Community Transit-Oriented Development: 2011 Year in Review
Our work and local partnerships are about creating great communities. Drawing from the best of our historic cities and towns, we help communities create neighborhoods with convenient access to transit, jobs, retail, schools, libraries, parks, and services, linked by interconnected local streets and safe pedestrian and bicycle networks. In addition to our focused work in D.C., Prince George's, and Fairfax, we also help communities throughout the region.
Montgomery County
In 2011 we testified at a number of hearings regarding individual projects and joined ongoing conversations about the next generation of transit in the county. We played a key role in supporting the first major residential project at Shady Grove Metro under the current development plan, where the Silverwood project at the Reed Brothers site will jumpstart redevelopment. We testified to the project's benefits at multiple hearings, helping to win Rockville City Council approval of annexation of the land and Planning Commission approval of the project.
In Silver Spring, we supported the carefully planned townhouse and open space proposal at the Chelsea School, which offers a thoughtful transition to adjacent neighborhoods and increases housing opportunities within walking distance of downtown Silver Spring. Although the rezoning proposal was sent back for further revision, we'll continue to support this well-designed development.
In Langley Park, our local partnership provided input into the county's Takoma-Langley Crossroads Sector Plan at a future Purple Line stop. While supporting the plan, we urged the County Council to preserve affordable housing and small businesses.
We also supported the county's new commercial-residential (CR) zones, which are intended to make TOD easier while ensuring clear community benefits. However, we also asked the county to address the inadvertent erosion of affordable housing benefits caused by the new zone. Meanwhile, we have served as a watchdog against unnecessary and destructive Potomac River bridges.
Charles County
A smart growth movement has come to Charles County thanks to the volunteer-led Smarter Growth Alliance for Charles County and regional partners. The county is on the verge of adopting a smart growth update to their Comprehensive Plan. CSG lent its support as a headliner in a major civic forum, as a panelist in a second forum sponsored by the county, and through policy advice and technical review.
Loudoun County
We partnered with local residents seeking more fiscally sustainable growth and smarter transportation solutions. Together, CSG, Loudoun Citizens for a Countywide Transportation Plan, and the Piedmont Environmental Council developed a platform and questions for the candidates called "Invest Wisely in Loudoun's Future." We outlined a fiscally sustainable and competitive approach to Loudoun's development and publicized it to local media, the candidates, and residents. Our recommendations are just as relevant after the recent election, as the new Loudoun Board of Supervisors grapples with the fiscal challenges before it.
City of Alexandria and Arlington County
In Arlington we helped to win approval of the East Falls Church Metro redevelopment plan through a combination of official testimony, media outreach, and grassroots mobilization. Meanwhile, in Alexandria, we supported the city's strong focus on transit and bicycle/pedestrian investments, monitored the affordable housing master plan and TOD planning, and made presentations to groups like the Environmental Policy Commission.
