New rules have been adopted in Montgomery County,

New rules have been adopted in Montgomery County, Maryland that could steer development into areas that are already urbanizing. The rules allow planners for the first time to consider public transportation when deciding where to permit development. The Washington Post quoted Planning Board Chairman Royce Hanson as predicting, “Most of our new development is going to be relatively high density” near public transportation. Hanson foresees a transit-oriented town center at the White Flint Metro rail station. A developer known as Lcor is hoping to convert strip shopping centers near that station into a walkable town center. The plans there call for fewer parking spaces than usual and for running a shuttle bus within the complex to take people to offices and stores.