councilmembers Duchy Trachtenberg and Mike Knapp will introduce legislation to resolve that problem. The bill would designate a county employee to coordinate the financing and development of County infrastructure in White Flint, advise the County and State about “any action needed to expedite the financing and development of County infrastructure,” “serve as primary point of contact for residents and businesses,” and “take or recommend any other action needed to assure that County infrastructure keeps pace with private development.” There would be one person with the responsibility for infrastructure, and the accessibility for residents and businesses (who often get lost in the shuffle of complicated planning processes).
Accountability, accessibility, action. A good prescription. Would it be a guarantee of success? No, but it’s a good start, and it’s precisely what’s needed to resolve many peoples’ concerns.
A confidence booster. Because a lack of confidence is generating a lot of the opposition to the White Flint Plan. So something that boosts confidence in the likelihood of success will go far in resolving fears about the White Flint Plan.
At its meeting on January 14, the Board of Directors of Friends of White Flint voted to endorse the Trachtenberg/Knapp bill.
Friends of White Flint is a non-profit corporation promoting a sustainable, walkable and engaging community in White Flint. Its Board is divided evenly between residents, businesses and property owners. http://www.whiteflint.org/.
Development Oversight Director Proposed For Future Montgomery County Projects
Montgomery County Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, chair of the Council’s Management and Fiscal Policy Committee, joined residents and members of the development community on Wednesday, Jan. 20, at the Council Office Building in Rockville to detail plans of proposed legislation that would create a new County position to oversee future development projects and ensure that plans are followed as envisioned. Councilmember Mike Knapp, chair of the Planning, Housing and Economic Committee, is a co-sponsor of the legislation.
Bill 1-10 was introduced before the Council at its meeting of Tuesday, Jan. 19. The bill 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.
For the complete press release, click here.
Bill 1-10 was introduced before the Council at its meeting of Tuesday, Jan. 19. The bill 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.
For the complete press release, click here.
Statement of Vance T. Ayers, Washington, DC Building and Construction Trades Council, at the Press Event for Development Oversight Legislation
Vance T. Ayers
Executive Secretary-Treasurer
January 20, 2010
I am delighted to be here today, with Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, and representatives of the development community, the business community and the civic community.
On behalf of the thousands of members of the Washington DC Building Trades Council, I want to say that we are impressed with the forward-thinking that this proposed legislation represents.
Like others, we believe that coordinated planning and oversight of proposed new development in Montgomery County will have a myriad of positive developments for the community, business and labor.
New development, properly planned and supervised, means good jobs for thousands of working men and women.
Of course, we are particularly interested in the good construction jobs for our members that will be created as the new White Flint takes shape.
We look forward to join with all of the County’s stakeholders to help build new, exciting, environmentally friendly livable communities.
For over 100 years, the Washington DC Building and Construction trade unions— elevator constructors, iron workers, painters, electrical workers, UA, insulators, sheet metal workers, among others—have been strong partners in this region’s growth.
It is our great hope and expectation that we will be strong partners for the next 100 year.
For more information about the Washington, DC Building and Construction Trades Council, click here.
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