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.

The Bethesda Overlay Zone (ZTA 16-20; adopted 7/18/2017, effective date 8/7/2017)) was created to implement the innovative zoning and community development recommendations in the Bethesda Downtown Plan (2017). This project will serve to hold, appropriate and expend Park Impact Payments made to the M-NCPPC per the requirements of the zoning ordinance.

Appropriations for payments received above the approved capital budget will be requested through supplemental appropriations or future CIP approvals.

Through the end of FY23, the Montgomery County Planning Board has approved Site Plans with a total PIP of $21,701,254, and $14,563,927 in PIPs have been received/collected by the Commission. An additional $2,500,000 in PIP funds are appropriated in the Bethesda Lots 10-24 Parks PDF 872372, for a total PIP appropriation through FY24 of $18,000,000. Project expenditures will not be incurred or encumbered prior to the receipt of funds.

Expenditures will continue indefinitely.

Park Acquisitions 872301, Acquisition: Local Parks PDF 767828, Acquisition: Non-Local Parks PDF 998798, ALARF: M-NCPPC PDF 727007, Facility Planning: Local Parks PDF 957775, Facility Planning: Non-Local Parks PDF 958776 Bethesda Lots 10 - 24, Parks PDF 872302.