On September 18th at 7pm, the Montgomery County
Government is hosting a community event at Wheaton High School with developers
StonebridgeCarras and Buzzoto who will propose a development plan for the
Wheaton Redevelopment Program. The community is being asked to provide input
and feedback on this proposed design and determine whether StonebridgeCarras
and Buzzoto move on to the final stage for consideration as the developer of the
town square and office and retail space. Regardless of how you may feel about
the delays, change of plans, and other twists and turns that have plagued
Wheaton redevelopment, it is important that the community continue to come out
in force and ensure that their voices are heard.
It should be
made clear that StonebridgeCarras and Buzzoto have not been selected as the
final developers for Wheaton redevelopment. Under this latest iteration of the
process, the developers have received the highest rating by the county and, in
turn, can present a concept and design to the community for its approval. If
the county determines that the majority of residents and interested parties of
Wheaton approve of the concept design(s), the next step is contract negotiations
between the developers and the county to finalize a deal. Although the
language of the meetings implies otherwise, the developers have not been
selected or finalized. Community members have the opportunity to voice their
support or opposition to the concept design, the developers or both which will
be taken under consideration by the county selection committee. County officials will explain the details of the process
during the meeting. Therefore, it is not only important that the community attend
this meeting to lend its voice to the Wheaton redevelopment plans, but also to
understand and participate in the selection process.
The Wheaton Urban
District Advisory Committee (WUDAC) has taken a proactive approach to Wheaton
redevelopment. Committee members will be in attendance, and I intend on speaking
on behalf of the group. I encourage all Wheaton residents and business owners
to not only attend the meeting on September 18th, but also find any
and every way to have a say in this process. WUDAC and a few interested parties
cannot be the lone voice for all of Wheaton. Individuals and small business
owners are just as important to this process.
I admit that it has been a long and at times frustrating
road toward Wheaton redevelopment. Regardless, we as citizens and interested
parties should not be discouraged and must continue our active participation in
the process. WUDAC has voiced its frustration with past decisions; however, we
remain dedicated to a transparent and open process that involves community
input throughout. Wheaton redevelopment is long overdue and despite the
setbacks, WUDAC is committed to ensuring that we get to a place of finality
where members of the community can one day be part of and witness to a revitalized
Wheaton. I encourage all residents, regardless of personal doubt and
reservation, to persevere and continue to lend their voice to the process.
Henriot St. Gerard
Chair