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Friend, Montgomery County’s White Oak Science Gateway (WOSG) Master Plan is being marketed as a bold investment in East County’s future. Anchored by the 280-acre Viva White Oak development, the plan promises biotech jobs, walkable communities, and mixed-use spaces. But for residents, the real story lies in what’s between the lines—and the fine print on who pays the bill. The White Oak Science Gateway Master Plan outlines an ambitious transformation of East County, with over $47 million already committed in public funds for roads and sewer lines—including $40 million for “master-planned” roads to support new development. At the heart of the plan is Viva White Oak, envisioned as a world-class hub for biotech and life sciences. The project also includes thousands of new housing units and commercial spaces, though there are no firm commitments to affordability. In total, Montgomery County estimates over $100 million in transportation improvements, including road widening, new intersections, bridges, and transit upgrades. Yet due to recently amended legislation, developers are no longer required to pay their share of these costs upfront—they can wait until projects are completed. Why Residents Are Concerned and the Rest of Us Should Be
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Traffic Will Get Worse Before It Gets Better
Construction and new development are expected to overwhelm local roads—especially US-29—before promised improvements are even funded.
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Infrastructure Strain
More people means more pressure on already over-capacity schools, fire stations, and utilities.
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Unclear Affordability Guarantees
Despite promises of “mixed-income” communities, there are few legally binding commitments to protect low- and moderate-income residents from being priced out.
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Environmental Impact
Forest clearing, stormwater runoff, and development on previously untouched land could bring long-term consequences for air, water, and climate resilience.
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Taxpayer Risk
If the job growth and economic activity don’t materialize, taxpayers will be left holding the bag for infrastructure built for projects that didn’t pan out.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ May 29, 2025 – Planning Board Meeting Agenda Work sessions can be viewed live or on demand. The anticipated work session schedule is below. Based on the high volume of public testimony received, additional time has been allocated for the Planning Board’s review. Morning Session
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Item 1: Bergfield Tract – Regulatory Extension Request
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Item 2: Woodlawn Estates – Regulatory Review Extension Request
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Item 3: Burial Sites Inventory Briefing
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Item 4: University Boulevard Corridor Plan – Work Session #7
Afternoon Session
County Council's Public Hearing scheduled for June 10 at 1:30PM -
- Item 6: ZTA 25-06 – Vehicle Service – Filling Station
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A public hearing on clarifying regulations for filling stations dispensing significant volumes of fuel and their proximity to sensitive uses. Montgomery Planning Board
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Item 7: Friendship Heights Sector Plan – Existing Conditions Briefing
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Item 8: Maple Avenue Connectivity Project – Mandatory Referral
Evening Session
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Item 9: Olney Acres & Alfred House/Cashell Road – Preliminary Plan Amendment & Forest Conservation Plan
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Item 10: Liberty Mill Road – Preliminary Plan Extension
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Item 11: Viva White Oak – Sketch Plan, Preliminary Plan Amendment & Forest Conservation Plan
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A significant public hearing on the Viva White Oak project, seeking conceptual approval for over 12 million square feet of mixed-use development, subdivision for a public road network, and associated forest conservation plans.
____________________________________________________________________________________ The Month of June EPIC of MoCo Will be Where the People Are - Swing by & Join the Fun!  June 9, 2025 - Bikes, Buses, Cars & Housing: The Road to Montgomery County's Future: A Community Conversation on how transportation planning, street reclassifications, and housing policy are shaping our neighborhoods.   |
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