White Flint Expansion Still a Hot Topic at Development Seminar
Evan Goldman Federal Realty Investment Trust
GCAAR welcomed a standing room only crowd to an update on the White Flint expansion plans at the GCAAR Development Seminar on July 18. Moderated by GCAAR Immediate Past President Bonnie Casper, speakers included: Francine Waters, White Flint Partnerships; Rob Eisinger, ProMark Real Estate Services; Evan Goldman, Federal Realty Investment Trust; Mike Smith, LCOR; Mark Winston, Chair, Montgomery County Executive’s Transit Task Force; and, Tom Street of the Montgomery County Executive’s Office.
Two years ago, GCAAR presented its first Economic Development Round Table highlighting White Flint. At that time REALTORS® learned that the Montgomery County Council unanimously approved the White Flint Sector Plan, and within months the White Flint Sector design won the Neighborhood/ Small Area Plan Award from the National Capital Area chapter of the American Planning Association. The Plan creates a thriving, diverse mixed-use center with highest density closest to the Metro and along Rockville Pike.
July 23, 2013
Bethesda North Marriott
GCAAR headed back to the North Bethesda Marriott on July 23 for this year’s REALTOR® Fest. Because it was a DC renewal year, classes were packed with attendees seeking to get their CE credits in before the August 31 deadline, and with GCAAR offering the needed classes at REALTOR® Fest, it was the perfect place to be! Here’s a recap of the event: • 456 attendees Sold-out trade show with over 40 vendors • • $5600 worth of cash and prizes awarded • 2492 hours of CE credits earned Thanks again to all of our sponsors and attendees for their support of this year’s event.
Following up on 2011’s informative event, attendees learned what has happened over the last two years and more specifics about the planned development along the White Flint transit sector, including the North Bethesda Gateway (East Village, Tilden Place), and updates on Phases 1-2 of ProMark’s Rockville Pike projects. Federal Realty Investment Trust announced publicly for the first time its plans for retail, office, and hotel development. Integral to the presentations was the discussion about the Rapid Transit Vehicle system. Key to the Sector Plan’s success is the County’s development and funding of this mass transit network. Without a mass transit system, the sector plans cannot be implemented due to the inability of the County’s road system to carry the additional traffic. “From the size of the crowd it’s evident that the future of the White Flint corridor is a topic in which many people are very interested,” said Bonnie Casper. “There’s a lot going on in this area and it is a test case for the County and private sector to see if they can work together to grow the economy, improve housing affordability, and maintain the quality of life that our residents have come to expect.”
Full house at Dave & Buster’s.
Capital Area REALTOR®
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Serving the Business Needs of OUR Professionals
2013 September - October
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10/10/13 3:16 PM