Not enough time and too few incentives, says the owner of the Apex building in downtown Bethesda — the site where state and county planners want to build the “optimal” station for the western terminus of the $2.2 billion Purple Line.
Planners want to tear down the Apex building, which also houses the Bethesda Regal 10 movie theater, to build the “optimal” Bethesda station, which would allow access to both the Purple Line and Metro’s Red Line, according to county documents.
It would also keep the Capital Crescent Trail in the tunnel for all users.
Purple Line planners have acknowledged the need to sweeten the incentives for the owner to get on board, and that increasing the building’s allowed density after redevelopment won’t be enough. From $5 million to $10 million in public money might be needed to offset the costs related to the owner moving out of the Apex building, according to a county economic analysis.
The owners switched law firms from one that was very good in zoning in DC, but not so much in MoCo, to the current top dog for zoning in MoCo, whose office are right down the street. This may be a new bargaining position, in which case the County has to be prepared to pay up to the incremental extra expense of building the tunnel under an existing structure.
Posted by: Crickey7 | November 12, 2013 at 02:19 PM
Replacing the Apex Building with another building will not allow the CCT to remain in the existing tunnel, but would open enough space to allow a new, second tunnel to be built for the trail. The new tunnel would be under Elm Street and open into Elm Street Park.
http://www.cctrail.org/CCT_News_and_Events.htm
Posted by: Wayne Phyillaier | November 12, 2013 at 06:10 PM
Definitely seems like a negotiating tactic to get more money for allowing the demolition. I wouldn't worry too much about the CCT. However, this is going to mean more money paid out for the Purple Line station and CCT tunnel.
Posted by: Michael H. | November 13, 2013 at 03:44 AM