HOC seeks to reduce number of units, parking spaces at Alexander House redevelopment in Silver Spring

The Montgomery County Housing Opportunities Commission is seeking to amend its site plan for the Elizabeth Square project at the corner of Apple Avenue and Second Avenue, in downtown Silver Spring. Its proposal asks the Montgomery County Planning Board to reduce the number of units in the redevelopment of the Alexander House from 311 to 305, reduce the amount of retail space, and trim the number of parking spaces in line with the minimums required in urban parking districts. The site plan itself was approved by the Board last year.

This main gate is one of
several public art features
that will be removed

HOC is also asking for permission to remove several public art elements from the existing Alexander House site. These include decorative gates, garden screens, pool railings, and the iconic Watermark sculpture. HOC is proposing to donate the sculpture to a public agency. The Art Review Panel has already signed off on the removals at a July meeting.

Planning staff is recommending approval of the amendment. The Planning Board will take up the amendment at its December 8 meeting.