The next Rockville Mayor and Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 14, 2025 starting at 5:30 p.m. Several agenda items may directly interest residents and businesses, including a proposed development extension on Rockville Pike and new plans for the King Farm Farmstead Park. The meeting also includes updates on international partnerships and community celebrations. Complete agenda available online.
Proclamations and Student Recognitions
What’s on the Agenda
The Mayor and Council will issue several proclamations and recognitions:
- Declaring July 17 as Mattie J. T. Stepanek Peace Day
- Celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act
- Recognizing Park and Recreation Month
- Honoring student achievers from local schools
Why It Matters
These recognitions highlight the community’s values and the achievements of Rockville’s residents. It’s also a chance to show appreciation for local leaders, programs, and youth accomplishments.
Rockville Sister Cities Corporation Presentation
What’s on the Agenda
David Hill, president of the Rockville Sister Cities Corporation (RSSC), will present its annual report, highlighting cultural exchanges with Pinneberg, Germany, and Yilan City, Taiwan. The update includes student visits, community festivals, and international partnerships—as well as growing challenges related to funding, volunteer capacity, and city support. Sister City programs were created in the aftermath of World War II to promote peace through people-to-people diplomacy. But with recent closures of international initiatives like USAID’s local programs and the Fulbright Scholar exchanges, some are asking: could Sister Cities be next?
Why It Matters
These programs build goodwill, cultural understanding, and global connections. They also bring visitors and events to Rockville, enhancing the city’s vibrancy and international profile.
Public Hearing – Extension for 900 Rockville Pike Development
What’s on the Agenda
The Council will hold a public hearing on a request to extend the implementation period for a previously approved development at 900 Rockville Pike—the vacant site formerly known as Champion Billiards. The current plan, approved in 2024, allows for a 4,400-square-foot commercial building with surface parking. The extension would give the developer until 2026 to file a site plan before the approval expires. No changes are proposed to the design or scope of the development—just more time to move forward under existing terms.
Why It Matters
This prominent commercial site has remained vacant for years, highlighting the complexity of developing this property. Extending the timeline keeps development prospects alive, potentially bringing new retail activity, jobs, and tax revenue to the area.
Work Session – King Farm Farmstead Park
What’s on the Agenda
The Council will review community feedback and proposed program concepts for the adaptive reuse of the historic King Farm Farmstead. Based on a year of public outreach, the city and its consultants have developed several options for how the site’s buildings and open space could serve the public. Concepts include cultural events, community gardens, educational programming, wellness and arts spaces, and small-scale recreation. The Council will provide guidance on which option should move forward to a financial feasibility analysis, leading to a final master plan in fall 2025. The City of Rockville acquired the 7-acre site in 1999.
Why It Matters
The Farmstead is a unique public asset with deep roots in Rockville’s history. Revitalizing the site could provide a new gathering space, support historic preservation, and offer creative programming for the community.
The meeting will be broadcast live on Rockville 11 and streamed on the city’s website.
Residents can share their views by speaking at the Community Forum or emailing the Mayor and Council at mayorandcouncil@rockvillemd.gov.
Max for Rockville 