Maryland Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Section 5-101

      (a)      For the purpose of carrying out its general plans for the physical development of the metropolitan district, or any part thereof, the Commission may acquire land or other property located within the district for parks, parkways, forests, streets, roads, boulevards, or other public ways, grounds, or spaces, by means of donations, purchases, or condemnation. The Commission may improve and develop land or other property so acquired by it for these purposes and has the control of the maintenance and operation thereof. No general regulation governing these public ways, grounds, or open spaces within either Montgomery or Prince George's County may go into effect unless and until it receives the affirmative vote of at least three members of the Commission from that county.

      (b)      The purposes for which the Commission may acquire lands or other properties, whether by purchase or condemnation, are enlarged to include the purposes of public recreation or the construction of public recreation centers, community buildings, or other public buildings necessary to house the public recreation program or any part thereof.

      (c)      Notwithstanding any power given to the Commission to acquire land or other property, for the purpose of preserving and enhancing the scenic beauty of Rock Creek, the Commission may not construct without the approval of the majority of the members of the Montgomery County Council any new parkway, boulevard, street, or road adjacent to Rock Creek within 1500 feet from the banks of the creek. However, nothing in this section prohibits the construction of any bridge, parkway, boulevard, street, or road necessary to cross the creek.