Rockville · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Rockville public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Scarborough Square affordable housing subordination agreement
A subordination agreement with NeighborWorks Capital supports financing related to the Scarborough Square Townhomes and Apartments, preserving affordable housing.
Twinbrook Place affordable housing agreements
The City Council is set to consider deploying a Housing Opportunity Fund tied to the Twinbrook Place project at its November 9 meeting. Staff will bring context on the proposal, and the Mayor wants to know whether a pilot program is included.
REDI and Rockville's economic development strategy
Community survey results for the Economic Development Strategic Plan are expected in time for the December 7 meeting; results of the REDI business survey are still being tracked down.
Public Land Disposition and Affordable Housing Co-Location
Rockville doesn't have much land to sell, and Mayor Ashton wants the city to consider actively buying land to support affordable housing. The City Manager says it's a good tool to keep available, possibly through a formal policy.
Shady Grove Metro Station Annexation (ANX2023-00147)
The council adopted the annexation plan for about 66.4 acres of WMATA and CSX land around the Shady Grove Metro station, setting a November 16 public hearing. Bringing the station into the city is expected to unlock high-density, transit-oriented development, housing, and jobs — though police service costs previously gave the council pause.
Redevelopment of Research Boulevard office properties
Pulte's 198-home plan replaces a half-vacant office building with for-sale housing next to the Research Row retail area. It adds 30 affordable units but highlights a gap: no grocery or pharmacy nearby, and thin weekend bus service.
Future of 200 Monroe Street
A property at 200 Monroe Street is slated for demolition, and the commission took the first step toward possibly protecting it by recommending an evaluation of its historic significance. If designated, demolition plans could face historic review.
Sheraton hotel conversion to affordable multifamily housing
The King Farm Sheraton would go from 155 hotel rooms to 143 apartments for people earning less than 80% of area median income, plus 12 short-stay units. Hotel occupancy has dropped to about 50% since COVID, and the developer says the site's impact won't exceed what the hotel generated at full occupancy. Final approval rests with the Mayor and Council.
Tower Oaks / former poor farm parcel rezoning (Planning Area 12)
The 9.75-acre parcel next to New Mark Commons was slated for RMD-25 (about 243 units). Residents pushed for RMD-10, citing school-bus safety, wetlands, wildlife, and a possible historic cemetery of former poor farm burials. A council majority is leaning toward RMD-15 with Don Mills Court closed to through traffic.
Landlord-tenant code adoption
After multiple work sessions and community engagement, the landlord-tenant code is finally ready for council action. It's been a long time coming and shapes rental housing rules for tenants and landlords citywide.