Community Update #6

With July almost behind us and August approaching, it is hard to believe that summer is almost over. We want to thank you again for your interest in the Friendship Commons property and sharing these updates with your neighbors.

As demolition work continues to progress at 5260 Western Avenue, we wanted to share where things stand and how you can stay engaged.

Site Progress at 5260 Western Ave.

 

The exterior demolition permit for the building has been approved by Montgomery County's Department of Permitting Services, and exterior demolition began last week.

This work follows the completion of interior abatement of the regulated asbestos-containing material (RACM) identified in the site survey that was previously shared. The clearance letter and site survey are available in the FAQ section of our website.

As part of the pre-demolition site preparation, tree removal work was conducted during the week of July 20 and will continue over the coming days. As with all tree work on this site, removals are governed strictly by the approved Forest Conservation Plan (FCP) and as otherwise directed by Montgomery County Park and Planning. The FCP for the demolition process is available in the FAQ section of our website.

As we move to exterior demolition, the same protections outlined in prior updates remain in place throughout this work, including fence-line air monitoring, wet methods to suppress dust, perimeter fencing and debris screening, and ongoing coordination with MDE and Montgomery County.

Who's Overseeing This Work

We've heard from residents that it would help to know which agency is responsible for which part of this project. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) oversees and inspects all environmental abatement work, while Montgomery County's Department of Permitting Services (DPS) issues and oversees demolition permitting. Both agencies have visited the site repeatedly, including unannounced inspections, and both remain in active contact with the project team. MDE held a virtual meeting with the Friendship Heights Village Council on July 2 to address questions, and DEP held a virtual meeting on July 23 to answer questions.

Below is a reference with contact information for each agency and area of oversight if you have specific questions.

What's Comes Next:

Montgomery Planning Board Public Hearing:

This Thursday, July 30

As the raze of the building continues, the Montgomery County Planning Board will hold a public hearing on the Sketch Plan, Preliminary Plan, Site Plan, and Forest Conservation Plan Amendment for Friendship Commons. This is the redevelopment proposal for the property submitted by EYA, the developer chosen to redevelop the property. The Planning staff has recommended approval with conditions.

The meeting will be livestreamed at montgomeryplanningboard.org/meetings/watch-online and on YouTube (@MontgomeryPlanning). Visit the Planning Board's website for the exact time on the day's agenda and for instructions on signing up to testify.

A Separate, Longer-Term Process: The Friendship Heights Sector Plan

Separately from the redevelopment proposal for the site, Montgomery Planning is also working on an updated, county-wide Sector Plan for the entire Friendship Heights area covering zoning, housing, transportation, and parks for the neighborhood over the next 20 to 30 years. On July 16, the Planning Board advanced the working draft of that plan and set two public hearings for community input:

• September 10 at 1:30 p.m. — Planning Board Auditorium, 2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton (in-person or virtual testimony)

• September 14 at 4:00 p.m. — Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Service Center, 4805 Edgemoor Lane (in-person testimony only)

Sign-ups to testify open August 3 on the Planning Board's website. We'd encourage residents with views on the neighborhood's long-term future to participate directly in that process.

Stay in Touch

Visit friendshipcommons.com for the latest information, FAQs, and to contact the project team directly. Additional project documentation is available in the FAQ section of our website.