Planning Vision

New Hampshire Avenue Corridor Concept Plan

The Concept

  • Rebuild New Hampshire Avenue as a multi-way 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 concept was presented to the City Council in November of 2008 and subsequently adopted. 

Download the Concept Plan, including detailed phasing and action steps here.

Implementing the Plan

To advance the Concept Plan to the next level of engineering and design, the New Hampshire Avenue Multi-way Boulevard Feasibility Study has been funded by MWCOG for 2013. The Feasibility Study will set the stage for the future design and reconstruction of the New Ave into a multi-way boulevard as developed in the New Hampshire Avenue Corridor Concept Plan and Takoma/Langley Crossroads Sector Plan.

The Ethan Allen Gateway, where East-West Highway meets New Hampshire Avenue, is the eastern edge of the City and boundary line between Montgomery and Prince George's Counties. Enhancing the pedestrian realm of this mixed residential-commercial area is a key component of the Ethan Allen Gateway Streetscape project, currently in design.

Holton Lane is a City street with the scale and 'bones' of a great community center. With many attractive buildings, US Post Office, and plenty of parking, the City is working with businesses and properties owners to make it more than what it is today. Holton Lane Area Improvement Vision (2009) presents a recent analysis of the street and design guidelines for store front improvements. Streetscape improvements on Holton Lane were made in 2009, and will continue in 2013.

In the short and long term, streetscape improvements can be made to New Hampshire Avenue through private redevelopment and public infrastructure projects. To ensure a consistent and high quality public realm is provided along the corridor, the New Ave Streetscape Standards were produced in 2012.

 

Takoma/Langley Crossroads Sector Plan

Montgomery County and Prince George's County Planning Boards updated the comprehensive plans (master plans) for the area around the intersection of New Hampshire Avenue and University Boulevard. These plans propose zoning changes, design guidelines, and transportation improvements in preparation for the Purple Line and to facilitate transit oriented development (TOD).

Montgomery County (2012)

The Montgomery County portion of the Takoma/Langley Crossroads Sector Plan includes the area in Takoma Park from University Boulevard to just south of New Hampshire Avenue, from Carroll Avenue to just east of Pollo Campero.  The City of Takoma Park completed their review of the plan in July 2009.  In January 2012, the Planning Board recommended preliminary approval and transmittal to the County Council of the Urban Design Guidelines, which will guide any new development required to go through site plan review process. The Plan was unanimously approved by Montgomery County Council on April 24, 2012.

View the Montgomery County Planning Department's website on the plan.

Prince George's County (2010)

The Prince George's County Takoma/Langley Crossroads Sector Plan area includes Langley Park, which is north of University Boulevard and east of Pollo Campero.  This plan was adopted by the County Council in 2010.  The County is developing a recommendation for which zoning to use to implement the Plan.

View the Prince George's County Planning Department's website on the Plan.

Takoma Park Master Plan

The Takoma Park Master Plan, adopted in December 2000, is the comprehensive plan for the City of Takoma Park and provides guidance for public and private investment.

Prince George's County General Plan

This plan creates a framework for development in Prince George's County and may be viewed online.

International Corridor Community Legacy Plan

This document is an action plan to strengthen the International Corridor along University Boulevard at the northern end of the New Ave Corridor.  It was developed in 2003 as a joint outreach project between Montgomery and Prince George's Counties and the City of Takoma Park.  You may read it online.