The affordable housing development project at Silver Spring United Methodist Church took a step forward on April 21, 2026.  SSUMC, along with our development partners from Enterprise Community Development and NFP Affordable Housing, held a community meeting to present the project. This was a required step prior to submitting our site plan to the planning department and was a chance for the wider Silver Spring community to hear the many aspects of the plan and ask questions or make comments. The slide presentation from that meeting is available here on the Building Beloved Community website.

The Building Beloved Community Committee continues to work with our development team as the site plan is finalized.  This pre-submission work should be wrapped up by late spring or early summer.

Concurrently, SSUMC received a report from our mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) consultants on how we can replace and upgrade our MEP systems in the sanctuary and office wings, to prepare for when the education wing is demolished for housing project construction. We have initial rough estimates for the cost of the proposed work, and will soon proceed into a design phase.

HOUSING PROJECT TIMELINE

Here are some of the major steps that must be undertaken leading up to the start of housing construction, with approximate timeframes for completion:

  • Spring/Summer 2026 – Apply for preliminary plan of subdivision approval and a zoning “conditional use” under the rules of the Montgomery County FAITH ZTA. The preliminary plan is reviewed by the Development Review Committee.
  • Fall/Winter 2026-2027 – A county hearing examiner will conduct one or more public hearings as needed during the Conditional Use process. The examiner may require changes to the architectural plans.
  • Winter 2026-Summer 2027 – Following the Conditional Use decision, the Preliminary Plan is reviewed by Montgomery County Planning Board and a final plat is approved.
  • Fall 2027 – Finalize all plans for development of the site and for financing of the housing project, and submit applications for permits.
  • Early 2028 – Construction starts

Sign up for BBCC email notifications for the latest news on the SSUMC affordable housing project.