Potomac residents who drive the River Road corridor into Friendship Heights have two chances in August to see the sector plan up close before public hearings begin in September.
The Montgomery County Planning Board will lead a free walking tour of the Friendship Heights Sector Plan area on Tuesday, August 18, starting at 9:30 a.m. The tour is open to any member of the public to attend and observe.
The following evening, Wednesday, August 19, the Historic Preservation Commission will meet at 7 p.m. at M-NCPPC's Wheaton Headquarters, 2425 Reedie Drive, Second Floor Auditorium, with a virtual option available.
The tour is free.
The Planning Board announced both events as part of its August 2026 calendar, released Monday. The board itself is on recess for the month and will resume weekly meetings Thursday, September 10. All August dates are subject to change, according to the Planning Department.
Why it matters along River Road
The Friendship Heights Sector Plan covers the village, the downtown stretch along Wisconsin Avenue, and the portion of the Brookdale neighborhood east of River Road. The Planning Board voted 4-0 on Thursday, July 16, to approve the working draft, according to The Banner.
According to The Banner's reporting, some residents have said proposed changes to zoning and height limits would increase density and alter their neighborhood's character. Montgomery County Planning Department staff have countered that the recommendations aim to revitalize Friendship Heights as a regional retail destination.
After the September hearings, the board will refine the plan and vote again. If approved, it moves to the Montgomery County Council and County Executive for their own review.
How to participate
Walking tour, Tuesday, August 18: The agenda and route will be posted on the Planning Board's website at montgomeryplanningboard.org/agendas/ on Tuesday, August 4.
HPC meeting, Wednesday, August 19: To testify on an agenda item, sign up by 9 a.m. on Tuesday, August 18. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at 2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, with a virtual option.
Testimony sign-ups for September hearings: Registration opens Monday, August 3. The hearings are scheduled for Thursday, September 10, at 1:30 p.m. at the Planning Board Auditorium, 2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, and Monday, September 14, at 4 p.m. at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center, 4805 Edgemoor Lane, Bethesda. In-person testimony is available both dates; virtual testimony is accepted only on September 10. Residents who want to attend without testifying do not need to register.
Upcoming community calendar
- Tuesday, August 4 — Walking tour agenda and route published online
- Tuesday, August 18, 9:30 a.m. — Planning Board walking tour, Friendship Heights Sector Plan area
- Wednesday, August 19, 7 p.m. — Historic Preservation Commission meeting, 2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton (virtual option available)
- Thursday, September 10, 1:30 p.m. — Friendship Heights Sector Plan public hearing, 2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton
- Monday, September 14, 4 p.m. — Friendship Heights Sector Plan public hearing, 4805 Edgemoor Lane, Bethesda
