EVP Report: Update on Lakeforest property redevelopment plans

by Mike Conroy, MVF Executive Vice President

Lakeforest Transit Center – On Nov. 24, members of the County Council, Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT), the City of Gaithersburg and WRS (owner of the Lakeforest property) held a press conference to reveal redevelopment plans for the new transit center to be built as part of the Lakeforest redevelopment project.

MCDOT will be purchasing 2 acres along the Russell Avenue side of the property from WRS to erect the new transit center. MCDOT Director Chris Conklin said once the site is prepared with utilities by WRS, the county will purchase the site to commence construction. The transit center will be the main connection for 6 to 10 bus routes, as well as be the starting or ending point for several others. The plans call for 10 bus bays, seamless circulation through the site and electric bus charging stations.

County Executive Marc Elrich, Councilmember Sidney Katz and City of Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman all recalled the long history of the Lakeforest Mall and its importance in the upcounty, noting a renewed enthusiasm for economic development on the property. Each was supportive of the new transit center for many reasons. Elrich noted the center would become a hub for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and RideOn Flash service and hoped its proximity to the new community would encourage more reliance on public transportation. Katz said the transit center would bring reliable, accessible and innovative transportation to a needed sector of the county, commending the progress that can be made when community, business and government come together. Ashman remarked that it was a pivotal part of the Lakeforest project and would serve as a major connection between the up- and downcounty.

Maryland District 17 Delegate Julie Palakovich Carr represented the state’s commitment to Montgomery County, noting the importance of the center within the transit network. WRS Principal Kevin Rogers was excited for this opportunity to help transform the overall site and recapped the plans for the mixed-use development. He was hopeful to break ground on the Lakeforest site in a few weeks and announce tenants who would be part of the project.

Happy Holidays! – On behalf of the Montgomery Village Foundation (MVF) staff, thank you for another great year! I appreciate the support of the MVF Board in all we do for the community, in keeping the Village a great place to live. I wish each of you a happy and
prosperous holiday season and look forward to what we accomplish together in the new year!