A green forest in the Grosvenor area of Bethesda could be replaced by 46 luxury townhomes, if the Montgomery County Planning Board follows a staff recommendation at its June 25 meeting. That approval would require an easement and forest conservation plan, tree removal mitigation, picnic and sitting areas, bike racks and noise testing and disclosure to prospective homeowners.
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Potential layout of
the future townhomes
(click to enlarge)
Top two images via
Montgomery County
Planning Department |
That noise issue is related to the site's location directly adjacent to Interstate 270. Planners are recommending the developer be required to insulate the townhomes against highway noise, and warn buyers about that noise.
Planners suggested the existing townhome community to the north, Grosvenor Park, plat its unplatted property, but the Grosvenor Park HOA declined.
Finally, 7 of the townhomes would be set aside as affordable housing units.
Alan Sternstein, head of the Grosvenor Park HOA, said planners should require guest parking to be provided on-site for guests of the future townhome development, and expressed concern about the clearing of the trees generating additional highway noise for his community.
I thought it was intriguing that another nearby resident wrote a letter in support of the project, arguing that the development would "activate the highly underutilized wooded area along Grosvenor Place." It's rare to hear someone argue cutting down a wooded area is enhancing the neighborhood, or seek to "activate" natural green space. It's also novel and new to forget that trees are natural air pollution filters that improve air quality.
Here are some images of the apparently-offending forest:
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"Please, clearcut this forest
to improve our neighborhood!" |
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| What would Captain Planet say? |
