anchor Description
This project funds the redevelopment of an abandoned maintenance yard by converting it to an environmental-friendly educational site using the principles of Sustainable Education Every Day (SEED) Classroom design and construction. The building will be designed for net-zero energy and water usage and provides an expansion of the program space for the Black Hill Regional Park Nature Center Program.
anchor Justification
The project site was used as a maintenance yard (MY) until 2004 when it was replaced by a new MY. Black Hill Nature Center and Visitor Center serve more than 35,000 visitors every year. In 2015 alone, the number of people attending the nature center program doubled. With the Cabin Branch Neighborhood currently under construction, the need for additional programming space is expected to increase and the existing 25-person auditorium is falling short of demand to serve the growing community.
anchorFiscal Note
In FY22, $150k slipped from FY22 to FY23 for affordability. FY21 shift of $250k in State Aid added from Minor New Construction-NL Parks (FY20 Bond Bill).
anchorDisclosures
A pedestrian impact analysis will be performed during design or is in progress.
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
Friends of Black Hill, Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Permitting Services, Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission.