Each month, Jane will write about upcoming Community events, local stories, or political issues and concerns that may impact your neighborhood or the local real estate market. Jane is active in many community organizations that provide her with tthe most current information about what is happening now in Bethesda-Chevy Chase.

February 2010

This month, the County Council held hearings on the White Flint Sector Plan. This project will include the overhaul of of Rockville Pike in the White Flint mall area. The issues are about the benefits and concerns associated with smart growth urban development to the surrounding suburban neighborhoods. Over 100 organizations and individuals testified at two evening forums.

The proponents see smart growth urban development as an opportunity to reduce traffic, reduce air pollution, reduce our dependence on oil, be green and energy efficient by driving less, putting more emphasis on walking, biking and mass transit, creating a liveable walkable destination.

By replacing the current car dependent strip mall and shopping mall design for a liveable, walkable, and Metro accessible urban destination design similar to Bethesda's vibrant downtown area.

The opponents fear that the high density development will bring more traffic and congestion to the area, overcrowd the schools and overwhelm the existing infrastructure.

What's your opinion?

- Jane Fairweather