At its Monday, December 9, 2024 meeting, the Rockville Mayor and Council will hold a public hearing on the Town Center Master Plan. On the Consent Agenda (items approved without discussion) are FY2024 Financial Report, contracts for diesel fuel, CDBG funding request, among others. The Mayor and Council will also receive reports on the remodeling of the Rockville Metro Station as part of a worksession on Town Center.

This meeting is an important opportunity for you to stay informed and engaged with the decisions that shape our community.

Key Agenda Items:

Town Center Master Plan public hearing (page 401+). The Rockville Mayor and Council will hold a second public hearing on the updated Town Center Master Plan during their meeting on December 9, 2024. This updated plan, an amendment to the Rockville 2040 Comprehensive Plan, replaces the current Planning Area 1 chapter. It builds on community feedback, research, and the city’s long-term goals to shape a vibrant, equitable, and sustainable Town Center for the future.

Key Themes and Goals of the Plan:

• Housing: Focus on adding 2,000 new residential units by 2040, including affordable and attainable housing.
• Economic Development: Encouraging retail diversity and activating vacant spaces to make the Town Center a hub of activity.
• Transportation: Improving mobility with pedestrian-friendly designs, enhanced bus services, and new wayfinding signage.
• Sustainability and Equity: Promoting green building practices and ensuring that changes support all residents equitably.
• Parks and Recreation: Expanding green spaces and recreational programming for all ages.

The updated plan responds to challenges like increasing competition and evolving market conditions, aiming to make Rockville’s Town Center a local and regional destination. Residents are encouraged to participate in the public hearing to share their thoughts and learn more about the plan’s vision.

Town Center Master Plan work session (768+). This work session will focus on the Town Center Master Plan and the development of the Rockville Metro Station. The session aims to refine and discuss key proposals before finalizing the plan:

• Rockville Metro Station Concept: The Council will review “Concept 1,” which envisions the Metro station as a multi-modal hub and gateway to Rockville. This plan proposes:
  • Up to 1,200 new residential units.
  • Retail and open spaces, including a transit plaza.
  • A pedestrian bridge upgrade to improve safety and connectivity. The previous Council’s ultra-expensive plan to place the Rockville Pike (#355) underground has thankfully been abandoned.
  • Integration with Montgomery County’s planned Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
• Housing Goals: The plan outlines strategies to add 2,000 new residential units by 2040, including affordable housing incentives such as property tax abatements and streamlined approval processes.
• Eliminating Parking Minimums: Updated proposals aim to remove parking requirements citywide within the Town Center area, reducing development costs and supporting transit-oriented growth.
• New Parks and Recreation Spaces: Recommendations include redesigning Promenade Park and creating new public parks to enhance livability and encourage community gatherings.

Community Input

So far, residents and business provided a range of responses to the draft Rockville Town Center Master Plan, highlighting strong support for initiatives like increasing housing density, improving walkability and bike lanes, and adding more green spaces. Many emphasized the need for affordable and accessible parking, while others focused on attracting diverse retail and addressing vacant storefronts. Concerns were raised about the impact of increased density on schools, traffic, and neighborhood character. Suggestions included bold revitalization projects, better integration of public spaces with surrounding neighborhoods, and continued transparency and community engagement in planning.

Next Steps

The Council will finalize discussions during this work session, with adoption of the Town Center Master Plan tentatively scheduled for January 13, 2025

How to Participate:

Attend in Person: The meeting will be held at City Hall, 111 Maryland Avenue (downtown, behind the Maryland District Courthouse). We encourage residents to attend and voice their opinions during Community Forum.

Watch Online: If you can’t make it in person, you can watch the live stream on the city’s website at https://www.rockvillemd.gov/157/Rockville-11.

Submit Comments: You can submit your comments or questions in advance by emailing MayorAndCouncil@RockvilleMD.gov by no later than 10:00 a.m. on the date of the meeting.

Your participation is crucial in shaping the future of our city. Whether you have specific concerns or just want to stay informed, we hope to see you at the meeting.

Stay Connected: For more updates on city council meetings and other local government news, subscribe to this blog. Your contact information is never shared.

Thank you for being an active and engaged member of our community. More details in the 1,107-page agenda packet are available at https://www.rockvillemd.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12092024-7344 (much of it is duplicate pages on Town Center).