Forest Glen and Montgomery Hills Edition!
Montgomery County wields control over the space beyond the Georgia Ave roadway. The County has authority that significantly affects land use and economic development, such as zoning and other regulations, incentives, and measures that can help or hinder revitalization. The Montgomery County Planning Department is looking at developing recommendations to improve the Forest Glen and Montgomery Hills neighborhoods in the update to the sector plans. Further, the County has the ability to help shape Georgia Ave design decisions as well as help ensure that the redesign and implementation is funded by the State.
Forest Glen and Montgomery Hills sits squarely in Montgomery Council District 5 represented by Tom Hucker. Montgomery Hills is also represented by four At-Large Councilmembers: Hans Reimer, Nancy Floreen, George Leventhal, and Marc Erlich. Councilmember Floreen is not seeking re-election. Councilmembers Levelthal and Erlich are running for County Executive, along with four additional candidates. Councilmember Hans Reimer is seeking reelection in a field with thirty-three contenders for the four At-Large seats.
Here is what the County elected officials and candidates have had to say about our efforts to #FixMontgomeryHills.
Montgomery County Executive
Neighborhoods are about people – not cars. There is much potential for Montgomery Hills to become a vibrant and attractive place, and I applaud the Friends of Forest Glen and Montgomery Hills for building community support for such a vision. That support will be crucial as we work with residents, various government agencies, and property owners to turn potential into reality. District 1 Montgomery County Councilmember Berliner, Chair of the Council’s Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy & Environment Committee
For too long the Georgia Ave corridor between 16th Street and Forest Glen has been the subject of great plans, but no action. I am committed to moving from plan to action, so that we can transform Montgomery Hills and Forest Glen into a vibrant community destination. At-Large Montgomery County Councilmember George Leventhal
Montgomery Hills can thrive as a neighborhood center if we provide safe pedestrian access to shopping areas, transit, and community facilities with wide, tree-lined sidewalks and a median along Georgia Ave. I am committed to safety and a streetscape for all users. Montgomery County Executive Candidate David Blair
Montgomery County District 5
I’ve been working with our county Planning staff and State Highway Administrator Greg Slater to transform this 0.7-mile stretch of Georgia Avenue in Montgomery Hills. It’s become a vehicle-centric commuter roadway with the highest non-Interstate traffic volumes in Maryland and a collision rate significantly higher than statewide averages. As it is, the road contributes little to residents’ quality of life or to retailers’ prosperity, and traffic volume is expected to increase 15 percent in the next 20 years. What we need is a bike- and pedestrian-friendlier approach that’s safer and enhances – not degrades — this neighborhood. District 5 Montgomery County Councilmember Tom Hucker
Montgomery County Council At-Large
Our county is a special place and Forest Glen and Montgomery Hills represent the future of our county – how we grow, flourish, and continue to be a great place to live. In order to do that, we must dedicate resources and make sure that our neighborhoods just don’r change for the sake of change – but grow as vibrant communities that serve the people. At-Large Montgomery County Councilmember Hans Reimer
The time has come for Montgomery Hills and the surrounding residential neighborhoods to be a place where people are encouraged to walk or bike, rather than drive. We need to leverage our unique location inside the beltway to include the instillation of bike lanes on Georgia Ave that protect both riders and drivers. As the former chair of the Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board, I will continue to be a champion for the redesign of Georgia Ave so that is safer for all users. At-Large Montgomery County Candidate Evan Glass
With all the convenience that this location offers, Montgomery Hills should be an attractive, accessible neighborhood center that serves the local community and where local businesses can thrive. This problem is within our ability to resolve as elected officials and responsible government. We must redesign Georgia Ave to accommodate walking, biking, and access to our transit systems. When residents can walk and bike safely through the area, local small businesses will thrive. This is how you improve livability. At-Large Montgomery County Candidate Will Jawando
There are wonderful neighborhoods and local businesses in the areas adjacent to Georgia Avenue between 16th Street and Forest Glen – but our lack of investment in this corridor makes it harder for people to discover and access these places. We need to make Montgomery Hills safer for pedestrians, cyclists and transit users, and support residents and business owners in creating a stronger sense of place through streetscape and roadway improvements. At-Large Montgomery County Candidate Brandy Brooks
County support will help Montgomery Hills and Forest Glen residents and businesses transform their community – a stretch of Georgia Avenue with huge potential – into the walkable, bikeable, safe, and attractive commercial district we know it can be. We will use zoning and planning tools, economic incentives and business assistance programs, and community good will, talents, and advocacy to turn this vision into reality, soon. At-Large Montgomery County Candidate Seth Grimes
Montgomery Hills is less than ten minutes from my home. Over the last twenty-five years as both a cyclist and driver, I’ve experienced the difficulties of accessibility and congestion in the Montgomery Hills corridor. Seeing the well-planned, community-centered, walkable and accessible developments in other areas of the county, I know we can do better for Montgomery Hills–and I look forward to the exciting next steps! At-Large Montgomery County Candidate Jill Ortman-Fouse
Friends of Forest Glen & Montgomery Hills 