Montgomery Planning has received a $100,000 state grant to develop a streetscape improvement plan for downtown Damascus, examining potential upgrades to sidewalks, landscaping, lighting and the pedestrian experience along Main Street.
The funding will support community engagement, transportation analysis, planning and design work to prepare recommendations for future improvements. Potential changes include wider sidewalks, street trees, pedestrian lighting, seating areas and bicycle accommodations, with an emphasis on accessibility, safety and sustainability.
The award is a Maryland Department of General Services Fiscal Year 2027 Capital Grant. According to Montgomery Planning, the funding effort was led by State Senator Katie Fry Hester and supported by State Senator Craig Zucker and Montgomery County Councilmember Dawn Luedtke.
The grant builds on the October 2024 Damascus Placemaking Festival, which brought residents and local stakeholders together to explore ways to make Main Street more welcoming and walkable. It also follows a separate $50,000 Main Street Maryland grant administered by Montgomery County’s Upcounty Regional Services Center.
“The Damascus community told us they wanted a more vibrant, attractive, and people-focused Main Street, and they helped show what that could look like through the Damascus Placemaking Festival,” Montgomery Planning Director Jason K. Sartori said.
The Damascus Streetscape Improvement Plan will be developed alongside the upcoming Damascus Main Street Sector Plan Amendment, which is scheduled to begin this fall. Together, the efforts will guide future improvements, project phasing and capital investment in downtown Damascus.
Planning staff will work with the Montgomery County Department of Transportation, the Maryland State Highway Administration and a consultant team to develop recommendations for streetscape, infrastructure, connectivity and public spaces.
The Montgomery County Planning Board is expected to consider approval of the streetscape plan as part of the sector plan amendment process. The $100,000 grant will fund planning and design work; a construction schedule has not been announced.
