Council approves Ashton Village Center Sector Plan

Council approves Ashton Village Center Sector Plan

The plan will transform Ashton into a viable and vibrant rural village center

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For Immediate Release: Wednesday, June 16, 2021

 

ROCKVILLE, Md., June 16, 2021—On Tuesday, the Montgomery County Council unanimously approved the Ashton Village Center Sector Plan, which envisions the Ashton Village Center as a compact, low-rise, walkable and bikeable rural village with a mix of land uses.

The Montgomery County Planning Board first presented the December 2020 Planning Board Draft of the Ashton Village Center Sector Plan to the Council in January 2021. The plan covers approximately 127 acres around the intersection of two state highways, MD 108 and MD 650.

Since 2000, the residential population of the Sandy Spring and Ashton area has increased by almost 1,700 or 38 percent. Though the number of housing units increased by 27 percent over the same period, the housing growth has slowed in recent years, with fewer than 35 new homes built since 2014.

The plan provides zoning and design recommendations intended to allow the density and uses expected for a rural village, while ensuring that any new development complements Ashton’s existing commercial center and rural character. Since the two state highways form a crossroads at the core of the Ashton Village Center, the plan also provides transportation recommendations related to vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle mobility in the area.

The plan boundary includes all of the area within the Sandy Spring and Ashton Rural Village Overlay zone that is east of the area covered by the 2015 Sandy Spring Rural Village Plan.

"I'm proud that the Council came together to approve a plan that will help shape the future of the Ashton Village and Sandy Spring areas," said Council President Tom Hucker. "The recommendations will create a vibrant village center, improve connectivity and create an environment that fosters a sense of community."

"I am delighted to see this plan moving forward," said Councilmember Hans Riemer, Chair of the Planning, Housing, and Economic Development (PHED) Committee. "The Council's final plan reflects a lot of finely grained and nuanced concerns that came forward during the process, and we got to a great outcome that will support progress for the area. I appreciate the participation of everyone involved."

“I am pleased to have joined my colleagues in the passage of the Ashton Village Sector Plan, which continues our investment in a great community by bringing in more amenities and diverse housing types,” said Councilmember Nancy Navarro, whose district includes the Ashton Village area. “The plan introduces innovative enhancements while at the same time respecting the needs of residents and maintaining the character of the community. I can’t wait to see the positive changes that will occur as a result of the Ashton Village Sector Plan.”

“I am proud to have worked with my colleagues on a plan that will build upon a great community in Ashton by allowing for much needed housing while preserving the rural character of Ashton,” said Councilmember Will Jawando, who is also a member of the PHED Committee. “I know this plan will bolster the community with new public amenities and housing that fits the existing feel of this wonderful rural village.”

"The Ashton Village Center Sector Plan we approved respects the historic rural past of this important crossroads while providing the opportunity for it to become a walkable and bikeable place that fits into the community's character,” said Councilmember Andrew Friedson, who is also a member of the PHED Committee.

View more information about the plan here.

 

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