Earlier this year, the Poolesville Planning Commission began a formal and coordinated process of revitalizing and beautifying the community core areas of Fisher Avenue. The Streetscape Design is primarily a graphic document in the form of Streetscape 30% Concept Design Plans (click here). It has been prepared by ARRO Consulting utilizing input from the Master Plan, Planning Commission and residents.

As part of the 30% design submittal, the project introduces new and realigns several crosswalks, creates pedestrian refuges, and extends median islands along Fisher Avenue. Pedestrian circulation would be improved with new streetscape and design elements. Realigned crosswalks and new medians would improve pedestrian safety.

Unique spaces along a driving route can be defined by entrance and exit points (like doors), created by narrowing the path of travel. This can be achieved through sidewalk extensions, or bump‐outs, added to key intersections and strategic locations. Bump‐outs narrow the roadway and cause drivers to slow down and pay more attention to their surroundings. They also create additional space in the pedestrian right‐of‐way (R.O.W.), providing opportunities for plantings, site furnishings, and crosswalks.

Gateways at the entrance points to each end of Fisher Avenue give visitors a sense of arrival and can begin the narration of what the community is all about. A proposed round-a-bout at Fisher Avenue and Wootton Avenue is an opportunity to establish a sense of place for visitors and residents.

The current roadway width allows for the addition of planted central medians. In conjunction with plantings on either side of the road, medians can visually and/or physically narrow the streetscape and encourage drivers to slow down and pay more attention. Crosswalks paved with contrasting colors and raised will also contribute to pedestrian safety by increasing visibility for vehicles.

While these concepts are part of the 30% concept design plan, many concerns were raised by the Planning Commission and consideration will be given to the proposed bump-outs, round-a-bout and mediums as the potential obstacles they may create for large farm equipment, Poolesville Day and snow plowing.

During the last Planning Commission meeting, very few residents turned out to see the presentation. We are asking residents to review and send comments to townhall@poolesvillemd.gov.