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Developer backs limited ‘SAVE’ zoning amendment to allow ground‑floor philanthropic uses with upper‑floor self‑storage
Summary
Turbano Real Estate Partners testified in favor of ZTA 25‑01 (the SAVE — street activation and vacancy elimination — zoning text amendment), arguing that allowing self‑storage in underused office buildings paired with ground‑floor cultural or philanthropic uses would activate streets and help repurpose long‑vacant buildings.
At a March 3 public hearing on Zoning Text Amendment 25‑01 (the ‘‘SAVE’’ ZTA), a representative of a national adaptive‑reuse developer told the Montgomery County Council that a narrowly drawn allowance for self‑storage above ground‑floor philanthropic or cultural uses could help revitalize long‑vacant office buildings.
John Sweeney, representing Turbano Real Estate Partners, said the amendment ‘‘aligns with our commitment to revitalize ghost buildings in urban environments, creating a net positive impact to the surrounding neighborhood.’’ He described properties where office‑to‑residential conversion is infeasible and said self‑storage, when combined with ground‑floor nonprofit or cultural uses, ‘‘provides a meaningful benefit’’ and helps ‘‘activate the adjoining and surrounding pedestrian environment.’’
Sweeney also said the SAVE ZTA would require preservation of an existing office building’s character by maintaining facades and windows as part of redevelopment, and he urged the council to support the measure.
The public hearing on ZTA 25‑01 included only one in‑person speaker and then closed; the planning, housing and parks committee planned a later work session to review the proposal.
Why it matters Supporters say the SAVE approach gives owners an option for buildings that are otherwise hard to redevelop, while preserving street‑level activity with nonprofit or cultural tenants. The amendment’s scope and requirements — including façade‑preservation language and a ground‑floor occupancy requirement — were highlighted by testimony as constraints that limit the provision’s reach.
Next steps Council staff said the item would go to a Planning, Housing and Parks committee work session scheduled for March 24, 2025. No votes or formal council action were taken on March 3.
