Funding will assist the department in creating a guide for future upgrades to the sidewalks, landscaping, lighting, and overall pedestrian experience in the Main Street area.
WHEATON, Md. – The Montgomery County Planning Department, a component of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), has received a $100,000 grant from the Maryland Department of General Services for fiscal year 2027. This funding is earmarked for developing a streetscape improvement plan aimed at revitalizing the downtown Damascus area, representing an important advancement towards creating a safer, more interconnected, and economically thriving Main Street corridor.
This grant is part of MD State Senate Bill 283, which was spearheaded by State Senator Katie Fry Hester (District 9) with support from Senator Craig Zucker (District 14) and Montgomery County Councilmember Dawn Luedtke (Council District 7). The allocated funding will enable the Montgomery Planning team to engage the community, conduct planning studies, analyze transportation issues, and work on design initiatives as they prepare for future enhancements to the streetscape in the heart of Damascus. The Damascus Streetscape Improvement Plan will assess possible upgrades, including broader sidewalks, improved landscaping, strategic placement of street trees, pedestrian lighting, seating areas, and spaces for bicycles. The initiative will focus on accessibility, safety, and sustainability to cultivate an inviting Main Street where both residents and visitors will feel welcome, and local businesses can flourish. For more information on the state’s Capital Grants and Loans process, visit their website.
This state funding builds on the momentum generated during the Montgomery Planning’s successful Damascus Placemaking Festival held in October 2024. This community-centric initiative actively involved residents and local stakeholders in envisioning a more attractive and walkable Main Street. In addition to this funding, a recent $50,000 Main Street Maryland grant, managed by Montgomery County’s Upcounty Regional Services Center, further demonstrates a continued investment in the community’s vision for downtown Damascus.
“The residents of Damascus expressed their desire for a livelier, more appealing, and community-oriented Main Street, and their ideas were instrumental in shaping that vision at the Damascus Placemaking Festival,” noted Jason K. Sartori, Director of Montgomery Planning. “This grant is a direct reflection of that community enthusiasm and involvement. We extend our gratitude to Senators Fry Hester and Zucker, as well as Councilmember Luedtke, for their advocacy and support in securing the resources needed to turn community aspirations into a practical plan for the enhancement of the Damascus Main Street corridor.”
The preparation of the Damascus Streetscape Improvement Plan will coincide with the department’s efforts on the upcoming Damascus Main Street Sector Plan Amendment, which is expected to commence this fall. Together, the Streetscape Improvement Plan and the sector plan amendment will forge a unified vision for Damascus, guiding future phases, capital investments, and enhancements aimed at revitalizing the downtown area. The planning staff will work hand in hand with the Montgomery County Department of Transportation, the Maryland State Highway Administration, and a consultant team to facilitate community input, plan development, and design initiatives focused on streetscape, infrastructure, connectivity, and public spaces. The Montgomery County Planning Board is anticipated to deliberate on the approval of the Streetscape Improvement Plan as part of the sector plan amendment process.
To stay informed about the latest developments regarding the streetscape project and associated plans, interested individuals can sign up for the Damascus e-letter.
