Lakeforest Mall Redevelopment Next Steps

I have a hard time understanding information that the city puts out.

By Keith on January 30, 2023

Lakeforest Mall Zig Zag Staircase and a few Businesses that Remain Open

GAITHERSBURG - The city held a meeting about Lakeforest Mall redevelopment on January 17. That was to talk about the "sketch plan" proposed by the owners.

It was a very sketchy plan. The developers spoke a lot about developing the property with an "outward" stance. I think that meant making Russell, Odendhal, Montgomery Village and Lost Knife less car-friendly and more people friendly. While I strongly support the idea, judging by how fast people like to drive, I don't know if it's realistic to plan on slowing people down. There will be both resistance, and potentially a unsafe situation for pedestrians, if it's not done correctly.

So what's next for the Lakeforest Mall project?

It's kind of hard to tell, but here's what the city says on their website.

The joint public hearing was conducted on January 17, 2023. The Planning Commission will hold their record 
open until 5 p.m. Friday February 17, 2023 with anticipated recommendation March 1, 2023.

The Mayor & City Council hold their record open until 5 p.m. Friday March 10, 2023 with anticipated 
Policy Discussion April 3, 2023.

Any questions or comments on the application should be directed to the Planning Department at 
planning@gaithersburgmd.gov or 301-258-6330.

I'm not sure what "hold their record open" means, but I guess that means residents can submit comments about the proposed plan? I really don't know, but if that's what it does mean, then you have until February 17 to tell the Planning Commission what you think about the Lakeforest Mall plan. For the city council, you have until March 10.

Honestly, if you want to have the most impact, put pressure on the Planning Commission first. Sway their position, and then work the city council and mayor.

My problem with the plan is that it's too heavy on office space. The idea that Gaithersburg is going to go deep on office in 2023 is absurd. We don't need more office space in Gaithersburg, we need space that's useful to the residents of Gaithersburg. We want a dog park. A safe place for our kids to play. We want restaurants, bars and local retail. At least that's what I think we want.

The future of employment is not in an office. If we want to look at empty office buildings in 5 years, this plan is great. If we want a forward looking plan that is building for the future, the plan needs some work.

Look over the plan yourself here, and share your thoughts about this critical project.

Email the Planning Commission at planning@gaithersburgmd.gov, or call them at (301)258-6330.

Previous Lakeforest Mall Reporting