Request for Expression of Interest (REOI) for the historic Bethesda Theatre neded by May 28, 2010
The Montgomery County Department of Economic Development extends an invitation to review this Request for Expression of Interest (REOI) for the long-term adaptive reuse of the historic Bethesda Theatre, located at 7719 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland in a way that is sensitive to its historic character.
- Interested parties should submit their proposals by noon on May 28, 2010.
Contact Fizie Haleem at fizie.haleem@montgomerycountymd.gov
or 240-777-2018, Montgomery County Department of Economic Development, 111 Rockville Pike, Suite 800, Rockville, MD 20850 www.smartmontgomery.com

Much of downtown Wheaton lies within the Wheaton Retail Preservation Overlay
Zone. This zone was enacted in 1990 in response to recommendations contained
in the 1990 Wheaton CBD Sector Plan. The Overlay Zone serves to limit the
amount of new development that can occur in the downtown area. This limitation
was intended to help preserve the small business character of the downtown area.
We now realize that strict adherence to the requirements of the Wheaton Retail
Preservation Overlay Zone has discouraged new growth and development including
additions and expansions to existing businesses. The Wheaton Redevelopment Program Office recommended several significant changes to the Overlay Zone
and a text amendment to improve opportunities for redeveloping the area was
approved after much debate in the summer of 2006.

The Final Report of the Wheaton Metro Station Area Pedestrian Safety
Evaluation has been issued by the Maryland Department of Transportation.
The Report contains numerous recommendations to help reduce conflicts
between vehicle traffic and pedestrian circulation in downtown Wheaton. It
was prepared to help address a variety of pedestrian-traffic safety concerns
occuring in older suburban areas that become more urban. The Report is now
being evaluated by a task force made up of representatives of the Wheaton
Redevelopment Steering Committee and the Wheaton Urban District Advisory
Committee. After reviewing the task force recommendations, the two
committees will forward recommendations to the County Executive concerning
priorities for implementing the study recommendations.

The Wheaton Public Safety Task Force, a group of residents, business people
and County staff convened by the County Executive, recently submitted its
report with a number of recommendations to improve safety issues in
Downtown Wheaton. The Wheaton Public Safety Audit report will serve as a
master plan for all current and future safety concerns in Wheaton. Links to
the Overlay Zone, Proposed Amendments, Wheaton Public Safety Audit,
Wheaton Pedestrian Safety Study may be found here:
Wheaton Redevelopment News and Surveys

Recently a new task force was created to bring visual and performing
artists to Wheaton. The Arts and Entertainment Task Force The Arts and
Entertainment Task Force is seeking to enliven the arts and entertainment
atmosphere in Wheaton. In addition, the Arts and Entertainment Task Force is
creating a network of visual and performing artists and entertainers who live
or work in the Wheaton/Kensington area to help shape the vision for Wheaton
with the arts as part of Wheaton's redevelopment, share information about
local arts activities including exhibits and performance opportunities.

Business Outreach and Incentives
Wheaton is poised for significant growth. If you are interested in capitalizing on that growth, numerous incentives are available to assist business currently located in or wishing to relocate to the Wheaton Area. For assistance with these incentives, contact Pete McGinnity at 240-777-8126.
- Check the Business Calendar: Montgomery County eVents Calendar

SCORE® Counseling Available
SCORE® is a nationwide nonprofit volunteer association of over 10,500 retired and active small business owners, executives and professionals. As a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration, it provides free counseling to small businesses. The Washington, DC Chapter has over 50 members experienced in owning and operating both small and large businesses in almost every field.
- For information on the SCORE program, workshops, and other information, visit www.scoredc.org or call 202-272-0390.

Wheaton Enterprise Zone - this tax incentive program, established in late 1998, is being used to attract and expand the base of downtown businesses and encourage new developments and jobs in the downtown.

Green Tape Zone - expedited land use and building permit approvals can be arranged for prospective new developments and businesses in the downtown. Marketing and Promotional Brochures - are being disseminated to raise visibility of downtown Wheaton and familiarize the public with its assets. Among these are the Wheaton Marketing Brochure, Wheaton Redevelopment Brochure and site tour booklets for business prospects.

Main Street Strategy Area - provides additional redevelopment/revitalization opportunities. Located in the center of the downtown business district, it contains a large inventory of older retail sites and strip shopping centers that could be revitalized or redeveloped in the future.

Charles W. Gilchrist Center for Cultural Diversity - The Gilchrist Center for Cultural Diversity, a County Executive Initiative, opened its doors at 11319 Elkin Street on September 8, 2001. Its mission is to provide an opportunity for all residents of Montgomery County to gain a better understanding and deeper appreciation for the variety of cultures that make up our community and to provide an open, supportive and hospitable environment that affirms the County's multiculturalism and foster a sense of belonging among all in our community. The Center serves as a central point of contact for services and programs available throughout the County, governmental and nongovernmental, in particular for new immigrants and new residents to the County. Since its opening, the Gilchrist Center has served clients from over 60 different countries. Some of the specific programs offered include: New Americans Welcome Center cultural programs; small business development information and classes; and the cultural ambassador program. The Center is now serving over one thousand clients a month from its Wheaton location.
- For more information, contact:
Charles W. Gilchrist Center for Cultural Diversity
11319 Elkin Street
Wheaton, MD 20902
240-777-4940
Charles W. Gilchrist Center

Business Development and area links:
Department of Economic Development

Education, Training and Development
Montgomery College offers the best value for your training needs. We have business training centers in Gaithersburg, Wheaton, and Silver Spring. Endless possibilities that are affordable, practical, and convenient. Professional and Workforce Development offers courses in:
AP Institute / The College Board
Management Development
Biotechnology
Maryland Safety Programs
Diversity Management Institute
Professional Licensure
Certification
Instituto Hispano de Negocios y Entrenamiento
(Hispanic Business & Training Institute)
Sales & Marketing
Languages
Small Business Development
Montgomery College Workforce Development & Continuing Education