For Immediate Release: Tuesday, November 14, 2017
Introduction of Bill on
Affordable Housing at Council Meeting
on November 14 at 9:30 a.m.
Also on Nov. 14: Discussion of White Flint 2 Sector Plan,
action on Rock Spring Master Plan and forest conservation bill
ROCKVILLE, Md., November 13, 2017—The Montgomery County Council will introduce a bill on affordable housing on Tuesday, November 14. Bill 38-17, Moderately-Priced Dwelling Units (MPDUs) – Requirement to Build, would increase affordable housing in Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) High School Service Areas that have low poverty rates.
Council Vice President Riemer is the lead sponsor of Bill 38-17, which would increase the minimum percentage of Moderately Priced Housing Units (MPDUs) that are required to be built in new residential developments from 12.5 to 15 percent in an MCPS High School Service Area with an eligibility rate for free and reduced meals of 15 percent or less. The Planning Board would make the determination about the number of affordable homes required at the time an applicant submits a preliminary plan of subdivision.
The staff report can be viewed at:
http://tinyurl.com/y8wp3uw5
The Council also will vote on Bill 26-17, Forest Conservation – Amendments, which would, among other things, require park development plans to comply with the Forest Conservation Law; and exempt certain modifications to existing residential development property under certain circumstances. Council President Berliner is the lead sponsor of this bill, at the request of the Planning Board. The Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy, and Environment Committee unanimously recommended enactment of the bill with amendments.
The staff report can be viewed at:
http://tinyurl.com/yarykzj8
At 10:15 a.m. the Council will discuss the White Flint 2 Sector Plan, a 460-acre area located in the North Bethesda area of the County, east and west of the White Flint Metro Station and 2010 White Flint 1 Sector Plan. The diverse uses within the Plan area include large commercial shopping centers, an office park, industrial and institutional properties, and established residential communities.
The focus of the discussion will be the recommendations of the Planning, Housing, and Economic Development (PHED) Committee regarding zoning, transportation, and school adequacy issues. The Committee met multiple times to review these issues and others, including infrastructure financing and phasing stages.
The staff reports can be viewed at:
http://tinyurl.com/ydean97r
and
http://tinyurl.com/y9rq2ydp
The Council also will take action on a resolution approving the Rock Spring Master Plan. The 535-acre plan in the North Bethesda area of Montgomery County, near the nexus of Interstates 495 and 270, builds on the goals and objectives of the 1992 North Bethesda/Garrett Park Master Plan. The 1992 Plan describes Rock Spring Park as “one of the East Coast’s premier office parks” with a campus-style setting, green lawns, and lush landscaping that has attracted tenants wishing to “enhance their corporate image.”
The resolution is consistent with the Council discussion that took place on October 31 and the recommendations of the PHED Committee.
The staff report can be viewed at:
http://tinyurl.com/y7ofm3kc
The Council meetings and public hearings will be televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM). The channel can be viewed on Cable Channels 996 (high definition) and 6 (standard definition) on Comcast; Channels 1056 (HD) and 6 (SD) on RCN; and Channel 30 on Verizon.
The session also will be available live via streaming through the Council web site at http://tinyurl.com/z9982v8 .
# # # Release ID: 17-360