For Immediate Release: Friday, April 2, 2021
Committee will review the Ashton Village Center Sector Plan and zoning measure for continuing care retirement communities
The Planning, Housing and Economic Development (PHED) Committee will meet on Monday, April 5, at 9:30 a.m. to review the planning and zoning issues listed below. The PHED Committee members include: Chair Hans Riemer, Councilmember Andrew Friedson (Lead for Parks) and Councilmember Will Jawando.
Ashton Village Center Sector Plan
Review: The Ashton Village Center Sector Plan is designed to transform Ashton into a viable and vibrant rural village center. The Committee will review recommendations for the plan area including land use, zoning, community design and transportation issues.
The plan area includes 127 acres around the intersection of MD 108, known as Olney Sandy Spring Road, and New Hampshire Ave. (MD 650). The plan envisions the Ashton Village Center as a compact, low-rise, walkable and bikeable rural village with a mix of land uses.
The plan provides zoning and design recommendations intended to allow the density and uses expected for a rural village, while ensuring that new development complements Ashton’s existing commercial center and rural character.
Since two state highways (MD 108 and MD 650) form a crossroads at the core of the Ashton Village Center, this plan also provides transportation recommendations related to vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle mobility in the plan area.
Those expected to provide information include Planning Board Chair Casey Anderson, Planning Director Gwen Wright and Montgomery Planning Department staff.
Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 20-08, Residential Care Facility, Continuing Care Retirement Community
Review: ZTA 20-08 adds a definition for a continuing care retirement community to Montgomery County’s Zoning Ordinance. Presently, independent living units and residential care facilities in a multi-unit building are approved as a conditional use.
Current law does not include a definition for a continuing care retirement community, and ZTA 20-08 would allow for greater flexibility in senior-living unit developments.
Those expected to provide information include Planning Board Chair Casey Anderson and Montgomery Planning Department staff.
Council President Hucker is the lead sponsor, at the request of the Planning Board.
The Committee meeting schedule may change from time to time. The current Committee schedule including all Council staff reports can be viewed at: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/COUNCIL
On the guidance of Health Officer and Chief of Public Health Services Dr. Travis Gayles, there is currently no public access to the Council Office Building. The virtual Council meeting will be streamed live on the Council’s web page via YouTube and on Facebook Live and can be watched on County Cable Montgomery on Xfinity/RCN 6 HD 996/1056, Fios 30, and on the CCM live stream.
Release ID: 21-133