Have Your Say on Future of Long Branch

Got something to say about the future of the Long Branch neighborhood? The time is now to share your thoughts on the Long Branch Sector Plan, a collection of land use ideas from the Montgomery County Planning Department that hopes to increase community connections and walkability. 

A community meeting on the plan will be held Wednesday, Jan. 16 and a public hearing with the Planning Board is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 31. 

County planners hoped to build on the neighborhood's planned Purple Line stations when creating the sector plan, which is a framework for the next 15 to 20 years. The ideas focus on the area on Piney Branch Road between Flower Avenue and University Boulevard. 

Officials hope that the two planned light rail stations—at Arliss Street and at University Boulevard—will "catalyze redevelopment and reinvestment" in the area.

Meeting details: 

• Long Branch Sector Plan community meeting, 6 p.m. Wed., Jan 16 at Rolling Terrace Elementary School, 705 Bayfield St., Takoma Park

• Planning Board public hearing, 6 p.m., Thurs., Jan. 31 at 8787 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring.

To testify or provide input at the public hearing, you must sign up online or call 301-495-4600. Send written testimony to: Chair, Montgomery County Planning Board, 8787 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

Individuals have three minutes to testify while community groups, property owners within the plan's boundaries, governments and public agencies and other organizations have five minutes.