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.
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 Considering New Housing Development Near King Farm
At its Monday, October 18, 2021 meeting, the Rockville Mayor and Council will discuss the construction of 252 townhomes and 118 multi-family units by EYA Development at 16200 Frederick Road (King Buick). On the Consent Calendar (items approved without discussion) are increasing fines for parking violations (mostly increased from $40 to $60), modifying requirements for project plans, and defining demolition (from 100 percent to 50 percent of the floor area of a building), among others. The Mayor and Council will also receive reports on Rockville Economic Development Inc. and on RedGate Park.
More details in the 388-page agenda packet available at https://www.rockvillemd.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_10182021-6381
Max for Rockville 