Transformative Shifts in Industrial Land Use

Soltesz was honored to host Montgomery County Council President Natali Fani-González, the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC), and the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce to announce the Job Creation Project ZTA (ZTA 26-05).

The proposed zoning measure aims to attract major employers in strategic job-creation projects, and strengthen Montgomery County’s economic industries, spur new job creation projects, and strengthen Montgomery County’s economic competitiveness.

ZTA26-05 would establish an expedited and predictable development approval process for projects that either align with strategic industries identified in the County’s Economic Development Strategic Plan or generate at least 200 jobs. Qualifying projects would be guaranteed a Planning Board hearing within 60 days of application acceptance — significantly reducing review timelines and increasing certainty for employers making investment decisions.

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“We must remain laser-focused on attracting new jobs and private-sector investment to the County, and that means evaluating and improving every touch point between county government and businesses,” said Council President and Economic Development Committee Chair Fani-González. “If you want to make significant business investments in Montgomery County to help grow economic opportunities for our residents, we are ready to partner with you to get your project to market faster, cheaper, and more predictably.”

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Remarks were also delivered by Jared Smith, President & CEO of MCEDC, who emphasized the importance of strengthening the County's ability to attract, retain, and grow businesses while expanding economic opportunity.

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“With this legislation, Montgomery County is demonstrating that we are open for business,” said James A. Soltesz, President & CEO of Soltesz. “By expanding the expedited approval process to support the growth of existing companies and attract new businesses, we are cutting months from project timelines and fostering a more predictable, business-friendly environment that drives economic growth and job creation.”

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As a firm that has served Montgomery County for more than 45 years, Soltesz understands how regulatory clarity and coordinated agency review directly impact project delivery and long-term economic success.

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Read the full press release from the Office of Council President Natali Fani-González.

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View the Montgomery County Council News Briefing here.

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Soltesz is proud to announce that the Montgomery County Planning Board has unanimously approved the Sketch Plan, Preliminary Plan Amendment, and Forest Conservation Plan for Viva White Oak, a transformational mixed-use project in eastern Montgomery County. This marks a major milestone for one of the largest development efforts in the County’s history, spanning nearly 280 acres and up to 12.18 million square feet of total development.

Located at the intersection of Cherry Hill Road and FDA Boulevard, Viva White Oak will transform a former industrial site into a vibrant mixed-use community with a blend of commercial, residential, retail, and civic spaces. Designed to bring long-envisioned economic opportunity to the region, the project will also introduce new master-planned roads and over 57 acres of public and common open space.

Construction of the master-planned roads is expected to begin in Mid-2026, with the first phases of residential and commercial development launching later that year. The retail component is targeted to open between 2027 and 2028. Residential offerings will include a mix of rental apartments and for-sale condominium townhouses and two-over-two units.

“Viva White Oak is more than a project—it’s a promise to revitalize and redefine eastern Montgomery County,” said James Soltesz, PE, President and CEO of Soltesz. “We’re honored to be a part of this legacy, partnering with MCB White Oak Developer, LLC, to help bring the vision to life with our planning, civil engineering, and surveying expertise.”

This latest approval is the result of years of collaboration between development teams, County officials, and stakeholders across the region. The project’s design has been refined to meet evolving market demands while maintaining its community-focused goals.

Jyotika Sharma, PE, Vice President and General Manager at Soltesz, added, “This plan reflects years of collaboration and technical refinement. We’re excited to see it move forward and proud of the impact it will have on mobility, housing, and economic opportunities in the County.”

The approved plans also dedicate land for a future co-located public elementary school and park, provide space for a civic green, and improve regional connectivity through major infrastructure investments. Viva White Oak is positioned to become a dynamic gateway and innovation hub anchored by its proximity to the FDA headquarters and Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center.

Stay tuned for more updates as Viva White Oak progresses.

About Soltesz:

Soltesz is a multi-disciplinary engineering firm with expertise in civil engineering, land planning, surveying, and environmental services. For over 45 years, Soltesz has partnered with public and private sector clients across Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia to transform land into thriving communities. With a focus on innovative solutions and community engagement, Soltesz is committed to delivering exceptional results that enhance the communities in which it operates. For more information, visit www.solteszco.com.

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Media contact: Media Manager 301-948-2750, mm@solteszco.com