New Park for Downtown Bethesda?
Consultants for the Town of Chevy Chase have drafted a 26-page concept and implementation plan for an envisioned park on two Montgomery County parking lots. The 2.6-acre Bethesda Commons Park would create a buffer between the town's redevelopment and its single-family homes, while providing green space in downtown Bethesda. The plan, drawn up by land-use attorney Rebecca Walker and Towson-based planner Chris Jakubiak, also puts a new street around the Bethesda Farm Women's Market, potentially adding retail to attract more people. They estimate the park will cost $3.6M to build, and about $35k a year to operate, Bethesda Now reports. However, The Town's residents and Vice Mayor Pat Burda are still reluctant. They're looking for a development plan that will meet their goals of replacing the parking and incorporating affordable housing along with the park. Residents will get the opportunity to comment at the town's annual meeting on May 5. [BethNow]
