A recent proposal by county planners to remove the development cap for downtown Bethesda is raising concerns among some residents.
During Monday’s public Planning Board hearing, planners introduced an amendment that would not only allow further projects to continue, but also promote transportation initiatives and incentivize more moderately-priced dwelling units (MPDUs).
Proponents claim removing the cap, previously reached in September 2023, will spur growth by providing housing, amenities, and jobs. Inaction, the planners argue, would hinder projects that are a part of the 2017 Bethesda Downtown Plan.
Residents, business owners, the Planning Board, and the County Council created the 20-year plan to “create a truly sustainable downtown,” according to the Planning Board website. Previously adopted in May 2017, the plan has produced results like the Capital Crescent Trail and several high-rise buildings on Wisconsin Avenue.
The community’s response:
Although these development projects have benefited the Bethesda community, some residents are concerned over potential overdevelopment and infrastructure strain.
“I think that you owe it to the residents of Bethesda…to make clear and address both the pros and the cons of this plan. Especially since the point of the cap was to assure people, who were worried about overdevelopment, that it was a finite limit.” said David Barnes at the hearing.
Barnes was present on behalf of the Edgemoor Citizens Association, a 500-home organization representing a neighborhood directly next to downtown Bethesda.
“Sure, more development means more PIPs (Park Impact Payments) and fees to pay [for] amenities. But packing Bethesda with more development is a double-edged sword,” said Barnes.
PIPs are fees developers must pay to the parks department when building in the downtown Bethesda area. This money goes towards the construction of new public parks and spaces. The proposed amendment also includes an increase to PIPs.
Affordable housing was also brought up during the meeting. Hannah Hutton, a Bethesda resident who attended the hearing virtually, called for increasing the construction of MPDUs.
“A growing Bethesda is a great thing. And I view the construction we see today as a sign of progress representing new opportunities,” said Hutton. “I also want to emphasize the importance of affordable housing for our workforce and their families… That being said, as Bethesda grows, it’s critical to ensure that the existing community infrastructure is not left behind.”
Photo by Benicio Balignot
