All the news from yesterday’s Downtown Advisory Committee

Chair Brain Downie introduced Carolyn Chen, the White Flint Downtown Advisory Committee’s new manager.

Dee Metz gave an update on what the County Executive’s office is working on.

• They are proceeding with the CIP process, and so far, there are no cuts to the White Flint projects in the CIP.

• They are proceeding with the western workaround with construction due to start this summer.

• Mandatory referral for the Conference Center Garage will be in April.

• VOB still owns a bit of the property needed for the Western Workaround, and they are working on this issue.

• Edson Lane should see separated bike lanes this summer. Separated bike lanes on Marinelli are in the design stage.

Ken Hartman reported that www.pikedistrict.org was refreshed last week, that the Committee is participating in the BCC Chamber’s Big Event on April 6th, and that they are working on a map of the Pike District. He also reported that his work crew is doing a great job keeping the area trash-free. He announced that the Western Montgomery County Citizens Advisory Board meeting will be held on March 21 from 7 to 9pm at the Shriver Swim Center.

Peggy Schwartz said that Bike to Work Day is May 20th with a stop to again be held at the NRC plaza. The County is still examining the data from the commuter survey.

Nkosi Yearwood reported that Saul Centers West is going to the planning board in April.  There are small amendments to Pike and Rose.  White Flint 2 will have a development scenarios meeting in the near future.

Tom Murphy reported on the work of the communications committee. The Fall Fest will be held on October 8 from noon to 2:00 on Marinelli. Bethesda North Marriott is a platinum sponsor, and WSSC has agreed to be a silver sponsor. Volunteers from Walter Johnson will help out at the event and distribute post cards promoting the event.

Cliff Cohen reported on the work of the strategic planning committee.  The Downtown Advisory Committee submitted a letter supporting a state bill as amended by the County Council to require 51% of property owners and 51% of residents to approve the formation of a Business Improvement District. (This is down from the current 80% threshold.)

The rescheduled ULI TAP to discuss branding and identifying the Pike District will be held March 29 and 30.