anchor Description
The approximately 4-acre park is located at 11420 Old Georgetown Road in the Luxmanor community of North Bethesda. The purpose of the project is to rehabilitate the existing Josiah Henson Park and create a heritage tourism destination. The project includes converting the historic Riley/Bolten House to a public museum; constructing a new 2,900 square foot visitor center with bus-drop off area and four-car parking lot on the former Rozier property; and new landscape sitework and outdoor interpretation that will make the park more accessible for visitors and convey its former appearance as a plantation.
anchor Justification
Montgomery County Master Plan for Historic Preservation, 1979, identified the property as resource #30/6, "Uncle Tom's Cabin". Josiah Henson Special Park Master Plan, December 2010. Josiah Henson Park was the subject of an approved facility plan in June 2013. White Flint Sector Plan, April 2010; 2012 Park Recreation and Open Space (PROS) plan, July 2012.
anchorOther
The completed project will be a first-class museum attracting visitors with its educational exhibits and programming.
anchorFiscal Note
FY20 Supplemental Appropriation of $250k in State Aid. MNCPPC was awarded a State Bond Bill of $100,000 in FY15. FY19 Maryland Heritage Area Grant of $50,000. FY19 Special Appropriation added $630k in G.O. Bonds, $200k in State Aid, $500k in Program Open Space, and reduced Contributions by $650k (funding was also accelerated from FY20/21 into FY19).
anchorDisclosures
A pedestrian impact analysis has been completed for this project.
M-NCPPC asserts that this project conforms to the requirement of relevant local plans, as required by the Maryland Economic Growth, Resource Protection and Planning Act.
anchorCoordination
Montgomery County Departments: Recreation, Permitting Services, Fire/Rescue, Transportation; State Highway Administration; Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission; Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority