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Council approves University Boulevard corridor plan and related zoning amendments over objections on displacement protections
Summary
After staff briefings and debate over affordable housing and displacement safeguards, the council approved the University Boulevard sector plan with a reporting amendment and enacted two related zoning text amendments to implement the plan.
The Montgomery County Council voted to approve the University Boulevard Corridor Plan and adopted implementing zoning text amendments after a session of public staff briefings, member debate and committee work.
Planning staff presented the final resolution and an addendum that made targeted edits to the capital improvements table. Several councilmembers praised pedestrian‑safety and public‑benefit provisions but also raised concerns about displacement and the plan’s affordable‑housing guarantees. Councilmember Will Jawando said the plan needed stronger displacement protections and announced his vote against the plan as it stood. Councilmember Lorraine Sells successfully moved an amendment to add five‑year racial equity and housing unit reporting requirements to the plan; the amendment passed and was included in the final vote.
The council subsequently considered ZTA 25‑12, the University Boulevard overlay that implements the sector plan, and ZTA 25‑13, omnibus zoning clarifications and corrections. Staff and committee members explained technical edits and committee amendments, including workforce housing provisions and new language on accessory setbacks and outdoor storage of large items. Council adopted both ZTAs (25‑12 and 25‑13) as amended; committee reports and roll‑call votes were recorded in the meeting minutes.
Why it mattered: The sector plan and accompanying ZTAs create the regulatory framework for increased housing and redevelopment along University Boulevard, add an enhanced MPDU requirement in the plan area and codify public‑benefit priorities such as larger family units and pedestrian safety improvements. Members highlighted the plan’s potential to increase housing supply while urging continued attention to displacement and monitoring.
What’s next: Planning staff will proceed with implementation steps, including working with the Department of Housing and Community Affairs on MPDU and workforce housing compliance and with the Department of Transportation on near‑term pedestrian safety improvements.
