Montgomery County Planning Department, part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, won an award of excellence in the Small Area Planning category for its plans and recommendations on the I-270 corridor.
The Corridor Forward Plan analyzes near and long-term transit recommendations focused on improving transit options in that area that are equitable, environmental and economic.
The award came from the American Planning Assocation County Planning Division and the National Assocation of County Planners.
“We are so honored to be recognized nationally by our planning peers for the cutting-edge Corridor Forward Plan,” said Montgomery Planning Acting Director Tanya Stern. “Our data-driven approach that also applied an equity lens during the planning process informed recommendations to deliver a transit vision that will benefit residents and visitors who travel along the I-270 corridor.”
The 101-page plan was produced jointly by staff at the Midcounty Planning Division and the Countywide Planning and Policy Division.
“This award recognizes how the plan was developed with forward-thinking technical expertise and a focus on equity to build consensus with the community on what could be possible for providing needed transit to connect the communities along this important corridor,” said Midcounty Planning Chief Carrie Sanders in a news release.
The plan was honored for its detailed analysis written “in plain language,” and translation into the many languages spoken here.
According to the news release, the plan deals with bus rapid transit projects by Maryland Route 355 and Veirs Mill Road. It also analyzes the benefits of extending the Red Line to Germantown Town Center.
The plan calls for implementation of the Great Seneca Transit Network, which includes a series of new local bus routes, and focuses on connections to nearby counties. It also analyzes extending the proposed Purple Line west of Bethesda.
We're excited to announce that the Corridor Forward: I-270 Transit Plan has been recognized by the American Planning Association County Planning Division and the National Assoc. of County Planners with the Award of Excellence in the Small Area Planning! https://t.co/jylRuC468q pic.twitter.com/wyKHCHdv1S
— Montgomery Planning (@montgomeryplans) October 23, 2023
