Spring 2003 AMP Frequently Asked Questions continued
The nature of a compromise means that some of
the original goals of SSARPC were not met.
For example, no significant reduction
in size
of the grocery store occurred because it was a non-negotiable point for
the AMP developers. While the visible rear wall of the grocery store
on Route 108 has been reduced by two thirds with the addition of store fronts,
it is not gone. Further, the overall square footage of the project size
is still larger than a number of people wanted, but the SSARPC Steering
Committee feels that the design changes have met many of the challenges presented
by the project size.
A number of issues remain under discussion. We
need to see more detail on both lighting and signage. Park and Planning
believes the stores along NH Avenue should be relocated to have entrances
onto the sidewalk, rather than having drive aisles and parking between
the buildings and the street.
The SSARPC Steering
Committee will work with AMP and the State Highway Administration (SHA)
to try to keep the trees at the NW corner of the site. We plan to follow
this project closely, as it goes forward through Montgomery County Park and
Planning,
in order to try to make sure that community needs are met.
“Create pedestrian traffic with uses and designs that invite frequent visits by all members of the community.”
This has been accomplished with the following changes:
- Green park at the corner creates a cornerstone for the area
- Access for pedestrians improved, including brick-like crosswalks
- Length of the deceleration lanes decreased in order to reduce the amount of pavement
“Provide lighting that is consistent with the area’s character in terms of style, scale, and intensity”
Developer promised to install shielded lighting. The SSARPC Steering Committee will review the details.
Q: What are the SSARPC Steering Committee current issues with the AMP plan?
A: Members of the SSARPC Steering Committee recently met with staff of the Montgomery County Park and Planning Commission concerning the Ashton Meeting Place (AMP) development. A major issue brought up by Park and Planning staff is the current AMP plan’s encroachment into the wetlands. The developer has a proposal for mitigation that is currently under review by Park and Planning staff.
Q: Are there other issues evolving in downtown Ashton that we should be aware of?
A: The AMP developers have a plan to develop the Northeast corner with a gas station, convenience store and a building with a car wash and some commercial space and office space. A summary of the plans can be found in the News section of the web site. The Southwest corner has been purchased by Chevy Chase Bank and they plan on installing a bank branch on the stie. A summary of the plans can be found in the News section of the web site.
Q: How can I keep informed? There are a few ways that the SSARPC Steering Committee can help keep you informed. You can receive email updates by sending your name, phone number and email address to ssarpc@preserveashton.net. Also, visit www.PreserveAshton.net and review the web site for updates.
Q: What can I do to help?
A: Send your opinions to Montgomery County Park and Planning: Mr. Michael Ma; Development Reviews; MNCPPC; 8787 Georgia Avenue; Silver Spring, MD 20910; email: Michael.ma@mncppc-mc.org Let the community know about your ideas by sending a letter to The Gazette about your concerns; Editorial Department; 1200 Quince Orchard Road; Gaithersburg, MD 20878; email: gmacdonald@gazette.net . The letter should be limited to 200 words, and needs to include your name and address. Letters received by Friday at noon will be considered for the following week. SSARPC would like to receive a copy of the letter (email it to ssarpc@preserveashton.net). Donations to help pay for services of our city planner and lawyer are always welcome. You can use PayPal from the web site or send a check made out to Preserve Ashton to P.O. Box 518; Ashton, MD 20861. And – talk to your neighbors and other members of the community about your ideas. Attend town meetings that are held periodically to let people know more details as to what is happening and to share ideas.
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