Duncan Announces Smart Growth Initiatives For Silver Spring; Pepco To Fund Main Street Assessment

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mh\ssgrowth.pr 97-134 Contact: Bill Mooney, 301-217-2539
or David Weaver, 301-217-6530
DUNCAN ANNOUNCES "SMART
GROWTH" INITIATIVES FOR SILVER
SPRING; PEPCO TO FUND MAIN STREET
ASSESSMENT
For Immediate Release: April 30,1997

Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan today unveiled what he described
as his "smart growth" strategy for downtown Silver Spring, detailing projects that could
qualify for needed dollars under the State's new targeted growth law. Duncan was joined in
the announcement by PEPCO President and Chief Operating Officer John Derrick, who
presented a check for $15,000 to fund a comprehensive assessment of Fenton Village.
Duncan was also joined in his mid-morning announcement by County Councilmember
Derick Berlage, civic leaders, business and property owners in front of Bell Flowers, a florist
shop now in its 50th year of business in Silver Spring.
"The revitalization of Silver Spring will be the culmination of a number of projects,
not just the development of the central core," said Duncan. "It will only happen when we
redefine areas of the Central Business District and strategically address all of those
components within the CBD that are critical to this community's vitality. The State's new
Smart Growth law will hopefully provide the added resources necessary to bring this about."
Under the new controlled growth law passed by the Maryland General Assembly,
State money will be available for roads, sewers and other infrastructure improvements in
densely developed communities. The Governor's "Smart Growth" plan is designed to curb
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SMART GROWTH FOR SILVER SPRING 2-2-2-2

growth in largely rural areas throughout the State, and directs State resources to older
developed communities.
Today's announcement highlighted several new and ongoing projects that Duncan
says are vital to the revitalization effort. They include a detailed assessment of the Fenton
Street corridor; the construction of a major transportation hub in the downtown area; future
expansion of Montgomery College (Takoma Park campus); added open space; and housing.
"Silver Spring can and should recover its former status as a vibrant center for
shopping, jobs and housing," said Derick Berlage (D-Silver Spring). "A decisive
comprehensive strategy implemented now by the State and the County can achieve just that."
PEPCO's gift of $15,000 will be used to fund an assessment of the existing
commercial area by the National Main Street Center, a program of the National Trust for
Historic Preservation. The organization, now under contract for the project, has successfully
helped communities throughout the nation conserve their most significant economic and civic
resources as well as and their historic commercial buildings, through a four-point approach to
revitalization.
"We are proud to support this project and are optimistic about Silver Spring's
redevelopment possibilities," said Derrick. "When PEPCO helps communities attract, retain
and expand local business, we all prosper."
The Main Street approach focuses on ways to enhance the area's physical appearance;
build consensus and cooperation between business and community groups; market the area's
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assets to customers, investors, new businesses and the community; and strengthen the existing
economic base while identifying new opportunities for expansion.
"We are grateful to PEPCO for its generous contribution to Silver Spring," said
Duncan. "An assessment of the Fenton Street corridor will provide critical information
concerning the area's needs and opportunities."
Revitalization efforts also include plans to move the Tastee Diner to a new location on
Cameron Street behind Industrial Photo. The move would facilitate new building construction
which would be adjacent to the nearby inter-modal transit center. The transit center would
serve as a major transportation hub linking bus, rail and other transportation services around
the downtown area.
Montgomery College officials are currently discussing the future modernization and
expansion of the Takoma Park campus. Duncan indicated that he is very supportive of plans
to expand the campus in the southern portion of Silver Spring.
"Based on its current location, the number of options for expansion at or near the
campus are very limited," said Duncan. "The best option is a decision that both the College
and the community identify and recommend. For my part, I will fully support the overall
project for a revitalized campus in south Silver Spring."
Citing a lack of sufficient open space in downtown Silver Spring, Duncan called on
County department and agencies to work with Park and Planning on an open- and green space
strategy for the older commercial areas of the downtown. Once identified, Duncan wants the
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open spaces and parks to be linked together using sidewalks and other type pedestrian
connections."
On housing, Duncan said that he is open to any creative proposal or recommendation
that would make new, market rate housing work in the CBD.
"Smart growth and liveable communities clearly demand that affordable housing is
both available and that it works," said Duncan. "With the access to public transportation
here, Silver Spring should be a prime location in which to locate families."
Duncan indicated that a search for a new developer for the central business core is
currently underway and that he hoped to have an announcement by the end of May.
Duncan today also heralded a new $100,000 financial incentive program to encourage
business owners to make facade improvements in the aging commercial area of Silver Spring.
Owners in the Fenton Street Village area are eligible for financial incentives of up to half the
cost of renovating or improving the exterior of their buildings. The program is a
demonstration project which is being offered through June 30 as part of the County's
commercial revitalization program.
Qualifying improvements include new exterior facelifts using durable materials such as
brick and concrete. Also included are the installation of new windows, doors, signs and
lighting. Cosmetic improvements such as painting will be considered as part of a more
comprehensive plan. Commercial property owners and tenants are encouraged to inquire
about the eligibility of any significant renovation or improvement.
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The Fenton Street Village 50/50 Program is a more aggressive version of the county's
traditional Facade Easement Purchase Program. The traditional program has been
successfully implemented in the Fenton Street Village area and other parts of the County for
several years. In the traditional program, the County incentive contributes roughly 20 percent
of the funding for facade improvements. In both programs, the commercial owners enter into
easement agreements.
Property owners and commercial tenants located in Fenton Street Village have
expressed an interest in making needed improvements. There is concern, however, about the
risk incurred in recouping financial investments. The Fenton Street Village 50/50 Program
was designed to address this concern and enhance private reinvestment.
"We believe this program will be a great asset to the property owners and an
important part of our Fenton Street Village revitalization plan," said Duncan. "The County
has approved funding for new sidewalks, trees and streetlighting in the area. The Village can
achieve a complete facelift if building owners participate fully in the 50/50 Program."
Interested parties are encouraged to apply soon. The program is scheduled to end on
June 30, 1997, or sooner, if funds are depleted. For more information, contact Rogers Stanley
or Patrice Cheatham at the Department of Housing and Community Affairs/ Commercial
Revitalization, (301) 217-3650.

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