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The last response trailed off the “reality” topic just a bit. I don’t know where Donna is coming from, but here are some thoughts on this “Science City” to get back on track. First, the basic idea behind this project is a very cool one, to create a focal point for science and technology right where you already have many of the building blocks in place.

Second, with the economy on the skids, why are we not jumping at this chance to create science and tech jobs for the future right here in Montgomery County instead of in Singapore? This is not a bad place for our kids to live and work, and the Master Plan discussed above won’t be fully built out for 30 years anyway, so it is our kids we are talking about. By that time, if anyone thinks the Corridor Cities Transitway won’t be here, they are not being realistic (and I think it will be here much sooner than that).

Third, if you don’t want to allow future growth here, next to three new transit stations and immediately adjacent to I-270, where do you want it? In some cornfield in Pennsylvania? That’s the alternative. This property is in the heart of our smart-growth corridor, the existing Life Sciences Center at Shady Grove, and it is in keeping with all the local and regional plans that, rightfully, call for concentrating future development around I-270 and the Corridor Cities Transitway. This is exactly what we should be doing, and the focal point needs to be built around science, technology and research jobs, with a nicely designed, transit-oriented, town center at the core, not an old farm. Let’s start focusing on the 21st Century not the 18th.

by Ryan on Mar 6, 2009 3:31 pm • link • report