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Montgomery Plans
To showcase the many ways the Montgomery County Planning Board and professional planning staff enhances the quality of life in our community, we’ve launched a monthly television program in collaboration with County Cable Montgomery.
Our program looks at the important land use issues facing those who live and work in Montgomery County, with a focus on the planning side of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. Each month, we’ll highlight issues that affect you – smart growth, transportation, forest conservation, environmental protection, historic preservation and more.
In October 2007, Montgomery Plans won a public education award from the Maryland chapter of the American Planning Association.
Montgomery Plans schedule. Also see us on our other educational programs, Growing Right and The Parks Show.
Montgomery Plans Episodes
A Tour of the Kentlands...and Beyond
Planning Commissioner Joe Alfandre leads a spirited tour of the community he helped create, the Kentlands. The 20-year-old community in Gaithersburg offers valuable lessons for future smart growth communities. Watch
Guest: Joe Alfandre, Planning Board member
Date: December 2009
Takoma/Langley Crossroads
Planners have studied the Takoma/Langley Crossroads community and are forming recommendations about how to improve quality of life in the context of a new public transportation system -- the Purple Line. Learn more about planners' innovative ideas for transit-oriented development, mixed housing types and economic development. Watch
Guest: Melissa Williams, community planner
Date: October/November 2009
How to Participate
The Planning Board regulates development in Montgomery County, but does not work in a vacuum. Its decisions are informed by its professional planning staff, outside agencies, landowners, as well as residents – people like you. Learn how can you have your say in shaping the future of Montgomery County. Watch
Guests: Nkosi Yearwood, community planner; Sandra Pereira, development review planner
Date: August/September 2009
Housing
Everyone needs a place to live, but finding the right kind of home – and being able afford it – is getting harder and harder. Learn how the Planning Board is looking for new ways to plan for housing that meets the diverse needs of Montgomery County residents – both present and future. Watch
Guest: Sharon Suarez, housing researcher
Date: June/July 2009
Growth Policy 2009-11
Tune in for a preview of the Planning Board’s 2009 Growth Policy and learn how it helps drive the quality of life here in Montgomery County. Watch
Guest: Rollin Stanley, Planning Director
Date: April/May 2009
The Purple Line
Learn more about the Planning Board's take on the Purple Line, the most significant public transportation project proposed for Montgomery County in decades.
The Board and its transportation staff analyzed the state Purple Line recommendations and weighed in on what they say is the best alternative for the county.
Watch
Guest: Tom Autrey, Transportation Planner
Date: February/March 2009
Forests and Trees
Learn how environmental planners are overseeing an ambitious reforestation program designed to convert developer contributions into new forests. And pick up some tips on how to plant and care for trees where you live. Watch
Guest: Mark Pfefferle, Forest Conservation Manager
Date: January 2009
The Big Idea
The Planning Board has a host of ideas to create new kinds of great places to encourage growth in Montgomery County that truly meets the needs of the 21st century. People are flocking to communities where they can find jobs, housing choices, and great places to hang out. Learn more about how we're designing tomorrow’s communities today. Watch
Guest: Royce Hanson, Planning Board Chairman
Date: November/December 2008
Agricultural Reserve
Did you know that Montgomery County still has more than 500 working farms? We’ll explain how Montgomery County leaders created the Agricultural Reserve, a crown jewel of good planning practices more than 25 years after it was established. Watch
Guest: Callum Murray, team leader, Community Based Planning
Date: October 2008
Planning Bethesda
Downtown Bethesda... it’s vibrant, it’s hip, it’s fun. But it didn’t just happen. Learn the backstory on planning Bethesda. Watch
Guest: Judy Daniel, team leader, Community Based Planning
Date: July-September 2008
Environmental Planning
How do we keep Montgomery County green and, when we plan for new development, growing green? Learn how Montgomery County planners work on environmental conservation. Watch
Guest: Mary Dolan, environmental planning supervisor
Date: June 2008
New Planning Chief
With new leadership comes new energy and new ideas. Learn about how Montgomery County’s new planning director will make an imprint on our community. Watch
Guest: Rollin Stanley, Director, Planning Department
Date: April - May 2008
Transportation
Roads, Metro trains, buses, bikes…We explain how Montgomery County planners work hard to keep you moving. Watch
Guest: Dan Hardy, Acting Chief, Transportation Division
Date: March - April 2008
Development Review
Just how does that new cluster of townhouses up the road get built? What about that facelift on your favorite shopping center? Learn more about the development review process in Montgomery County. Watch
Guest: Rose Krasnow, Chief, Development Review Division
Date: February 2008.
Germantown
Planners are working to re-energize Germantown with a vibrant town center, connected neighborhoods, high-tech jobs and access to transit. Learn more about the exciting changes that will transform parts of Germantown into a hub of civic, retail, cultural and living opportunities. Watch
Guest: Sue Edwards, Lead Planner, Germantown Master Plan.
Date: December 2007 - January 2008
Historic Preservation
Our planners, staff to the Historic Preservation Commission and the Planning Board, work to safeguard the county’s significant historic resources. Learn more about how a structure becomes a designated historic site – and what it means if you own a historic home – on this edition of Montgomery Plans. Watch
Guest: Clare Kelly, Historic Preservation Planner.
Date: November 2007
Park and Planning 101
Great communities don’t just happen! Learn more about how Montgomery County park staff and land-use planners acquire and manage popular parks, design thriving communities, establish environmental protections, and preserve working farms and cultural sites. Learn more about how proper planning builds a terrific Montgomery County. Watch
Date: September-October 2007
White Flint
Our planners, working closely with the community, are finalizing an update of the White Flint sector plan, which guides development for the next 20 years. The White Flint plan recommendations include ideas for new gathering places; the combination of stores, offices and apartments; new streets and walking routes; and easy access to transit. Watch
Guest: Margaret Rifkin, Lead Planner, White Flint Sector Plan
Date: August 2007
Growth Policy
We’re refining a key policy that directs development to areas in the county that have adequate roads, schools, and fire and rescue services. How the new policy will affect Planning Board decisions on where to place new development. Watch
Guest: Karl Moritz, Chief, Research & Technology Center
Date: June-July 2007
Forest Conservation
Planners are working on improvements to the county’s Forest Conservation Law. Join us to learn what’s in store to conserve Montgomery's trees and forested areas. Watch
Guest: Mark Pfefferle, Forest Conservation Coordinator, Environmental Planning Division
Date: May 2007
Introduction to Park and Planning
How our changing population affects Montgomery County’s handling of its most serious challenges: growth, affordable housing, traffic and environmental conservation. Watch
Guest: Planning Board Chairman Royce Hanson
Date: April 2007
Montgomery County Planning Department