The Prince George’s County Council unanimously approved a master plan Wednesday that defines how 32 square miles of mostly unincorporated land surrounding the 358-acre National Harbor project will be developedin the coming years.
The plan, passed without changes by the council, preserves existing residential neighborhoods in the area and also accommodates National Harbor’s residential, convention, office, hotel and retail development. Oxon Hill and Camp Springs have also been designated mixed-use growth areas.
Many in the community were pleased with the zoning change, which will allow a more organized arts scene to grow, said Teena Green, president of the Villages of Camp Springs Civic Association.
“We have talent and activity right here, but no real central focus,” Green said. “Without the zoning, there’s really not much you can do.”
The plan applies to a region bordered by the Capital Beltway on the north, the Potomac River on the west, Piscataway Creek on the south, and Allentown, Gallahan and Steed roads as well as Tinkers Creek to the east. The previous zoning plan for the area dated back to 1981.
National Harbor, the region’s largest development, is scheduled to open in early 2008.
