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 →Housing Affordability and Business Development Lead October 21 Agenda
At its Monday, October 21, 2024 meeting, the Rockville Mayor and Council will discuss affordable housing strategies and alignment of priorities with Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI). On the Consent Agenda (items approved without discussion) are the 2025 state legislative priorities, 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:
Affordable Housing Strategies (pages 11+). The City Council discussed new strategies to address Rockville’s housing affordability challenges. Key proposals include creating a dedicated Housing Opportunity Fund (HOF) with stable funding sources, such as fees on short-term rentals and flipped homes, and offering property tax abatements (PILOTs) to encourage affordable housing development. The Council also aims to reduce construction costs by prioritizing affordable housing on public land. However, the plan faces potential funding gaps, with no detailed estimates or timelines for implementation. Additionally, reliance on federal and state partnerships could delay progress if external funding sources are not readily available.
Business Development (33+). The Rockville City Council and the Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) Board will discuss strategies to boost key industries like life sciences, small-scale manufacturing, and green technology. REDI is prioritizing job creation and supporting local businesses, with plans to enhance Rockville’s status as a biotech hub and expand opportunities for small manufacturers. The discussion will also cover how to attract new investments and strengthen the local economy, aligning REDI’s $2.36 million budget to support these goals.
Continue reading →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.
Rent Stabilization, ADUs, and Vape Shop Regulations on July 8 Council Agenda
At its Monday, July 8, 2024 meeting, the Rockville Mayor and Council will receive public comments on the development of Champion Billiards at 900 Rockville Pike (adjacent to Twinbrook) and a process to amend neighborhood conservation districts (affects Lincoln Park). On the Consent Agenda (items approved without discussion) are $250,000 security system repair contract. The Mayor and Council will also consider changing the law on rent stabilization, detached accessory dwelling units, and regulating vape and tobacco shops. The Mayor and Council are now also holding meetings on Thursday mornings; those will rarely be discussed on this blog due to time constraints.
Champion Billiards Planned Development: The City Council will discuss a proposed amendment to the Champion Billiards Planned Development (PD), which aims to allow the development of 4,400 square feet of retail space with ancillary surface parking at 900 Rockville Pike (at Edmonston). This amendment replaces the previously approved plan for a furniture retail store. This particular site has a storied history and has been notoriously difficult to develop (see pages 12-228!). Formerly a gas station, this small parcel of land at the end of a long strip mall has faced numerous challenges due to its size, city easements, stormwater retention requirements, public art obligations, and the necessity to accommodate a sidewalk, bike path, and Bus Rapid Transit. Its location between the Pike (a state highway) and the railroad tracks (Metro) adds further complexity. Additionally, development efforts have been hampered by the adjacent property owner’s resistance to public access through his property, a matter that escalated to the Maryland Court of Special Appeals. Efforts to develop this site have been ongoing since 2006, and it’s remarkable that there is still interest despite the numerous obstacles.
Rent Stabilization: A staff report provides preliminary information on rent stabilization to discuss whether a new policy should be developed (pp 272-328). Incomes have not kept pace with rising rents, and low housing supply exacerbates the problem. The median rent in Rockville is $2,101 per month, requiring an income of $84,040 to afford it, marking a 34% increase since 2010. This rent level is similar to nearby areas like North Bethesda, Silver Spring, and Wheaton. In contrast, Takoma Park has lower rents due to its rent stabilization policy and limited new housing construction. Over 55% of Rockville renters are housing cost-burdened, with over 20% severely burdened, paying more than 50% of their income on housing. Hispanic, mixed-race, and Black households are disproportionately affected.
Detached Accessory Dwelling Units: The proposed change to the Zoning Code would allow detached ADUs in all residential-detached zones (R-400, R-200, R-150, R-90, and R-60)(pp 329-390). These ADUs would be located on the same lot as a single-unit detached dwelling. The amendment includes regulations for setbacks, and footprint and height limitations, with accessory buildings limited to a 750 square foot footprint and a maximum height of 20 feet, typically allowing for a second story. The term “accessory dwelling unit” has been updated to “detached accessory dwelling unit” for clarity and consistency with county, aligning with the previously adopted term “attached accessory dwelling unit.” These changes support the city’s Comprehensive Plan and aim to expand housing availability and affordability within the community.
Regulations for Vape and Tobacco Shops: The Mayor and Council are set to discuss the proposed zoning text amendment to regulate smoke shops, including vape and tobacco stores (pp 390-468). Staff recommends a zone-based regulation approach rather than extensive buffer requirements. Under this proposal, smoke shops would be prohibited in zones that permit retail use near or within residential neighborhoods. Specifically, smoke shops would not be allowed in the Mixed Use Commercial (MXC), Mixed Use Transition (MXT), and Mixed Use Neighborhood Center zones, as well as equivalent zones within Planned Developments (PDs). Permitted zones for smoke shops would include Mixed Use Business (MXB), Mixed Use Commercial Transition (MXCT), Mixed Use Corridor District (MXCD), Mixed Use Employment (MXE), Mixed Use Transit District (MXTD), and the Light Industrial (IL) Zone. This zone-based regulation aims to provide clear and consistent guidelines for the location of smoke shops, avoiding the complications of buffer requirements that could make existing smoke shops nonconforming due to nearby sensitive uses, such as childcare centers. The draft amendment does not include an amortization period for existing businesses to come into compliance with the new regulations.
Coming up on July 29: Rezoning 5906 Halpine Road, murals for Twinbrook and College Gardens, ordinances on vape and tobacco shops, floating zones, and conservation districts.
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 500-page agenda packet are available at https://www.rockvillemd.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07082024-7230.
Rockshire Development and Town Square Management Set for Council Review
At its Monday, May 20, 2024 meeting, the Rockville Mayor and Council will discuss approval of the historical designation for 4 Courthouse Square (1930 Farmer’s Banking and Trust building, the last remaining Art Deco architecture in Rockville)(page 30). On the Consent Agenda (items approved without discussion) are purchase of a utility truck for $283,582; a cooperative agreement with the Chesapeake Bay Trust; bus transportation for recreation programs for $150,000, among others. The Mayor and Council will also receive reports on the development of 2401 Wootton Parkway in Rockshire by EYA Development LLC (272); amending building regulations in Chapter 5 of the City Code to align with international codes (571); the agreement with Morguard to manage Town Square (882); and a multiyear agreement with Rockville Economic Development Inc. (884).
Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) is requesting a multi-year agreement through June 30, 2028. Primarily supported by the City of Rockville, REDI promotes economic development and supports local businesses. In 2025, its proposed budget of $1.4 million includes $983,960 from the City of Rockville. The organization has ten staff members, with Cindy Stewart Rivarde as CEO and is currently chaired by Susan Prince, with Mayor Monique Ashton and Acting City Manager Craig Simoneau serving on the board.
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 905-page agenda packet (more than 90 Mb!) are available at https://www.rockvillemd.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_05202024-7194.
Contradictory Suggestions Challenge Decision-Making Process for City’s FY2025 Budget
At its Monday, March 18, 2024 meeting, the Rockville Mayor and Council will discuss the budget for FY2025, tax rates, and modifying Council rules and procedures. On the Consent Agenda (items approved without discussion) are contracts for engineering and design services, a collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME #1453, and nearly $500,000 in data center and disaster recovery, among others. The Mayor and Council will also hold a worksession on the FY25 revenues, fees, and cost recovery. They are also approving the minutes from the Closed Sessions held on November 9, 2023 and November 15, 2023–long after the requirements of the Maryland Open Meetings Act (“as soon as practicable after a public body meets, it shall have minutes of its session prepared.” § 3-306(b)(1)).
The bulk of the agenda is devoted to the budget for FY2025 and will include a public hearing to collect more comments (p. 770+. The City has received nearly 800 comments from residents and businesses, which identified the top three priorities as community safety, quality neighborhoods, and maintenance of existing infrastructure (receiving about 35-45% of votes). The highest response rate was from the north end of the city (north of West Montgomery between 270 and 355) and lowest were from the east side of the city (east of 355).
Upon reviewing the open comments, it becomes evident that decision-making is a complex process. There are suggestions that fall outside the City’s jurisdiction, such as implementing a Bitcoin standard (a federal issue), improving academics at Twinbrook Elementary School (a school board issue), and prioritizing common sense (whose responsibility is this?). Once these are set aside, a multitude of individual suggestions remain, some of which are in conflict. For instance, while one person suggests increasing pay for police, another proposes eliminating the police department altogether. Similarly, opinions diverge on the addition or removal of bike lanes. With the assistance of ChatGPT, these suggestions seem to cluster around five major issues. However, the ways to address these can also be contradictory, and understandably, no one is keen on increased taxes to fund these initiatives:
- Infrastructure and Environment, such as improving traffic light timings, addressing potholes and street noise, maintaining and improving existing parks, preserving RedGate as green space, increasing preventative maintenance for storm water infrastructure, and promoting environmental sustainability through controlling invasive species and planting more native trees.
- Community Development and Safety, such as reviving the Town Center [didn’t we already do this?], improving safety in neighborhoods and near the Metro station, addressing crime, improving Rockville Pike, adding or removing bike lanes, and ensuring law enforcement is effective and well-funded.
- Housing and Zoning , such as upzoning detached SFH-only zoning areas, discussing housing for asylum seekers, preserving single-family zoning, and increasing residential density in Rockville Town Center.
- Services and Amenities, such as improving water customer service, providing free shuttle buses to key locations, expanding the Latino Youth Development Program, adding a compost service, increasing public art, establishing more dog parks and exercise classes, and providing easily accessible senior services.
- Economic and Business Development, such as supporting local businesses, reducing business turnover, and encouraging businesses to open in the Town Center (TC continues to be a perennial issue—I guess redevelopment in the 1960s didn’t cure it).
I wonder if if the City Council would have better information if they conducted random, in-depth phone interviews with a couple dozen residents, rather than survey of a thousand who decided to participate?
The Council is considering a change in its current Rules and Procedures because of the increase from five to seven members (p. 957). The City Attorney has drafted an amendment for the Council’s consideration, including that an item may only be removed from an agenda with the approval of at least six Council members, otherwise it follows Robert’s Rules of Order (developed by US Army officer Henry Robert in 1876; it is now in its twelfth edition). To add an item to the agenda still requires the request of two or more members.
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 1028-page agenda packet are available at https://www.rockvillemd.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03182024-7139.
Mayor and Council to Consider Major Funding Boost for Climate and Pedestrian Plans
At its Monday, March 4, 2024 meeting, the Rockville Mayor and Council will discuss fees, taxes, and federal earmarks for FY2025. On the Consent Agenda (items approved without discussion) are a water meter easement for 1151 Fortune Terrace. The Mayor and Council will also receive reports on the proposed budget for FY2025.
For FY2025, the City Council will be considering increasing staffing levels by 12 fulltime positions, half of which will be police officers in response to the decrease in support from Montgomery County. Other positions range from transportation engineer and building plan examiner to preschool teacher and board and commissions coordinator. They are also funding efforts to advance the Climate Action Plan ($3.7 M), Vision Zero Action Plan & Pedestrian Master Plan ($10.7 M), Town Center Master Plan, and economic development (primarily $1.4 million for REDI and its efforts to make Rockville a business destination for the life sciences) (page 7+). Capital improvements are expected for parks, including replacement of playground structures, renovating an outdoor pool, implementing the master plan for Red Gate Park, and improvements for the Lincoln Park Community Center, F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, and David Scull Park (some of which will require taking out a loan for $30 M). There seems to be nothing related to housing or other commercial districts (i.e., Rockville Pike). The City Council will be accepting comments at their meetings on March 18 and April 8, or you can make suggestions online at https://www.rockvillemd.gov/951/Budget.
While property tax rates should remain unchanged, utility rates for FY2025 may go up:
- Water and Sewer: 4% or $52.56 annual increase
- Refuse/trash: 6% or $32 annual increase
- Stormwater Management: 4% or $6 increase
Senator Cardin, Senator Van Hollen, and Congressman Raskin have invited Rockville to submit requests for projects for which the City wishes to partner with the Federal government and seek funding support. Congress revived earmarks in FY22 after a decade-long prohibition (pork barrel politics has returned!) (page 57+). Some suggested projects from staff include:
- Inspecting more than 8,000 water lines for lead to ensure safe drinking water.
- Replacing “orangeburg” sewer lines to prevent backups, overflows, and ground contamination.
- Rehabilitate aging water mains and asbestos cement pipes in southeast Rockville (Twinbrook).
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 133-page agenda packet are available at https://www.rockvillemd.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_03042024-7129.
Mayor and Council Gets Update on Proposed 36-Unit Condo in Twinbrook
At its Monday, February 12, 2024 meeting, the Rockville Mayor and Council will receive updates on a proposed 36-unit condominium at 5906 Halpine Road (Twinbrook) and new laws under consideration by the state (particularly Gov. Moore’s proposed Housing Expansion and Affordability Act). On the Consent Agenda (items approved without discussion) are construction of a storage structure ($500,000) and executing an amendment to Rockville Intermodal Access Project for Baltimore Road, among others. The Mayor and Council will also receive an annual report from the Board of Appeals.
On the Consent Agenda, the City Council will be appointing Deputy Director of Community Planning
and Development Services Jenny Snapp as the City of Rockville Representative to the Town
Square Condominium Board, replacing Deputy Director of Public Works James Woods. The staff report provides some insight into the complex ownership and management of Town Square, explaining that it “consists of five blocks, each of which has a condominium association represented by the respective owners of each block. These owners must delegate a representative to the Rockville Town Square Master Condominium Board. The City owns portions of Block 1/2, Block 3A, Block 4 and Block 5. The City’s ownership of Block 1/2, Block 4 and Block 5 is limited to the Parking Garages. The City’s Block 3A ownership includes the Arts and Innovation Center where VisArts is located. Each block’s condominium association has an agreement delegating the management of common areas to Morguard. Several other agreements were established to delegate the management of the Plaza, the private sidewalks, and the Parking Garages to Morguard.” (page 101+)
The City Council will receive a briefing on a request from Pulte Home Company to rezone a property at 5906 Halpine Road (Twinbrook) from R-60 (single unit detached residence) to RF-FZ (residential flexible-floating zone) to permit construction of 36 two-over-two stacked condominiums (page 104+). The “two-over-two stacked” dwelling type consists of 2 two-story townhouses which are stacked one on top of the other to create a four-story building. For comparison, the adjacent Cambridge Walk has 17 townhouses. At a community meeting on May 16, 2023, attendees voiced concerns about protecting of the existing adjacent forest conservation area as well as adequate visitor parking on site. Pulte will brief the Council about the proposal, including a project overview and review schedule and at a future meeting, the Mayor and Council will hold a public hearing and consider rezoning the property, approving the Project Plan, and authorizing waivers to the required side yard setback and layback slope for the project.
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 250-page agenda packet are available at https://www.rockvillemd.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_02122024-7107.
Mayor and Council to Tackle Controversial Rockshire Development
At its Monday, December 18, 2023 meeting, the Rockville Mayor and Council will recognize Mark Pierzchala’s sixteen years of service on the Council and discuss a resolution addressing anti-Arabism, antisemitism, and Islamophobia in Rockville. On the Consent Calendar (items approved without discussion) are vehicle leasing contracts valued at $4.5 million (about 12% of the City’s vehicles are electrified) and approval of the minutes of October 23 and October 30. The Mayor and Council will also receive reports on the revised development plans for Rockshire Village.
EYA Development has requested a revision to the Project Plan for Rockshire Village Center to construct a total of 60 dwelling units, including 31 single unit detached dwellings and 29 townhouses (fifteen
percent of the units or nine townhouses, are proposed to be moderately priced); up to 5,200 square feet of commercial and office use (application initially proposed up to 5,500 square feet); and a neighborhood park at 2401 Wootton Parkway (a vacant 1970s shopping center at Wootton and Hurley, near Wootton High School in the Rockshire and Fallsmead neighborhoods). EYA is also seeking a parking waiver in case the commercial/office building is leased entirely for full-service restaurant use as well as a road code waiver for a private alley. The City has received 56 emails and multiple phone calls from the public requesting information, expressing opposition and support for the project. Full report starting on page 73 of the agenda packet.
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 271-page agenda packet are available at https://www.rockvillemd.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_12182023-7074.
The draft agenda for January 8, 2024 will discuss justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI); update the new Council on City branding; and begin a process for revising Neighborhood Conservation Districts.
Rockville Mayor and Council Set to Approve Tower Oaks Development in Final Meeting for Newton and Feinberg
At its Monday, October 30, 2023 meeting, the Rockville Mayor and Council will approve the Tower Oaks townhouse development, possibly adopt the pedestrian master plan, and discuss the City’s personnel manual and County’s development impact tax. On the Consent Calendar (items approved without discussion) are right-of-way agreements for Joseph Street, reclassifying a private road to a public street with waivers for the Tower Oaks townhouse development, contracts to perform stormwater cleanouts, asphalt-concrete improvements to city parks, for the Linkages-to-Learning program and Senior Nutrition Program, among others. The Mayor and Council will also receive reports on the police department deployment plan (which includes the most recent crime report for Rockville, see figure 1). Strangely, the recent issues with the election are not on the agenda (but I suspect they will be mentioned in Community Forum).
This will be the last Mayor and Council meeting attended by Mayor Bridget Newton and Councilmember Beryl Feinberg because they are not seeking re-election; a reception in their honor will be held at 5:00 pm.
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 320-page agenda packet are available at https://www.rockvillemd.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10302023-7043.
Max for Rockville 