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A consensus between major players in the revitalization of the New Hampshire Avenue corridor remains out of reach even as Prince George's County has released its sector plan for the project, according to key stakeholders testifying Monday before the Takoma Park City Council.

Both Prince George's and Montgomery counties are developing separate but similar plans for the revitalization along the Crossroads area of New Hampshire Avenue and University Boulevard, which cuts through both counties.

Plans will also require approval and input from the State Highway Administration. The Purple Line, a proposed 16-mile mass transit line planned to run through the Crossroads, will also play a significant role in shaping the area, making the Maryland Transit Authority a major player as well.

Along with the Purple Line, the plans also aim to redevelop the five major shopping centers in the Crossroads into mixed-use residential and retail high-rises and increasing the "walkability" of the area with broad pedestrian promenades and a buffered bike lane along University Boulevard.

Erwin H. Mack, the executive director of the Crossroads Development Authority, warned the City Council that so far none of these groups, other than planners from both counties, have gathered to discuss how to best handle the revitalization and coordinate interconnected projects.

"There's confusion yet as to what really is going to happen," Mack said. "There haven't been any all-together sit-downs between the four groups."

Mack mentioned conflicts in the plans presented by Prince George's County planners and those of Montgomery County involving proposed "right, right, right turns," or jug-handle turns, that would facilitate left-hand turns on the busy thoroughfare. While Prince George's County planners say the turn system is necessary to allow traffic to flow smoothly through the area, Montgomery planners do not emphasize the turns for their side of the Crossroads, which runs through Takoma Park.

"We have questions about the advisability of proceeding so fast [when] there hasn't even been an adequate traffic study made by anyone," he added.

Takoma Park City Planner Ilona Blanchard highlighted the importance of the city maintaining an active role in discussions in both counties. She advised Mayor Bruce Williams of a number of problems he needs to address when he testifies Tuesday before the Prince George's County Council about their sector plan Tuesday.

Blanchard urged Williams to advocate that Prince George's planners rezone their part of New Hampshire Avenue as a regional center, which would allow businesses to develop more densely in the area, as opposed to the more residential-based community center designation it now holds.

She said the plan's language on the proposed buffered bike lane along University Boulevard is too confusing and needs to be clarified. Also, she said the city should take a stronger stand on Prince George's County's lack of an office of landlord and tenant affairs, which would help alleviate affordable housing and rent complaints once the area is redeveloped.

Montgomery County has presented its own draft sector plan, which is available online at www.montgomeryplanning.org. The Prince George's County sector plan can be found at www.pgplanning.org.

Council interviews

Ward 6 prospects

The City Council also met with the two candidates hoping to temporarily fill the Ward 6 seat left vacant last month by the departure of Councilman Doug Barry, who moved to Washington, D.C., at the end of May.

Because Barry resigned within 240 days until the next election, the council will appoint a temporary replacement instead of holding a special election. The council will select an applicant who is not interested in running for the full term in November. That decision was made to avoid controversy, according to Mayor Williams.

Candidate Donna Victoria, a community activist and political pollster who has lived in Ward 6 for more than 10 years, assured the council that her aspirations to replace Barry would only extend as far as the city election in November and that, as a longtime ward activist and resident, she would be the ideal choice for the interim post.

Candidate Barrie Lee Howard, who has lived in the ward for almost two years, cited his experiences working in a number of administrative and managerial positions as his major strengths. While he acknowledged his relative lack of experience compared to Victoria, Howard said he is inspired to take a bigger role in the community in light of the many important issues that impact ward 6.

"Either one of them would be a fine representative for Ward 6," said Councilwoman Colleen Clay (Ward 2) during a break in the council meeting.

Howard and Victoria are the only applicants for the position so far. The council will appoint Barry's successor next week.