For over a decade prior to this report the county studied how to implement a commuter “fast ferry” service between the North Woodbridge area to destinations further north along the Potomac River. This TAP examined existing planning efforts around fast ferry service, land use, and economic development in North Woodbridge; outlined existing mobility opportunities in the area; and detailed recommendations for creating “Ferry-Oriented Development” in North Woodbridge, including proposed transit service, land use changes, public and private investments, and a back-of-the-envelope calculation of associated costs and benefits.

Annandale is located in the Mason District of Fairfax County, approximately 15 miles southwest of Washington, DC. Annandale is a unique community with a multicultural population; many longtime residents in the surrounding neighborhoods; a strong community spirit; and a well-known Korean restaurant scene. This TAP proposed evidence-based catalytic project ideas, exploring new and other identified ideas; identified ideal parcels for consolidation, particularly for catalytic project ideas or ideal assembly for redevelopment; evaluated potential infrastructure investments; and identified other creative ideas to facilitate revitalization in Annandale.

The Town of Indian Head, along with Charles County Government, commissioned this TAP to address barriers to economic development that have resulted in a significant decline in commercial and residential development. The community wants to ensure that residents and businesses are provided the opportunity to benefit from basic amenities. This will require developing methods for revitalizing abandoned and vacant properties.

ULI Washington conducted this TAP in response to a request from East Frederick Rising (EFR), a non-profit citizen group with a vision that the east end of Frederick could become The City of Frederick’s new economic engine. It is the hope of EFR that East Frederick develops in an urbanized fashion, eventually becoming an extension of the city’s historic downtown. Panelists assessed the area’s transportation and infrastructure, regulatory framework, and proposed implementation and financing mechanisms. 

As part of the Town of Kensington’s revitalization efforts, challenges were identified that, if appropriately addressed, could revitalize the town and enhance its charm for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. The town identified these core issues as a high volume of fast-moving vehicular traffic along principal arteries, poor pedestrian walkways and access, indirect and confusing traffic patterns, too many gas stations, older and tired shopping centers, too few restaurants, and less-unique specialty retail establishments. This TAP considered the area’s market potential and outlined development strategies, planning and design opportunities, and implementation frameworks. 

For much of the 1990s, the revitalization of Silver Spring—once a vital center of commerce in Montgomery County—was a priority among government and the business and development communities. Much of the redevelopment has been realized. Concerns exist, however, that many retail businesses that were in place before the redevelopment project was completed are not benefiting from the new customers who are now being drawn to
the CBD, and that small retail businesses have been unable to adapt to the changing retail environment. The panel proposes that the community can overcome these issues through the development of a comprehensive retail strategy.

As part of its master planning process, the Montgomery County Council appointed The Long Branch Task Force to undertake a 2-year project aimed at “addressing the full range of issues affecting the quality of life in the Long Branch community.” One of the Task Force’s priority recommendations was to enlist the support of ULI Washington in conducting a TAP. The Panel analyzed the area’s infrastructure and market demand, and then offered strategies for revitalizing the area’s commercial district.

The cities of Charles Town and Ranson are working in partnership to revitalize a corridor – extending from Downtown Charles Town to portions of Ranson, composed of abandoned properties and blighted buildings – into a Commerce Corridor of new businesses, jobs, and public recreational areas. These properties have potential for economic investment as exist in one of the fastest growing areas of the region. ULI Washington convened a TAP to offer perspective on how implement a revitalization vision for the corridor. 

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