Montgomery Planning Board to Consider Future Plan for Silver Spring Town Square Area

SILVER SPRING, MD – On Thursday, June 21, at approximately 3 p.m., the Montgomery County Planning Board will hold a public hearing to consider a plan to develop Silver Spring’s future town square – which could include a civic building and an ice rink at Fenton Street and Ellsworth Drive.

The development proposal is part of a comprehensive Silver Spring revitalization project started in 1998. The civic building would provide space for several community and government organizations. The current plan includes a paved plaza, pavilion and public art in the form of a memorial to war veterans.

During the planning stage, builders installed temporary artificial turf at the location that has served as a popular gathering space for restaurant-goers and passers-by.

Thursday’s Board discussion and action may answer the question: paved or green space?

Throughout the county’s outreach process on the rink proposal, residents appeared to be split on the county’s proposed ice rink plan, with some expressing enthusiasm and others favoring green space.

Referring to specific parts of the county’s 2000 plan for the Silver Spring Central Business District, planning staff has recommended approval of the civic building but not the ice skating rink, pavilion and plaza area. Planning staff wants the hardscape, or paved, portions of the plan removed and the town square redesigned to look more like a park.

WHO:
Montgomery County Planning Board

WHAT:
Consideration of site plan amendment: downtown Silver Spring civic building and town square

WHEN:
Thursday, June 21, 2007 – approximately 3 p.m.

WHERE:
Park and Planning Headquarters
8787 Georgia Avenue
Silver Spring, MD