This is part of the Montgomery County Planning Board’s (MCPB) proposal to renew parts of the currently overcrowded Rockville Pike.

With the help of the city, county and state governments, the MCPB aims to revamp the Pike into a "tree-lined, walkable, bikeable, lovable and magnificent road connecting a network of urban villages strung along each side," according to The Washington Post.

These villages, similar to the new Rockville Town Center, would center around four metro stations: Shady Grove, Twinbrook, White Flint, and Rockville.

Many students feel strongly both for and against the idea. Some, like senior Jordan Estrada, deem it "controversial," saying, "Sure, it might clear some congestion, but I think it also means people are going to pay more taxes."

Both students and adults are concerned with the current economic situation, which could pose problems that might affect actual action. The Post reports that other problems include the cost, estimated at $300 million for just one area, and its impact on the nearby single family homes.

Several specific aspects appeal to students. For senior Cecilia Rius, "It would be a lot easier to ride our bikes and walk around." As stated in The Post, other aspects of the pike renewal include adding a bike lane, widening the sidewalks, narrowing the through lanes and creating a separate, parallel service lane on each side of the Pike for local traffic and buses.

Builders would concentrate on building up, not out, through the practice called "urban renewal," as there are no height restrictions. In the urban villages, there will be shops, restaurants, and residential areas designed to facilitate economic growth. For Rius, "It will be more fun to walk around than to have to drive from one shopping mall to another."

Some students, such as junior Molly Hoffmaster, dislike the idea. Hoffmaster said, "I think that people like driving, and they will not want to walk more." For her, the issue of congestion also seems exaggerated. "I never really get stuck on Rockville Pike for very long," she said.

Regardless of viewpoint, funding will ultimately drive this decision, and due to the current economic climate, the future of the renewal seems uncertain.