Construction on a planned $10 million renovation of the Downtown Silver Spring development is underway, with a new elevator installation next to the entrance to the former Eggspectation location. The elimination of the existing elevator is part of a number of changes coming to the Fountain Plaza that were presented publicly in September 2019.
The County Council yesterday approved a bill that would exempt 100% of the property tax for a project built on property leased from WMATA at a Metro station in the county. Bill 29-20, the “More Housing at Metrorail Stations Act,” would apply to construction of new high-rise development that includes at least 50% rental housing and be in effect for 15 years.
Montgomery Planning has released an FAQ on the redevelopment of its former headquarters property at 8787 Georgia Ave. The document includes an explanation of the plan for trees, including replacement of those that must be taken down due to the excavation and grading that will be needed.
The Planning Board is scheduled to reconsider its earlier approval of a $10 million renovation plan for Downtown Silver Spring at its meeting Thursday, July 16. The plan includes a proposal to permanently close Ellsworth Drive to vehicular traffic from Fenton Street to just beyond Fountain Plaza, and lay down nontoxic artificial turf to create a “linear urban park.”
Washington Property Company broke ground this week on what will be Silver Spring’s tallest building, a 26-story apartment tower in the Ripley District. Solaire 8200 Dixon will include 403 units, primarily one-bedroom apartments with about 100 two-bedroom units.
The Montgomery County Planning Board has approved a new set of standards for streetscaping downtown Silver Spring, the agency announced. The Silver Spring Streetscape Technical Manual has been in use since 1992. The current revisions are the result of work that began in the fall of 2017.
Councilmember Evan Glass (D-At Large) has introduced the Housing Impact Fairness Tax (Bill 34-19) that would, under certain conditions, tax new home construction following the demolition of an existing single-family home. Co-sponsored by Councilmember Will Jawando (D-At Large), the bill would earmark the new revenue for school construction and affordable housing initiatives.
As yet, the school board and MCPS officials are not free of political pressures. As of early August 2019, the school board had delayed consideration and award of the consulting contract intended to investigate the boundary issue.
It will be dejá vu for Silver Spring commuters headed for the Paul Sarbanes Transit Center as fencing is installed, cutting off some sidewalk access in preparation for Purple Line construction. Metro and bus riders will need to go around the perimeter, or access upper levels from Ramsey Avenue or Bonifant Street as construction will start this summer.