City reviews vision for Kentlands business district

John Schlichting, a former council member who pushed for special study of the 80-acre district and lives in the Kentlands, called the plan ‘‘a reliable blueprint for years to come.”

But Councilman Michael Sesma, who lives in West Riding, raised concern about the future of retail stores and placement of parking garages near residential homes.

‘‘We can dress them up,” he said. ‘‘But put lipstick on a pig – it’s still a pig with lipstick.”

The vision proposes relocating a CCT stop planned for the Quince Orchard Park community and MedImmune on the northwest side of Great Seneca Highway to the Kentlands side.

Placing the CCT stop on the southwest side of the highway, with a pedestrian bridge to the other side, will help make transit the focal point of surrounding development, according to city planners.

A mixed-use town center with 8- to 20-story buildings and garage parking will sit at the stop.

Near-term adjustments include more pedestrian crossings along Kentlands Boulevard and directional signage, more live-work units and parking, including garages, said City Planning and Code Enforcement Director Greg Ossont, who led the study process.

The vision spotlighted denser development, taller buildings, improved streetscapes and a public green space in the district’s northern sector.