The Montgomery County Council voted to reserve more room for life sciences in “Science City,” a $10 billion research center in Gaithersburg the council is expected to approve in May.
The council voted unanimously to increase the minimum amount of development devoted to life sciences at the campus from 30 percent to 40 percent — a proposal introduced by Councilman Mike Knapp, D-Upcounty. Knapp’s measure also provides perks for developers who decide to go above the 40 percent mark.
Johns Hopkins University would develop more than one-third of the 17.5 million square-foot project, set to be stationed west of Interstate 270 near Shady Grove Adventist Hospital.
The council is planning to vote on the financial aspects of the plan in May, opening the door for developers to start bidding on the project.
