EVP Report: Planning Board considering removal of M-83 from Master Plan

Planning Board considering removal of M-83 from Master Plan – Recently, the Montgomery County Planning Board voted to consider removing the controversial M-83 Highway (Midcounty Highway Extended) from it’s Master Plan of Highways (MPOH). Although the County Executive and County Council have not added funding for this road to county budgets in many years, it has remained in the MPOH, causing concern that it could be built in the future.

The unbuilt portions proposed in the MPOH would divide Montgomery Village neighborhoods; be dangerously close to existing property lines and schools; and traverse floodplains, wetlands, stream valleys, and other important wildlife habitats. Due to the serious impacts on Village residents, MVF has maintained opposition to the building of this roadway for several decades. In January 2023, the MVF Board restated its position in a formal Resolution which was communicated to the County Council.

In response to recent requests to remove the proposed road from the MPOH by a number of stakeholders, the Planning Board is holding a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14, at a location still to be determined. This hearing will provide residents with the opportunity to testify their position on M-83. Those who cannot make the meeting but wish to provide written comment can do so by emailing the Planning Board at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by noon on Thursday, Nov. 28.

New Residents Welcome Reception – This annual event which welcomes our newest residents is scheduled from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at North Creek Community Center, 20125 Arrowhead Road. As always, this will include a short speaking program about what living in a planned community means, as well as opportunities to visit with area organizations and businesses. While the evening’s format will be the same, a broader range of organizations that more accurately represent Village residents have
been invited to participate.

Recreation Services Community Meeting – Stemming from the October 2023 community meeting regarding the potential for a county community center to be part of the Lakeforest Development Plan, several local recreation providers have been tasked with compiling
services currently offered in the area.

A “charette-style” community meeting to discuss current recreation services and future programming is scheduled for 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14 at Lake Marion Community Center, 8821 East Village Avenue. Recreation staff from MVF, Montgomery County, the City of Gaithersburg, and Identity will present opportunities currently available. Food and shuttle service will be provided; view the article online at www.montgomeryvillage.com for more information.

Return of Executive Committee meetings – To provide an opportunity for agenda items and other topics to be discussed before being added to the regular BOD agenda, as well as provide direction for staff on general topics, the Executive Committee will resume
regular meetings, virtually, in advance of MVF Board meetings. These will be open meetings and announced online; some will coincide with dates for the Personnel Committee, which is comprised of the same membership from the Board. The first Executive Committee meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18, via Zoom; it will be immediately followed by a Personnel Committee meeting.