For Immediate Release: Friday, August 18, 2023

The Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) has launched a unique, three-pronged approach to neighborhood revitalization by combining State and County funding, along with a financial commitment from local businesses and property owners, to kick-off a community improvement initiative in White Oak. The White Oak Façade Improvement Initiative is public-private partnership that will combine an estimated $3.7 million to enhance and modernize an aging commercial area along a stretch of Lockwood Drive at New Hampshire Avenue.

he goal of the project is to make highly visible improvements that will address physical and economic decline in the area to attract more consumers and foster economic growth.

The façade improvement program will benefit approximately 10 businesses. The initiative will help fund improvements to the exteriors of the façades, new signage, new lighting, possible streetscape enhancement, installation of new planting materials and site work including parking lot resurfacing and striping.

“Many of these small businesses don’t have the resources to make improvements, so this money will help people upgrade their properties and try to create more positive image for the area,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “We have been really clear about our willingness to reinvest. I know the East County region has long felt neglected, but they are the site of the BRT lines and Montgomery College is planning to open a campus over there, beginning with an education center which will open in the spring of 2024. Three commercial developments that were stalled—Burtonsville Crossing, the Hillandale Gateway on New Hampshire and the White Oak Town Center—are moving now. So, we have demonstrated we are willing to put money in. We are willing to work with partners to get these projects moving, and we are going to continue to do that.”

DHCA Director Scott Bruton said the façade project will continue the efforts to improve economic development in the White Oak area.

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