Tag White Flint Downtown Advisory Committee

County Executive Marc Elrich is seeking applicants to fill five vacancies on the White Flint Downtown Advisory Committee, for one member representing a business that employs fewer than 25 employees, two representatives of commercial property owners in the Sector Plan Area, and two residents in the Sector Plan Area. One small business owner, one commercial property owner, and one resident in the Sector are eligible to apply for reappointment.

The Sector Plan Area is comprised of the following streets: Citadel Avenue, Executive Boulevard (5900 block), Hoya Street, Maple Avenue, Marinelli Lane, McGrath Boulevard, Nebel Street (11500-12292), Nicholson Court, Nicholson Lane, Old Georgetown Road (11565-11999), Randolph Road (5500 block), Rockville Pike (11120-12000), Security Lane, and Woodglen Drive. For specific questions regarding the Sector Plan Area boundaries, please contact Derrick Harrigan at (240) 777-8210.

The 14-member committee includes two members nominated by the Greater Bethesda-Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce; three members who represent (commercial) property owners in the Sector Plan Area; two members who represent businesses that employ fewer than 25 employees; two members who represent residential communities in the Sector Plan area; one member who represents a residential community in or outside of the Sector Plan area; one member of the Western Montgomery County Citizens Advisory Board; and three ex officio, non-voting members who represent the County Executive, County Council, and North Bethesda Transportation Management District.

The Committee advises County departments on public services in the White Flint Sector Plan Area; and coordinates community activities that promote and advance business interests, and a sense of place, community, maintenance, and walkability within the Area. The Committee provides an annual report to the County Executive and County Council.

Members serve three-year terms without compensation but are eligible for reimbursement for travel and dependent care for in-person meetings attended. The Board currently meets virtually by video- and teleconference monthly the first Wednesday of the month at 8:00 am. When in-person meetings resume in the future, the Board will meet in North Bethesda near the White Flint Metro Station.

Applicants of diverse, backgrounds, professions, genders, geography, abilities, ethnicities, and ages are encouraged to apply. Members of County boards, committees and commissions may not serve on more than one such group at a time. Members must complete training on the Maryland Open Meetings Act and basic parliamentary procedure. The County Executive’s appointments are subject to confirmation by the County Council. Applications will be forwarded to the Council for confirmation and may be made public as part of the confirmation process. The deadline for application is January 27, 2021. To apply please click “Apply for Position” to complete the online form and provide a cover letter and resume (in one document).

County Executive Marc Elrich is seeking applicants to fill five vacancies on the White Flint Downtown Advisory Committee, for two members representing businesses that employ fewer than 25 employees, one representative of commercial property owners in the Sector Plan Area, one resident in the Sector Plan Area, and one resident outside the Sector Plan Area.

 The Sector Plan Area is comprised of the following streets: Citadel Avenue, Executive Boulevard (5900 block), Hoya Street, Maple Avenue, Marinelli Lane, McGrath Boulevard, Nebel Street (11500-12292), Nicholson Court, Nicholson Lane, Old Georgetown Road (11565-11999), Randolph Road (5500 block), Rockville Pike (11120-12000), Security Lane, and Woodglen Drive. For specific questions regarding the Sector Plan Area boundaries, please contact Derrick Harrigan at (240) 777-8210.

 The 14-member committee includes two members nominated by the Greater Bethesda-Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce; three members who represent (commercial) property owners in the Sector Plan Area; two members who represent businesses that employ fewer than 25 employees; two members who represent residential communities in the Sector Plan area; one member who represents a residential community in or outside of the Sector Plan area; one member of the Western Montgomery County Citizens Advisory Board; and three ex officio, non-voting members who represent the County Executive, County Council, and North Bethesda Transportation Management District.

The Committee advises County departments on public services in the White Flint Sector Plan Area; and coordinates community activities that promote and advance business interests, and a sense of place, community, maintenance and walkability within the Area. The Committee will provide an annual report to the County Executive and County Council.

Members serve three year terms without compensation, but are eligible for reimbursement for travel and dependent care for meetings attended. Meetings are generally held monthly at 8:00 AM in North Bethesda, near the White Flint Metro Station.

Applicants of diverse backgrounds, professions, gender, geography, disability and ethnicity are encouraged to apply. Members of County boards, committees and commissions may not serve on more than one such group at a time. Members must complete training on the Maryland Open Meetings Act and basic parliamentary procedure. Elrich’s appointments are subject to confirmation by the County Council. Applications of those selected for appointment are made public as part of the confirmation process. The deadline for application is March 6, 2019. To apply please click here.

First, the White Flint Downtown Advisory Committee meets at 8 am on September 5 at Snyder Cohn.

Second, Guardian Realty Investors invites people to attend a Preliminary Plan/Site Plan Pre-Application Meeting to review plans for the future development at 6000 Executive Boulevard.  The meeting will be at the Shriver Aquatic Center from 7 to 8 pm on September 5.  RSVPs are appreciated but not necessary: rsvp@guardianrealty.com.

Guardian Realty plans to file applications in the next few weeks for approval of a Preliminary Plan of Subdivision and a Site Plan for a proposed three-phrase development of the site.  Phase One includes a multi-family building for adults ages 62 and older and a pedestrian/bicycle path. Phase Two will include another multi-family building and a small urban plaza.  Phase Three will be an office building with ground floor retail.

For more than a year, the White Flint Downtown Advisory Committee (WFDAC) has been figuring out how to create a Business Improvement District in the Pike District. A Business Improvement District, usually called a BID, will brand and market the Pike District, ensure our community stays safe and clean, organize events, and advocate for the White Flint Area.

Yesterday the WFDAC sent to the County Council and County Executive their road map for creating a BID.  You can read their report here.  Below are the highlights of the report:

The WFDAC evaluated the Urban District model and other models for delivering enhanced commercial district services including the Business Improvement District (BID) model commonly found in the District of Columbia and Northern Virginia and the Commercial District Management Authority model found in Bethesda. The WFDAC focused on questions of governance, minimum funding required for effective services, and potential revenue.

In 2016, the WFDAC sponsored a series of focus groups that included 26 local businesses, individuals, and organizations. Individual interviews of representatives of 37 public and private entities were held in Summer 2017. The WFDAC and select partner organizations participated in a September 20, 2017 workshop to review the data collected. The results of the focus groups, interviews, and workshops shaped the content of this report.

As a result of this process, WFDAC finds that:
1. A Business Improvement District (BID) is preferred over an Urban District, Urban District Corporation, or a voluntary model. The BID model is preferred for several reasons. Among the most important reasons: participants seek to exercise a high degree of control over who governs the organization, what menu of services are delivered, and to what degree staff are accountable to stakeholders.

2. Branding and place-making are the two highest priority service areas.

3. The preferred boundary for the district would be based on the boundary of the White Flint Sector Plan. This boundary has the advantage of being consistent with a designated County planning district, thus making data collection easier, and as a Sector plan area, several projects are already in the pipeline.

4. A Montgomery County law is needed to implement the MD BID law. It is our understanding the MD BID law is not sufficient on its own to implement a BID in Montgomery County. As with Urban District Corporations, it appears that a local law is needed to provide further guidance on the powers and structure of a BID and its relationship to the County.

WFDAC Bid Report 2017

WFDAC Report_Cover Letter to the County Executive and County Council

1. Walkable Wednesday, a tour of the Pike District that discusses what makes it easier and more difficult to walk safely and conveniently. June 7, 7:30 pm. Meet at the White Flint metro station.
2. White Flint 2 Work Session on staging, schools, and zoning. Thursday, June 8 in the late morning.
3. White Flint Downtown Advisory Committee monthly meeting, Wednesday, June 14, 8:00 am, Synder Cohn, 11200 Rockville Pike.

Here’s what the White Flint Downtown Advisory Committee talked about it at is monthly meeting held this week.

The committee first took a behind-the-scenes tour of Pike and Rose Phase 2.

The consulting firm chosen to help develop and guide the committee’s BID report to the council and executive said they were starting to interview stakeholders.

Dee Metz mentioned that soon the council will take up a budget amendment for Wall Park/Wall Park Garage funding at some point in the near future.  (Look for us to blog about this in more detail.)

Peggy Schwartz reminded folks to sign up for the North Bethesda Ride to Work Pit Stop at Pike and Rose.  Bike to Work Day is Friday, May 19th.

Nkosi Yearwood said that ‘bubbling up’ is a record plat for LCOR parcel G for a mid-rise residential building.  (We’ll blog more about this, too, later on.)

Francine Yearwood said that Fall Fest will be held Saturday, October 14 from 2 to 5 pm and will feature a DJ, beer, and lots of fun-filled activities for all ages.

Please note that WFDAC meetings are no longer held the second Tuesday of every month but are now staggered on either the second Tuesday or Wednesday of the month.

Here’s a summary of what was discussed at Tuesday’s White Flint Downtown Advisory Committee Meeting.

Ken Hartman thanked Bethesda North Marriott for refurbishing the northwest corner of Rockville Pike and Marinelli Road, adding mulch and walking paths. He also noted that the county is devoting considerable resources and has made noticeable progress making the Pike District more walkable and bikeable.

The Committee discussed the proposed Metro service reductions and the letter being developed by Friends of White Flint opposing those reductions. The White Flint Downtown Advisory Committee will sign the letter and send their own letter to WMATA and elected officials opposing these service reductions.

Dee Metz announced that construction is beginning this week on the Western Workaround.  She also reminded everyone that the county received a grant for four bikeshare stations.  The stations will be operational in 2018 at the following locations: Woodglen and Executive Boulevard, Old Georgetown Road and Rockville Pike, Citadel and McGrath, and White Flint metro.  Future bikeshare stations are planned for the following locations: Lerner property, Gables, East Village, North Bethesda 2, and Saul Centers West.

Peggy Schwartz noted that businesses are installing extra bike racks due to the increased demand as more people bike around the Pike District.

Nkosi Yearwood said the White Flint 2 plan will be presented to the Planning Board tomorrow afternoon, and there will be a public hearing on the White Flint 2 Plan on December 15 at 7:30 pm.

Cliff Cohen reported that BID legislation will be sent to the state delegation.  This legislation changes the percentage of people and entities that must agree to a BID to 51%.  The strategic planning committee is holding focus groups over the next week with property owners, residents, and businesses to learn what services the community might like a BID to provide.

14 hours, two meetings. Yes, FoWF Executive Director Amy Ginsburg attended both Monday night’s White Flint Implementation Meeting and Tuesday morning’s White Flint Downtown Advisory Committee Meeting so she could let you know what happened at each.

First, the White Flint Implementation Meeting.

Nkosi Yearwood of the Montgomery Planning Department reported:

East Village North Bethesda Gateway project was approved by the Planning Board this past Thursday.

On September 22, the Planning Board will hold a hearing for the Pike and Rose amendment. This amendment decreases the number of residential units in its Phase 2 build-out from 236 to 198 and increases parking. There will also be improvements to public streets and a park, including sculptured benches.

Tonight, September 14, 7 pm at the Strathmore mansion is a public meeting with the developers of the Grosvenor-Strathmore surface parking area.

Dee Metz of the County Executive’s Office reported:

Nebel Street bike lanes are very close to done. Bringing the separated bike lanes to Nicholson will be phase two of the project.

The County finalized an agreement with SHA to turn the portion of Old Georgetown Road from Executive Boulevard to Route 355 to County control. Dee also  noted that the SHA is far more cognizant of the need to make the Pike District a walkable area.

SHA approved a light at the intersection of Towne Road and Rose Avenue.

The Western Workaround’s Market Street will begin construction this fall. There will be more trees planted than chopped down around the Western Workaround.

Tina Benjamin of the County Executive’s Office reported:

Donnelly Construction will begin building the Conference Center parking garage in the fall. It will have 650 spaces, 6 levels, and a covered walkway leading directly to the ballroom level.

During the year of construction, patrons will be shuttled to the Conference Center from a parking garage on Executive Boulevard.

The underground bio-retention facility and two above-ground bio-retention facilities will absorb more water than is currently absorbed at the site.

Eddie Meder of the Gables reported:

Their project on Old Georgetown Road will feature three interconnected buildings of between three and six stories as well as a parking deck. Gables plans 442 units.

The design hasn’t changed since the site plan was approved in 2015, and they are a couple of weeks away from filing for building permits.

Costs have gone up 10% since approval, and some original features have not translated well from conception to actual plans. Therefore, the Gables is making a few small changes.

Gables is removing the 50′ high pedestrian bridges between buildings that would have only been used by residents because they are located over the Pepco transformers.

They are eliminating a few apartments to enlarge the fitness and amenity space.

There will be a green roof on the garage, but the dog park had to be eliminated due to cost-prohibitive environmental rules.

Bioswales in the courtyard for storm water management will compliment storm water vaults.

The facade has been tweaked, including removing the sun shade due to fire code issues.

The bike share location was also altered.

There will likely be a supplemental CIP appropriation to pay for the County’s portion of the Gables garage. (250 spaces for the aquatic center.) The furthest spaces in the new garage will be closer to the swim center than the furthest spaces on the current surface parking lot. The Parks Department is working on a design for the new Wall Park.

Brian Downie of BF Saul reported in answer to a question that construction of Saul Centers West will begin in 2018 at the earliest.

Now the White Flint Downtown Advisory Committee Meeting.

Ken Hartman of the BCC Regional Center reported:

Banners on Marinelli branding the Pike District must wait for the light poles to be replaced which should happen soon.

He is looking at landscaping and placing street furniture at the corner of Marinelli and Route 355.

Dee Metz of the County Executive’s Building reported:

Dee repeated everything she had said during the Implementation Committee meeting (see above).

She added that VOB is starting to move forward with their project, including purchasing the Capital One building.

She also added that Phase 2 of the Western Workaround is funded in the FY18 budget.

Peggy Schwartz of the Transportation Management District reported:

Walk & Ride is September 12 through 30th.

Brian Downie of BF Saul and Ginane Italiano of the Bethesda Chamber reported:

The strategic planning committee is meeting every two weeks to meet its September 2017 mandate to report to the County Executive its recommendations for the creation of an urban district or BID in the Pike District.  They are starting by working with a consultant to conduct focus groups with businesses, residents, and property owners to learn what services are needed and wanted in the Pike District.

Next month is a critical time for getting support for proposed state legislation that changes the requirement from 80% to 51% of property owners to approve the formation of a BID.

Francine Waters of Lerner Enterprises reported:

FallFest is October 8 from noon to 2:00 pm on Marinelli Road.  FallFest features music by the Nighthawks, a ribbon cutting with County Executive Ike Leggett, food trucks, and kids activities. She encouraged the committee to volunteer at the event. To promote the event, postcards were mailed to homes in the 20852, 20895, and 20896 zip codes. Postcards will also be distributed at the Twinbrook, White Flint, and Grosvenor metro stations in late September. There are also four bus shelter posters along Route 355 advertising the event. It will be a signature event of the Pike District that will be fun for all ages.

FallFest will be followed by the Pike and Rose Piketoberfest and preceded by the Farmers Market.

MEETINGS

The White Flint Implementation Committee will meet on Monday, September 12, 7 p.m., at Shriver Aquatic Center. Their agenda will include a presentation from Gables Residential and a staging discussion for White Flint 2

The White Flint Downtown Advisory Committee will meet on Tuesday, September 13, 8 a.m., at the Bethesda North Conference Center

Friends of White Flint will hold a Community Meeting on Monday, September 19, 6:30 p.m., at the Bethesda North Conference Center. Our agenda includes discussions on the White Flint 2 Preliminary Plan, Walter Johnson Roundtable Options, Pike District Pedestrian Safety Campaign, and Quick Property Owner Updates.

EVENTS

The first ever Tomato Fest will be held at North Bethesda Market on Saturday, September 10 from Noon to 5 p.m. Featuring tomato tastings, cooking contests, live music, and lots of other fun activities for all ages, I bet this becomes a signature event for the Pike District.

FallFest, sponsored by the White Flint Downtown Advisory Committee, will rock the Pike District on Saturday, October 8, from Noon to 2 p.m. Held on Marinelli Road, FallFest includes music by The Nighthawks, a myriad of food trucks, face painting, and the official Pike District ribbon cutting.

Onto the White Flint Downtown Advisory Committee Meeting.

Tom Murphy, the new chairman, led the meeting and recognized the many contributions of the previous chair, Brian Downie.

Ken Hartman reported that Rupert Landscaping is refreshing the plants on the medians along Rockville Pike. He is working with DOT to figure out how to hang Pike District banners along Route 355.

Dee Metz said the Nebel Street bikeway is going more slowly than anticipated due to utility work.  In the fall, after the concrete work and resurfacing, we should be able to enjoy bike lanes.  The Western Workaround should start in early October (yes, it’s a bit delayed) and people can get updated info on the project at pikedistrict.org.

Dee also noted that there have been a few questions about the new Chapman Avenue. There will soon be signs on Chapman reminding folks to share the road with bikes.  Residents of White Flint Station would like a 4 way stop by their garage, but Dee said that’s not advisable due to safety concerns.

Peggy Schwartz reported that Walk and Ride is in September and that SafeTrack comes to MoCo in August.

Nkosi Yearwood said that an amendment for Gables will come before the Planning Board in Auust or September. He also talked about the White Flint 2 Plan meeting that was held last night.

Bob Daly will be the incoming chair for the Downtown Advisory Committee. There will be no August meeting.

Fall Fest featuring the Nighthawks and food trucks will be Saturday, October 8 from 12 noon to 2:00 pm.

Finally, the GoPro video of the Bethesda Trolley Trail received 6,700 impressions on Facebook.