Montgomery Planning staff presented big ideas to inform the recommendations for the plan’s working draft
Per Montgomery Planning:
The Montgomery County Planning Department briefed the Montgomery County Planning Board on the Silver Spring Downtown and Adjacent Communities Plan, which will envision the next 20 years of Silver Spring, during its July 29 meeting. The presentation included big ideas that will inform the recommendations for the plan’s working draft to be finalized this fall.
The ideas Montgomery Planning staff presented to the Planning Board focused on four major themes—diversity, resiliency, connectivity, and community health. Equity will also be an important part of the plan, with all recommendations to be written through an equity lens to carefully consider each recommendation’s impact. These themes emerged from engagement with stakeholders over the past year, including a series of online workshops last spring during the plan’s Visioning Phase. During these workshops, Planning staff presented the community with a set of challenges and opportunities and asked the community for their feedback. Roughly 150 people participated in these events and the team received over 500 comments on an interactive, online map of the plan area.
“The Silver Spring community has been very passionate and engaged with helping us shape what the area will look like over the next 20 years,” said Planning Director Gwen Wright. “We are proud to have heard from so many community members, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. This really speaks to the themes of resiliency, connectivity and diversity of Silver Spring.”
Planning staff told the Planning Board they will tailor their plan recommendations to seven districts. These include South Silver Spring, Falklands District, Downtown North, Metro Center, Ripley District, Fenton Village and Adjacent Communities. As the team develops the working draft, there will be both area-wide and district-specific recommendations.
During the briefing, Planning staff discussed the idea of establishing a public realm “Green Loop” that would connect the districts via a complete streetscape. They said this would be more comfortable for pedestrians and bikers and would enhance the experience of moving around downtown Silver Spring for residents, workers, and visitors. It would also strengthen the existing parks and open space network while also improving tree cover and stormwater management facilities along key local streets in the plan. This concept supports the plan themes of equity and diversity, connectivity, community health, and resiliency.
The team’s other preliminary ideas include new zoning tools that would help to encourage development of parcels that are currently under‐utilized, providing support for independent businesses as well as the arts and entertainment district and a concept plan for Jesup Blair Park.
Planning staff will now continue to develop these ideas based on the Planning Board’s feedback. They will present the working draft of the Silver Spring Downtown and Adjacent Communities Plan to the community and to the Planning Board in the fall.
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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!!!
