When L'Enfant planned Washington in a mud hole, he brought with him knowledge and vision. He was able to create a lasting masterpiece. Vision was the key element.

Over half a century of my life and my architectural practice, I have been within the proximity of Rockville Pike. I witnessed its untamed growth with dismay, sorrow, and frustration. From almost a rural road 60 years ago, I watched it become a major unqualified artery. While I-270 was developing nicely as a technology corridor, Rockville Pike was becoming an ugly substantial shopping corridor, with no character.

This was not due to any budget strains or lack of knowledge, but was due to lack of vision.

Almost all attempts for development were judged first by failing intersections. Yet, for 40 years, somehow, improvements were done and some sporadic growth took place. Unfortunately, the misconception of keeping Rockville Pike as a major artery took precedence.

Today, with the suggested White Flint Sector Plan, finally we have a project that brings some vision. If comments are made in terms of why it can't be done, they become not constructive but destructive. And therefore the knowledge interjected by the experts of the county goes wasted. We should consider this a last opportunity and make something desirable out of the Rockville Pike, with team effort.

Instead saying why we cannot do it, we must approach the matter how we can do it. All parties should become part of the solution, not part of the problem.

CLICK HERE to Read the Full Story from the Gazette...