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The Montgomery County Planning Board is reviewing the Friendship Heights Sector Plan. Stay updated on the plans and participate in upcoming work sessions.

Update November 6, 2026

Friendship Heights Sector Plan Updates

Montgomery County Planning Board Work Sessions
On November 5, the Montgomery County Planning Board held its fifth work session to review the draft Friendship Heights Sector Plan, which included specific site recommendations not covered during its October 29 work session, as well as Chapter 5, Implementation, and a review of additional revisions to chapters 1-3 covered during the prior work sessions.

The final work session and discussion topics are:

Work session 6- November 19:
- Review of revisions to chapters 4 and 5
- Wrap-up

All work sessions are livestreamed and can be watched live via the Planning Board’s website, and archived recordings of past work sessions are also available on the Planning Board website.

What’s Next Following Planning Board Consideration
After the Planning Board concludes its work sessions the plan will be updated to reflect the Planning Board’s direction, and a Planning Board Draft Plan will be transmitted to the newly elected County Executive for review and comment and to the County Council for approval (currently projected to occur in late 2026 or early 2027). The newly elected County Council will hold its own public hearings. The County Council’s public hearing process will begin in 2027. Click here to view the Friendship Heights Sector Plan Process Timeline.

November 9 Village Board Meeting Presentation
During the Village Board of Managers’ regular meeting on Monday, November 9, starting at 7:30 p.m., the Village’s Zoning Counsel will provide an update and overview of the Planning Board’s deliberations and direction for revisions to the Sector Plan as discussed in their work sessions which began in late September. Specifically, this presentation will focus on the properties located along the east side of Wisconsin Avenue. See the above article to access the meeting agenda and for virtual access to the meeting.

Special Community Meeting
Following the Planning Board’s final work session (scheduled for November 19; see above), the Village Board will host a Special Community Meeting on Monday, December 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Village Hall. The meeting will also be live-streamed and recorded.

The Special Meeting will begin with an overview of the Sector Plan as amended by the Planning Board’s recommendations. This presentation will include a report on shadow studies conducted by the Village’s consulting land planner, including analysis based on the Planning Board’s recommendations.

Following the presentation, Village residents will be invited to ask questions and provide comments on the amended Sector Plan for Village Board consideration during subsequent deliberations when the Board prepares its testimony for the County Council.

Update October 30, 2026

Montgomery County Planning Board Continues
Work Sessions to Review the Friendship Heights Sector Plan

On October 29, the Planning Board held its fourth work session to review the draft Friendship Heights Sector Plan, which included the plan’s recommendations for specific sites, including the sites along the east side of Wisconsin Avenue along the western edge of the Village (former Saks Fifth Avenue, The Collection Chevy Chase and 2 Wisconsin Circle).

The schedule below reflects the remaining work sessions and discussion topics:

Work session 5- November 5:
- Chapter 5: Implementation
- Review of additional revisions to chapters 1-3
Work session 6- November 19:
- Review of revisions to chapters 4 and 5
- Wrap-up

Please note that the remaining schedule may be extended or updated at the Planning Board’s discretion. All work sessions will be livestreamed and can be watched via the Planning Board’s website. If you miss a work session, you can find the recording on the Board’s website as well.

What’s Next:
After the Planning Board concludes its work sessions the plan will be updated to reflect the Planning Board’s direction, and a Planning Board Draft Plan will be transmitted to the County Executive for review and comment and to the County Council for approval (currently projected to occur in late 2026 or early 2027). The newly elected County Council will hold its own public hearings. After the Planning Board’s revised plan is issued, the Village Board will initiate a public process to allow for Village resident comments, and prepare updated recommendations for submission to the County Council. Please monitor the Village’s website and General News Blasts for notice of future public engagement opportunities. The County Council’s public hearing process will begin in 2027.

Update October 23, 2026

Montgomery County Planning Continues Work Sessions to Review the Friendship Heights Sector Plan

On October 22, the Planning Board held its third work session to review the draft Friendship Heights Sector Plan, which included the plan’s recommendations and testimony in response to the proposed Environment section in chapter 3, and a recap of revisions to chapters 1-3 of the Plan as covered in the first two work sessions. Subsequent work sessions will cover different chapters of the plan (see schedule below) and will follow the same order of topics as the plan itself. Material that is not covered in any given work session will be covered in the next scheduled work session.

The schedule below reflects the remaining work sessions and discussion topics:

Work session 4- October 29:
- Chapter 4: Site-Specific Recommendations
Work session 5- November 5:
- Chapter 5: Implementation
- Review of additional revisions to chapters 1-3
Work session 6- November 19:
- Review of revisions to chapters 4 and 5
- Wrap-up

What’s Next:
Following the Planning Board’s work sessions the plan will be updated to reflect the Planning Board’s direction, and a Planning Board Draft Plan will be transmitted to the County Executive for review and comment and to the County Council (currently projected to occur in late 2026 or early 2027). The County Council then will initiate its own public hearing process, and when it does, the Village Board will revisit its current recommendations and, after a public process to allow for Village resident comments, update its recommendations for submission to the County Council. The Council’s public hearing process will begin in 2027.

Update October 9, 2026

Montgomery County Planning Continues Work Sessions to Review the Friendship Heights Sector Plan
NOTE: Updated Work Session Schedule; Updates from the Village Board

On October 8, the Planning Board held its second work session to review the draft Friendship Heights Sector Plan, which included the plan’s recommendations and testimony in response to the proposed plan-wide recommendations for parks and public spaces, transportation, and historic resources. Subsequent work sessions will cover different chapters of the plan (see schedule below) and will follow the same order of topics as the plan itself. Material that is not covered in any given work session will be covered in the next scheduled work session.

The schedule below reflects the remaining work sessions and has been updated to reflect additional Planning Board work session dates and discussion topics (schedule changes are marked with an *):

Work session 3- October 22:
- Chapter 3: Section 3.8 Environment*
- Review of some revisions to chapters 1-3*
Work session 4- October 29:
- Chapter 4: Site-Specific Recommendations
Work session 5- November 5:
- Chapter 5: Implementation
- Review of additional revisions to chapters 1-3
Work session 6- November 19:
- Review of revisions to chapters 4 and 5
- Wrap-up

Process Updates from the Village Board
Some residents have written to the Village’s Board of Managers expressing concerns and questions regarding the Village Board’s actions relating to the ongoing Friendship Heights Sector Plan amendment process. This article seeks to respond so the entire community has a greater understanding of the actions taken to-date, and the Board’s plans for the remainder of the Sector Plan process.

Future Updates to Village Board Recommendations. The Planning Board’s record closed on September 17, the day the Village Board filed its testimony. Some residents asked that the Village Board expressly inform the Planning Board that future Village recommendations may change, but as the record is closed, there is no opportunity to do so now.

We do not believe the Planning Board will mistake Village Board recommendations (now or in the future) as a unanimous consensus of Village residents. Individual residents presented articulate written and spoken testimony to the Planning Board expressing views contrary to the Village Board’s recommendations.

After reviewing and considering the Planning Board’s revised Sector Plan draft when it is issued later this year, the Village Board may modify its recommendations, taking into consideration the points that residents have raised along with any additional information provided by Village residents, consultants and any supplemental studies that the Village will procure.

In the meantime, the Village Board is now working with its hired consultants to ensure that compatibility-related studies will be completed and provided for resident review well in advance of the County Council’s future public hearings to help the Board and residents better understand some of the more complex issues.

Village Board Height Limit Recommendations. The Village Board understands that some Village residents disagree with the Board’s decision to recommend specific height limits. The Board’s legal counsel and land planner have more than 30 years of combined experience working directly for the Planning Board and strongly advised in favor of establishing the recommended height limits, balancing those concerns against the likelihood that the Planning Board will favorably consider higher density given the location of these sites proximal to Metro and along an established growth corridor. The Board felt that it was important to establish reasonable, lower heights, in the absence of which the Planning Board would have no specific alternatives to weigh against the heights recommended by Planning staff or CCLC.

We note that CCLC (formerly, The Chevy Chase Land Company, which owns all of the properties along the east side of Wisconsin Avenue from 2 Wisconsin Circle to the former Saks Fifth Avenue site), is also represented by experienced legal counsel and land use consultants. CCLC recommended very specific height limits instead of a general objection that the staff-recommended heights were “too low.”

Village Board Overlay Zone Recommendations. For the Overlay Zone, the Village Board made clear in its testimony that it seeks language to codify additional setback requirements, height step backs, and open space requirements to ensure compatible transitions between future redevelopment and existing neighborhoods. Our testimony made clear that our support for the Sector Plan, as modified per our recommendations, is conditioned upon a correlating Overlay Zone.

County Council Engagement. The County Council will take final action on this plan and its complex issues. It will take time for County Council members (especially those newly elected) to understand them. The Village Board encourages residents to reach out to current and prospective Council members.

Village Board Resident Outreach. Some residents have expressed frustration that there has been too little Board outreach on this topic. To date the Village has sent 89 email blasts and included articles in 12 issues of the Crier regarding the Sector Plan, in addition to the routinely updated feature article on the homepage of the Village website that has run since May 15, 2025 to keep residents informed regarding the Plan and process. This is in addition to the Village’s ad hoc Committee’s survey, and door hangers that were hand-delivered to every household in the Village early this year.

There will be additional outreach and opportunity for public comments from residents in advance of the Council’s future public hearings.

In sum, the Village Board does not intend to wait until the County Council’s 2027 public hearing process to carry out independent studies or to continue public outreach to Village residents, and we will update and include an opportunity for resident feedback as we move forward in preparation for the next stage of the process.

What’s Next:
Following the Planning Board’s work sessions the plan will be updated to reflect the Planning Board’s direction, and a Planning Board Draft Plan will be transmitted to the County Executive for review and comment and to the County Council (currently projected to occur in late 2026 or early 2027). The County Council then will initiate its own public hearing process, and when it does, the Village Board will revisit its current recommendations and, after a public process to allow for Village resident comments, update its recommendations for submission to the County Council. We do not expect the Council’s public hearing process to begin until 2027.

Update October 2, 2026

Montgomery County Planning Continues Work Sessions to Review the Friendship Heights Sector Plan
Village Joins Neighboring Communities Seeking Rescheduling of Nov. 5 Work Session

On September 24, the Planning Board began its review of the Friendship Heights Sector Plan. This first work session included an overall summary by the Planning Staff of the testimony received, followed by Planning Board and Staff discussion of the first sections of the plan-wide recommendations chapter. Subsequent work sessions will cover different chapters of the plan (see schedule below) and will follow the same order of topics as the plan itself. Material that is not covered in any given work session will be covered in the next scheduled work session.

Please note that the remaining schedule may be extended or updated at the Planning Board’s discretion.

Work session 2- October 8: Chapter 3: Plan-Wide Recommendations (Sections 3.6 Parks and Public Spaces, 3.7 Transportation, 3.8 Environment and 3.9 Historic Resources)
Work session 3- October 22: Chapter 4: Site-Specific Recommendations
Work session 4- November 5: Implementation*

All work sessions will be livestreamed and can be watched via the Planning Board’s website. If you miss a work session, you can find the recording on the Board’s website as well.

*This week, the Village Board joined the Village of Friendship Heights and the Town of Somerset in a letter urging the Planning Board to reschedule its November 5 work session (and any other work sessions for which it is known in advance that Commissioners are unable to attend) to a date when all five Commissioners can be present.

Click here to view the 9/28/2026 Joint Letter to the Planning Board

What’s Next:
Following the Planning Board’s work sessions the plan will be updated to reflect the Planning Board’s direction, and a Planning Board Draft Plan will be transmitted to the County Executive for review and comment and to the County Council (currently projected to occur in late 2026 or early 2027). The County Council then will initiate its own public hearing process, and when it does, the Village Board will revisit its current recommendations and, after a public process to allow for Village resident comments, update its recommendations for submission to the County Council. We do not expect the Council’s public hearing process to begin until 2027.

Update September 25, 2026

Montgomery County Planning Board Begins Work Sessions to Review the Friendship Heights Sector Plan
Work Sessions Scheduled through November 5

On Thursday, September 24, the Planning Board began its review of the Friendship Heights Sector Plan. This first work session included an overall summary of the testimony received, followed by a discussion of the first sections of the plan-wide recommendations chapter. Subsequent work sessions will cover different chapters of the plan (see schedule below) and will follow the same order of topics as the plan itself. Material that is not covered in any given work session will be covered in the next scheduled work session.

Please note that the schedule may be extended or updated at the Planning Board’s discretion.

Work session 1- September 24: Testimony Summary, Chapter 1: Plan Vision, Chapter 2: Background and Context, Chapter 3: Plan-Wide Recommendations (Sections 3.1 Land Use and Zoning, 3.2 Housing, 3.3 Community Facilities and Amenities, 3.4 Public Schools and 3.5 Urban Design)
Work session 2- October 8: Chapter 3: Plan-Wide Recommendations (Sections 3.6 Parks and Public Spaces, 3.7 Transportation, 3.8 Environment and 3.9 Historic Resources)
Work session 3- October 22: Chapter 4: Site-Specific Recommendations
Work session 4- November 5: Implementation

All work sessions will be livestreamed and can be watched via the Planning Board’s website. If you miss a work session, you can find the recording on the Board’s website as well.

Last week (9/17/2026), the Chevy Chase Village Board of Managers submitted detailed written testimony to the Montgomery County Planning Board in response to the Planning Board’s Public Hearing Draft of the Friendship Heights Sector Plan (visit https://bit.ly/PublicHearingDraft). An erratum was issued this week to correct an error contained in the testimony that can be viewed at the following link.

Click here to view the Village Board’s Written Testimony, with erratum

What’s Next:
Following the Planning Board’s work sessions the plan will be updated to reflect the Planning Board’s direction, and a Planning Board Draft Plan will be transmitted to the County Executive for review and comment and to the County Council (currently projected to occur in late 2026 or early 2027). The County Council then will initiate its own public hearing process, and when it does, the Village Board will revisit its current recommendations and, after a public process to allow for Village resident comments, update its recommendations for submission to the County Council. We do not expect the Council’s public hearing process to begin until 2027.

Update September 17, 2026

Village Board Submits Detailed WrittenTestimony: Montgomery County Planning Board’s Public Hearing Draft of the Friendship Heights Sector Plan
Testimony Outlines 16 Recommendations for Amending the Sector Plan

Yesterday (9/17/2026), the Chevy Chase Village Board of Managers submitted detailed written testimony to the Montgomery County Planning Board in response to the Planning Board’s Public Hearing Draft of the Friendship Heights Sector Plan (visit https://bit.ly/PublicHearingDraft).

Click here to view the Village Board’s Written Testimony

During the Montgomery County Planning Board’s Public Hearing on September 14, Village Board Vice Chair Lou Morsberger provided oral testimony on behalf of the Village Board regarding the Draft Friendship Heights Sector Plan (visit https://bit.ly/PublicHearingDraft).

Visit the Planning Board’s YouTube page to watch a recording of the September 14 hearing (FFW. minute 21:32 for Lou Morsberger’s testimony) and click here to view the presentation slides for the Village’s testimony.

The Village Board thanks the many residents who submitted written and spoken testimony. The comments and analysis were thorough and thoughtful, and they influenced the Board’s recommendations and scope of testimony on the Draft Plan.

What’s Next:
The Planning Board will hold work sessions (scheduled to begin September 24), revise the current Draft Plan to reflect its own views, and transmit its revised draft to the County Council (currently projected to occur in late 2026 or early 2027). The County Council then will initiate its own public hearing process, and when it does, the Village Board will revisit its current recommendations and, after a public process to allow for Village resident comments, update its recommendations for submission to the County Council. We do not expect the Council’s public hearing process to begin until 2027.

Update September 15, 2026

Village Board Testifies on Development Proposals that Impact our Village Community: Friendship Heights Sector Plan
Village Board Testified at September 14 Planning Board Hearing; Written Testimony to be Filed this Week

Figure 1 Planning Board Hearing Draft Proposal (view looking north from Western Avenue)

During the Montgomery County Planning Board’s Public Hearing on September 14, Village Board Vice Chair Lou Morsberger provided testimony on behalf of the Village Board regarding the Draft Friendship Heights Sector Plan (visit https://bit.ly/PublicHearingDraft).

The Village Board will submit detailed written testimony to support the rationale behind its recommendations to the Planning Board this week, which will also be circulated to the community via blast email and posted to the homepage of the Village website.

Figure 2 Village Board Recommended Maximum Envelope for Building Heights (view looking north from Western Avenue)

Recent testimony provided by CCLC (formerly, The Chevy Chase Land Company) representatives outlined their requested changes to the Sector Plan that are counter to the Village’s position. You can find CCLC’s presentation linked here. The Village Board’s in person testimony to the Planning Board included a response to CCLC’s recommendations and underscored the importance of a compatible transition between the Village’s single-family homes and the proposed buildable areas on The Collection Chevy Chase and former Saks Fifth Avenue properties, as represented in Figure 2 above. CCLC’s testimony was given during the Planning Board’s 9/10 public hearing, the recording for which can be viewed on the Planning Board’s YouTube page (the recording should auto play at the beginning of the hearing at the 4:08:12 mark).

What’s Next:
The Planning Board will hold work sessions (slated to begin September 24), revise the current Draft Plan to reflect its own views, and transmit its revised draft to the County Council (currently projected to occur in late 2026 or early 2027). The County Council then will initiate its own public hearing process, and when it does, the Village Board will revisit its current recommendations and, after a public process to allow for Village resident comments, update its recommendations for submission to the County Council. We do not expect the Council’s public hearing process to begin until 2027.

Interested residents should make their voices heard by submitting written testimony to mcp-chair@mncppc-mc.org (please also copy Chevy Chase Village Manager Shana Davis-Cook at shana.davis-cook@montgomerycountymd.gov). The Planning Board’s official record on this matter will close for public comments at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2026.

Update September 11, 2026
Friendship Heights Sector Plan Updates: Village Board to Testify Before the Planning Board
Written Testimony to be Released September 14

On August 11, the Village’s Board of Managers held a Special Meeting to adopt its position regarding specific elements of the Montgomery County Planning Board’s Public Hearing Draft Friendship Heights Sector Plan (visit https://bit.ly/PublicHearingDraft), which was written by Planning Department staff and released in July. Limited hard copies are available at the Village office.

The Village Board adopted a formal position with respect to various aspects of the Public Hearing Draft, summarized in a chart that is included in the September issue of the Crier. As part of its formal position, the Board calls for a more restrictive Overlay Zone where the Sector Plan abuts Village homes, to establish a defined, enforceable buffer of green space, compatible setbacks and lower building heights near residential homes, with taller building heights closer to and along Wisconsin Avenue.

The Village Board will submit detailed written testimony to support the rationale behind its recommendations to the Planning Board on Monday, September 14, which will also be circulated to the community via blast email and posted to the homepage of the Village website. Additionally, Board Vice Chair Lou Morsberger will testify in person at the Planning Board’s public hearing on September 14.

The Village Board is aware of recent testimony provided by CCLC (formerly, The Chevy Chase Land Company) representatives seeking changes to the Sector Plan that are counter to the Village’s position. The Village Board’s in person testimony to the Planning Board will include a response to CCLC’s recommendations and underscore the importance of a compatible transition between the Village’s single-family homes and the proposed buildable areas on The Collection Chevy Chase and former Saks Fifth Avenue properties.

Following its final public hearing on September 14, the Planning Board will hold work sessions (tentatively slated to begin September 24), revise the current Draft Plan to reflect its own views, and transmit its revised draft to the County Council (currently projected to occur in late 2026 or early 2027). The County Council then will initiate its own public hearing process, and when it does, the Village Board will revisit its current recommendations and, after a public process to allow for Village resident comments, update its recommendations for submission to the County Council. We do not expect the Council’s public hearing process to begin until 2027.

What’s Next?
The Planning Board has scheduled its public hearing to be held in two parts:

~~Part 1: Thursday, September 10 at 1:30 p.m.~~
Watch the recording of the 9/10 hearing here: https://www.youtube.com/live/Z3Dhp_aBlQU?si=lJjvU6gSEQ5UdNrb&t=14892
(the recording should auto play at the beginning of the hearing at the 4:08:12 mark)

Part 2: Monday, September 14 at 4 p.m. (deadline has passed to register)
Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center
4805 Edgemoor Lane
Bethesda, MD 20814

The public may attend in person or watch the live-stream: https://montgomeryplanningboard.org/meetings/watch-online/.

Interested residents should make their voices heard by submitting written testimony to mcp-chair@mncppc-mc.org (please also copy Chevy Chase Village Manager Shana Davis-Cook at shana.davis-cook@montgomerycountymd.gov). The Planning Board’s official record on this matter will close for public comments at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2026.

Update August 28, 2026

Friendship Heights Sector Plan Updates: Village Board Reaches Position on the Public Hearing Draft Sector Plan Recommendations

(from the September 2026 issue of the Crier)

The Special Meeting began with a Public Hearing to allow residents to voice their views on the Public Hearing Draft, which included concerns about proposed building heights, density and setbacks on the former Saks Fifth Avenue, The Collection Chevy Chase and the 2 Wisconsin Circle properties. The Village’s ad hoc Friendship Heights Sector Plan Committee also offered a presentation, followed by Board discussion about the various draft Sector Plan proposals and recommendations from residents and the ad hoc committee.

The Village Board adopted a formal position with respect to various aspects of the Public Hearing Draft, summarized in a chart that is included in the September issue of the Crier (and also in the homepage article on the Village’s website at www.chevychasevillagemd.gov). As part of its formal position, the Board calls for a more restrictive Overlay Zone where the Sector Plan abuts Village homes, to establish a defined, enforceable buffer of green space, compatible setbacks and stepped-up building heights (lower near residential homes, and taller closer to Wisconsin Avenue). The Board expects to submit the chart and more detailed written testimony to support the rationale behind its recommendations to the Planning Board in early September, which will also be circulated in the Village’s weekly blast emails. Additionally, Board Vice Chair Lou Morsberger will testify in person at the Planning Board’s public hearing on September 14.

The Planning Board will subsequently hold work sessions, revise the current Draft Plan to reflect its own views, and transmit its revised draft to the County Council (currently projected to occur in 2027). The County Council then will initiate its own public hearing process, and when it does, the Village Board will revisit its current recommendations and, after a public process to allow for Village resident comments, update its recommendations for submission to the County Council. We do not expect the Council’s public hearing process to begin until 2027.

The Board thanks the many residents who submitted written and spoken testimony. The comments and analysis were thorough and thoughtful, and they influenced the Board’s recommendations and scope of testimony on the Draft Plan.

What’s Next?
The Planning Board has scheduled its public hearing to be held in two parts:

Part 1: Thursday, September 10 at 1:30 p.m., for both in-person and virtual testimony.
The M-NCPPC Wheaton Headquarters
2nd floor Auditorium
2425 Reedie Drive
Wheaton, MD 20902

Part 2: Monday, September 14 at 4 p.m., for in-person testimony only.
Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center
4805 Edgemoor Lane
Bethesda, MD 20814

The hearing will be live-streamed on both dates. Alternatively, the public may attend either or both parts in person.

Interested residents should make their voices heard by:

Presenting oral testimony to the Planning Board (sign up to testify by using this link: https://montgomeryplanningboard.org/meetings/signup-to-testify/ )
Submitting written testimony to mcp-chair@mncppc-mc.org (please also copy Chevy Chase Village Manager Shana Davis-Cook at shana.davis-cook@montgomerycountymd.gov).

Update August 21, 2026

Village Board Holds Public Hearing and Special Meeting to Finalize Testimony on Montgomery County Planning Department’s Public Hearing Draft of the Friendship Heights Sector Plan

The Village’s Board of Managers held a virtual Special Meeting the evening of August 11, to hear from residents during a Public Hearing and to finalize the Board’s position for its testimony on the County Planning Board’s Public Hearing Draft of the Friendship Heights Sector Plan.

Click on the following link to watch a recording of the meeting: youtube.com/watch?v=e6-O1fv5wqQ&feature=youtu.be

Click on the following link to view the presentation slides: https://www.chevychasevillagemd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8045/08-August-2026-BOM-PPT

Click on the following link to view a chart summarizing the Board’s position on specific elements contained in the current draft of the Sector Plan (NOTE: the Board’s written testimony will be more detailed than the summary reflected in the following linked chart): https://chevychasevillagemd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8049/Comparative-Chart_BoardPosition

Please see the below article for more information regarding the Sector Plan.

Development Updates that Impact our Village Community: Friendship Heights Sector Plan
Planning Board Walking Tour: August 18

The Planning Board has now posted its Public Hearing Draft of the Friendship Heights Sector Plan. The Public Hearing Draft and accompanying appendices are now available on the plan website.

Watch the July 16 presentation to the Planning Board

Download the July 16 Presentation Slides

Read the Public Hearing Draft

A limited number of printed copies of the Sector Plan are also available at the Village office for anyone who would like to view a printed copy.

Upcoming Public Hearing
The Planning Board scheduled the Public Hearing, which will be held in two parts.

Part 1: Thursday, September 10 at 1:30 p.m., for both in-person and virtual testimony.
The M-NCPPC Wheaton Headquarters
2nd floor Auditorium
2425 Reedie Drive
Wheaton, MD 20902

Part 2: Monday, September 14 at 4 p.m., for in-person testimony only.
Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center
4805 Edgemoor Lane
Bethesda, MD 20814

Both parts of the public hearing will be live-streamed, and the public is invited to observe in person at either or both parts.

Sign up to testify
Anyone who would like to testify can sign up.

A few things to keep in mind:

To ensure the Planning Board can hear from as many people as possible, please only sign up for one of the public hearing dates; duplicate testimony is not permitted. Both dates are considered part of the same hearing.
There will be two time slot options for testifying on September 14: one that starts at 4 p.m. and one that starts at or after 6 p.m. Please select the one that works best for you.
The sign-ups will close at noon two business days before the public hearing. For September 10, the sign-up will close on September 8, and for September 14, the sign-up will close on September 10.

Other ways to submit testimony
Written testimony can be sent by email to: mcp-chair@mncppc-mc.org (please cc. Chevy Chase Village Manager Shana Davis-Cook at shana.davis-cook@montgomerycountymd.gov).

Written testimony can also be sent by mail to: Chair, Montgomery Planning Board, 2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, MD 20902

Next steps
Following the public meeting, the Planning Board will hold work sessions this fall (dates and details to be determined) to review the testimony received during the Public Hearing and discuss the plan recommendations. Following the Planning Board review, the Plan will be transmitted to the County Council who will hold another public hearing and complete their own review of the plan.

Stay Engaged

Sign up to receive the Friendship Heights Sector Plan e-newsletter, to stay up-to-date throughout the process.
For questions about the Plan, please contact lead Planning Staffer Atara Margolies at atara.margolies@montgomeryplanning.org (and please copy Village Manager Shana Davis-Cook at shana.davis-cook@montgomerycountymd.gov).

Update August 13, 2026

Village Board Holds Public Hearing and Special Meeting to Finalize Testimony on Montgomery County Planning Department’s Public Hearing Draft of the Friendship Heights Sector Plan

Click on the following link to watch a recording of the meeting: youtube.com/watch?v=e6-O1fv5wqQ&feature=youtu.be

Click on the following link to view the presentation slides: https://www.chevychasevillagemd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8045/08-August-2026-BOM-PPT

Please see the below article for more information regarding the Sector Plan.

Development Updates that Impact our Village Community: Friendship Heights Sector Plan
Planning Board Walking Tour: August 18

The Planning Board has now posted its Public Hearing Draft of the Friendship Heights Sector Plan. The Public Hearing Draft and accompanying appendices are now available on the plan website.

Watch the July 16 presentation to the Planning Board

Download the July 16 Presentation Slides

Read the Public Hearing Draft

A limited number of printed copies of the Sector Plan are also available at the Village office for anyone who would like to view a printed copy.

Upcoming Public Hearing
The Planning Board scheduled the Public Hearing, which will be held in two parts.

Part 1: Thursday, September 10 at 1:30 p.m., for both in-person and virtual testimony.
The M-NCPPC Wheaton Headquarters
2nd floor Auditorium
2425 Reedie Drive
Wheaton, MD 20902

Part 2: Monday, September 14 at 4 p.m., for in-person testimony only.
Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center
4805 Edgemoor Lane
Bethesda, MD 20814

Both parts of the public hearing will be live-streamed, and the public is invited to observe in person at either or both parts.

Sign up to testify
Anyone who would like to testify can sign up.

A few things to keep in mind:

To ensure the Planning Board can hear from as many people as possible, please only sign up for one of the public hearing dates; duplicate testimony is not permitted. Both dates are considered part of the same hearing.
There will be two time slot options for testifying on September 14: one that starts at 4 p.m. and one that starts at or after 6 p.m. Please select the one that works best for you.
The sign-ups will close at noon two business days before the public hearing. For September 10, the sign-up will close on September 8, and for September 14, the sign-up will close on September 10.

Written testimony can also be sent by mail to: Chair, Montgomery Planning Board, 2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, MD 20902

Planning Board Tour
Beginning at 9:15 a.m. on Tuesday, August 18, the Planning Staff will lead the Planning Board on a walking tour of the plan area. This will be a mobile Planning Board meeting with procedures similar to regular Planning Board sessions. The purpose of the tour is educational. No Planning Board business is conducted on the tour. Members of the public can participate in the tour as observers only. The public is welcome to meet the tour at any of the stops on the itinerary.

View the August 18 tour itinerary

Stay Engaged

Sign up to receive the Friendship Heights Sector Plan e-newsletter, to stay up-to-date throughout the process.
For questions about the Plan, please contact lead Planning Staffer Atara Margolies at atara.margolies@montgomeryplanning.org (and please copy Village Manager Shana Davis-Cook at shana.davis-cook@montgomerycountymd.gov).

Board of Managers’ Special Work Session
Tuesday, August 11 at 6:30 p.m.
UPDATE: Meeting to begin with Public Hearing

The Chevy Chase Village Board of Managers will hold a virtual Special Public Hearing and Work Session on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. to hear comments from the community, followed by Board discussion to finalize its position statement on the Montgomery County Planning Board’s Public Hearing Draft of the Friendship Heights Sector Plan. This meeting will be conducted virtually with no in-person attendance.

To join via video conference, use the GoTo Meeting link below:

https://meet.goto.com/423028909
Access Code: 423-028-909
United States (Toll Free): 1 (877) 309-2073

Residents are encouraged to download the GoTo Meeting app to ensure full functionality. Download the GoTo app by visiting: https://www.goto.com/download.

UPDATE: At the beginning of the Special Meeting, the Village Board will a Public Hearing during which residents may provide comments regarding the Sector Plan. Prior to the meeting, residents may also submit written comments for Board review and consideration by email c/o Village Manager Shana Davis-Cook at shana.davis-cook@montgomerycountymd.gov.

ad hoc Committee Recommendations
Click on the below link to view the Village’s ad hoc Friendship Heights Sector Plan Committee’s Recommendations to the Board of Managers (see edited chart dated 8/5/2026): Committee Recommendations

If you have questions regarding the Sector Plan, please contact lead Planning Staffer Atara Margolies at atara.margolies@montgomeryplanning.org (and please copy Village Manager Shana Davis-Cook at shana.davis-cook@montgomerycountymd.gov).

Update July 29, 2026

Development Updates that Impact our Village Community: Friendship Heights Sector Plan
Sign up starting Aug. 3 to testify at the September Planning Board Hearings

On July 16, Planning staff presented the Friendship Heights Sector Plan Working Draft to the Planning Board. The plan’s recommendations focus on downtown revitalization, incentivizing community amenities, affordable housing, new public spaces, improved access to existing parks, transportation improvements, protecting natural resources, and more. Following the staff presentation, the Planning Board designated the Working Draft as the Public Hearing Draft and set the public hearing schedule. The Public Hearing Draft and accompanying appendices are now available on the plan website.

Watch the July 16 presentation to the Planning Board

Download the July 16 Presentation Slides

Read the Public Hearing Draft

Upcoming Public Hearing
The Planning Board scheduled the Public Hearing, which will be held in two parts.

Part 1: Thursday, September 10 at 1:30 p.m., for both in-person and virtual testimony.
The M-NCPPC Wheaton Headquarters
2nd floor Auditorium
2425 Reedie Drive
Wheaton, MD 20902

Part 2: Monday, September 14 at 4 p.m., for in-person testimony only.
Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center
4805 Edgemoor Lane
Bethesda, MD 20814

Both parts of the public hearing will be live-streamed, and the public is invited to observe in person at either or both parts.

Sign up to testify
Anyone who would like to testify can sign up beginning August 3.

A few things to keep in mind:

To ensure the Planning Board can hear from as many people as possible, please only sign up for one of the public hearing dates; duplicate testimony is not permitted. Both dates are considered part of the same hearing.
There will be two time slot options for testifying on September 14: one that starts at 4 p.m. and one that starts at or after 6 p.m. Please select the one that works best for you.
The sign-ups will close at noon two business days before the public hearing. For September 10, the sign-up will close on September 8, and for September 14, the sign-up will close on September 10.

Written testimony can also be sent by mail to: Chair, Montgomery Planning Board, 2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, MD 20902

Need to catch up?
During the Village Board of Managers’ meeting on July 13, the Village’s consulting land planner, John Marcolin, presented information, including graphics depicting the building heights and massing as proposed in the Planning Staff’s Working Draft. A recording of the meeting (starts at 24:37) is posted to the Village’s YouTube page, and the presentation slides are available on the Village website, which include 3D diagrams of the proposed zoning changes contained in the Working Draft of the Sector Plan.

Stay Engaged

Sign up to receive the Friendship Heights Sector Plan e-newsletter, to stay up-to-date throughout the process.
For questions about the Plan, please contact lead Planning Staffer Atara Margolies at atara.margolies@montgomeryplanning.org (and please copy Village Manager Shana Davis-Cook at shana.davis-cook@montgomerycountymd.gov).
Comments regarding the Plan should be submitted to the Planning Board directly by email to mcp-chair@mncppc-mc.org (cc’ing Village Manager Shana Davis-Cook at shana.davis-cook@montgomerycountymd.gov).

Update July 17, 2026

Development Updates that Impact our Village Community: Friendship Heights Sector Plan
Recording of Working Draft Presentation to the Planning Board; September Planning Board Public Hearings Confirmed

On Thursday (7/16), the Montgomery Planning staff presented the Friendship Heights Sector Plan Working Draft, the first full draft of the plan, to the Montgomery County Planning Board. Residents can watch a recording of the presentation (Agenda Item No. 7), which provides detailed information about the plan as well as feedback from members of the Planning Board. The staff report and the Working Draft are available on the Planning Board’s website.

The Planning Board approved the Working Draft as the Public Hearing Draft, and confirmed the following two dates for the Planning Board’s Public Hearings:

Part 1: Thursday, September 10: a daytime hearing at 1:30 p.m. at M-NCPPC Wheaton headquarters (Second Floor Auditorium, 2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, MD, 20902). The hearing will allow for testimony in-person and virtually via Microsoft Teams.

Part 2: Monday, September 14: an evening hearing at 4:00 p.m. at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center (805 Edgemoor Ln, Bethesda, MD 20814). The hearing will allow for in-person testimony only.

Both parts of the public hearing will be livestreamed and recorded for on-demand viewing. The public hearings are an opportunity for residents to provide testimony, both in person and virtually, about the Working Draft to the Planning Board.

Next steps
Starting Monday, August 3, residents may sign up to testify using the Planning Board’s Sign Up to Testify webpage.

Following the public hearings, the Planning Board will hold a series of work sessions with Montgomery Planning staff to review the testimony received and the plan recommendations in detail. Once the Planning Board has completed its review, the plan will be transmitted to the Montgomery County Council for review.

June Meetings Follow Up
During the plan team’s community meetings in June, Planning Staff collected questions from community members and the responses have been posted online.

The recording of the June 11 Planning Staff presentation and the slide deck are available on the Planning Department’s website for viewing and for download.

Watch the June 11 meeting presentation

Download the presentation slide deck

During the Village Board of Managers’ meeting on July 13, the Village’s consulting land planner, John Marcolin, presented information, including graphics depicting the building heights and massing as proposed in the Planning Staff’s Working Draft. A recording of the meeting (starts at 24:37) is posted to the Village’s YouTube page, and the presentation slides are available on the Village website, which include 3D diagrams of the proposed zoning changes contained in the Working Draft of the Sector Plan.

Stay Engaged

Sign up to receive the Friendship Heights Sector Plan e-newsletter, to stay up-to-date throughout the process.
For questions about the Plan, please contact lead Planning Staffer Atara Margolies at atara.margolies@montgomeryplanning.org (and please copy Village Manager Shana Davis-Cook at shana.davis-cook@montgomerycountymd.gov).
Comments regarding the Plan should be submitted to the Planning Board directly by email to mcp-chair@mncppc-mc.org (cc’ing shana.davis-cook@montgomerycountymd.gov).

Update July 15, 2026

Development Updates that Impact our Village Community: Friendship Heights Sector Plan
Working Draft Presentation to the Planning Board July 16; Tentative September Public Hearings (NOTE: Time Change)

Tomorrow, Thursday, July 16 (meeting starts at 9:30 a.m.), Agenda Item No. 7, Montgomery Planning staff will present the Friendship Heights Sector Plan Working Draft, the first full draft of the plan, to the Montgomery County Planning Board. The staff report and the Working Draft are available on the Planning Board’s website. The meeting will be livestreamed and a recording will be available for residents to watch after the meeting.

The Planning Staff’s presentation will guide Planning Board members through all of the plan’s draft recommendations. This will be an important and helpful opportunity for residents to learn about the proposed recommendations. At the end of the presentation, staff will request that the Planning Board designate the Working Draft as the Public Hearing Draft and set the public hearing schedule (tentative schedule below).

The Planning Staff will recommend that the public hearing be held in two parts (note the time change for the second hearing, announced this week):

** NEW TIME: Part 2: Monday, September 14: an evening hearing at 4:00 p.m. at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center (805 Edgemoor Ln, Bethesda, MD 20814). The hearing will allow for in-person testimony only.

Both parts of the public hearing will be livestreamed and recorded for on-demand viewing.

Next steps
Following the designation of the Working Draft as the Public Hearing Draft, the public hearing schedule will be formally announced. The public hearing is an opportunity for residents to provide testimony, both in person and virtually, about the Working Draft to the Planning Board.

Starting Monday, August 3, residents may sign up to testify using the Planning Board’s Sign Up to Testify webpage.

June Meetings Follow Up
During the plan team’s community meetings in June, Planning Staff collected questions from community members and the responses have been posted online.

The recording of the June 11 Planning Staff presentation and the slide deck are available on the Planning Department’s website for viewing and for download.

Watch the June 11 meeting presentation

Download the presentation slide deck

The presentation included site-specific recommendations for several parcels in the plan area, updates on transportation and historic preservation, and detailed recommendations for all existing and proposed parks and open spaces in the plan area, whether publicly or privately owned.

During the Village Board of Managers’ meeting on July 13, the Village’s consulting land planner, John Marcolin, presented information, including graphics depicting the building heights and massing as proposed in the Planning Staff’s Working Draft. A recording of the meeting (starts at 24:37) is posted to the Village’s YouTube page, and the presentation slides are available on the Village website.

Stay Engaged

Sign up to receive the Friendship Heights Sector Plan e-newsletter, to stay up-to-date throughout the process.
For questions about the Plan, please contact lead Planning Staffer Atara Margolies at atara.margolies@montgomeryplanning.org (and please copy Village Manager Shana Davis-Cook at shana.davis-cook@montgomerycountymd.gov).
Comments regarding the Plan should be submitted to the Planning Board directly by email to mcp-chair@mncppc-mc.org (cc’ing shana.davis-cook@montgomerycountymd.gov).

Update July 10, 2026

Friendship Heights Sector Plan Update: Working Draft Released and Tentative Public Hearings Announced

Working Draft at the Planning Board
Next Thursday, July 16, Montgomery Planning staff will present the Friendship Heights Sector Plan Working Draft, the first full draft of the plan, to the Montgomery County Planning Board.

The staff report and the Working Draft are now available on the Planning Board’s website.

Staff’s presentation will guide Planning Board members through all of the plan’s draft recommendations. At the end of the presentation, staff will request that the Planning Board designate the Working Draft as the Public Hearing Draft and set the public hearing schedule.

Staff will recommend that public hearing be held in two parts:

Part 2: Monday, September 14: an evening hearing at 6 p.m. at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center (805 Edgemoor Ln, Bethesda, MD 20814). The hearing will allow for in-person testimony only.

Both parts of the public hearing will be livestreamed and recorded for on-demand viewing.

Next steps
Following the designation of the Working Draft as the Public Hearing Draft, the public hearing schedule will be formally announced. The public hearing is an opportunity for community members to provide testimony, both in person and virtually, about the Working Draft to the Planning Board.

Starting Monday, August 3, residents may sign up to testify at one public hearing using the Planning Board’s Sign Up to Testify webpage.

June Meetings Follow Up
During the plan team’s community meetings in June, staff collected questions from community members and the responses have been posted online.

The recording of the June 11 presentation and the slide deck are available on our website for viewing and for download.

Watch the June 11 Meeting Presentation

Download the Presentation Slide Deck

Stay Engaged
The Village Board and its ad hoc committee are actively reviewing the Planning Staff’s recommendations released in June, which will be discussed during the Village Board of Managers’ regular meeting on Monday July 13 (meeting starts at 7:30 p.m.).

For questions and to submit comments about the Plan, please contact lead Planning Staffer Atara Margolies at atara.margolies@montgomeryplanning.org (and please copy Village Manager Shana Davis-Cook at shana.davis-cook@montgomerycountymd.gov).

Update July 2, 2026

June 11 Presentation Recording and Slides; Next Steps

During two community meetings last week, the Planning Staff presented a second round of recommendations for the revised Friendship Heights Sector Plan. Planning Staff focused on new recommendations that have not been previously presented as well as progress and additional detail regarding the preliminary recommendations released in February 2026 (see below), including site-specific recommendations for several “opportunity sites” (including The Collection and the former Saks Fifth Avenue property), and for existing and proposed parks and public spaces.

Watch the recording of the virtual June 11 meeting and download the presentation slides.

New Recommendations
The plan updates for The Collection and the former Saks Fifth Avenue property included recommended density (CR 3.0), refined building height maximums in the overlay zone along the east and north borders of the properties (45’ on the Saks property and 60’ on The Collection property) along with a greenspace buffer along these edges, establishment of a two-sided street concept along Oliver Street and Belmont Avenue with housing bordering these streets on the Saks property (NOTE: we anticipate further clarification with respect to where these heights begin (right-of-way line or property line) and for what depth into the properties as plan details are further negotiated), creation of a “civic green” centralized between the two properties (along the section of Montgomery Street located west of the Buffer Area), additional pedestrian connections between the Buffer Area and Western Grove Park to The Collection, and abandonment of Wisconsin Circle in exchange for a larger block area incorporating the southernmost portion of The Collection and the site at 2 Wisconsin Circle (while preserving the existing WMATA bus facility in this general area). The recommendations also include permanent dedicated bus lanes (one in each direction) along Wisconsin Avenue between Oliver Street and Western Avenue/bus facility.

What’s Next?
The Village Board and its ad hoc committee are actively reviewing the Planning Staff’s recommendations released in June, which will be discussed during the Village Board of Managers’ regular meeting on Monday July 13 (meeting starts at 7:30 p.m.).

Montgomery Planning staff will present its “Planning Draft” of the Sector Plan to the Montgomery County Planning Board during its meeting on Thursday, July 16. The Planning Board will then schedule a public hearing, with at least 30 days’ prior notice, where the public will be able to submit written comments or testify (in-person or virtually).

Following approval of the Plan by the Planning Board, (or requests for it to be refined), the draft Plan will be submitted to the County Council who will hold its own public hearing(s) prior to formal adoption. The Plan is expected to be submitted to the County Council after the new Council is seated following the fall 2026 election. A full schedule of the plan process is available on the sector plan’s website.

Stay Engaged
Sign up to receive the Friendship Heights Sector Plan e-newsletter, to stay up-to-date throughout the process.

Update June 16, 2026

June 11 Presentation Recording and Slides Now Available

Watch the recording of the virtual June 11 meeting and download the presentation slides.

Last month, the Chevy Chase Village Board of Managers submitted a letter in response to the Montgomery Planning Department’s Preliminary Recommendations for the revised Friendship Heights Sector Plan. Click on the below link to view the letter.

Click here to the view the Village Board of Managers’ letter

What’s Next?
Planning Staff anticipate bringing the Working Draft before the Planning Board in July. A full schedule of the plan process is available on the sector plan’s website.

Stay Engaged
Sign up to receive the Friendship Heights Sector Plan e-newsletter, to stay up-to-date throughout the process.

Update June 12, 2026

Planning Staff Releases Updated Recommendations

Planning staff held two community meetings this week to present a second round of recommendations for the revised Friendship Heights Sector Plan. Planning Staff focused on new recommendations that have not been previously presented as well as progress and additional detail regarding the preliminary recommendations released in February 2026 (see below), including site-specific recommendations for several “opportunity sites” (including The Collection and the former Saks Fifth Avenue property), and for existing and proposed parks and public spaces.

The presentation slides and a recording of the June 11 virtual presentation will be posted on the Planning Dept.’s website for the Sector Plan early next week. The Village will post a link to the updated presentation and recording when it becomes available.

Click here to the view the Village Board of Managers’ letter

What’s Next?
Planning Staff anticipate bringing the Working Draft before the Planning Board in July. A full schedule of the plan process is available on the sector plan’s website.

Need to catch up?
The Planning Department held Preliminary Recommendations presentations in February. You can review the materials by watching the presentation and/or downloading the slides. The presentations held this week expanded on the preliminary recommendations released in February, and reviewing the previously released materials is beneficial for understanding Planning Staff’s overall vision for the Sector Plan.

Stay Engaged
Sign up to receive the Friendship Heights Sector Plan e-newsletter, to stay up-to-date throughout the process.

Update May 28, 2026

Village Board Submits Comments on Planning Staff’s Preliminary Recommendations

Today (May 28), the Chevy Chase Village Board of Managers submitted a letter in response to the Montgomery Planning Department’s Preliminary Recommendations for the revised Friendship Heights Sector Plan. Click on the below link to view the letter.

Click here to the view the Village Board of Managers’ letter

Planning Department’s June Presentations of the Working Draft
Planning staff will hold two community updates on plan recommendations in June. These meetings will focus on new recommendations that have not been previously presented as well as progress and additional detail regarding the preliminary recommendations. The presentation will include site-specific recommendations for several opportunity sites, and for existing and proposed parks and public spaces. Both June events will include the same presentation and an opportunity for questions and answers, so interested residents can choose the evening that works best for your schedule.

Tuesday, June 9 (in-person)
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Wisconsin Place Community Recreation Center
5311 Friendship Boulevard
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Registration for June 9 is recommended but not required.

Thursday, June 11 (virtual)
7-9 p.m.
via Zoom
Registration for June 11 is required to receive the link.

Note: The Planning Department held Preliminary Recommendations presentations in February. You can review the materials by watching the presentation and/or downloading the slides. The meetings in June will build on the preliminary recommendations released in February.

Through the end of May, the Montgomery Planning staff will continue developing the Working Draft (the full draft of the sector plan) based on community and Planning Board feedback. Planning Staff anticipate bringing the Working Draft before the Planning Board in July. A full schedule of the plan process is on the sector plan’s website.

Stay Engaged
Sign up to receive the Friendship Heights Sector Plan e-newsletter, to stay up-to-date throughout the process.

For questions about the Plan, please contact lead Planning Staffer Atara Margolies at atara.margolies@montgomeryplanning.org (and please copy Village Manager Shana Davis-Cook at shana.davis-cook@montgomerycountymd.gov).

Update May 20, 2026

Village Board to Submit Recommendations; June Dates Announced for Planning Dept.’s Presentations of “Working Draft”

The Chevy Chase Village Board of Managers held a Special Meeting on May 14 to consider recommendations from the Village’s ad hoc Friendship Heights Sector Plan Committee (the Committee) regarding the Montgomery Planning Department’s Preliminary Recommendations for the revised Friendship Heights Sector Plan. During the Special Meeting, the Village Board agreed to send final recommendations to the Montgomery County Planning Department’s staff ahead of their finalization of the “Working Draft” of the revised Sector Plan. In the interim, residents are encouraged to submit their feedback/concerns regarding the Planning Department’s preliminary recommendations both to lead Planning Staffer, Atara Margolies at atara.margolies@montgomeryplanning.org and Village Manager Shana Davis-Cook at shana.davis-cook@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Click on the following link to watch a recording of the Village Board’s May 14 Special Meeting:

CLICK HERE TO WATCH MAY 14 SPECIAL MEETING RECORDING

Planning Department’s June Presentations NOW ANNOUNCED
Planning staff will hold two community updates on plan recommendations in June. These meetings will focus on new recommendations that have not been previously presented as well as progress and additional detail regarding existing recommendations. The presentation will include site-specific recommendations for several opportunity sites, and for existing and proposed parks and public spaces. Both June events will include the same presentation and an opportunity for questions and answers, so interested residents can choose the evening that works best for your schedule.

Tuesday, June 9 (in-person)
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Wisconsin Place Community Recreation Center
5311 Friendship Boulevard
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Registration for June 9 is recommended but not required.

Thursday, June 11 (virtual)
7-9 p.m.
via Zoom
Registration for June 11 is required to receive the link.

Stay Engaged
Sign up to receive the Friendship Heights Sector Plan e-newsletter, to stay up-to-date throughout the process.

Update May 15, 2026

Friendship Heights Sector Plan Update Village Board Receives Committee Report; Will Submit Recommendations to Montgomery County Planning Staff

The Chevy Chase Village Board of Managers held a Special Meeting on May 14 to consider recommendations from the Village’s ad hoc Friendship Heights Sector Plan Committee (the Committee) regarding the Montgomery Planning Department’s Preliminary Recommendations for the revised Friendship Heights Sector Plan. During the Special Meeting, the Village Board discussed but did not finalize recommendations that will be transmitted to the Montgomery County Planning Department’s staff. The Board will work to finalize its position in the coming weeks. The Village Board’s preliminary recommendations will be posted to the Village website. In the interim, residents are encouraged to submit comments to Village Manager, Shana Davis-Cook: shana.davis-cook@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Click on the following link to watch a recording of the Village Board’s May 14 Special Meeting: Board of Managers Special Meeting

For more information regarding the Montgomery Planning Department’s Preliminary Recommendations for the revised Friendship Heights Sector Plan, click on the following links:

Read Our Explainer Download the presentation slides

Watch the full presentation to the community

Planning Department’s Next Steps
Through the end of May, the Montgomery Planning staff will continue developing the Working Draft (the full draft of the sector plan) based on community and Planning Board feedback. The Planning Staff will hold two community meetings in June (dates to be announced the week of May 18) during which they will share new recommendations that have not been previously presented. These will include site-specific recommendations and parks recommendations among other topics. Planning Staff anticipate bringing the Working Draft before the Planning Board in July. A full schedule of the plan process is on the sector plan’s website.

Stay Engaged
Sign up to receive the Friendship Heights Sector Plan e-newsletter, to stay up-to-date throughout the process.

Update April 29, 2026

Planning Department Seeks Feedback on Preliminary Recommendations; Establishes Virtual Office Hours

Get Involved and Provide Feedback
Residents’ input is very important as the Planning Department continues developing the Sector Plan. We encourage residents to engage with the county Planning Department in the various ways described below. Based on the ongoing work of the Village’s ad hoc Friendship Heights Sector Plan Committee, including findings from the community survey the committee conducted earlier this year, we have identified three topics that we believe are of special importance. Whether in person or via the web link below, and in the context of sharing your personal opinions, please feel free to speak specifically to the challenge and need to ensure there is (1) a suitable and gentle transition from the Village to the Collection Chevy Chase and Saks properties; (2) a restoration of community retail shops; and (3) sufficient green, walking, and play space to attract people to the area (which is needed to support retail shops).

Read Our Explainer Download the presentation slides

Watch the full presentation to the community

Chat with Planning Staff this Spring
There are several ways to learn about the preliminary recommendations and tell the Planning Staff what you think.

This spring, the Sector Plan team will be holding office hours over Zoom and in-person at the Wisconsin Place Community Recreation Center for community members to discuss the Sector Plan and ask Planning Staff questions.

For the virtual office hours, registration is required to receive the Zoom link, but the same link will work for all sessions. Feel free to attend multiple sessions or pick the one that’s most appropriate for your schedule or concerns.

Virtual office hours
~~Tuesday, March 31, 12-1:30 p.m. (Any plan topic)~~
~~Wednesday, April 15, 12-1:30 p.m. (Parks)~~
~~Wednesday, April 22, 12-1:30 p.m. (Transportation)~~
Wednesday, May 6, 12-1:30 p.m. (Any plan topic)

In-person office hours
~~Tuesday, April 28, 5:30-7 p.m.~~
Wisconsin Avenue Community Recreation Center, 5311 Friendship Boulevard
NOTE: Registration is not required for this in-person session.

Register for virtual office hours

CLICK HERE for more information, including Next Steps.

Update March 27, 2026

Planning Department Seeks Feedback on Preliminary Recommendations; Establishes Virtual Office Hours

The Montgomery County Planning Staff are continuing to work on the Friendship Heights Sector Plan, including developing site-specific recommendations, and incorporating feedback from the community and the Planning Board. Planning Staff anticipate sharing the next draft of the plan this summer, followed by a Planning Board public hearing. The Planning Staff’s current recommendations include increased maximum heights for the properties directly abutting the Village where the current Saks Fifth Avenue and Collection Chevy Chase are located.

Read Our Explainer Download the presentation slides

Watch the full presentation to the community

Chat with Planning Staff this Spring
There are several ways to learn about the preliminary recommendations and tell the Planning Staff what you think.

Virtual office hours
Tuesday, March 31, 12-1:30 p.m. (Any plan topic)
Wednesday, April 15, 12-1:30 p.m. (Parks)
Wednesday, April 22, 12-1:30 p.m. (Transportation)
Wednesday, May 6, 12-1:30 p.m. (Any plan topic)

In-person office hours
Tuesday, April 28, 5:30-7 p.m.
Wisconsin Avenue Community Recreation Center, 5311 Friendship Boulevard
NOTE: Registration is not required for this in-person session.

Register for virtual office hours

Next Steps
Montgomery Planning staff will continue developing the Working Draft (the full draft of the Sector Plan) based on community and Planning Board feedback. A full schedule of the plan process is on the plan’s website.

Stay Engaged
For questions about the Plan, please contact lead Planning Staffer Atara Margolies at atara.margolies@montgomeryplanning.org (and please copy Village Manager Shana Davis-Cook at shana.davis-cook@montgomerycountymd.gov). Please also sign up to receive the Friendship Heights Sector Plan e-newsletter, to stay up-to-date throughout the process.

Village Committee Continues Oversight and Coordination
Residents are also encouraged to share their thoughts with the Village’s ad hoc Friendship Heights Sector Plan Committee, Chaired by Belmont Avenue resident, Jonathan Halperin, committee members also include Allison DiGiovanni of Hesketh Street and Bill Van Horne of Grove Street. The committee was established by the Village Board to monitor, inform, and represent the interests of Chevy Chase Village during the Planning Department’s Sector Plan update process, ensuring that the perspectives and priorities of the Village are effectively communicated. Visit the committee’s webpage for more information.

During the Village Board’s regular meeting on February 9, the Village’s ad hoc Friendship Heights Sector Plan Committee presented a summary of the results of the committee’s virtual neighborhood survey that ran January 1-9 and presented an interim report on their engagement with key stakeholders on behalf of the Village.

CLICK HERE to access a recording of the Board’s February 9 meeting including the committee’s presentation.

Update March 6, 2026

Planning Department Seeks Feedback on Preliminary Recommendations; Establishes Virtual Office Hours

In February, the Montgomery County Planning Staff held two community meetings (one in person and one virtual) to present preliminary recommendations for the Friendship Heights Sector Plan. Preliminary recommendations are the planning team’s high-level initial thoughts about what the plan could ultimately recommend. CLICK HERE to access a recording of the virtual presentation.

Planning Staff will continue to work on the plan through the spring, including developing site-specific recommendations, and incorporating feedback from the community and the Planning Board. Staff anticipates sharing the full draft of the plan, or Working Draft, in the summer followed by a Planning Board public hearing.

The Planning Staff also presented their preliminary recommendations to the Montgomery County Planning Board on February 12. Although the Planning Board did not take any action, members provided feedback to staff that will be instructive as the Planning Staff continues to develop the Sector Plan. CLICK HERE to access a recording of the presentation to the Planning Board.

Residents Should Share Their Thoughts with the Planning Staff
Residents’ input is very important as the Planning Department continues developing the Sector Plan. There are several ways to learn about the preliminary recommendations and tell the Planning Staff what you think.

Read Our Explainer Download the presentation slides

Watch the full presentation to the community

Visit the new webpage dedicated to collecting your comments and questions about the preliminary recommendations. Planning Staff will review all of the comments and questions, and intend to respond as quickly as possible.

Chat with Planning Staff this Spring
This spring, the Sector Plan team will be holding office hours over Zoom and in-person at the Wisconsin Place Community Recreation Center for community members to discuss the Sector Plan and ask Planning Staff questions.

In-person office hours
Tuesday, April 28, 5:30-7 p.m.
Wisconsin Avenue Community Recreation Center, 5311 Friendship Boulevard
NOTE: Registration is not required for this in-person session.

Register for virtual office hours

CLICK HERE to access a recording of the Board’s February 9 meeting including the committee’s presentation.

Update January 15, 2026

Mark Your Calendar for Upcoming Presentations

The Village’s ad hoc Friendship Heights Sector Plan Committee thanks the more than 600 respondents to the virtual neighborhood survey that ran January 1-9, as well as the numerous residents who emailed additional feedback and comments. This feedback and the survey responses are under review by the committee and will be very valuable for the committee’s recommendations to the CCV board.

Please plan to attend the Village Board of Managers’ meeting on Monday, February 9, when the ad hoc Committee will present a summary of the survey results and feedback they have received. The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Village Hall and will be live streamed for those unable to attend in person.

Montgomery County Planning Department to Hold Virtual and In-Person Preliminary Recommendations Presentations

Since concluding their visioning phase in November 2025, Montgomery Planning staff has been working on developing preliminary recommendations, which are the planning team’s high-level initial thoughts about what the plan could ultimately recommend. Planning staff will present these preliminary recommendations on February 3&5. At both events there will be an opportunity for attendees to ask questions after the presentations. These presentations mark an important step in the planning process as the Planning Staff continues shaping the draft plan, which is anticipated to be released in summer 2026.

In-Person Preliminary Recommendations Presentation
Date: Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Time: Doors open: 6:45 p.m., Begins: 7 p.m.
Details: Wisconsin Place Community Recreation Center, 5311 Friendship Boulevard, Chevy Chase, MD 20815.
Registration recommended.
Register for the in-person presentation

Virtual Preliminary Recommendations Presentation
Date: Thursday, February 5, 2026
Time: Presentation: 7 p.m.
Details: The virtual presentation will be recorded and posted on the plan website.
Registration required to receive the Zoom link.
Register for the virtual presentation

Preliminary Recommendations to be Presented to the Planning Board
The Planning Staff is scheduled to present the preliminary Sector Plan recommendations to the Montgomery County Planning Board on February 12, 2026. Since this is an update briefing, the Planning Board will not take any action, but will provide feedback to staff. Watch the meeting live or on-demand.

Next Steps
Montgomery Planning staff will continue developing the draft plan based on community and Planning Board feedback and staff anticipates sharing the plan’s Working Draft, or the full draft of the sector plan, this summer. The Working Draft will be presented to the community, followed by a presentation to the Planning Board. The Planning Board will then set a public hearing, with at least 30 days’ notice, where the public will be able to submit written comments or testify (in-person or virtually).

Stay Engaged
For questions about the Plan, please contact lead Planning Staffer Atara Margolies at atara.margolies@montgomeryplanning.org (residents are welcome to copy Village Manager Shana Davis-Cook at shana.davis-cook@montgomerycountymd.gov) and sign up to receive the Friendship Heights Sector Plan e-newsletter, to stay up-to-date throughout the process.

Residents are also encouraged to share their thoughts with the Village’s ad hoc Friendship Heights Sector Plan Committee, chaired by Belmont Avenue resident, Jonathan Halperin. The committee was established by the Village Board to monitor, inform, and represent the interests of Chevy Chase Village during the Planning Department’s Sector Plan update process, ensuring that the perspectives and priorities of the Village are effectively communicated. Visit the committee’s webpage for more information.

Update November 7, 2025

Friendship Heights Sector Plan Update: Register for November 18 Webinar on Engagement Summary

Following its in-person visioning events over the summer, in October the Montgomery Planning Department posted an online visioning platform to continue gathering the community’s feedback on the goals and objectives for the revised Friendship Heights Sector Plan.

Upcoming Webinar Summarizing Community Engagement
With this “visioning” phase of work now concluded, Planning Department staff will host a webinar on Tuesday, November 18 at 7:30 p.m. to present a summary of the feedback received since community engagement for this plan began in November 2024. The webinar will include a live Q&A session with staff. Registration is required to receive the link:

Click here to register for the November 18 webinar.

Next Steps
Planning and Parks staff will brief the Planning Board on November 20 with a similar presentation summarizing engagement feedback and takeaways. Planning Board meetings are streamed live and available on-demand. Following the Planning Board presentation, the webinar recording will be posted on the Planning website, along with an engagement summary report.

Over the coming months, the Friendship Heights Sector Plan team will then craft preliminary recommendations informed by the feedback and comments received over the past year. Preliminary recommendations are early ideas about what the plan will ultimately recommend. They will be presented to the community and the Planning Board for feedback early next year.

Update October 24, 2025

Friendship Heights Sector Plan Update

Following its in-person visioning events over the summer, in October the Montgomery Planning Department posted an online visioning platform to continue gathering the community’s feedback on the goals and objectives for the revised Friendship Heights Sector Plan. With this “visioning” phase of work now concluded, Planning Department staff will now set to work on drafting the plan’s preliminary recommendations. In addition to comments submitted over the last year, there will also be future opportunities to provide feedback as the process continues.

Planning Staff Presentation at the Village Board’s October 13 Meeting

During the Village Board of Managers’ meeting on Monday, October 13, Planning Staff presented an update on the status of the Sector Plan process, including the revised plan schedule, and feedback received thus far during the in-person visioning events and online surveys. To view a recording of the presentation, visit the Village Board’s meetings page to access a recording of the briefing (click on the media icon for the October 13 meeting; presentation begins at minute 01:02). CLICK HERE to view the slides from the presentation.

For questions about the Plan, please contact lead Planning Staffer Atara Margolies at atara.margolies@montgomeryplanning.org (residents are welcome to copy Village Manager Shana Davis-Cook at shana.davis-cook@montgomerycountymd.gov) and sign up to receive the Friendship Heights Sector Plan’s e-newsletter, to stay up-to-date throughout the process.

Residents are also encouraged to share their thoughts with the Village’s ad hoc Friendship Heights Sector Plan Committee, chaired by Belmont Avenue resident, Jonathan Halperin. The committee was established by the Village Board to monitor, inform, and represent the interests of Chevy Chase Village during the Planning Department’s Sector Plan update process, ensuring that the perspectives and priorities of the Village are effectively communicated. For more information about this newly formed committee, visit the committee’s webpage.

Update October 15, 2025

Online Visioning Platform Ends October 17
Recording from Planning Staff Update

The Planning Department’s online visioning platform for the Friendship Heights Sector Plan rewrite process will end on October 17. Thus far, Planning Department Staff report low overall participation by Village residents in the engagement activities and events they have hosted for the rewrite process.

Residents who were unable to attend the prior in-person events are invited to submit feedback by participating in the web-based engagement opportunity by Friday, October 17. The online platform includes a recorded version of the opening presentation given at the September 30 workshop, followed by questions and activities where users can provide input electronically.

Village residents are urged to get involved in this important process that will shape the future of Friendship Heights, including the property where Saks Fifth Avenue is located inside the Village, for decades to come!

Planning Staff Presentation at the Village Board’s October 13 Meeting

During the Village Board of Managers’ meeting on Monday, October 13, Planning Staff presented an update on the status of the Sector Plan process, including the revised plan schedule, and feedback received thus far during the in-person visioning events and online surveys. Visit the Village Board’s meetings page to access a recording of the briefing (click on the media icon for the October 13 meeting; presentation begins at minute 01:02). CLICK HERE to view the slides from the presentation.

What’s next?

Once the online visioning platform closes, staff will begin crafting the plan’s preliminary recommendations that will be informed by all of the community comments received over the last year. There will be future opportunities to provide feedback as the process continues.

For questions about the Plan, please contact Atara Margolies at atara.margolies@montgomeryplanning.org and sign up to receive the Friendship Heights Sector Plan Re-Write e-newsletter, to stay up-to-date throughout the process.

New Village Committee Established

The Village Board has established a new ad hoc Friendship Heights Sector Plan Committee, chaired by Belmont Avenue resident, Jonathan Halperin, to monitor, inform, and represent the interests of Chevy Chase Village through the Planning Department’s Sector Plan rewrite process, ensuring that the perspectives and priorities of the Village are effectively communicated and incorporated in the revised plan. For more information about the committee and to get engaged visit the committee’s webpage

Update October 3, 2025

New Online Platform Launched;
Staff Update at the October Village Board Meeting

Thus far, Planning Department Staff have confirmed low overall participation by Village residents in the engagement activities and events they have hosted for the Friendship Heights Sector Plan rewrite process, which is currently underway! Village residents are urged to get involved in this important process that will shape the future of Friendship Heights, including the property where the Saks Fifth Avenue is located inside the Village, for decades to come!

NEW! Online visioning platform

Now through October 17, those who could not attend the prior in-person events are invited to submit feedback by participating in a web-based engagement opportunity. The online platform includes a recorded version of the opening presentation given at the September 30 workshop, followed by questions and activities where users can provide input that will be sent to us electronically. The online platform will be live through October 17, 2025.

Planning Staff Presentation at the Village Board’s October 13 Meeting

During the Village Board of Managers’ meeting on Monday, October 13, Planning Staff will present an update on the status of the Sector Plan process, including the revised plan schedule, and feedback received thus far that will shape the revised plan’s vision and focus. The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m.

What’s next?

Once the online visioning platform closes, staff will begin crafting the plan’s preliminary recommendations that will be informed by all of the community comments we have received over the last year. There will be future opportunities to provide feedback as the process continues.

New Village Committee Established

Update September 19, 2025

Friendship Heights Sector Plan Re-Write
Latest Updates; New Village Committee

Village residents are urged to get involved in the rewrite process for the Friendship Heights Sector Plan, which is currently underway!

Following up on the visioning workshops held by the Montgomery Planning Department in June, the planning team will offer two new upcoming visioning opportunities that will continue the discussion on the future of Friendship Heights.

Friendship Heights visioning workshop #2 (in-person)
Tuesday, September 30
Wisconsin Place Community Recreation Center
5311 Friendship Blvd., Chevy Chase, MD 20815
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

This in-person event will focus on how sector plans shape future development. It will be informed by the results of the amenities and housing questionnaire circulated over the summer. The workshop will begin with an opening presentation, followed by facilitated discussion groups about sites in Friendship Heights that may present opportunities for future growth.

Registration is recommended, but not required. Register for September 30

Online visioning platform
October 2 to October 17

From October 2 to October 17, those who could not attend are invited to submit feedback by participating in a web-based engagement opportunity. It will include a recorded version of the opening presentation given at the September 30 workshop, followed by questions and activities where users can provide input that will be sent to us electronically. The online platform will be live through October 17, 2025.

What’s next?

After the September and October visioning events conclude, staff will begin crafting the plan’s preliminary recommendations that will be informed by all of the community comments we have received over the last year. There will be future opportunities to provide feedback as the process continues. Thank you to everyone who has participated thus far.

New Village Committee Established

At its meeting on September 8, the Village Board established an ad hoc Friendship Heights Sector Plan Committee, chaired by Belmont Avenue resident, Jonathan Halperin, to monitor, inform, and represent the interests of Chevy Chase Village through the Planning Department’s Sector Plan rewrite process, ensuring that the perspectives and priorities of the Village are effectively communicated and incorporated in the revised plan. For more information about the committee and to get engaged visit the committee’s webpage.

Update September 11, 2025

Friendship Heights Sector Plan Re-Write
Opportunities to engage

Have you gotten involved in the Friendship Heights Sector Plan? In late July, the Planning Dept. posted a questionnaire about community amenities and housing. The deadline to respond has been extended through the weekend and will close on September 15. If you have not yet filled it out, please take a few minutes to share your thoughts by clicking below:

Complete the questionnaire

Additionally, the Planning Dept. wants to hear from the residents of Chevy Chase Village, as a directly abutting community to Friendship Heights, about when and how you go to the downtown area. Please take a few minutes to answer this short questionnaire.

Link to Questionnaire for CC Village Residents: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JFQYFDF

Visioning Events Continue

Friendship Heights visioning workshop #2 (in-person)
Tuesday, September 30
Wisconsin Place Community Recreation Center
5311 Friendship Blvd., Chevy Chase, MD 20815
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Registration is recommended, but not required. Register for September 30

Online visioning platform
October 2 to October 17

What’s next?

Update July 30, 2025

Friendship Heights Sector Plan Re-Write
New Questionnaire Now Available

Have you gotten involved in the Friendship Heights Sector Plan? Montgomery Planning is working on a new vision for Friendship Heights and they need to hear from the residents of Chevy Chase Village about when and how you go to the downtown area. Please take a few minutes to answer this short questionnaire. For questions about the Plan, please contact Atara Margolies at atara.margolies@montgomeryplanning.org

Questionnaire Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JFQYFDF

Images from the June 11 workshop at the Wisconsin Place Recreation Center and recordings from the June 24 virtual workshop can now be found on the plan’s community engagement webpage.

What’s next?

Additional engagement events will be held in the fall that will focus on future development in Friendship Heights.

Sign up to receive the Friendship Heights Sector Plan Re-Write e-newsletter, to stay up-to-date throughout the process.

Update July 11, 2025

Friendship Heights Sector Plan Re-Write:
Visioning Workshop Recap and Upcoming Focus Groups

Over 40 individuals participated in the Friendship Heights Sector Plan team’s Visioning Workshops in June. Engagement activities focused on a variety of issues including: the future identity of Friendship Heights, parks access and amenities, and the pedestrian network in the plan area, with a focus on Wisconsin Avenue.

Images from the June 11 workshop at the Wisconsin Place Recreation Center and recordings from the June 24 virtual workshop can now be found on the plan’s community engagement webpage.

Next up: Focus Groups!
Over the summer Planning Staff will continue with the visioning phase of the Friendship Heights Sector Plan by hosting focus groups for specific cohorts to engage with diverse voices. These groups include:

Business owners in Friendship Heights;
Those who rent housing in Friendship Heights; or
Parents who live in or around the plan area with children 18 years and younger.

If you are interested in participating in a focus group (times and locations to be determined), please fill out an interest form.

What’s next?

In the coming weeks, Planning Staff will circulate a questionnaire that will address additional visioning topics. Additional engagement events will be held in the fall that will focus on future development in Friendship Heights.

Sign up to receive the Friendship Heights Sector Plan Re-Write e-newsletter, to stay up-to-date throughout the process.

Update: June 4, 2025

Friendship Heights Sector Plan Re-Write: Upcoming Events & Activities

The Friendship Heights Sector Plan team at the Planning Department presented a summary of their existing conditions analysis of the Plan area to the public on May 20 and to the Planning Board on May 29. Planners presented information regarding existing land use and zoning, demographics, urban design, parks and public spaces, transportation, environmental issues, community amenities, and more.

The Planning team also reviewed the next steps in the planning process and discussed upcoming visioning events. Click Here to view the recording and click here to access the presentation slides from the May 20 presentation, and click here to access a recording of the Planning Board’s May 29 meeting (same presentation slides used for the May 20 virtual meeting and May 29 Planning Board presentation).

Next up: Visioning!
In June, county planners will move into the visioning phase of the plan! Building on what they’ve learned about existing conditions, Planning staff and the community will begin discussing the future of Friendship Heights and working towards preliminary ideas for the plan. Visioning will continue through early fall.

The Visioning phase starts with two events in June that will focus both on parks and open spaces, the pedestrian network, and the Wisconsin Avenue corridor. Over the summer, additional visioning engagement opportunities will be held, including some that you can participate in online at your own pace. In the fall, the planners will reconvene and focus on development and other issues.

The same overall topics will be addressed at each of the June events, so you can choose which event works for your schedule:

June 11, Friendship Heights Visioning Workshop #1 (in-person)
Wisconsin Place Recreation Center
5311 Friendship Blvd., Chevy Chase, MD 20815
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This in-person workshop will be a drop-in open house. Come anytime during the event and participate in interactive stations that will address your future needs and wants in Friendship Heights. This event will focus on parks and open spaces, the pedestrian network, the Wisconsin Avenue corridor in detail and more. Registration is recommended but not required. Register for June 11.

June 24, Friendship Heights Virtual Visioning Workshop (online)
7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

This workshop will cover similar topics as the in-person workshop on June 11 but in an online format. Registration is required to receive the link for the workshop. Register for June 24.

Sign up to receive the Friendship Heights Sector Plan Re-Write e-newsletter, to stay up-to-date throughout the process.

Update: May 15, 2025

Friendship Heights Sector Plan Re-Write: Upcoming Events & Activities

The Friendship Heights Sector Plan team at the Planning Department will present a summary of their existing conditions analysis of the Plan area on Tuesday, May 20 at 7:00 p.m. The presentation will be held virtually. Planners will discuss existing land use and zoning, demographics, urban design, parks and public spaces, transportation, environmental issues, community amenities, and more.

This event will be held as an online webinar followed by Q&A. The Planning team will also review next steps in the planning process and discuss upcoming visioning events.

Registration is required to receive the link for the presentation. A recording of the presentation will be posted online.

May 29, Planning Board Briefing: Existing Conditions Summary
Staff will brief the Planning Board on the existing conditions analysis conducted by Staff. This presentation will be largely the same as the May 20 community webinar; however, this presentation is for the Planning Board’s information and no action or testimony will be taken. All Planning Board meetings can be viewed live or on-demand on the Planning Board website. Recordings of the Planning Board meetings are posted on the website the following day.

The Visioning phase starts with two events in June that will both focus on parks and open spaces, the pedestrian network, and the Wisconsin Avenue corridor. Over the summer, additional visioning engagement opportunities will be held, including some that you can participate in online at your own pace. In the fall we will reconvene and focus on development and other issues.

The same overall topics will be addressed at each of the June events, so you can choose which event works for your schedule:

June 11, Friendship Heights Visioning Workshop #1 (in-person)
Wisconsin Place Recreation Center
5311 Friendship Blvd., Chevy Chase, MD 20815
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

June 24, Friendship Heights Virtual Visioning Workshop (online)
7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

This workshop will cover similar topics as the in-person workshop on June 11 but in an online format. Registration is required to receive the link for the workshop. Register for June 24.

Sign up to receive the Friendship Heights Sector Plan Re-Write e-newsletter, to stay up-to-date throughout the process.

Friendship Heights Sector Plan Re-Write: Scope of Work Approved by the Planning Board

During its meeting on February 6, the Planning Board members in attendance unanimously approved the Planning Staff’s proposed Scope of Work for the Friendship Heights Sector Plan Re-Write, including the proposed boundary for the plan, which was extended to River Road. NOTE: There is no change to the boundary, east of Wisconsin Avenue (Chevy Chase Village side).

More about the Scope of Work
The Scope of Work presents a brief history of Friendship Heights, identifies engagement goals and objectives, summarizes the major topics the plan will explore, and includes a map of the proposed boundary and the study area for the plan. The Scope of Work also describes countywide plans and policies that will inform the Friendship Heights Sector Plan.

What’s next?
The Planning Staff and its consultants will now begin studying the existing conditions in Friendship Heights regarding demographics, land use, housing, transportation, parks and public spaces, environmental conditions, urban design, historic resources and more. Planning Staff will also continue meeting with community members and groups in and around downtown to discuss the future of Friendship Heights. The existing conditions analysis phase is expected to continue through Spring 2025.

How to Stay Informed
The Planning Department has created a dedicated webpage for the Friendship Heights Sector Plan re-write process where updates and information will be posted:
https://montgomeryplanning.org/planning/communities/downcounty/friendship-heights/friendship-heights-sector-plan/.

The Planning Staff will be sending out updates dedicated to the Friendship Heights Sector Plan rewrite via an e-newsletter. To receive the newsletter, sign up here.

During the Village Board of Managers’ meeting on October 14, 2024, Planning Staff presented an overview of the Sector Plan process, a preliminary plan schedule, and information about initial engagement opportunities and how people can get involved in the plan. A recording of the meeting is available online, and residents can view the presentation slides by CLICKING HERE.

Read the original article at chevychasevillage

Update November 6, 2026

Friendship Heights Sector Plan Updates

Update October 30, 2026 Montgomery County Planning Board ContinuesWork Sessions to Review the Friendship Heights Sector Plan

Update October 23, 2026

Update October 9, 2026

Update October 2, 2026

Update September 25, 2026

Montgomery County Planning Board Begins Work Sessions to Review the Friendship Heights Sector PlanWork Sessions Scheduled through November 5

Update September 17, 2026

Village Board Submits Detailed WrittenTestimony: Montgomery County Planning Board’s Public Hearing Draft of the Friendship Heights Sector PlanTestimony Outlines 16 Recommendations for Amending the Sector Plan

Update September 15, 2026

Village Board Testifies on Development Proposals that Impact our Village Community: Friendship Heights Sector PlanVillage Board Testified at September 14 Planning Board Hearing; Written Testimony to be Filed this Week

Update September 11, 2026Friendship Heights Sector Plan Updates: Village Board to Testify Before the Planning Board Written Testimony to be Released September 14

Update August 28, 2026

Friendship Heights Sector Plan Updates: Village Board Reaches Position on the Public Hearing Draft Sector Plan Recommendations

Update August 21, 2026

Village Board Holds Public Hearing and Special Meeting to Finalize Testimony on Montgomery County Planning Department’s Public Hearing Draft of the Friendship Heights Sector Plan

Development Updates that Impact our Village Community: Friendship Heights Sector PlanPlanning Board Walking Tour: August 18

Update August 13, 2026

Village Board Holds Public Hearing and Special Meeting to Finalize Testimony on Montgomery County Planning Department’s Public Hearing Draft of the Friendship Heights Sector Plan

Development Updates that Impact our Village Community: Friendship Heights Sector PlanPlanning Board Walking Tour: August 18

Update July 29, 2026

Update July 17, 2026

Development Updates that Impact our Village Community: Friendship Heights Sector PlanRecording of Working Draft Presentation to the Planning Board; September Planning Board Public Hearings Confirmed

Watch the June 11 meeting presentation

Download the presentation slide deck

Update July 15, 2026

Development Updates that Impact our Village Community: Friendship Heights Sector PlanWorking Draft Presentation to the Planning Board July 16; Tentative September Public Hearings (NOTE: Time Change)

Update July 10, 2026

Update July 2, 2026

June 11 Presentation Recording and Slides; Next Steps

Update June 16, 2026

June 11 Presentation Recording and Slides Now Available

Update June 12, 2026

Update May 28, 2026

Update May 20, 2026

Update May 15, 2026

Friendship Heights Sector Plan Update Village Board Receives Committee Report; Will Submit Recommendations to Montgomery County Planning Staff

Update April 29, 2026

Planning Department Seeks Feedback on Preliminary Recommendations; Establishes Virtual Office Hours

Update November 7, 2025

Friendship Heights Sector Plan Update: Register for November 18 Webinar on Engagement Summary

Update October 24, 2025

Update October 15, 2025

Update October 3, 2025

New Online Platform Launched; Staff Update at the October Village Board Meeting

Friendship Heights Sector Plan Re-WriteNew Questionnaire Now Available

Update October 30, 2026

Montgomery County Planning Board Continues
Work Sessions to Review the Friendship Heights Sector Plan

Montgomery County Planning Board Begins Work Sessions to Review the Friendship Heights Sector Plan
Work Sessions Scheduled through November 5

Village Board Submits Detailed WrittenTestimony: Montgomery County Planning Board’s Public Hearing Draft of the Friendship Heights Sector Plan
Testimony Outlines 16 Recommendations for Amending the Sector Plan

Village Board Testifies on Development Proposals that Impact our Village Community: Friendship Heights Sector Plan
Village Board Testified at September 14 Planning Board Hearing; Written Testimony to be Filed this Week

Update September 11, 2026
Friendship Heights Sector Plan Updates: Village Board to Testify Before the Planning Board
Written Testimony to be Released September 14

Development Updates that Impact our Village Community: Friendship Heights Sector Plan
Planning Board Walking Tour: August 18

Development Updates that Impact our Village Community: Friendship Heights Sector Plan
Planning Board Walking Tour: August 18

Development Updates that Impact our Village Community: Friendship Heights Sector Plan
Recording of Working Draft Presentation to the Planning Board; September Planning Board Public Hearings Confirmed

Development Updates that Impact our Village Community: Friendship Heights Sector Plan
Working Draft Presentation to the Planning Board July 16; Tentative September Public Hearings (NOTE: Time Change)

New Online Platform Launched;
Staff Update at the October Village Board Meeting

Friendship Heights Sector Plan Re-Write
New Questionnaire Now Available