Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
General
Where exactly are you proposing to build this scholar housing?
Our property is located in Bethesda at the corner of Cedar Lane and Cypress Avenue across from the north entrance of the National Institutes of Health.
Can you describe your plans?
Plans call for the development of 31 townhomes for mature and serious graduate scholars working or studying at NIH. The Craftsman-style homes are compatible with local architecture styles in Bethesda. Nine homes will face Cedar Lane, eight will face Cypress Avenue and the remainder will be internal to the property. The community will be built on approximately 45 percent of the acreage, leaving 1.84 acres of green space – including a heavy tree buffer – between the new townhomes and the neighbors. Plans call for attractive landscaping throughout the property.
How will this development enhance the Bethesda community?
This residential development will offer high-quality architecture, a traditional street-front layout, compatible density and a pedestrian-friendly streetscape. This complies with goals outlined in the 1990 Bethesda-Chevy Chase Master Plan to enhance community identity and quality of life in the area.
Who owns the land and who is the developer?
The land with the four existing homes is owned by FAES, a non-profit educational foundation. FAES bought the first lots in 1962 and 1965, respectively. The four homes were acquired in 1985, 1990, 2002 and 2003. Currently, two of these homes are rented to graduate and post-graduate scholars who work and study at NIH. As the developer, FAES has assembled a team of well-regarded architects and engineers to design the site and the housing.
Who is FAES?
The Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences is a non-profit foundation located at the National Institutes of Health. FAES is not a subsidiary of NIH but conducts advanced educational programs for graduate and post-graduate students. FAES also supports activities to promote the productivity and attractiveness of professional life on the NIH campuses. Founded in 1959, FAES programs complement the work of NIH in accomplishing its mission of research and training in the biomedical sciences. Programs of FAES include graduate school courses, laboratory courses, insurance programs, bookstore and cultural enrichment services.
What is the timetable to build this scholar housing?
FAES is currently going through various governmental reviews.
Residents
Who will live here?
The residents of this new development will mostly be graduate scholars working and studying at the National Institute of Health. Residents will most likely be in their mid-to late-20s and early 30s.
How many individuals will live in each townhome?
Each townhome will have bedroom/bath suites and could accommodate five residents who will share common living spaces including the kitchen, living room, garage and laundry areas.
Is this considered affordable housing?
Essentially, yes. The scholars who will be living in this community live on small, fixed grants and/or stipends.
What is the turnover rate for these residents?
Graduate students typically spend a total of 4-6 years on their thesis work, spending most of this time at NIH and the remainder at their 'home university.' On average, these residents may rent these units for one to three years at a time.
Community and Open Space
How much green space will there be after the new homes are built?
The proposed development and parking area only take up 45 percent of the property. The development will include a forest conservation plan, which includes planting additional new trees on the property and in the existing understory.
Transportation, Parking and Impact
What kind of impact will there be on traffic?
Traffic impact will minimal. The townhomes are within a short walk to the North entrance to NIH. Many of these research scholars will work or study at the NIH Clinical Center which is right inside this entrance. There are several continuous shuttle routes throughout the campus and to the Medical Center Metro stop on the Red Line.
Will there be adequate parking for residents?
Yes, each townhome will have garage parking for two cars and a driveway for two additional cars. Internal street parking will also be available.
Does this type of development impact area schools?
No, these homes will not be available to families with children.
Environmental
What environmental improvements are being made?
FAES will preserve 1.3 acres of forested land. Finish materials, appliances and fixtures will be selected with energy conservation and sustainability a priority.
Public Participation
What community outreach has FAES conducted to date?
FAES has met with the neighboring community of Maplewood, the Bethesda Fire Station on Old Georgetown Road and the adjacent Carriage Hills Nursing Home. FAES is hosting an open house to share its plans for the scholar housing with the surrounding community members.
Would FAES be willing to attend my community's HOA meetings to talk about its proposed development plans?
Yes. FAES is willing to meet with community groups at their request.
