The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) recently secured a $250,000 grant from the Maryland Department of Transportation. This funding boost is aimed at promoting community engagement in the design of a new mixed-use development adjacent to the North Bethesda Metro Station. The project, dubbed Project Connect, represents a strategic push to integrate residential, commercial, and entertainment spaces while fostering the County’s burgeoning life sciences sector. Moreover, an update to the local transit system is on the cards, with enhancements to pedestrian and bicycle pathways being a key focus.
On the subject of economic prosperity and community development, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich expressed his vision for the future. "We will use this grant money to help build a safer, more prosperous future, with investments in transportation and infrastructure that promote economic development and improve the quality of life for our residents," Elrich stated in a release from the Montgomery County government website. To shape North Bethesda into a world-class destination, the grant signifies a significant investment in its community-centric development approach.
Commending the state's financial support, Montgomery County Council President Kate Stewart said, “Thank you to the Moore-Miller Administration for this funding to support community outreach as we move forward with this transformative project at the North Bethesda Metro in the Pike District.” As cited in Montgomery County's official announcement, Stewart emphasized the importance of public participation in the enhancement of access to the metro, the creation of public spaces, and the improvement of pedestrian and bicycle safety.
Project Connect is envisioned to transform 13.9 acres of North Bethesda into a hub of activity and connection, anchored by employment opportunities, especially in life sciences. The development is positioned to dovetail with the County’s Flash Bus Rapid Transit system that will traverse MD 355. Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld spoke on the matter, saying, "These grants will help jumpstart the progress of building unique, dense communities around transit stations that will further connect Marylanders to opportunities." His statement, sourced from the Montgomery County press release, underscores the project's potential to catalyze both mobility and economic growth in the region.
