Earlier this summer, County Executive Marc Elrich was joined by Council President Gabe Albornoz, Councilmember Tom Hucker, members of the Montgomery County State Delegation and representatives from EDENS to announce bringing a main “anchor” store back to the Burtonsville Crossing Shopping Center and the redevelopment of the vacant shopping center. It was revealed that the Phoenix-based company Sprouts Farmers Market will be coming to Burtonsville in what will be the grocery chain’s first store in Montgomery County. Since then, Total Men’s Primary Care has also signed on for the soon-to-be renovated shopping center. At the community announcement in late June, an EDENS representative stated that Sprouts may open as early as the second half of 2023. Below, you’ll see the justification statement submitted to Montgomery Planning:
The subject property, known in the community as the Burtonsville Crossing Shopping Center, is comprised of approximately 13.35 acres (581,503 square feet) located at 15701 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville. The center has been in decline and largely vacant for the past several years, but this Limited Major Site Plan Amendment application (“Site Plan Amendment”) represents an important first step towards its revitalization. As described more fully below, the proposed amendment will demolish a portion of the in-line retail to create a new community gathering space, add two new retail buildings without increasing overall density, enhance pedestrian and vehicular circulation, and introduce new landscaping, tree cover and improved lighting to the site
The Project will modernize the appearance of the center through place-making improvements intended to transform it into an activity center for the Burtonsville community. The Project will also lay the groundwork for the Neighborhood Plan’s long-term vison for the Property through incorporation of a design that begins to form the grid of blocks recommended in the plan. Finally, the Project will significantly improve pedestrian and bicycle circulation to and around the Property.
The Project proposes the removal of approximately 7000 square feet from the existing retail center building and the creation of a new community gathering space in the highly visible location at the terminus of the main entrance drive. The community gathering space is anticipated to be flanked by active restaurant and/or retail uses, creating the sense of an inviting outdoor room. It will include varied seating opportunities including tree-shaded seating, more traditional outdoor dining, porch swings, and co-working café-style seating. At the center of the community gathering space will be a multi-purpose green with a stage that can be utilized for community events, performances, and movie nights. As shown on the Site Plan, the community gathering space will provide a direct connection across National Drive to the bus station and Park and Ride.
The Project also proposes replacing the 7000 square feet removed from the center with two new commercial buildings with drive-throughs along a new interior entrance drive. These buildings will be placed adjacent to Old Columbia Pike and flank the main entry drive to the Property. This placement will activate the Property’s Old Columbia Pike frontage, which is currently dominated by surface parking. The proposed drive-throughs and associated queuing lanes will be located to the sides and rear of the buildings so as not to detract from street-activation. Although no tenants have yet been selected for these new buildings, the Site Plan Amendment includes architectural elevations that the Applicant believes will be able to accommodate any user.
Finally, the Project makes several improvements to the public realm. Specifically, the breezeway running the length of the retail strip center will be widened to allow for outdoor dining and other seating opportunities and landscaping will also be added to enhance this area. To accommodate new fast-casual restaurants, “grab-and-go” pick-up areas will be added along the breezeway. New signage is also proposed to enliven the Project and provide wayfinding. Most significantly, a large sign bearing the words “Burtonsville Crossing” is proposed at the end of the main entrance drive and gateway to the new community gathering space. Opportunities for public art and murals will be incorporated into the shopping center as well.
The Property is located on the east side of Old Columbia Pike (referred to in the Neighborhood Plan as Business 29), approximately 500 feet north of its intersection with Sandy Spring Road. It is bounded by Old Columbia Pike and confronting single-family detached dwellings in the Rural Cluster (RC) zone and a retail center in the CRT-1.5 C-1.0 R-1.25 H-70 zone to the west, National Drive and utility lines in the RC zone to the north, National Drive and a County Park and Ride and bus station in the CRT-1.5 C-1.0 R-1.25 H-75 zone to the east, and National Drive and confronting office uses with surface parking in the CRT-1.5 C-1.0 R-1.25 H- 75 zone to the south.
Existing development on the Property consists of approximately 130,000 square feet of commercial uses located in a main retail strip center and three pad site buildings. There is also a large surface parking lot with 690 parking spaces that serves the existing center. The surface parking lot runs the length of the Property’s Old Columbia Pike frontage and is screened by a green panel with trees. The main access to the Property is provided via a single curb cut along Old Columbia Pike leading to the main entrance drive. Additional access is provided from National Drive via two curb cuts along the Property’s southern frontage and one curb curt along the Property’s northern frontage. Loading access is provided to the rear of the retail strip center via National Drive.
Additional information and site plan drawings are available here.
Recent Stories
MCPS High School Sports Scores for Apr 17, 2024 (powered by www.MoCoAI.com):
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) responded to a collision that led to an overturned vehicle on southbound I-270 between Rt. 118 and Middlebrook Rd at approximately 5:20am Thursday…
The MCPD Drone as First Responder (DFR) program deploys a drone to a 911 emergency call for service or police generated call for service. Montgomery County Police recently shared goals,…
Praneel Suvarna, a junior at Clarksburg High School, has been elected the 47th Student Member of the Montgomery County Board of Education (SMOB) according to a recent announcement by MCPS…
17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Now in its 17th year, the Kensington Day of the Book Festival is a family-friendly street festival featuring 150+ renowned authors, poets, and literary organizations. Enjoy live music on five stages, special guest speakers, military veteran writers and comedians, poetry readings, cookbook demos, children's program, and much more.
Admission is free, and attendees will also be able to explore a marketplace of books and food offerings from local vendors.
Not your average book festival! This festival offers something for everyone!
17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Sunday, April 21, 2024, 11am-4pm (held rain or shine!)
Howard Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895
www.dayofthebook.com
Instagram: @kensingtonbookfestival
Contact: Elisenda Sola-Sole, Festival Director
301-949-9416 (text preferred)
FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.
Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.
As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.
Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.
LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!
MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME
2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES
KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!
