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the New New Hampshire Avenue
 
 

Planning Vision

The New Ave historically has been an eclectic place for all different types of businesses, cultures, and people, and we like it that way. Over the last decade many planning efforts and projects have been dedicated to increasing business opportunities, community identity, and alternative transportation modes like transit, walking, and biking. Through plans, projects, grants, and events, we are committed to making the New Ave a better place for everyone.

The Concept

  • Rebuild New Hampshire Avenue as a multiway boulevard with pedestrian and bike friendly design;
  • Mixed-use redevelopment of commercial properties and infill development on some institutional and multi-family properties;
  • Improved access to transportation;
  • Consolidate pedestrian commercial activity around Sheridan Street and the stoplight south of Ethan Allan Avenue, and other "squared" intersections;
  • A family style pub at Sligo Creek Parkway;
  • Restore natural areas, improve parks, and use the New Ave to slow and filter rain events before the water washes debris into the creek.

Developing the Plan

In August of 2007, the City of Takoma Park, in coordination with the Montgomery and Prince George's County Planning Departments, held a seven-day design charrette in the City Community Center to create a concept for the redevelopment of New Hampshire Avenue. The workshops covered the area from Sligo Creek Parkway south to Eastern Avenue. 

Businesses, residents, agencies, and politicians from Takoma Park, Montgomery County, and Prince George's County were invited. Even legislators at the federal level were represented. Folks participated in workshops, meetings, and also an open studio to give their ideas, opinions, and concerns. The New Hampshire Avenue Corridor Concept Plan was presented to the City Council in November of 2008 and subsequently adopted. 

Implementing the Plan

Implementing the City's vision for New Hampshire Avenue is a multi-pronged approach that requires public investment from all levels of government, private investment from business operators and property owners, and ongoing community engagement. Since the plan was adopted in 2008, the following milestones have been reached in the four main areas of implementing the vision:

Codify Planning and Land Use Policies

2008 - New Hampshire Avenue Corridor Concept Plan adopted by Takoma Park City Council establishes the vision for a multiway boulevard on New Hampshire Avenue with mixed-use redevelopment.

2010 - Takoma-Langley Crossroads Sector Plan adopted by Prince George;s County Council envisions area for mixed-use redevelopment oriented toward the Purple Line light rail transit investment.

2012 - Takoma-Langley Crossroads Sector Plan adopted by Montgomery County Council confirms the multiway boulevard design and rezones the Crossroads area for mixed-use redevelopment oriented toward the Purple Line light rail transit investment.

2013 - New Hampshire Avenue Multiway Boulevard Feasibility Study (funded by MWCOG) advances the conceptual frameword for redesigning New Hampshire Avenue.

2014 - Updated Montgomery County Zoning Code adopted by Montgomery County Council confirms mixed-use zoning on the rest of the New Hampshire Avenue corridor.

 

Improving Streetscapes for All Users

2008 - New wayfinding signage, colorful street furniture at bus stops, and public art projects are installed along New Hampshire Avenue

2008 - New Ave Community Garden Grant was initiated by the City of Takoma Park, and provided funding for eight garden groups over six years.

2009 - Vision for Holton Lane was developed to guide future improvements along this small commercial street in the Crossroads. Subsequent streetscape improvements were installed including lighting, street strees, and stormwater management.

2014 - New Ave Streetscape Standards (funded by MWCOG) are developed for the City of Takoma Park

2012 - Ethan Allen Gateway Streetscape project concept is endorsed by Takoma Park City Council and subsequently awarded federal funding for construction.

2015 - The Crossroads Green Space is developed to provide green respite along the bus New Hampshire Avenue corridor.

2018 - The New Ave Bikeways project design is funded for the second phase of design.

2018 - The Ethan Allen Gateway Streetscape project is completed.

2018 - The Purple Line construction underway.

 

Business Support and Property Redevelopment

2008 - The New Ave branding effort and website launch to provide an identity and online presence for the hundreds of businesses on the New Hampshire Avenue corridor.

2009 - Commercial Facade Improvement program was initiated, benefiting several properties on the New Ave corridor.

2013 - 6530 New Hampshire Avenue Feasibility Study for a business incubator was co-commissioned by the property owner and City of Takoma Park

2014 - 6450 New Hampshire Avenue site plan is approved by the Montgomery County Planning Board

2015 - Recreational Needs Study and Concept Plans for the Takoma Park Recreation Center on New Hampshire Avenue are developed for the City of Takoma Park.

2015 - Taco Bell Site Plan is approved by the Montgomery County Planning Board

2017- New Hampshire Avenue Corridor Economic Development Potential- a report to the Maryland General Assembly on New Hampshire Avenue and the studies in the area.

 

Investments in Transportation Infrastructure and Service

2012 - K9 Metrobus Express route is initiated, growing ridership rapidly in succeeding years.

2014 - Countywide Transit Corridors Functional Master Plan is adopted by Montgomery County Council establishing New Hampshire Avenue as a route in Montgomery County's network of bus rapid transit network.

2016 - Takoma/Langley Crossroads Transit Center opens

2017 - Capital Bikeshare network extended to the New Ave with two new stations at the Takoma Park Recreation Center and Kirklynn Avenue

2020 - Purple Line light rail line to start operation