WASHINGTON (November 20, 2003) - A jury formed by the Smart Growth Alliance (SGA) has recognized a proposed development next to the Twinbrook Metrorail station in Montgomery County, Maryland as contributing land use, transportation and environmental advantages to the Washington region.
The SGA is a coalition of five regional organizations: the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Greater Washington Board of Trade, Coalition for Smarter Growth, Metropolitan Washington Builders’ Council and ULI Washington (a district council of the Urban Land Institute). These organizations, some of which have held opposing views on growth issues, formed the Alliance three years ago to research, identify and encourage land use, transportation and environmental policies and practices that support smart growth in the region.
The proposal recognized by the SGA is called Twinbrook Commons and is a mixed-use, transit-oriented development consisting of commercial office uses, ground floor retail and residential uses. Located partly in the City of Rockville and partly in Montgomery County, the project is to be developed under a joint development agreement between the developer and WMATA. In total, the proposal calls for 610,000 square feet of office use, 160,000 square feet of retail use, and 1,288 residential units.
As part of the proposed development, new bus bays, kiss and ride areas, and taxi stands are incorporated into the plan. The Metro entrance façade and pedestrian access ways would undergo extensive upgrades. In addition, ennhanced streetscaping to provide safe, pedestrian connections to the rail station would be included at both entrances to the Metro station.
Rod Lawrence, Managing Director of The JBG Companies said, “We are thrilled to receive this important endorsement from ULI and the Smart Growth Alliance. Working with our architects and planners, we have worked very hard to ensure that the concerns and needs of the community were addressed and incorporated into a master plan that embraces the goals and principals of Smart Growth and Transit Oriented Development. Our objective for Twinbrook Commons is to create a vibrant, live-work-play environment that becomes a focal point of the surrounding area and an asset to the current and future residents of the Twinbrook community.”
The SGA recognition program is now in its second year. Through the program, the Alliance highlights “smart growth” development proposals to raise awareness among public officials, citizen groups and developers of the long-term benefits of well-designed, pedestrian-oriented projects that incorporate a variety of uses and reduce dependency on autos as the sole means of mobility.
SGA members are advised and supported by representatives of more than 70 organizations, including the public sector, universities, businesses, local foundations, and environmental and civic groups from throughout the region. The SGA views alternatives to single-use, auto-oriented design as critical in accommodating the area’s future population -- now projected to rise by 1 million over the next 20 years.
Sam Black, chairman of the SGA jury and a partner in Squire, Sanders and Dempsey, LLP in Washington, said Twinbrook Commons fulfills the criteria set by the SGA for measuring project proposals. The evaluation of the application was based on its location; proposed density, design and diversity of uses; transportation alternatives and opportunities; environmental resources and conservation efforts, and benefits to the overall community. “Twinbrook Commons is an excellent example of how to make smart growth work,” Black said. “Through smart growth, our area can reduce traffic congestion, retain a top-caliber workforce, attract new businesses, and enhance air and water quality.”
Each quarter, the SGA evaluates project proposals in the Washington area that are under review or subject to review by local government regulatory agencies. Those representing the best examples of smart growth are publicized by the Alliance and highlighted by the Alliance during regular Alliance events. Since the recognition program began last year, the SGA jury has recognized 13 applications – six in Virginia; four in Maryland and three in the District of Columbia (see attached list). The program also lent its support to the City of Falls Church for their City Center plan and Eastern Village Cohousing in Silver Spring, Maryland.
“Developers are increasingly aware that a recognition of their proposal from the SGA jury can prove very helpful as they move forward with their projects,” Black said. “Because these projects tend to be innovative and complex, obtaining approvals from the local jurisdictions is often challenging. Through the recognition program, the SGA strives to highlight the benefits these projects offer to the surrounding communities and help break down barriers in the approval process.”
In addition to the development recognition program, the SGA is planning other activities, including a recognition program for conservation initiatives.
Information on the application process is available at www.sgalliance.org; or through e-mail:sga@uli.org
