anchor Description
This project supports the acquisition of property at the Glenmont Shopping Center. The funding is needed to acquire surplus property from the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) that will be aggregated with the shopping center parcels for the purpose of realizing the Sector Plan.
anchor Justification
The Glenmont Shopping Center is an appropriate location for a mixed-use town center with urban amenities such as a central open space, restaurants, and professional offices to achieve a dense urban node near the Metro station. The 1978 Sector Plan discussed the need for a physical upgrade of the shopping center structures to develop a "positive image" for the community. The 1997 Sector Plan characterized the center as poorly configured and unattractive with a confusing circulation pattern. To date, the recommendations of both plans have not been implemented. The center currently includes approximately 196,380 square feet of commercial space. Although it is fully leased, the physical structure is worn, and it lacks retail and entertainment services desired by the surrounding community. Fragmented ownership and lack of market demand for redevelopment have inhibited redevelopment and will continue to be a major challenge in the foreseeable future. Landowners cite the lack of sufficient economic incentive (private or public) for reinvestment in the property. Any significant redevelopment would require assembling all or some of the parcels. The 2013 Sector Plan supports a phased development where assembly and redevelopment occur over time.
anchorCoordination
Department of General Services, Maryland Department of Transportation