Designs for three major projects in White Flint all were approved Thursday by the Montgomery County Planning Board amid public concern the developments may not include any public facilities they say the area needs. Totaling nearly 4.2 million square feet, the projects span a half-mile stretch along Rockville Pike near the White Flint Metro station. They seek to transform the existing strip malls — including Mid-Pike Plaza — and car lots into thriving, walkable communities with retail, office towers, residences and hotels.

The projects