Montgomery Planning previews Clarksburg sector plan; public hearing Jan. 21

Justin González, transportation planner with Montgomery Planning, described the draft Clarksburg sector plan as an update to the area’s 1994 master plan that aims to balance future development with preservation and public amenities.

"The draft recommended plan provides a vision and framework for more complete, connected and sustainable development," González said, citing recommendations for increased transportation interconnection, housing goals, additional parks and protections for historic sites, including a proposed historic designation for a local Methodist church and cemetery.

González identified redevelopment opportunity on roughly 200 acres that include portions of the former Comsat laboratory property and nearby farmland west of Baltimore Road; the draft also proposes a revised street hierarchy to improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists and transit users and lists projects to complete missing street connections.

The planner emphasized community input during the draft’s development and invited residents to testify. The County Council will hold a public hearing on the draft at 7 p.m. on Jan. 21, 2026 at Rocky Hill School. After public testimony, the Planning, Housing and Parks Committee will review oral and written comments and hold work sessions in February before making a recommendation to the full Council.

What’s next: Residents who want to comment can attend the Jan. 21 hearing, submit written testimony or use the county’s testimony options. The Planning Committee expects to hold follow-up work sessions in February before forwarding a recommendation to the Council.