EVP Report: Lakeforest SDP Public Hearing

On Monday, June 17, Montgomery Village Foundation (MVF) President Doniele Ayres, Vice President Susan Prince and I attended the Lakeforest Schematic Development Plan (SDP) Public Hearing, which was a joint session with the Gaithersburg Mayor and City Council and City’s Planning Commission. President Ayres provided testimony and feedback on the revised plan, expressing MVF’s continued general support for the development, but emphasizing concerns regarding pedestrian safety, transportation and increased traffic in and around the property.

Representatives from WRS, the site’s owner, gave an overview of each block of the plan, noting designated residential, commercial, retail and recreational areas, envisioning the concept of a “walkable” community. The plan continues to incorporate 1,600 residential units—a mix of townhouses, condominiums and apartments (no single-family detached houses), mostly on the southern half of the property. WRS’s plan showed open space, a pool and a clubhouse, spanning approximately 3 acres for residential amenities. Additionally, many residences are planned to have rooftop decks.

WRS also noted work with Montgomery County on the relocation and specifications of the Transit Center on the west side of the property, and the allotted civic space that has been the focus of a potential community center. The entertainment area showed food and beverage establishments overlooking the lakes, connected with a boardwalk and pier.

The meeting was well attended, with the majority of resident comments requesting additional affordable housing (with 3- or 4-bedroom options), above the 15% development requirement.

MVF staff is working with WRS to schedule a meeting to preview the plan for Village residents. Links to the full SDP and MVF testimony can be found online at www.montgomeryvillage.com/about-mv/development-projects (turn down the “Lakeforest Mall Development” tab).

Transportation Updates

Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) recently provided updates on a number of Montgomery Village transportation/traffic-related items.

East Village Avenue All Way Stop Signs (AWS) – MCDOT is committed to installing the AWS at the identified intersections along East Village Avenue by September 2024. Prior to installation, they will notify the HOA groups of the affected neighborhoods as well as post signs along the road indicating “New Traffic Pattern/New Stop Sign.” As soon as MVF is given notice, the information will be posted using all communication channels available.

The installation of these signs will create a new traffic pattern along East Village Avenue, aimed at helping to keep motorists at a safe speed, and reducing the number of accidents in this corridor.

Montgomery Village Avenue Safety Study – Earlier this year, MCDOT conducted a safety study along Montgomery Village Avenue, including a resident survey to gather feedback. From the study, planned improvements along Montgomery Village Avenue include the following:

• A traffic signal will be installed as part of the Bloom Montgomery Village development that will improve safety for turning motorists and pedestrians at the intersection. An estimated installation date is unavailable at this time.
• A speed study along Montgomery Village Avenue revealed that with a posted speed limit of 35 mph, the average vehicle speed was 36 mph, with most vehicles traveling less than 42 mph. Classified as an arterial roadway, where traffic-calming strategies, such as speed humps are not an option, a Speed Monitoring Awareness Radar Trailer (SMART) unit was deployed near Stewartown Road between November 27 and December 1, 2023. This strategy may be requested every three (3) months.

Whetstone Drive/Montgomery Village Avenue – MCDOT determined that a signal warrant was met at this intersection. If the interested parties agreed, implementation would be met through a cost share where MCDOT would fund 50% of the signal installation, with the side streets (MVF/Montgomery Village Center) equally sharing the balance of the cost. The approximate cost of a new signal is $400,000. At this point, there has not been any discussion between the parties to determine a final outcome.                 

Further investigation revealed a roundabout would not be feasible at this intersection due to the lack of right-of-way for a roundabout that would accommodate large trucks and emergency vehicles.