FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What to Know
Questions about what’s coming, what’s changing, and how the project will unfold?
Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions about the vision, timeline, community benefits, and development process.
The existing structures at 5260 Western Avenue are being demolished as part of the Friendship Commons project.
The existing building is being demolished to help ready the site for future redevelopment.
Yes. The entire structure will be cleared.
Yes. The exterior demolition permit was approved by Montgomery County's Department of Permitting Services (DPS), and exterior demolition began in late July. This work follows the abatement of regulated asbestos-containing materials and is proceeding under the raze permit issued by DPS, in accordance with applicable County permitting requirements.
Yes. Required approvals have been obtained from the appropriate authorities before each stage of work, including from Montgomery County and the MDE. The abatement of regulated asbestos-containing materials was completed under the applicable permits and notices, and exterior demolition is proceeding under the raze permit issued by Montgomery County's Department of Permitting Services (DPS).
At a public meeting in late June, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) reported that it has found no violations at any of its site visits, which have included unannounced inspections. All results from air monitoring conducted outside the containment areas have been below regulatory limits. All abatement work was performed exclusively by professionals licensed by the State of Maryland, and MDE has directly observed the containment controls during its visits. Following completion of the abatement of regulated asbestos-containing materials, the project's independent industrial hygienist confirmed that final air clearance samples met the applicable EPA and State of Maryland clearance criteria.
Multiple agencies have a role. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) oversees and inspects the environmental abatement work. Montgomery County's Department of Permitting Services (DPS) issues and oversees the demolition permit. The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) addresses dust and noise, and the Montgomery County Planning Department (M-NCPPC) oversees tree protection and removal. In addition, an independent industrial hygienist, HP Environmental, Inc., provided project monitoring and oversight throughout the abatement of regulated asbestos-containing materials and confirmed final air clearance. Berg Demo Group, LLC and Progress Environmental are performing the work under this oversight.
The same safeguards used throughout this project remain in place as demolition proceeds, including fence-line air monitoring around the site perimeter, wet methods to suppress dust, and perimeter fencing with debris screening. The work is subject to ongoing oversight from Montgomery County, including DPS inspections for compliance with the raze permit's requirements.
Exterior demolition began in late July and will be carried out as expeditiously as possible while maintaining all required safety and environmental protections. A precise completion date depends on site conditions and the pace of work, but we will continue to share progress through these updates. This website is updated regularly with new information, or you can sign up for updates.
GEICO has entered into an agreement to sell the property to EYA, which will lead the redevelopment of the site together with Bernstein Management. With a strong track record of creating walkable, urban communities in Montgomery County, EYA brings deep expertise to the project and has already begun sharing its vision for Phase 1 of the redevelopment with the community.
On February 19, 2026, EYA held a pre-submission meeting of neighbors to present early concepts for Phase 1 of the redevelopment, and on March 6, EYA submitted a site plan and Preliminary Plan to the Montgomery County Planning Board for review.
This review process is expected to take several months, and the community will be notified of upcoming Planning Board meetings as they are scheduled. For more information on EYA’s Site Plan and Preliminary Plan, please visit: www.5260western.com.
Yes. Access to the property itself is restricted during demolition for public safety, and perimeter fencing with debris screening has been installed around the full site boundary. The sidewalks around the property remain open, and we recognize the importance of continued access to the Metro and nearby park. We will continue to share information as the work progresses.
As part of the project team's commitment to transparency, we are sharing key project documents referenced in our community updates, including:
-
The approved Forest Conservation Plan (FCP)
Visit friendshipcommons.com for the latest community updates, FAQs, and a direct line to the project team. We review and respond to every question submitted through the site.
The Preliminary Plan Amendment unanimously approved by the Montgomery County Planning Board in October 2025, allows for the development of the property consistent with the County’s land use goals and objectives for the Friendship Heights area. The Forest Conservation Plan (FCP) submitted on December 26, 2025, is required to move forward with the demolition of the existing structure to help ready the site for future redevelopment.
You can read the Preliminary Plan Amendment approval resolution here and review the Forest Conservation Plan Application here.
All new development requires Montgomery County Planning Board approval of a Forest Conservation Plan (FCP). In this case, an FCP was filed to allow for the demolition of the existing building on the site. The FCP designates which existing trees can be saved, which ones can be removed, and what new trees will be planted. Under the FCP application, 26 trees – a small fraction of the number of trees on site – will be removed to allow for the demolition of the building and 32 new trees will be planted on the property. As with the preliminary plan amendment, a new FCP will need to be filed detailing plans for the future development of the site and address all applicable environmental standards and regulatory requirements such as but not limited to the Forest Conservation Law/Regulations, Trees Technical Manual, Environmental Guidelines, Noise Guidelines, environmental recommendations of the Master Plan, etc.
Over 3.5 acres will be dedicated to expand Brookdale Park and improve pedestrian access to the park. Under the FCP, 32 new trees will be planted within the Brookdale Park portion of the property, as well as along the greenway area between the property and Brookdale Park. Any future FCP for redevelopment of the property is expected to include the planting of hundreds of new trees consistent with County standards for the size and species of trees to be replanted and maintenance will be required for both newly planted trees and those to be retained.
Any tree removal connected to this site is governed by the approved Forest Conservation Plan (FCP) filed with Montgomery County. Only trees identified in the approved plan or directed by the County will be impacted. The FCP can be viewed here.
Yes. Perimeter fencing has been installed around the full site boundary, and it includes debris screening to shield the work area from the surrounding community. The sidewalks around the property remain open.
Yes. The sidewalks around the property will remain open to the public during the demolition process.
The team has put several proactive measures in place, including: perimeter fencing with debris screening around the full site boundary; continuous atmospheric monitoring to evaluate air quality conditions; approved erosion and sediment control measures per Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services requirements; and wet methods such as pre-wetting materials, water misting, and applying water to debris during handling and loading to suppress dust and limit airborne particulates.
The project team understands that neighbors may have concerns about noise. A Noise Suppression Plan (NSP) has been submitted to the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection for approval. Under the plan, noise levels would be allowed up to 85 dBA in accordance with the Montgomery County Noise Control Ordinance. Noise-generating activities would be permitted only during weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding holidays. The team will also conduct periodic noise monitoring around the perimeter of the site. More information about the NSP can be found on Montgomery County's website.
Yes. Some large equipment will be used during the demolition but only during County approved working hours.
The equipment will be staged on the property behind the perimeter fencing. As noted above, the fencing will include screening to shield the construction area from the community.
Large transfer trailers are being used for debris removal rather than standard dumpsters. This meaningfully reduces the number of truck trips in and out of the neighborhood.
During the interior preparation phase, the building interiors are being stripped before removal to maximize recycling of salvageable materials and reduce what goes to the landfill. Recycling percentages are consistent with LEED and Montgomery County standards.
All required abatement of regulated asbestos-containing materials was completed by licensed professionals in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and MDE notices, using appropriate containment, air monitoring, and third-party clearance procedures to protect workers and the surrounding community. Following completion, an independent industrial hygienist confirmed that final air clearance samples met the applicable EPA and State of Maryland clearance criteria.
Yes. Removal of the regulated asbestos-containing material identified in the site survey was completed and, following removal, an independent industrial hygienist confirmed that final air clearance samples met the applicable EPA and State of Maryland clearance criteria. The clearance letter and site survey are available in the documents section above.
During normal working hours and consistent with all County rules and regulations.
GEICO has entered into an agreement to sell the property to EYA, which will lead the redevelopment of the site together with Bernstein Management. With a strong track record of creating walkable, urban communities in Montgomery County, EYA brings deep expertise to the project and has been sharing its vision for Phase 1 of the redevelopment with the community.
EYA held a pre-submission meeting with neighbors on Feb. 19, 2026, to present early concepts for Phase 1, and subsequently submitted its Sketch Plan, Preliminary Plan, Site Plan, and Forest Conservation Plan Amendment to the Montgomery County Planning Board for review. Planning staff has recommended approval with conditions, and the Planning Board is holding a public hearing on these plans.
The community will continue to be notified of Planning Board meetings as they are scheduled, and residents can sign up to testify through the Planning Board's website. For more information on EYA's plans, please visit www.5260western.com.
