Today at the Council: White Flint and the CR Zone

So much going on at the council today it was hard to keep track, as the council rushes at breakneck speed through the different master plans and today, it was the White Flint Sector Plan, with a full council session and overview by staff members Glenn Orlin and Marlene Michaelson, whose reports are here and here (note: the financing staff report is from January 26, which was the only one I could find online); and the discussion and 'straw' votes on the controversial CR Zone (Commercial/Residential Zone), for those of you not ‘in the know.’ Here is what went on at the Council this afternoon for the CR Zone, as reported by intrepid girl reporter Miranda Spivack, in the Post:

"The Montgomery County Council endorsed major revisions to its zoning code Tuesday, the first stage of a broader debate over how to transform strip malls and commercial buildings into more walkable, livable settings.

The council took a series of straw votes on the details of a proposed "commercial-residential" zone that would encourage mixed-use projects while also reducing parking, allowing taller buildings and, in some instances, limiting required green space."

And, she reports, Planning Board Chair Royce Hanson stated that this new zone would produce "a really great environment."  Apparently others were not so sure, as the Council staff actually recommended against the zone, as did the Montgomery County Civic Federation; and former Planning Board member Pat Baptiste, who stated, "It is structured so that there is no interest in what the local community wants."

As for the speedy review of the White Flint Sector Plan, which will be reviewed next week as well, wow, it went by so fast your reporter can barely remember what happened. What a blur!  Staff reviewed all the developer properties and sped by the transportation issues.  Not to worry, though, we have assurances that the 50% mode share will be no problem.  Then within the hour the full council adjourned to discuss the financing mechanisms, at the PHED worksession.  Perfect timing, too, as April 15 is almost here!  Financing will be on the table for awhile, we hear.

And as for staging, that is tomorrow, February 24, read the staff report here.