Burtonsville

Montgomery Planning staff has recommended the approval (with conditions) of a site plan that contains an amendment to allow for redeveloping the Burtonsville Shopping Center by demolishing 7,600 square feet of existing retail uses and relocating that retail square footage into two new pad sites with drive- thrus including improvements to open space, landscaping, lighting, and pedestrian circulation. In June it was announced that a lease has been signed by the Phoenix-based company Sprouts Farmers Market in what is seen as the first critical step to kick start the revitalization of a once thriving retail area. It will also be the grocery chain’s first store in Montgomery County. “We are excited to partner with Sprouts on bringing a unique grocery experience to Burtonsville,” said David Germakian, Managing Director, EDENS. Additional information below, courtesy of Montgomery Planning:

The Applicant proposes to redevelop 6.90 acres of the existing shopping center by demolishing a 7,600 square foot area in the center of the existing shopping center to create a community gathering space (seen in our feature photo). This 7,600 square feet of demolished commercial space in the center of the existing shopping center will be reallocated to two new free standing pad sites with new drive-thru accessory uses on the front of the Property for Retail/Service Establishment or Restaurant uses. Separately from this Site Plan Amendment, the Applicant intends to make façade improvements to the existing buildings to enhance the aesthetics of the shopping center. These interim improvements are not subject to review as part of this Site Plan because they are outside the boundary of the amendment area. Additionally, Site Plan 819851040 approved in 1985 did not include any approved architectural drawings or conditions relating to architectural or building design. As a result, moving forward with façade and exterior building improvements is not a violation of any previous approval.

Since 2019, the Burtonsville community has stepped up to help others in need around the holiday season with their annual Burtonsville Holiday Toy Drive. These successful local toy drives have resulted in over 400 Burtonsville-area children receiving gifts. A video was created and posted by Lyn David, local Burtonsville resident, and leader of this successful effort. When asked why Lyn is so passionate about this effort, she said, “It has been so rewarding to see the Burtonsville community come together to provide for families in need around the holidays. The smiles on the faces of the children as we give them their gifts motivate us to come back every year and work harder.”

This year, the community realizes many families are facing financial struggles and they have an opportunity to help. A group of dedicated and engaged volunteers have generously donated their resources in hopes of delivering the most successful Burtonsville holiday toy drive ever.