A redevelopment of the Shell gas station at 7628 Old Georgetown Road now has the green light from Montgomery County. A construction permit has been added by the county for the future TD Bank building there.
The project did not generate controversy when it passed through the development process. But it has generated some negative reaction among commenters on my blog - and from me - for contradicting virtually every precept of urban planning in modern cities. As well as for being totally inconsistent with the prevailing use of the properties around it. The site will be dead after bank hours, the block will be lonelier for pedestrians at night, and the potential of a plot steps away from Metro is lost. Particularly if the gas station site could be combined with adjoining property. Not to mention the real crisis of having an insufficient ratio of gas stations-to-drivers in a growing Bethesda.
Consider the Norfolk-Cordell II building as a contrast to this plan. A small site, but jam-packed with Smashburger, Dunkin' Donuts/Baskin Robbins, and a rooftop nightlife spot - Roof Bethesda. With an open glass facade, the building activates that corner, and generates activity in the neighborhood at all hours.
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