master plan: land use plan special study area 10: ge technology park

Master Plan: Land Use Plan, September 5, 2006 PROPOSED LAND USE OPTIONS Land Use Option A: Research & Development and Office Park 146 Map Designation 1: This map designation consists of Lake Placid, the Stream Valley buffer around the lake, and the green space between the lake and Darnestown Road (Route 28). This map designation should be designated as open space and preserved as a prominent focal point for the surrounding development and to promote lively recreational and pedestrian activity. At such time as development is proposed for this Special Study Area, the <strong>area</strong> that makes-up Map Designation 1 should be preserved as an open space easement and rezoned to the R-A zoning classification. Land Use and Zoning Action Designate <strong>land</strong> <strong>use</strong> as recreation/open space Zoning remains I-3 (Industrial Office Park)

Special Study Area <strong>10</strong>: GE Technology Park Recommend zoning chan<strong>ge</strong> to R-A (Low Density Residential) and preserving <strong>area</strong> as an open space easement at such time development of Map Designation 4 is proposed. Map Designation 2: This map designation, known as Lot 3 Block B GE Technology Park, has been selected as the future site of the Gaithersburg Aquatic/Recreation Center. Future pedestrian pathways should be provided to connect to the surrounding community and <strong>use</strong>s. It is recommended that this lot be designated as recreation and rezoned to the MXD zoning classification. Land Use and Zoning Action Designate <strong>land</strong> <strong>use</strong> as recreation Recommend zoning chan<strong>ge</strong> to MXD (Mixed Use Development) Map Designation 3: This map designation includes Lake Edison and the adjacent stream and stream valley buffer. It is recommended this <strong>area</strong> consisting of part of Lot 1, part of Lot 2, and part of Parcel C Block B be designated as open space and preserved in its natural state. Land Use and Zoning Action Designate <strong>land</strong> <strong>use</strong> as open space Zoning remains I-3 (Industrial Office Park) Recommend zoning chan<strong>ge</strong> to R-A (Low Density Residential) at such time subdivision occurs. Map Designation 4: This map designation consists of part of Lot 1, part of Lot 2, and part of Parcel C Block B. This <strong>area</strong> is viewed as the primary location of development and redevelopment in the <strong>study</strong> <strong>area</strong>. Located within this map designation are the former National Geographic office building, an existing wareho<strong>use</strong>, and a vacant parcel. Any future development and <strong>use</strong>s should focus on office and research & development activities rather than wareho<strong>use</strong> and industrial <strong>use</strong>s. Developing additional office <strong>use</strong>s similar to the former National Geographic office building and/or the addition of research & development <strong>use</strong>s would be more compatible with the surrounding residential community and more consistent with the initial development <strong>plan</strong>s for this <strong>study</strong> <strong>area</strong>. Any future development adjacent to the residential dwelling units of the Lake<strong>land</strong>s must provide sufficient setbacks to buffer the differing <strong>use</strong>s and utilize lower building heights that are more compatible with the existing residential development. Proper <strong>plan</strong>ning and architectural design should play an important role in any development proposal as well as be sensitive to the surrounding September 5, 2006 147 MASTER PLAN: LAND USE PLAN