University Boulevard Corridor Plan Gets the Green Light: What This Means for Our Community – The MoCo Show

The Montgomery County Planning Board recently gave the green light to the University Boulevard Corridor (UBC) Plan. This plan focuses on a three-mile stretch of University Boulevard, stretching from East Indian Spring Drive to Amherst Avenue in Wheaton. It aims to enhance community needs, offering recommendations that prioritize safety, connectivity, and sustainability for everyone.

The draft highlights several key areas: improving traffic safety, fostering housing diversity, and enhancing economic growth. The plan looks to incorporate transit-oriented housing and better bike and bus facilities. It’s about creating vibrant, complete streets where wider sidewalks and safe transit stops can flourish.

Planning Board Chair Artie Harris mentioned, “This plan is more than just a roadmap; it’s a vision shaped by community input.” The aim is to prepare the area for a more connected and equitable future, reflecting the needs of residents. This vote followed a public hearing and numerous discussions that engaged the community since the project kicked off in late 2022.

So, what are the main recommendations of the UBC Plan?

• Rezone certain properties, especially those facing the corridor, to allow more flexibility for owners looking to redevelop. This could include reimagining institutional buildings and single-use shopping centers.
• Create an overlay zone that encourages compact, affordable housing near transit routes. This would support bus rapid transit (BRT) and promote safer, complete neighborhoods.
• Focus higher density development near BRT stations while ensuring a smooth transition to smaller buildings in residential areas.
• Establish a network of safe streets, comfortable walkways, and bike-friendly facilities to enhance overall safety.
• Implement dedicated transit lanes along key roads to streamline public transport.
• Explore improved navigation options in the Four Corners area, focusing on accessible and secure travel for all modes of transportation.
• Enhance infrastructure for safe pedestrian crossings and improve local parks for better community engagement.
• Strengthen resilience to climate change through features like tree canopies and improved stormwater management.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy in Montgomery County, linked to larger plans like the Thrive Montgomery 2050. By integrating community needs with environmental considerations, the UBC Plan hopes to foster a safer and more sustainable living environment.

It’s worth noting that public transportation continues to be a growing priority in urban planning. According to a recent survey by the American Public Transportation Association, more people are relying on public transit than ever before, as cities pivot to greener initiatives. Surveys show that 70% of respondents are in favor of investing in public transit systems for enhanced community access and safety.

The UBC Plan aims to resonate with these shifting priorities. As Montgomery County gears up for these changes, residents and planners alike look forward to a future of improved safety and accessibility.

For more information, you can visit the Montgomery County Planning Board’s website for updates on the UBC Plan as it moves through the review process.

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