Approval Expected for Centex Symphony Park Project in Bethesda

After years of discussion, it appears that Centex Corp.’s plan to build Symphony Park in North Bethesda next to Strathmore Hall might soon move forward, with the Montgomery County Planning Board scheduled to hold a hearing on this proposal on March 15. Centex’s development, which was scaled back from its original plan, would now put 112 townhouses (with 17 being moderately priced units) on 9 acres at the southeast corner of the intersection of Strathmore Avenue and Rockville Pike in North Bethesda (the site of the former American Speech-Language and Hearing Association building). In addition, Centex has donated another 9 acres to public use for outdoor film festivals and shows at Strathmore Hall. As part of this project, sidewalks along Rockville Pike will be widened, and green space will be emphasized throughout the development. Approval of this proposal is expected, and construction could begin as soon as this year.