So What Is This Area Called North Potomac?

The North Potomac community covers approximately 7 square miles and has more than 25,000 residents. It is located roughly between Darnestown Road and Travilah Road, abutting Darnestown to the north, Rockville to the south, Gaithersburg to the east and Potomac to the west. It is officially recognized by Montgomery County, the state of Maryland and federal governmental entities. 

But a mere 30 years ago, it was sprawling farm and horse country, with single-lane roads, few stores and a lot fewer homes. Today, we have a state-of-the-art library, five great schools, a vibrant retail community, a fire department (with another on the way), scenic natural resources and great parks. 

Despite its hustle and bustle (and traffic) it still has a small-town feel, with women's clubs, welcoming groups for new residents, quiet tree-lined streets and cul-de-sacs. Since 1987, the North Potomac Citizens Association (NPCA) has worked to ensure that the community retains this original character, as it continues to grow and prosper.

Many of NPCA's members have lived in the community "forever" and have raised families here. We have witnessed the growth and development firsthand and have lived through many of the changes, just as you have. However, to stay on top of the issues that most concern the community — sprawling growth, traffic, environmental protection and open space — NPCA has acted as the "eyes, ears and voice" of the community. We monitor these issues and make sure that our interests are communicated to county and state officials.   

For example, this past year NPCA protected North Potomac from the impacts of overdevelopment. We represented the community's interests by advocating for reasonable development in the county/Johns Hopkins plans for Science City. We reduced the overall density and concentrated it in areas away from residences. The final plan, which was approved in May, includes a significant amount of green space and buffer zones, and it protects and preserves the homestead, farmhouse and environmentally sensitive areas.     

Another major priority of the community was having its own recreation and community center. This winter, construction is expected to begin on the North Potomac Community and Recreation Center, and it is slated to open in 2012 adjacent to Big Pines Park on Travilah Road. The recreation center will include a multi-use field, social hall, lounges, gym/exercise room, meeting rooms and art studio space. 

North Potomac is actively involved in Montgomery County. This year NPCA held town hall meetings to share our community's needs and concerns with Montgomery County Council Members and Montgomery County Police Department. NPCA communicates our community's needs and concerns directly to elected officials.

And we want you to join us. 

NPCA is now conducting our fall membership drive. Membership dues are $25 dollar per household to help pay for expenses, such as website hosting costs, association general and liability insurance, town hall and board of director meeting facility use fees, postal box rental, fundraising costs and more. More critical, however, is that each and every membership helps NPCA grow in size. The more households we represent, the stronger our voice becomes with county and state officials.

Visit our website and click on the Join NPCA Now link.