The project NS-5 Calverton and Dean connection needs additional research. This strategy is in complete opposition to the approved Prince Georges Plaza District Plan (adopted 2016). First, the wooded area between these two streets is identified as a green infrastructure network gap in the Countywide Green Infrastructure Plan (pg. 48 of the PG Plaza District Plan). As such, this area is identified as a critical area targeted for restoration to support overall functioning of the green infrastructure network – not pavement. Second, the District Plan clearly identified this connectivity as part of the area wide off-street bicycle and pedestrian policies and strategies as Strategy TM7.3 (pg. 88 of the PG Plaza District Plan) to implement exclusively non-motorized connections between existing disconnected streets including Dean Drive and Calverton Drive and Highview Terrace and Gumwood Drive. At a minimum, we request to strike NS-5 from the plan in its entirety. If not possible, then rewrite the strategy to align with the County approved plan for non-motorized connectivity.

This would create higher through traffic on a street not designed for this volume.