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.