This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Residents Opposed to EYA Development Planned for North Bethesda

EYA Development is proposing to build 153 town homes on  the corner of Grosvenor Lane and Fleming Avenue in North Bethesda. Although zoned for single family, EYA persuaded the county that town homes were  environmentally preferable. Ironically, the community's primary opposition to EYA's plans are because of the proposed development's significant impact on the last remaining green space in the neighborhood. 

EYA's plan includes removing much of the woods around the historic Grosvenor estate (some of which is designated Legacy Open Space) and will remove most of the trees that shade Fleming Park, a widely used community gem. 

Residents also are concerned that the 300 additional cars on Grosvenor Lane will worsen traffic, air quality (from traffic and idling), and put bicyclists and children in danger. The Trolley Trail runs along Fleming Avenue.

Find out what's happening in Bethesda-Chevy Chasewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The County planning staff have an alternative plan. The developer is refusing to make the county staff revisions to the plan and is going straight to the County’s planning board for approval (currently scheduled for October 10).

This isn't the first time that EYA has ignored resident concerns. In  Silver Spring, residents fought a 3 year legal battle to persuade the developer to reduce the impact on their neighborhood http://www.justupthepike.com/2013/04/planning-board-approval-ends-3-year.html

Find out what's happening in Bethesda-Chevy Chasewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Let's hope the County Planning Board does the right thing by making sure that the development conforms to the neighborhood, rather than vice versa.

Concerned neighbors should plan to attend the October 10th Planning Board Hearing.

Rebecca Morley, President, Fleming Park Community Association

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?