Silver Spring, MD - Today Senator Roger Manno met with Montgomery County Department of Transportation and Department of General Services staff, county police and local stakeholders regarding necessary traffic infrastructure at the Glenmont Shopping Center. Specifically, the meeting focused on traffic turning options in and out of the shopping center, logistical issues involving the police station at the site, and safety issues involving proximity of the Glenallen Elementary School.

Redevelopment of the Glenmont Shopping Center (across the street from the Glenmont Metro) into a sustainable mixed-use, transit-oriented development (which Roger refers to as "Glenmont Center") has been one of Roger's highest local priorities in terms of smart growth, jobs, economic development, and as a greatly needed community anchor. However, the necessary traffic infrastructure, including the pending grade-separated interchange at Randolph Road and Georgia Avenue, and adequate turning measures in and out of the shopping center, stand as major impediments before any feasible redevelopment project can be seriously considered.

Roger raised serious concerns today about one traffic turning option which would require eastbound traffic to make an unsafe and inconvenient u-turn at the corner of Glenallen Elementary School, and directly through a school pedestrian crosswalk. Instead, Roger advocated for a safer alternative for a "jughandle" left turn into the shopping center off of Randolph Road. Other alternatives were also discussed.

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