Housing Aid, Election Reforms, and Vision Zero on Rockville’s September 8 Agenda
Rockville’s Mayor and Council is returning from its August break facing a packed agenda with decisions that could shape the city’s future for years to come. At the September 8 meeting, three major issues will take center stage: housing affordability and federal funding priorities, a complete overhaul of the city’s election code, and progress on Rockville’s ambitious Vision Zero traffic safety plan. Each of these topics speaks directly to the daily lives of residents and businesses, raising questions about how Rockville grows, governs, and protects its people.
Rockville Council to Hear Public Testimony on Housing Needs and Federal Grant Priorities
The Rockville City Council will hold a public hearing to shape how the city will spend its $263,000 allocation of federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for FY 2027. The grants, distributed through Montgomery County, must be used for projects that benefit low- and moderate-income residents.
In the past, Rockville has used CDBG funding to rehabilitate supportive housing at Jefferson House, upgrade shared recovery housing, replace failing HVAC systems at David Scull Courts, and fund its single-family rehab program. With housing affordability worsening, this year’s hearing carries added weight.
A recent city needs assessment underscores the challenge: nearly half of Rockville residents are renters, and more than half of them are cost-burdened, paying over 30 percent of their income on housing. Median rent has climbed to $2,244 per month, requiring an income of nearly $90,000, while the median home price now tops $681,500. Homeownership rates continue to fall, particularly for younger and first-time buyers.
Continue reading →Rockville Residents Rally Along Rockville Pike in “No Kings” Protest
Today thousands of residents lined Rockville Pike from north to south in a spirited “No Kings” protest, drawing attention to growing concerns about government overreach. The demonstration, marked by homemade signs, upside down crowns, American flags, and spontaneous cheers, brought together neighbors, friends, and families united by a shared sense that President Trump is exceeding his authority.
Support came not only from the sidewalks but also the street—drivers honked in solidarity, though Tesla drivers, notably, were less enthusiastic. The strong turnout and shared energy reflected a deep undercurrent of concern and frustration with the direction of the nation.
The protest evoked memories of a similar moment in Rockville’s history, when then-Mayor Phyllis Marcuccio controversially claimed the title of chief executive—despite the city code reserving that role for the city manager. In that instance, the city council remained silent just as Congress is today, leaving it to residents to voice their objections.
This latest demonstration is a reminder that citizen vigilance remains essential. Elected officials, both national and local, are far too tempted by power. The message from Rockville is clear: no one person should be above the law or the people.
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.
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 →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.
Mayor and Council to Discuss Unsafe Streets in Rockville
At its Monday, January 22, 2024 meeting, the Rockville Mayor and Council will discuss police pension. On the Consent Calendar (items approved without discussion) are contracts for equipment or services related to building construction and repair ($140K); security enhancements to the water treatment plant ($136K), equipment and support for the Data Center ($1.9M); and playground maintenance and repair ($850K), among others. The Mayor and Council will also receive reports on Bus Rapid Transit on MD 355; Environment Commission; Vision Zero; Bikeway and Pedestrian Master Plan; Procurement; and the outreach program for minority, female, disabled, and veteran-owned businesses.
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation has been considering Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) throughout the county, including Viers Mill Road (MD 586) and the Rockville Pike (MD 355) in Rockville, to provide fast and reliable public transportation using dedicated lanes on the busiest streets (Agenda page 5+). In July 2019, the County Council stated they preferred two dedicated lanes in the median (one lane in each direction in the center of the street) for MD 355, however, design has become more complicated for the area near College Parkway. Furthermore, the project will affect Rockville’s Vision Zero, Bikeway, and Rockville Pike plans. To help pay for the project, the County has requested a $1 million contribution from Rockville’s portion of the Montgomery County Transportation Impact Tax.
In July 2020, the Mayor and Council adopted the Vision Zero Action Plan (page 28+). Vision Zero is a multidisciplinary traffic safety program with the overarching goal to wholly eliminate deaths and serious injuries that result from traffic crashes. This program is designed for all roadway users: motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users. This program departs from past roadway safety programs by explicitly rejecting any traffic death or serious injury as acceptable and recognizing that people will often make mistakes while traveling, but mistakes should not result in death or serious injury. A recent study revealed six roads in Rockville as “High Injury Network” segments, which means there have been at least four fatal or serious injuries crashes: Rockville Pike (from Veirs Mill Road to Bouic Avenue); West Montgomery Avenue (from Research Blved to Mannakee Street); Norbeck Road (from First Street to Avery Road); Frederick Road (from Ridgemont Ave to Watkins Pond Blvd); Veirs Mill Road (from Rockville Pike to Twinbrook Parkway); and North Washington Street (from Hungerford to W. Jefferson St.). Unfortunately, most of these highways are controlled by the State of Maryland (N. Washington Street is the only City-maintained roadway among those listed). Time to contact your State Senator and Delegates to light a fire under the State Highway Administration!
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 455-page agenda packet are available at https://www.rockvillemd.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_01222024-7097.
Meanwhile, in the State of Maryland
The 90-day legislative session has begun! Taxes and cost shifts are on the table for the General Assembly session as Gov. Wes Moore (D) and lawmakers look to solve both a structural budget shortfall and massive cuts to transportation projects. In November, legislative budget analysts told the joint Spending Affordability Committee that the state faces a structural gap of $322 million in the coming legislative session. Projections show the gap continuing to grow in fiscal 2026 and 2027 to $376 million and $436 million respectively. More at MarylandMatters.org.
State Delegate Joe Vogel (District 17) is among the seven state lawmakers who are currently running for Congress in either the 3rd or 6th districts, with the primaries fast approaching on May 14.
The FBI arrested Carlos Ayala of Salisbury, a State Board of Elections member, for participating in the January 6 insurrection. He resigned from the Board of Elections on January 11. Ayala was appointed to the state Board of Elections last year by Gov. Wes Moore (D) following a recommendation by the Maryland Republican Party. Looks like they need to do a deeper background check before appointing people to public office.
REI Moving from Rockville to White Flint in April
REI store in Rockville.
REI, the outdoor sports store at the southern edge of Rockville at 1701 Rockville Pike, has announced it’s moving south about 1500 feet to become part of the new Pike & Rose mega-shopping center/experience in White Flint. With the loss of Sports Authority and Hudson Trail Outfitters in recent years, this neighborhood’s remaining sports stores are smaller specialists: Revolution Cycles, Performance Bicycle, and Road Runner Sports. REI has announced the following schedule:
- March 18, 2017: Garage Sale
- April 15: Last day accepting shop work
- April 23: Last day in Rockville
- April 25: Opening at Pike & Rose in White Flint
- April 28-30: Grand opening events
Competition for tenants along the Rockville Pike continues to intensify as the internet becomes a more popular place to shop and customers seek more interesting and engaging experiences. The simple stripmalls that line Rockville Pike will be with us for a while but the richer social environments of Pike & Rose and Rockville Town Square will be more attractive gathering places. JBG‘s efforts around the Twinbrook Metro Station is expected to follow this new model, however, it seems that development has stalled for the last year and doesn’t have sufficient gravity to attract a sustainable customer base (Terano and Galvan, the last major projects, opened in 2015).
How Will County’s Plans for Bus Rapid Transit Affect Rockville?
Bus Rapid Transit corridors for Montgomery County under consideration in 2016.
Plans for a BRT (bus rapid transit) system in Montgomery County will affect Rockville in two ways: Rockville Pike (Clarksburg to Bethesda) and Veirs Mill Road (Rockville to Wheaton). On Wednesday, September 28 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, the Maryland State Highway Administration will hold a public meeting in the cafeteria of the Montgomery County Executive Office Building (EOB), 101 Monroe Street in Rockville. Parking available in the garage underneath the EOB. The meeting will provide information and gather public comments on the alternatives for BRT service between Rockville and Wheaton. The proposed MD 586/Veirs Mill Road BRT Corridor Study extends approximately 6.7 miles from the Rockville Metrorail Station to the Wheaton Metrorail Station in Montgomery County, Maryland. This study also includes the extension of enhanced bus service from the Rockville Metrorail Station, north in mixed traffic along MD 355, an additional 1.5 miles to Montgomery College. There will not be a formal presentation, so you can drop by anytime to learn about the alternatives, operations, environmental impacts, and cost estimates from representatives from both the county and state departments of transportation. A draft of the recently completed Continue reading →
Rockville Pike Traffic Solutions Appear Confusing, but 252′ Width Seems Right
Rockville Planning Commission’s proposal for a 252′-wide ROW for the Rockville Pike. It includes eight lanes for cars, two lanes for Bus Rapid Transit, four lanes for bikes, and two sidewalks for pedestrians along with landscaped medians and left-turn lanes.
On Monday, May 9, the Rockville Mayor and Council will continue its worksession on “Rockville’s Pike Neighborhood Plan.” Along with building heights and pedestrian crossings, traffic congestion is a major controversy and the conversation has become terribly confusing: widening or narrowing the road, keeping or eliminating the access roads, extending adjacent roads, increasing Metro service, and incorporating bus rapid transit (BRT). Some of these solutions are beyond the control of the City (such as Metro service), some benefit one group versus another (such as businesses or nearby residents), and others are so expensive or far in the future that their feasibility is unclear (such as the BRT). What’s become incredibly confusing are Continue reading →
Max for Rockville 