Saturday, June 20, 2009

Crossroad plans lack consensus, city officials say

Takoma Park stakeholders note key differences between counties' proposals for redevelopment project

by Jeremy Arias | Staff Writer | Wednesday, June 17, 2009

A consensus between major players in the revitalization of the New Hampshire Avenue corridor remains out of reach even as Prince George's County has released its sector plan for the project, according to key stakeholders testifying Monday before the Takoma Park City Council.

Both Prince George's and Montgomery counties are developing separate but similar plans for the revitalization along the Crossroads area of New Hampshire Avenue and University Boulevard, which cuts through both counties.

Plans will also require approval and input from the State Highway Administration. The Purple Line, a proposed 16-mile mass transit line planned to run through the Crossroads, will also play a significant role in shaping the area, making the Maryland Transit Authority a major player as well.

Along with the Purple Line, the plans also aim to redevelop the five major shopping centers in the Crossroads into mixed-use residential and retail high-rises and increasing the "walkability" of the area with broad pedestrian promenades and a buffered bike lane along University Boulevard.

http://gazette.net/stories/06172009/silvnew183934_32525.shtml

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