ARTICLE
Washington Post Letter to the Editor (published May 19, 2017) The May 14 Metro article “Development could threaten pillars of downtown Bethesda” made only passing references to the many reasons businesses come and go. More important, it neglected to mention that the 2017 Bethesda Downtown Plan strives to ensure that Bethesda will stay relevant for the next generation of talent and the businesses that employ them. It also would benefit current and future residents and the restaurants and retail establishments they frequent. The professional and thoughtful planning carefully carried out through the master-plan process is the best chance Bethesda, Montgomery County and our region have to adapt to the changing market and our changing world. The business examples cited in the article were already facing a variety of challenges. The plan, which lays out a strategic vision for the future, should not be misconstrued as the culprit. Georgette “Gigi” Godwin, Rockville The writer is president and chief executive of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce. Ginanne Italiano, Bethesda The writer is president and chief executive of the Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce. See the full response here