anchor Description
The Bethesda Downtown Plan creates a new approach to providing funds for parks that are critical to livable and healthy communities for the residents of Bethesda and the county. With an increasing population of residents and workers in the Bethesda Downtown Plan area, parks and open spaces have become "outdoor living rooms" and de facto backyards that play an increasingly important role in promoting healthy living, social interaction, and equity. The Bethesda Overlay Zone requires a Park Impact Payment for portions of certain development approvals within the Downtown Plan boundary. Park Impact Payments submitted to the M-NCPPC as a condition of Planning Board development approvals will be placed into this project for appropriation and expenditure. Bethesda PIP funds may be used for acquisition of parkland, site cleanup and interim improvements, renovation/modification of existing parks, and development of new facilities and new parks within the Bethesda Downtown Plan boundary. PIP funds that will be used for full planning, design, and construction of Bethesda parks will be allocated to the appropriate development PDF within the CIP. PIP funds will be allocated based on the park priorities in the Bethesda Downtown Sector Plan, availability of land for acquisition, site improvement needs, and the Parks Departments' design and construction schedule.
anchorCost Change
The budget increase of million in and reflects anticipated future contributions from developers.
anchor Justification
The Bethesda Overlay Zone (ZTA adopted effective date was created to implement the innovative zoning and community development recommendations in the Bethesda Downtown Plan This project will serve to hold, appropriate and expend Park Impact Payments made to the M-NCPPC per the requirements of the zoning ordinance.
anchorOther
Appropriations for payments received above the approved capital budget will be requested through supplemental appropriations or future CIP approvals.
anchorFiscal Note
Through the end of the Montgomery County Planning Board has approved Site Plans with a total PIP of and in PIPs have been received/collected by the Commission. An additional in PIP funds are appropriated in the Bethesda Lots Parks PDF for a total PIP appropriation through of Project expenditures will not be incurred or encumbered prior to the receipt of funds.
anchorDisclosures
Expenditures will continue indefinitely.
anchorCoordination
Park Acquisitions Acquisition: Local Parks PDF Acquisition: Non-Local Parks PDF ALARF: M-NCPPC PDF Facility Planning: Local Parks PDF Facility Planning: Non-Local Parks PDF Bethesda Lots - Parks PDF