MoCoCool: An Eternal Dance and Beloved Pets
The historic Rockville Cemetery along Baltimore Road is one of our favorite spots to walk our dog. It’s often peaceful, with shady trees offering a cool retreat, and the names on the headstones serving as reminders of the many streets and places named after families who lived here for generations. The variety of headstones and memorials, spanning more than 250 years (yes, two hundred and fifty years!), adds to the charm and history of the area. And now, there are a couple of new additions that are well worth a visit.
In the new lower section of the cemetery, you’ll find a stunning granite sculpture of a dancing couple. This extraordinary memorial honors Phyllis and James Head, forever captured in an eternal dance with each other. Nearby, be sure to check out the heart-shaped headstone for Columba Hernandez de Diaz, which even includes a special marker for her beloved pets!
Rockville Cemetery, one of our community’s oldest burial grounds, is nestled along a picturesque portion of Baltimore Road in the Twinbrook neighborhood of Rockville, adjacent to the Rockville Civic Center. This historic site is divided into two distinct sections: the upper, western part and the lower, eastern part, separated by age, a stream, and a striking change in elevation. With gravestones dating back to 1752 and continuing to the present day, the cemetery showcases a blend of a classic 19th-century rural cemetery and a mid-20th-century lawn-style cemetery. The entire property holds the distinction of being a designated Rockville Historic District, preserving its rich history for generations to come.
Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a peaceful place to stroll, Rockville Cemetery offers a unique glimpse into the past and some truly beautiful monuments.
Rockville Council Agenda Includes Major Forest Preservation Updates and Transportation Achievements
There’s something for everyone at the Monday, August 5, 2024 meeting of the Rockville Mayor and Council. They will discuss amendments to the Forest and Tree Preservation Ordinance; rezoning of 5906 Halpine Road to permit construction of residential units (with a floating zone amendment); a budget amendment; authorizing the sale of $27 million in bonds to fund capital improvements; and an acknowledgement of the lack of proper notice for the May 4, 2024 meeting. On the Consent Agenda (items approved without discussion) are subaward agreements, license agreements, a public art project in Town Center, MPDU Program Agreement for the Flats at Northside, and July 8 minutes approval (which was marked as having “explicit language”; I’ll have to see what that was about). The Mayor and Council will also receive reports on Vision Zero and from the Transportation and Mobility Commission.
In March 2023, Rockville’s Traffic and Transportation Commission was renamed the Transportation and Mobility Commission (TMC) with a broader focus on all transportation modes (p. 17+). The TMC provides guidance to the Mayor and Council on multimodal transportation, emphasizing economic development, sustainability, social activity, equity, and resilience. They’ve recommended budget priorities, intersection safety improvements, and updates to transportation plans. For 2024, they will focus on zoning ordinance recommendations, intersection improvements, and public communication. The TMC is committed to building an inclusive, equitable, and accessible transportation system for all Rockville residents.
Rockville’s new Asphalt Art Project, funded by a $25,000 Bloomberg Philanthropies grant and an additional $15,000 from the city, aims to beautify Beall Avenue in the Town Center (187+). Set to start after summer roadway improvements, the project will feature artistic designs painted on the road surface between North Washington Street and Gibbs Street. The selected artists, Chalk Riot, will incorporate community survey results into their designs, highlighting local flora, fauna, and historical elements. The project not only aims to enhance aesthetic appeal but also to improve pedestrian safety and foster community pride. Completion is expected by late 2024.
A public hearing will be held regarding proposed amendments to Chapter 10.5 of the City Code, the Forest and Tree Preservation Ordinance, to align with Maryland Senate Bill 526 and enhance local forestry practices (243+). These changes aim to increase tree canopy and streamline the ordinance’s administration. Key amendments include higher reforestation rates, expanded priority retention areas, and new public notice requirements for forest conservation plans. Additional updates involve improving the replacement standards for significant trees and expanding the use of fee-in-lieu funds for street tree plantings. The amendments support Rockville’s commitment to environmental stewardship and urban canopy preservation, promoting a greener, more resilient community.
In addition to need to align with state law, there are concerns about using non-native tree species in city planting projects. The Forest and Tree Preservation Ordinance currently prioritizes native trees for reforestation and afforestation, but staff flexibility allows for the use of non-native species when urban conditions necessitate. While native trees support local biodiversity and are well-adapted to the environment, they can present challenges in urban settings, such as maintenance issues and susceptibility to pests. Non-native trees are often better suited for urban conditions. If you have thoughts, share your thoughts for this public hearing in person or by email (see below).
The Mayor and Council are conducting hybrid meetings. If you wish to submit comments in writing for Community Forum or Public Hearings, please email the comments to MayorAndCouncil@RockvilleMD.gov by no later than 10:00 a.m. on the date of the meeting.
More details in the 663-page agenda packet are available at https://www.rockvillemd.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_08052024-7248.
Mayor and Council to Discuss City Branding, Revising Ethics Code, and Allowing ADUs
At its Monday, July 29, 2024 meeting, the Rockville Mayor and Council will discuss city branding, a code of ethics, accessory dwelling units, development of 900 Rockville Pike, and regulating tobacco and vape shops. On the Consent Agenda (items approved without discussion) are public artworks for Twinbrook and College Gardens, tree conservation for the swim center, changes to the Youth Commission, and bus stop maintenance services, among others. They will also receive the 2023 annual report of the Cultural Arts Commission.
Following a comprehensive review of community feedback gathered through focus groups, the Mayor and Council will select a logo and tagline as the city’s official brand (page 90+). This recommendation comes after six focus groups of three people each, facilitated by Medium Giant, provided their preferences and perceptions of the community regarding the three final brand logos and taglines. The the newly elected Mayor and Council requested the focus groups to engage the community in the rebranding process. The selection of a definitive brand logo and tagline will mark the culmination of an extensive branding initiative that began in June 2022. The total cost of research, design, and implementation was not reported in the staff report.
The City’s Code of Ethics is being revised to reflect recent changes in Maryland’s ethics law (138). Changes under consideration include prohibiting former City officials or employees from disclosing confidential information; restricting City officials and employees from accepting gifts from entities representing counties and municipalities; modifying financial disclosure requirements; and adding an anti-retaliation provision for those reporting or participating in investigations of potential ethics violations. The Rockville Ethics Commission has reviewed the proposed amendments and upon adoption, chapter 16 of the City Code will be updated and the Financial Disclosure Forms will be revised.
Since at least 2019, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have been discussed as a means to diversify and increase affordable housing options in Rockville (p 161-222). The proposed ordinance, which has been reviewed by the Planning Commission and received lots of public comments, would allow detached ADUs as a conditional use in all residential zones, with regulations on the size, appearance, and parking requirements. It also addresses property ownership, occupancy, and compliance for existing non-compliant units. The Mayor and Council’s approval is needed to move forward with an ordinance, which is slated for presentation on August 5.
The Mayor and Council are conducting hybrid meetings. If you wish to submit comments in writing for Community Forum or Public Hearings, please email the comments to MayorAndCouncil@RockvilleMD.gov by no later than 10:00 a.m. on the date of the meeting.
More details in the 511-page agenda packet are available at https://www.rockvillemd.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07292024-7242.
Mayor and Council to Approve 82-Townhouse Development Despite Environmental and School Capacity Concerns
At its Monday, October 2, 2023 meeting, the Rockville Mayor and Council will discuss permission to build 82 townhouses at 2200 Tower Oaks Boulevard and reduce parking by 18% at 2000 Tower Oaks Boulevard. On the Consent Calendar (items approved without discussion) are increasing funding for stormwater management from $95,000 to $422,000 and appointing David Sklar to the Board of Supervisors of Elections. The Mayor and Council will also receive reports on the Seven Locks Road Diversion Center (aka “county jail”), Financial Advisory Board, and Pedestrian Master Plan.
The Planning Commission, Bicycle Advisory Committee, and Pedestrian Advocacy Committee reviewed and approved the proposed 82-townhouse development, but strangely, the Mayor and Council excluded the Environment Commission and Education Commission. This project will replace about 10,000 sf of forest and with 7,600 sf of “new” forest; is adjacent to a stream; and subject to an existing Forest Conservation Plan (pages 47-8)—aren’t these environmental issues? For those who are concerned about school capacity in the Richard Montgomery Cluster Area, the proposed townhouse development will generate 18 students at the elementary school grade level; 10 students at the middle school level; and 14 students at the high school level (page 44). That means capacity is expected to rise to 99% for Bayard Rustin Elementary School, to 95% for Julius West Middle School, and to 123% for Richard Mongomery High School. By fall 2027, however, “capacity at Richard Montgomery is slated to be adequate due to an approved CIP project that will reassign students among Gaithersburg HS, Richard Montgomery HS, Quince Orchard HS, Thomas S. Wootton HS, and Crown HS.” What’s the purpose of the Education Committee if they aren’t aware of one of the most contentious school issues?
On pages 135-166, the Financial Advisory Board, chaired by Bob Wright, presented its FY2023 Annual report and found no discrepancies in Rockville’s financial reports; had no recommendations on the financial policies (although noted that no policies on donations was needed); found that the investment portfolio declined in value due to rising interest rates; stated that the city staff had done an outstanding job in preparing the annual budget; made three recommendations regarding the Capital Improvements Program; made complex findings and recommendations regarding the 2015 Purchasing Study; reported that the City has spent nearly $6 million on the King Farm Farmstead (and noted that the Mayor and Council do not agree on future uses); and that City is making good progress on including performance measures in the budget.
On pages 167-189, the Pedestrian Master Plan seems to be running ahead of itself and should take a step back. It offers five goals and ten recommendations, but nothing sufficiently specific nor any priorities to help the Mayor and Council know what to do next and why. Strangely, the Traffic and Transportation Department is hoping to propose an ordinance to City Council on October 23 even though the nearly 300 public comments collected since May haven’t been summarized (it doesn’t even close until October 13!). Perhaps they’re trying to get in done in “Walktober” month but it looks like they need to do a lot more research and analysis. For examples, here are pedestrian master plans from Portland and Seattle. Let’s hope the Mayor and Council provides clarity on expectations for a master plan.
October is National Arts and Humanities Month and the Rockville’s Cultural Arts Commission recommends that you celebrate by reading book, putting your child’s art on the fridge, and singing in the car, among others. Alas the expectations are pretty low, so here are five better suggestions from the non-human ChatGPT:
- Visit a Local Museum or Art Gallery: Explore the rich cultural heritage and artistic talent in your community by visiting local museums and art galleries.
- Attend a Workshop or Lecture: Many institutions offer workshops, lectures, or webinars during National Arts and Humanities Month. These can provide a deeper understanding of various art forms and humanities topics.
- Participate in a Community Art Project: Engage with your local community by participating in a collaborative art project or humanities event. This could be a mural painting, a community theater production, or a local history project.
- Read a Book: Celebrate the humanities by reading a book on a topic you’re interested in, such as history, philosophy, or literature. Consider joining a book club to discuss and share insights.
- Support Local Artists and Scholars: Purchase artwork from local artists or attend performances and presentations by local scholars. Your support can help sustain the arts and humanities in your community.
The Mayor and Council are conducting hybrid meetings. If you wish to submit comments in writing for Community Forum or Public Hearings, please email the comments to MayorAndCouncil@RockvilleMD.gov by no later than 10:00 a.m. on the date of the meeting.
More details in the 197-page agenda packet are available at https://www.rockvillemd.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10022023-7016.
Clouded Judgment? Mayor and Council to Discuss Vape Shop Regulations
At its Monday, July 31, 2023 meeting, the Rockville Mayor and Council will discuss a park impact fee for new residential developments, taxes for FY2024, amending the responsibilities of the Cultural Arts Commission, and extending the moratorium on vape shops. On the Consent Calendar (items approved without discussion) are contracts for improvements to the King Farm Farmstead. This regular meeting will be preceded by a Closed Session to discuss the retention of a business (in an unusual move, the public may join the audio conference by phone).
In March 2023, the Mayor and Council adopted a nine-month moratorium on vape shops (businesses that dedicate more than 25% of its floor area to the sale, display, or use of electronic cigarettes; business with less than 25% of floor space dedicated to e-cigarettes are not affected). This moratorium expires on December 27, 2023, so the City is considering whether to adopt new regulations for vape shops or extend the moratorium. There seem to be ten vape and/or tobacco shops located in the city limits, primarily along Hungerford Drive and Rockville Pike (MD 355) along with numerous convenience stores (such as 7-Eleven), grocery stores and other retailers that sell cigarettes and electronic smoking products. Interestingly, the federal government adopted legislation in December 20, 2019 that increased the minimum age of the sale of tobacco products from 18 to 21 years old (somehow at 18 you have enough intelligence to vote, get married, or join the army but not enough smarts to buy a cigarette).
It’s unclear why the moratorium was implemented or what the Council is attempting to control, but if it’s to keep children from smoking, this may be the wrong solution. The staff report reveals that, “most underage vape/e-cigarette users do not purchase vapes from vape shops…Numerous studies show that the majority of underage users purchase or borrow vape pens from friends, purchase them online, or purchase them from convenience stores or grocery stores where age verification may be more lax.” Are e-cigarettes worse for your health than cigarettes, thus require additional regulation? Are national laws so insufficient that Rockville needs its own unique response? Somehow, this reminds me of Footloose. More details starting on page 141.
The Mayor and Council is considering revised responsibilities for the Cultural Arts Commission with troubling consequences for citizen involvement. This change is happening at the behest of the Cultural Arts Commission to promote “inclusivity and cultural richness” but they may not have noticed that the revised responsibilities also disempowers them. As proposed, the Commission will no longer review the budget for the Civic Center (where performing and visual arts are primarily presented in Rockville) nor review the design of all new City-owned cultural facilities. Instead, their primary responsibilities are to advise and make recommendations to the Mayor and Council, not encourage, assist, foster, or work. How often will the Mayor and Council ask for their advice or recommendations? The Commission is becoming more passive, less active. More details starting on page 135.
The Mayor and Council are conducting hybrid meetings. If you wish to submit comments in writing for Community Forum or Public Hearings, please email the comments to MayorAndCouncil@RockvilleMD.gov by no later than 10:00 a.m. on the date of the meeting. More details in the 214-page agenda packet are available at https://www.rockvillemd.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07312023-6977.
Next meeting on August 7 with a presentation by Delegate Joe Vogel and an update on the Rockville Villages Program.
Mayor and Council to Approve Isolated Neighborhood on Tower Oaks Blvd.
At its Monday, April 24, 2023 meeting, the Rockville Mayor and Council will discuss an amendment for a permit to construct 83 townhouses in Tower Oaks and a work session on the 2024 budget. On the Consent Calendar (items approved without discussion) are the installation of solar canopies on two city parking lots, an agreement with the Rockville Baseball Association, contracts to repair pedestrian bridges in city parks, and installation of murals at the Senior Center (artist Katie Giganti) and on the City Hall generator screen (artist Shawn James), among others.
Another isolated neighborhood is under consideration, ironically at the same meeting the Mayor and Council will approve a mural that represents the “City’s commitment to celebrating community connections.” Michael Harris Properties, LLC. has filed a Project Plan Amendment to construct 83 townhome units with a small community green space at 2200 Tower Oaks Boulevard, and to request a parking waiver for the existing office building located at 2000 Tower Oaks Boulevard. It was originally approved as a hotel and a health and recreation facility at 2200 Tower Oaks Boulevard and an office building at 2000 Tower Oaks Boulevard. An isolated forest stand (forest conservation easement), roughly 10,000 sf, is proposed for removal. The replacement forest conservation will be provided through the long-term preservation of additional forested area (~7,600 sf) contiguous to the primary forest conservation easement off the back property boundary, in addition to individual trees planted on the subject property for forest conservation credit (~2,400 sf). The proposed Project Plan will require a finding of adequate public facilities for the change in use to residential townhouse development. For the office building, Michael Harris Properties is requesting a reduction of 115 vehicle parking spaces or an approximately 18% parking reduction from the required 650 vehicle parking spaces. A couple residents have already voiced concerns about several aspects of the project (a very thoughtful letter starts on page 213) and I’ll include my concerns about the continuing fragmentation of Rockville into isolated neighborhoods, in this instance physically separated from any other neighborhood. Seems like the Mayor and Council needs to examine the larger context to see that this is NOT a good location for residential use—there are no connections between this neighborhood and others in the city. How did this get through Planning Commission with hardly any discussion? Looks like they were asleep at the wheel.
More details in the 279-page agenda packet are available at https://www.rockvillemd.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04242023-6882.
Mayor and Council to discuss 350 Multifamily Unit Development in Fallsgrove
At its Monday, November 1, 2021 meeting, the Rockville Mayor and Council will discuss board and commission appointments; water and sewer rates; and construction of 350 multifamily units in Fallsgrove. On the Consent Calendar (items approved without discussion) are no items. The Mayor and Council will also receive reports on cultural arts; bikeway and pedestrian master plans; and the 2022 state legislative priorities.
Key West Center Fallsgrove LLC is requesting permission to building up to 350 multifamily units on an undeveloped property at 1800 Research Boulevard. It is currently zoned for research-and-development offices, but they are requesting a change to residential use, exceed the number of apartments allowed in Fallsgrove, and exceed the building height restrictions. In addition, they are asking to retain the ability to construct an office, if market conditions change (“having their cake and icing, too”). The property is within the Richard Montgomery Cluster Area. According to a 2019 traffic study, the project will “not substantially alter or change the projected and approved vehicular traffic flow movements in and around the subject site.” The Planning Commission had twice approved projects for eight-story office buildings, but nothing was built.
More details in the 226-page agenda packet available at https://www.rockvillemd.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11012021-6394.
Mayor and Council focus Priorities around Development
The Rockville Mayor and Council recently engaged the Novak Consulting Group (who aided in the search for the new city manager) to help refine their list of 23 priorities created in 2016—far too many to get things done. As a result, the Mayor and Council identified the priorities among their priorities, coming up with a list of twelve which are overwhelmingly focused on city planning and development, and may just be wishful thinking: Continue reading →
No Confederate Flags in Rockville, but What About the Statue?
Confederate Soldier Memorial at the Red Brick Courthouse, Rockville.
No Confederate flags fly above any government or business building in Rockville, but what about the Confederate Monument on the grounds of the Red Brick Courthouse in downtown? The United Daughters of the Confederacy erected the statue directly in front of the courthouse “to our heroes of Montgomery Co., Maryland, that we through life may not forget to love the Thin Gray Line,” unveiling it at a dedication ceremony on June 3, 1913 (Jefferson Davis’ birthday) that featured Congressman J. Thomas Heflin of Alabama, who was an outspoken proponent of white supremacy.
Rockville’s and Montgomery County’s sympathies for the Confederacy were strong both during and after the Civil War. Of Montgomery County’s Confederate veterans, three were elected as county commissioners, five as state delegates, two as state senators, three as state’s attorney, and one as mayor of Rockville. Vestiges still survive today. For example, Edward Wootton, whose family name is memorialized on a major street, park, and a high school in Rockville, had fought for the Confederacy. Matthew Fields, the founder of The Sentinel (now the only local newspaper in Rockville), was a vocal supporter of the South, mixing his political vision with a hatred for immigrants, blacks, and Catholics. And of course the Confederate Monument in downtown Rockville.
The Confederate Monument was moved to the side of the courthouse in 1971 into a grove of trees as part of the urban renewal of downtown–but is that sufficient? Perhaps we’re still bound by nostalgia or too ignorant to fully realize the meaning and symbolism that was poured into that bronze soldier, who is forever gazing South. The community still commemorated the arrival of Confederate Generals Jeb Stuart (on his way north to Gettysburg in June 1863) and Jubal Early (on his way south to Washington DC in 1864) during the 2013 Heritage Days. The Beall-Dawson House and Glenview, two historic houses owned by the City of Rockville, barely mention the enslaved men, women, and children who lived and worked there and would have continued into slavery for generations had the Confederacy won. Now that we have African Americans serving on our City Council and as the County Executive, isn’t time to rethink who and what we commemorate in Rockville and Montgomery County? Isn’t time for us to reflect on the full meaning of the Confederate Monument?
Update July 31, 2015
Major postings about the Confederate Monument on other blogs or websites (in alphabetical order):
American Historical Association: All History Is Local: Debating the Fate of a Confederate Soldier Statue in Maryland
Bethesda Magazine: Rockville, Montgomery County Debating What to Do with Confederate Statue and Leggett Says Work Underway to Remove Confederate Statue in Rockville
Congressman Chris Van Hollen: Van Hollen Urges Immediate Removal of Confederate Statue in Rockville
History News Network: What Does Rockville, Maryland’s Confederate Monument Tell Us About the Civil War? About the Nadir? About the Present?
Rockville Nights: Rockville Confederate statue hearing draws a diversity of opinions
Rockville Patch: Group Offers Ideas on What to Do with Confederate Statue
The Sentinel: Man on the street interviews regarding the confederate statue (video); Committee releases report on Rockville Statue; and County can move confederate statue, state says
The Seventh State: Civil War Skirmish in Rockville
WAMU: Should Anything Be Done With The Confederate Monument In Rockville?
Washington Post: Confederate soldier statue in Montgomery spray-painted with ‘black lives matter’
Courthouse Fountain Getting a Facelift
The walkway around the “Spirit of Rockville” fountain at the Red Brick Courthouse is undergoing a facelift, thanks to a recent commission from the Cultural Arts Commission. Artist Diedre Saunder and craftsman Peter Tabri are installing a huge mosaic carpet around the fountain. The colored tendrils are made of smalti (pieces of brightly colored glass) while the field is commercial floor tile broken into random pieces and set in a bed of latex adhesive. They’re about 75% finished and it’s slow back-breaking work, but portions are already grouted so you can get a sense of the final appearance. I expect it’ll be finished in July, but in the meantime, stop by and get a preview.
If this work looks familiar, Diedre and Peter also worked on the snake that envelopes the Elwood Smith Recreation Center as well as the entry wall at the Croydon Creek Nature Center.
Max for Rockville 