formerly the East County Science Center
Planners are setting the stage for a new master plan in the eastern portion of the county. The consolidation of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at the White Oak Federal Research Center (FRC) provides an opportunity for the county to re-examine its long-term goals and objectives for this area.
The White Oak Science Gateway planning effort will explore options for a new research and technology node that capitalizes on the growing presence of the FDA and is complemented by mixed-use development. The plan will address land uses, urban design, transportation, and environmental issues.
NEW Share your ideas about the future of the White Oak/Hillandale/Cherry Hill area by completing our brief questionnaire.
The Planning Board appointed members of a Community Advisory Committee to provide input and guidance to planners in developing the plan. Monthly CAC meetings are open to the public.
The Planning Board approved a Scope of Work (2.1MB) for the Master Plan on February 3, 2011.
View lead planner Nancy Sturgeon’s narrated presentation that provides background and progress on the plan.
The Master Plan will create a new vision and guide future growth by amending the 1997 White Oak and Fairland Master Plans. The plan area includes several major properties and developments, the largest of which is the 610-acre Federal Research Center. The FDA occupies 130 acres of the FRC and now has 5,500 employees on-site. Adventist HealthCare plans to build a new Washington Adventist Hospital and medical campus on nearly 50 acres along Plum Orchard Drive (pending approval of a Certificate of Need from the State). In addition, approximately 300 acres on two sites (Site 2 and Percontee) near the FRC and Washington Adventist Hospital may provide the potential for economic synergies, as well as the possibility of new housing and retail near jobs. The area’s largest employers are the FDA, Seventh Day Adventist Church, Kaiser Permanente, Holy Cross and Comcast.
The plan also will examine the future of several sites, including the National Labor College (located on 47 acres at New Hampshire Avenue and I-495), the White Oak and Hillandale shopping centers, and several vacant properties on US 29. The need for more community facilities, recreational opportunities, and pedestrian and bicycle links will be explored as well.
View the plan boundaries on our locator map.
Watch lead planner Nancy Sturgeon's presentation to the Planning Board describing the scope of the plan.
Transportation problems, and attempts to solve or relieve traffic congestion, have characterized the eastern county for 30 years. Transportation issues will be a major focus of the planning effort, which will explore a full range of mobility alternatives – both transit and road infrastructure – that could increase travel options and traffic capacity to allow additional development.
The plan will focus on the future growth of sites within the Cherry Hill Road Employment area – particularly Site 2 and Percontee. The adjacent FRC site presents a physical planning challenge, since it is a large, secured facility, which makes it difficult, if not impossible, to truly integrate the campus with adjacent sites to create a walkable, mixed-use center. The planning process will examine:
Community planner Khalid Afzal welcomes people to the meeting.Due to the complexity of the transportation and land use issues, the Planning Department has engaged the services of several consultants. The work of these consultants will be coordinated and shared with the interagency group of public sector stakeholders as well as the CAC.
Planners are working with a Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) to assist in developing the White Oak Science Gateway Master Plan. The CAC includes representatives of groups within the plan’s boundaries, including community and civic associations, business and property owners, and area organizations and institutions. All CAC meetings will be open to the public and meeting notices will be posted here.
In addition to the CAC, community engagement efforts will include:
Environmental planner Steve Findley talks about watersheds with residents.Nancy Sturgeon, Area 2 planner
301-495-1308
Nancy.Sturgeon@montgomeryplanning.org
Khalid Afzal, Area 2 planner
301-495-4650
Khalid.Afzal@montgomeryplanning.org
Date of last update: December 8, 2011