Posts by Pete Tomao — Contributor
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A more rapid bus service begins construction in Montgomery County
On Thursday morning, Montgomery County broke ground on the first line of the county’s long-planned 82-mile Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network. This first segment, running between downtown Silver Spring and Burtonsville, will stretch for 12 miles. When completed, it will be the region’s longest BRT line. Keep reading…
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Montgomery County doesn’t have enough homes. Will it use public land to help solve the problem?
Montgomery County is deep in the midst of a housing shortage, according to a county rental housing study released last year. The good news is that the study did not just list problems — it also outlined several ways to help solve them. Keep reading…
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Montgomery County may reinvest funds from the expensive Montrose Parkway back into transit
Instead of spending $140 million for 1.62 miles of asphalt, Montgomery could use its resources to implement myriad transportation improvements throughout the county. Keep reading…
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Montgomery wants to build a better bus system, but anti-BRT activists oppose plans
Montgomery County wants to create a new bus rapid transit system that would help alleviate congestion and boost economic development. However, some people aren't keen on the idea. Keep reading…
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Here’s the reality: Montgomery County needs smart growth
In the 1970’s, Montgomery County led the way on progressive growth. Now residents have to rise to the occasion again to build the Montgomery of 2040 through smart policies that prioritize accessible transit and affordable housing. Keep reading…
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Montgomery County might jettison its M-83 highway plans after a new report finds buses are a better solution
As debate swirls around the proposed M-83 highway expansion, Montgomery County is faced with a choice between an investment that achieves its environmental and economic goals, and one that doubles down on regressive sprawl. Keep reading…
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Montgomery County rejects incentives to build more affordable housing in Bethesda
Montgomery County wants to encourage developers to build more affordable housing in downtown Bethesda. But due to pressure from neighbors, the County Council voted to allow less affordable housing and shorter buildings instead. Keep reading…
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To make White Flint better for business, make the streets safer
In 2010, Montgomery County passed the White Flint Master Plan with hopes to turn the area into a transit-oriented destination. Today, it's one of the busiest places for walking in the county, but the walkable urban streets have yet to materialize. Keep reading…
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Montgomery’s new bus rapid transit system will make the county more equitable
By 2020, Montgomery County will have a working bus rapid transit system. The $67 million system should help clear up traffic congestion, but more importantly, it will promote promote social mobility, connect workers to jobs, and allow families to save hundreds on transportation. Keep reading…
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8 ways to make it easier to walk around North Bethesda… or anywhere, really
The North Bethesda neighborhood of White Flint is in the midst of transition from car-oriented suburb to a vibrant, mixed-use community. But the area still has a ways to go. Here are eight ways to make walking around White Flint safer and easier to walk around that wouldn’t require major investments. Keep reading…