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Council advances creation of development district for Viva White Oak; unanimous vote moves TIF process forward
Summary
The County Council voted unanimously to advance a resolution enabling the creation of a development district and tax‑increment financing (TIF) district for the Viva White Oak project, allowing the planning and fiscal review steps needed before a final TIF vote.
The Montgomery County Council on July 8 voted unanimously to approve a resolution to create a development district and tax‑increment financing (TIF) district in White Oak, advancing the next steps in a multi‑stage process for the Viva White Oak mixed‑use project.
Developer David Bramble, managing partner of MCB Real Estate, described the 280‑acre Viva White Oak proposal as a catalyst for East County that would bring housing, retail, innovation space and public amenities. Bramble said the TIF is a financing tool designed to fund infrastructure without raising existing taxes by using future property tax revenue that would not exist absent the development.
Community representatives expressed conditional support and concerns. Barry Whitus, president of the North White Oak Civic Association, supported bringing investment to East County but asked the council to consider whether TIF proceeds should be permitted to fund improvements on key off‑site roads — chiefly Cherry Hill Road and U.S. 29 — to accommodate expected traffic and access needs. Eileen Finnegan, a community member who served on the White Oak master‑plan advisory group, asked for clarity on interactions between the TIF, prior land‑use agreements and transportation demand management policies.
Council discussion and conditions: council members emphasized that today’s resolution only authorizes the steps needed to continue planning and analysis, including an adequate public facilities review by the Planning Board and an executive fiscal report; a future council vote will be required to create the TIF. Council members signaled expectations for the later review: commitments to life‑science jobs, a walkable mixed‑use urban center, robust affordability targets in the housing component and at least one large public amenity to attract visitors.
The motion to move the resolution passed unanimously; the planning and fiscal review process will proceed and the council will consider a second resolution should the executive’s fiscal report and planning analysis support creation of the TIF.
