For Immediate Release: Monday, May 5, 2008
Montgomery Councilmember Roger Berliner To Introduce Infill Development Bill
District 1 Councilmember to Propose Legislation That Would
Require Modest Reduction in Size of Houses on Small Lots
ROCKVILLE, Md., May 5, 2008—Montgomery County District 1 Councilmember Roger Berliner (Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Potomac) on Tuesday, May 6, will introduce legislation addressing infill development—including provisions that would require a modest reduction in the size of infill homes built on smaller lots.
Councilmember Berliner’s introduction of the Infill Development Reform Act of 2008 comes one year after the Council approved funding to create the Infill Development Task Force. The task force was created to evaluate and propose specific solutions to the problems posed by infill development in Montgomery County.
Much of the infill development in the County is taking place in older, established neighborhoods, including numerous neighborhoods in District 1. In some cases, new homes are being built on formerly empty lots. In other cases, existing homes either undergo extensive remodeling or are completely razed with larger homes built on the lot. In some cases, the infill construction is out of character with the neighborhood.”
The Infill Development Task Force was composed of residents, representatives of the home building industry, an architect and a Realtor. The task force was advised by staff from the County Department of Permitting Services and from the planning department at the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. The Conflict Resolution Center of Montgomery County facilitated the task force meetings. The first meeting of the task force was held on June 20, 2007. After months of detailed presentations and discussions, the task force completed its work on Dec. 18.
“This bill is a balanced approach to promote a more graceful transformation of our older neighborhoods,” said Coucilmember Berliner. “It proposes a modest reduction in the size of homes on small lots. In addition, this bill reflects the work of our hardworking task force that reached consensus on a wide range of issues, including building height and neighborhood notification and guidelines. I look forward to working with my colleagues to enact this important measure.”
A public hearing for the bill is scheduled for June 17 at 7 p.m. in the County Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Ave. in Rockville. The bill will be considered in worksessions of the Council’s Planning, Housing and Economic Development Committee.
For more information on the legislation, call 240-777-7828.