Discrimination, Economic Hardships, and Mental Health Challenges in Rockville
The Rockville City Council will meet on Monday, February 24, 2025, at 6:30 pm to discuss a Human Services Needs Assessment Report, results from a community survey on human services, budget adjustments for FY 2025, a Zoning Text Amendment to implement changes from the Town Center Master Plan, and amendments to infrastructure contracts totaling $13.2 million for road and sidewalk improvements. A work session on the city’s Electric Vehicle Readiness Plan will explore strategies for expanding EV infrastructure. No public hearings or board appointments are scheduled. The meeting is open to the public.
This meeting is an important opportunity for you to stay informed and engaged with the decisions that shape our community.
Key Agenda Items:
Continue reading →Spring is on the Way in Rock Creek Park!
The calendar may say we’re still in winter, but the first signs of spring are already popping up in Rock Creek Park in the Twinbrook neighborhood! Keep an eye out for clusters of delicate snowdrops (Galanthus) pushing up through the leaf litter along the trail from Linthicum Street into the park—they’re just about ready to bloom. At home, our Lenten Rose (Helleborus) has also started to flower, adding a touch of early color to the garden.
With the recent heavy rains, water levels in Rock Creek have risen, and unfortunately, some trash has washed into the stream. A few storm drains are also clogged with leaves and branches, which can hide potholes, so take extra care when walking or driving near the water (Twinbrook Parkway between Viers Mill and the recreation center is in particularly bad shape).
Enjoy the changing seasons, and if you’re out for a walk, take a moment to appreciate these early signs of spring!
Vacant Spaces, Bold Heights: The Questions Left Unanswered in Rockville’s Big Plan for Downtown
At its Monday, January 27, 2025 meeting, the Rockville Mayor and Council will discuss a Zoning Ordinance Rewrite, addressing comprehensive rezoning. The Mayor and Council will also adopt amendments to the Lincoln Park Neighborhood Conservation District Plan and the Town Center Master Plan. On the Consent Agenda (items approved without discussion) are a contract for electric infrastructure improvements at King Farm Farmstead ($708,856) and approval to purchase a utility truck for city use ($283,582), among others.
This meeting is an important opportunity for you to stay informed and engaged with the decisions that shape our community.
Key Agenda Items:
Continue reading →Shaping Rockville’s Future: Preserving Lincoln Park and Urbanizing Town Center
At its Monday, January 6, 2025 meeting starting at 6:30 pm, the Rockville Mayor and Council will discuss revisions to the Lincoln Park Conservation District and the Town Center Master Plan. On the Consent Agenda (items approved without discussion) is an additional loan of $1.5 million from Montgomery County to RHE Scarborough Square. This meeting is an important opportunity for you to stay informed and engaged with the decisions that shape our community.
Key Agenda Items:
Continue reading →Rockville Council Explores Bold Updates to Downtown
At its Monday, December 16, 2024 meeting, the Rockville Mayor and Council will approve a concept plan for the Rockville Metro Station and hold a second worksession on the Town Center Master Plan. On the Consent Agenda (items approved without discussion) are purchase refuse trucks, approve easements and agreements for public and stormwater improvements, install EV charging stations, construct a sidewalk on Virginia Avenue, execute ADA improvements at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, establish affordable housing agreements for a new development, approve meeting minutes, and extinguish a pedestrian path easement on Hardwicke Place, among others. The next meeting will be held on January 6, 2025.
This meeting is an important opportunity for you to stay informed and engaged with the decisions that shape our community.
Key Agenda Items:
Approval of Concept Plan for Rockville Metro Station (page 238+). This plan envisions the station as an iconic gateway and multi-modal hub, featuring up to 1,200 residential units, retail spaces, public amenities, and improved pedestrian and transit connections. Public feedback has been largely supportive, highlighting desires for higher residential density, enhanced pedestrian safety, and sustainable features like solar canopies. The plan includes a separate pedestrian bridge extension as an add-on project, requiring city-led funding efforts.
Worksession on Town Center Master Plan (287+). This is a follow-up to the worksession on December 9 to discuss four remaining topics. At this meeting, Council will discuss:
- Housing Goals: Increasing the goal for housing units in Town Center from 2,000 to 3,000 by 2040, reflecting current development applications and potential future projects.
- Building Heights: Revising building height allowances to facilitate growth while maintaining community transition zones. Options for increased heights in key areas, with potential bonuses for including affordable housing units, are under discussion.
- Character Areas: Modifications to the planning area’s character zones are proposed, particularly consolidating certain areas along the western edge to simplify development guidelines.
- Transit-Oriented Development: A new “Transit-Oriented Character Area” is recommended along MD-355 to allow higher building heights and promote dense, mixed-use developments near transit hubs.
- Affordable Housing and Green Spaces: Creating incentives for affordable housing and open public spaces, aiming to balance density with livability.
Is Your Neighborhood Missing from City Survey?
Did you know that Twinbrook, one of Rockville’s largest neighborhoods, wasn’t included in the city’s recent Human Services Needs Assessment survey? Surprisingly, much of the southern half of the city was left out, including neighborhoods like Silver Rock, Burgundy Estates, Montrose, North Farm, Congressional Towers, and Woodmont Park. It’s unclear how this oversight happened, but it might be a good opportunity for the City of Rockville to take another look at the map to ensure all our neighborhoods are represented. After all, a strong community starts with listening to every voice!
Council to Review Town Center and Metro Development Plans
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.
Renters’ Rights and Housing Equity: Key Takeaways from Rockville’s Worksession
Housing stability is a cornerstone of a thriving and inclusive community. On November 18, 2024, the Rockville City Council convened a critical worksession to address housing stability—a top priority for city leaders. This third installment in a series of housing-focused sessions followed discussions on supply and subsidy strategies, and emphasized the importance of protecting renters, preserving affordable housing, and ensuring fairness in the city’s housing policies. Here, we outline the key themes, challenges, and opportunities that emerged from the session, offering a comprehensive view for residents and business owners alike.
Tenant Protections Take Center Stage
One of the most pressing topics discussed was the need for stronger tenant protections. Councilmembers widely supported the creation of a Rockville Renter Bill of Rights, a document designed to empower renters by providing clear, accessible information on rental histories, fees, and code violations. The document would also be translated into multiple languages, ensuring inclusivity for Rockville’s diverse community.
Several councilmembers emphasized transparency as a cornerstone of tenant protections. For example, landlords would be required to disclose not only the rent history of individual units but also trends across their properties. Such measures aim to stabilize rent increases through informed decision-making by tenants while fostering accountability among landlords.
Continue reading →Council Seeks Community Input on Budget, Downtown Growth, and Reuse of King Farm
At its Monday, October 28, 2024 meeting, the Rockville Mayor and Council will discuss Fiscal Year 2026 budget, another hearing on the Town Center Master Plan, and a worksession for a master plan on the adaptive re-use of the King Farm Farmstead Park Complex. On the Consent Agenda (items approved without discussion) are funding emergency management facilities, energy-efficient lighting, office upgrades, and electricity supply contracts. Reminder: Council meetings now start at 6:30 pm.
This meeting is an important opportunity for you to stay informed and engaged with the decisions that shape our community.
Continue reading →Affordable Housing and Election Integrity: Residents Share Concerns with Council
The public comments during the Rockville City Council’s Community Forum on October 21, 2024, covered the following major topics:
- Enforcement of Campaign Laws: Several speakers, including Brigitta Mullican, Steven Weiner, and Bridget Newton, emphasized concerns over the enforcement of Rockville’s campaign regulations. They argued that a lack of consistent action on campaign violations could undermine trust in local election laws. These comments called for clearer standards and increased accountability for campaign rule violations. Next steps? The Council could direct the City Attorney to establish clear guidelines for when and how campaign violations will be addressed, possibly creating a review process for the Board of Supervisors of Election to report findings and suggest enforcement actions.
- Rent Stabilization and Housing Affordability: Numerous residents, such as Misha Clive, Grant Sams, and Wendy Murphy, urged the council to prioritize rent stabilization. They discussed the challenges of rising rent costs, particularly for renters on fixed incomes or with lower-wage jobs, and expressed concerns that the current lack of rent caps could displace long-term residents. The call for rent stabilization was framed as a measure to maintain Rockville’s diversity and accessibility. Next steps? At the same meeting, the Council held a work session on housing strategies.
- Election Integrity and Voter Access: Senator Cheryl Kagan provided comments focused on election integrity and reminded the community of available options for casting ballots securely in the upcoming elections. Her remarks aimed to dispel misinformation and highlighted her efforts in sponsoring election-related bills for improved municipal election oversight. Next steps? The Council could enhance outreach efforts to ensure residents understand their voting options and election security measures. Partnering with state or county election boards may provide additional support.
- Traffic and Speed Control on Major Roads: John Becker addressed issues regarding traffic safety, especially along Rockville Pike and East Jefferson Street. He advocated for the installation of speed cameras to enhance safety in residential areas, especially given the planned increases in residential development along these roads. Next steps? The Council could explore the installation of speed cameras or other traffic-calming measures on Rockville Pike, East Jefferson, and Viers Mill Road. A collaboration with the State Highway Administration to address these concerns would ensure safety for both current and future residents.
- Requests for Transparent Campaign Finance Records: There was also a response from council members, including Mayor Monique Ashton and Council Member Adam Van Grack, who clarified that they had not accepted any PAC donations, addressing comments about alleged developer influence on council decisions. Next steps? The Council might consider publishing more detailed campaign finance records or hosting an information session to clarify the council’s stance on developer influence. This could foster greater trust and show commitment to transparency.
These topics reflect a community deeply engaged in matters of governance, housing equity, and transparency.
Continue reading →
Max for Rockville 