MONTGOMERY COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT

THE MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK AND PLANNING COMMISSION

February 10, 2011

Dear Interested Citizen:

The Montgomery County Planning Department has begun the East County Science
Center (ECSC) Master Plan, which will update portions of two previous Master Plans:
the 1997 White Oak Master Plan and the 1997 Fairland Master Plan. See the attached
map for the Master Plan and study area boundaries.

An important component of community engagement for this Master Plan is the formation
of a Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) for which the Department is currently seeking
nominations. If you represent a civic/citizens association, interest group, business or
institution or if you live, work, or own or manage property in either the Master Plan area
or the study area, please consider applying for the CAC.

The primary role of the CAC will be to advise Planning Department staff on broad land
use strategies and plan recommendations, as well as provide assistance with
community outreach. CAC members offer valuable information, insights, and
perspectives as representatives of the area and as liaisons between their communities
and local government. The Department is seeking to form a balanced CAC
membership with broad and varied bases of background and knowledge that reflects
the entire community. In addition to the regular CAC meetings, several open house
meetings will be held during the process to engage and get input from the larger
community.

CAC members will be expected to spend an evening a month for about one year
advising planners during the development of a comprehensive ECSC Master Plan. All
CAC meetings will be open to the public and meeting notices and other information will
be posted on the Department’s website. As the process proceeds, CAC members are
likely to also engage with the Planning Board through the phases of review and final
approval of the ECSC Master Plan.

The Planning Board approved the Scope of Work for the ECSC Master Plan on
February 3, 2011 (Item #5) and this Board session can be viewed at:
http://www.montgomeryplanningboard.org/agenda/2011. The Scope of Work is
available via the Board’s website or on the Department’s website where there is an
ECSC Master Plan section at:
http://montgomeryplanning.org/community/ecsc/index.shtm.

(over)

Director’s Office, 301-495-4500, Fax: 301-495-1320

8787 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
www.MontgomeryPlanning.org
Master plans generally address physical planning issues – land uses, zoning,
transportation systems (roads, transit, pedestrian and bike paths), environment,
community facilities (parks, school, libraries) and historic preservation. In addition to
these issues, 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. This planning effort will
explore whether a new research and technology node, complemented by mixed-use
development, is a realistic option for the future of this area. The Plan will also examine
other specific sites, including the local shopping centers and the National Labor College.
Transportation issues will be a major focus of the planning effort, which will explore
mobility options -- both transit and road infrastructure -- that could increase travel
options and traffic capacity in order to allow additional development.

If you are interested in serving, please send a letter that explains why you would like to
be on the CAC; how long you have lived or worked in the area; any community activities
in which you have been involved; any expertise, interest, or special knowledge you
would bring to the group; and what, if any, organization you represent.
Please send your letter by March 3, 2011 to: nancy.sturgeon@mncppc-mc.org OR to:
Nancy Sturgeon
Montgomery County Planning Department
8787 Georgia Avenue
Silver Spring, Maryland 20910

The Planning Department staff will review the CAC nominations and provide a list of
recommended appointees to the Planning Board in late March. The first CAC meeting
will likely be held in mid to late April. We hope you will consider being part of this
important Master Plan effort and look forward to working with you and your organization.
Please contact Nancy Sturgeon, the lead planner for the ECSC Master Plan, if you have
any questions (301-495-1308).

Sincerely,

Rollin Stanley
Planning Director

RS:ns:ha

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