[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6540563,"mediaKeyId","3401993-3595534d18066efe159ac1b6752e3450","parentId",3401993,"title","Developers brief Rockville mayor and council on plan for 147 affordable units at 41 Maryland Avenue","audioSeconds",3605,"startMs",2809000,"endMs",6414000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3401993-3595534d18066efe159ac1b6752e3450&start=2809&end=6414","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3401993-3595534d18066efe159ac1b6752e3450/thumbnail_2809000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6540563/Rockville-City/Montgomery-County/Maryland/Developers-brief-Rockville-mayor-and-council-on-plan-for-147-affordable-units-at-41-Maryland-Avenue","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6540563-0a7a9f1cab5aebb9dc064e65ed6c0cf1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771205259&Signature=VWmuptrfqm5HyZpnAMLgNOaYmi-785czfBkSIzyN0S6bTBLH4MbbB7TLs6dxDspyPzs6dM8lG~70kCS3-RSc38Cr2EfIh-Neixr~-fXKTE19tMYU8avu6KKl2t4oach~HmiET8qZdgCQZv1zKJvPBAmCO6cx5Ty7hc362k8TdiT~QiKLylvTRP9-Z5zD9O4BPHlDiPv2W4ss6nqKjUQdwE8azfy1KCRnXR53DTGwlFwJS05TaXm~99QVvedBJvXjXOu-pcBhQjeE~tre~8ReuKZc-LAornGN7YFm58-N6vzKQD5dIm~4n2IDmQO6JafJEi~OGgnkt0WfmhZmcHOCXA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Rockville","date","2025-05-19T00:00:00Z","article","Developers and city staff on Monday presented a project plan amendment for 41 Maryland Avenue that would replace an existing surface lot with a 12‑story multifamily building containing 147 affordable rental units and request zero on‑site parking.

The briefing, led by Christopher Davis of the Community Planning & Development Services Department and Kirk Salpini of Stratford Capital Group (SCG), asked the mayor and council for preliminary feedback as the application moves through Design Review Committee (DRC) and the Planning Commission before returning to the mayor and council for a public hearing and possible adoption. \"This is a project plan amendment briefing…to introduce this particular project and provide an opportunity for preliminary feedback,\" Davis said.

Why it matters: The proposal would deliver a large number of permanently affordable units in Rockville Town Center and requires changes to the existing planned development for Rockville Center (PDRCI). The applicant requests four primary amendments: increase units to 147, raise the allowable height to 120 feet above the 448‑foot elevation, set required on‑site parking to zero, and modify MPDU covenants to transfer affordability from an adjacent building.

Key details: SCG said the building would be 12 stories and include a mix of studio, one‑, two‑ and three‑bedroom apartments priced for households at roughly 50–80% of area median income. Salpini told the council the team plans 27% open area (above the 15% code minimum), an on‑site lobby and amenities, bike storage and an ADA parking space on Maryland Avenue with direct accessible path of travel. The applicant said nearby structured parking (about 3,400 spaces within two blocks) could serve residents who choose to lease spaces.

MPDUs and covenants: The applicant proposes transferring MPDU units from Boulevard 44 into the new building and to extend affordability terms. Staff and the applicant said the 40 MPDUs at Boulevard 44 originally carried a 30‑year covenant (started when that building opened in 2015) and would be transferred subject to a 99‑year covenant under the new proposal, extending affordability by roughly 83 years beyond the current term.

Questions from council and neighbors: Council members repeatedly pressed the project team on parking and resident access to nearby garages. Sonya Zeragland, representing Comstock (Boulevard 44 owner), said Comstock expects to lease surplus parking to future 41 Maryland residents and that overnight accessible spaces exist in the adjacent garage: \"they have surplus parking, so they are very comfortable that they'll be able to lease to any residents in 41 Maryland,\" Zeragland said. Councilmembers also asked whether transferred MPDU households would be offered relocation options, moving assistance or comparable unit sizes; the applicant said the new MPDUs would be equal to or larger than existing units and that relocation would likely be phased as households move or opt in.

Process and next steps: Staff confirmed the applicant completed a pre‑application meeting (Jan. 21, 2025), a post‑application area meeting and a Planning Commission briefing (May 14). The applicant has a DRC meeting scheduled for May 29. The next formal steps are DRC review, a Planning Commission recommendation, and then a mayor and council public hearing and possible action. Salpini told the council entitlements are necessary to secure financing and start construction; completion timing was described variably as 2028–2029 depending on entitlement and financing timing.

Outstanding issues and community concerns: Council members and the applicant discussed the narrow lot geometry (about 82 feet wide), tradeoffs between structured parking costs and affordable housing economics, the addition of a pickup/drop‑off space and an enhanced ADA curb cut on Maryland Avenue, and community requests (including removal of confronting balconies after outreach to Victoria Condominium residents). Several council members asked staff for additional information on parking utilization data, tenant relocation logistics and how MPDU rent levels would compare for relocated households.

What comes next: Staff will consolidate the written feedback from this briefing, the Planning Commission and public comments; the project will return to the Planning Commission for a formal recommendation and then to the mayor and council for hearings and potential approval. The applicant and staff said they will provide more detailed parking, MPDU and relocation plans as the review proceeds.

Ending: The mayor and council thanked the team for the presentation and said they will track the project through DRC and subsequent hearings; staff indicated they will follow up with additional data on parking utilization, MPDU terms and draft relocation protocols.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Rockville - Mayor and Council Meeting - May 19, 2025 (Meeting No. 14-25) - May 19, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Developers and city staff on Monday presented a project plan amendment for 41 Maryland Avenue that would replace a surface lot with a 12‑story building containing 147 affordable rental units and would seek a waiver for on‑site parking, an increase in allowable height and the transfer of MPDU covenants.","taxTitle","Rockville City, Montgomery County, Maryland","taxId",9268,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6540553,"Rockville staff propose changes to emergency rental assistance; council asks for refinements and an interim budget boost",2144,4850000,6994000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3401993-3595534d18066efe159ac1b6752e3450&start=4850&end=6994","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3401993-3595534d18066efe159ac1b6752e3450/thumbnail_4850000.jpg","/articles/6540553/Rockville-City/Montgomery-County/Maryland/Rockville-staff-propose-changes-to-emergency-rental-assistance-council-asks-for-refinements-and-an-interim-budget-boost","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6540553-e8a56c363ed220320eade4068cf61f7b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771205259&Signature=Ob0-C2oNm2zMr2TYv-L4oRqjMDkZrTbZwJClpXVKDQ54TWskwmcuixu~9ZMOJ5hwqe-zJUdu6I2jCKEcBQKDkyuI7rRCEk~SmongbPsU0N7m3Wt9lIk61ZbuiE0tu7NZVCZ8nSK5xQRyiR1JAoaTJ9i4L5sHK-s-XVnBlVswpmbjPJhVYpZ0qV4izBrkgG~WrBABCZNGkm0sd-W9BQgPcjA3Yj0YP3B-qfbaplLcpf6Jt-sMJRAMMPcmr483-RMCrRfBuhATbn-iepGACTC78hF0NgY7-~V6GBjbVVcgh-TLOeL1i-Y65S84cZoJsDlbhSwA5oVykVqAE8PgAJdaKQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City housing staff presented proposed design changes to the Rockville Emergency Assistance Program (REAP) and sought mayor and council feedback on eligibility, assistance limits and new allowable expenses as demand for emergency assistance rises.

Staff presentation and rationale: Jane Lyons Raider and Tawanna Seigler King of the Department of Housing and Community Development told the council REAP responds to short‑term financial crises to prevent homelessness and stabilize households. Staff proposed several changes to reflect increased demand since county COVID funds were exhausted and to better prioritize limited city funds. \"We are interested in setting an asset level maximum,\" Lyons Raider said, explaining staff recommends a $10,000 liquid‑asset limit (checking/savings) to prioritize households with the greatest need.

Proposed program changes summarized by staff:
- Set a $10,000 maximum for liquid assets for program eligibility; exclude retirement accounts from that test.
- Add an 80% Area Median Income (AMI) eligibility cap for applicants (staff presented 80% AMI as an option but sought council direction).
- Increase maximum rental assistance from $2,000 to $3,000 and set an overall program cap of $4,000 per household in a 12‑month period to allow layering of rent, utilities and other assistance without unlimited payouts.
- Add childcare as a covered expense (staff proposed a $2,000 cap); remove funeral expenses from the REAP menu because requests typically exceed what the program can provide.
- Add new allowable expenses with administrative approvals: security deposits (proposed $2,000), moving costs and short‑term hotel stays (proposed $150/night up to $3,000 total in unique circumstances), and guarantor fees (staff noted a figure of $18,000 in the presentation as an upper parameter to cover typical guarantor fees as researched).

Budget and demand: Staff said the FY26 budget included $145,850 for REAP and recommended a summer budget amendment to add $100,000 (bringing the program to $245,850), which at a $4,000 per household cap would cover a minimum of about 61 households but in practice would serve many more because most awards fall below the maximums.

Council response and direction: Council members broadly supported raising rental assistance, adding childcare and setting a liquid‑asset threshold. Several council members opposed adopting an 80% AMI limit at this time and asked staff to track how many applicants would be excluded by such a cap before deciding to implement it (multiple members noted concerns about current federal workforce layoffs, health care costs and Medicaid changes that could suddenly increase need). Several members suggested increasing the small prescription assistance cap (currently $300) and asked staff to consider a modest increase (a few members proposed doubling it to $600) to cover urgent medicine/deductibles. Council also emphasized navigation and outreach improvements: integrate partners (county, nonprofits), provide clearer routing at eviction court and strengthen follow‑through and case management to reduce staff burnout.

Next steps and staff commitments: Staff will implement program design updates and return with materials to partner organizations; they will bring forward a $100,000 summer budget amendment to boost REAP funds. Staff agreed to track metrics including how many applicants would be excluded by an 80% AMI cap and to return to council with data and an administrative implementation timeline. Councilmembers also requested staff explore mortgage assistance options as part of the broader emergency assistance discussion.

Ending: The mayor and council directed staff to proceed with the proposed program updates (except the AMI cap, which council asked staff to analyze further) and to submit a budget amendment this summer; staff said they would cross‑train staff for navigation services and circulate additional data on projected demand and program outcomes.
","City housing staff proposed a package of changes to Rockville’s Emergency Assistance Program (REAP) — including a $10,000 liquid‑asset eligibility cap, raising rental assistance to $3,000, adding childcare and a $4,000 overall 12‑month cap — and the mayor and council gave preliminary support while asking staff to refine the approach and bring a $100,000 summer budget amendment.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6540558,"Rockville council authorizes zoning text amendment to regulate standard cannabis dispensaries; vote includes one recorded no",1622,6393000,8015000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3401993-3595534d18066efe159ac1b6752e3450&start=6393&end=8015","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3401993-3595534d18066efe159ac1b6752e3450/thumbnail_6393000.jpg","/articles/6540558/Rockville-City/Montgomery-County/Maryland/Rockville-council-authorizes-zoning-text-amendment-to-regulate-standard-cannabis-dispensaries-vote-includes-one-recorded-no","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6540558-1ccab1af75c75ad5476551efe00f62e2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771205259&Signature=k4ENe9mghfkpJ5DSX~tpTPFlBgUXr0d3e-lUDfaErUz0ulWYvDEhCxi~ENQuyj-uSpCf7FsXtzqePTrWar~sO8Gh93akWk6zb0ObUUfpyPAN1-5e0-C-JRGAv5AlzWORoifGv-LTrR1D6d4rrkf1-Kk~UygbLqx0Li23xFCAGSq0~wFd7Fx6OhGf00~rBCvnLBB6QFVBSKyqVBaUHUFumrZvB6gkq81VcM808VA9ms5kSh1Uv8VgnQN~m0MRgDj2QKT80krQMQlUgrNHL9rj~nNEo0se88erR68Pw3vUEPz~GZ3m56eLKrtZ194oJVPw~LGMZIaVprivLMoh~RbQUQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Rockville city staff recommended and the mayor and council authorized a zoning text amendment (ZTA) to add \"cannabis dispensary\" as a listed use, apply separation distances allowed by recent state law and to prohibit on‑site consumption at dispensaries.

The staff briefing explained that Maryland initially preempted localities from stricter regulation of standard (adult‑use) dispensaries, but later legislative changes restored local authority to adopt certain separation distances and to ban on‑site consumption. City staff recommended a ZTA that mirrors the state menu of options — including a 500‑foot buffer from sensitive uses (schools, childcare centers, parks, places of worship and rec centers), a 1,000‑foot buffer between dispensaries (with an option to expand up to a half‑mile if adopted by July 1) and a 100‑foot separation from areas zoned exclusively residential — and to use the authority to prohibit on‑site consumption.

Why it mattered: The 2023–2025 state changes created a narrow window for municipalities to adopt the larger half‑mile buffer for dispensaries (a July 1 deadline) and allowed cities to restrict on‑site consumption. Staff recommended adding the use and adopting the separation distances allowed by the state but warned that extending the half‑mile buffer would also apply to retail alcoholic‑beverage sales and could significantly affect existing businesses.

Council action: Councilmember Valeri moved to authorize filing the zoning text amendment as staff recommended; Councilmember Fulton seconded. The motion passed; Councilmember Miles recorded a dissenting vote. The transcript records the motion, second and that \"Nays: Council member Miles is a nay,\" but does not list a full roll‑call tally in the public remarks.

Staff note and next steps: Staff prepared a draft ZTA mirroring state provisions and indicated the mayor and council would have subsequent opportunities to refine content before final adoption. If the mayor and council wanted the larger half‑mile buffer to apply to dispensaries, staff advised the body a July 1 deadline applied and that the city would also have to apply the same separation to retail alcoholic‑beverage establishments.

Ending: The council directed staff to proceed with the filing of the ZTA that lists cannabis dispensary as a use and includes the separation distances permitted by state law and a prohibition on on‑site consumption; staff will bring the proposed ordinance through the ordinary public hearing and adoption process.","After a staff presentation on state law changes, the mayor and council authorized a zoning text amendment to list cannabis dispensaries and adopt the separation distances permitted by state law while prohibiting on‑site cannabis consumption; Councilmember Miles recorded a 'nay.'",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6540548,"Rockville hires consultant, begins broad election‑code review; council asks for options on districts, term limits and voting rules",1878,7626000,9504000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3401993-3595534d18066efe159ac1b6752e3450&start=7626&end=9504","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3401993-3595534d18066efe159ac1b6752e3450/thumbnail_7626000.jpg","/articles/6540548/Rockville-City/Montgomery-County/Maryland/Rockville-hires-consultant-begins-broad-electioncode-review-council-asks-for-options-on-districts-term-limits-and-voting-rules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6540548-968504cec6d3ec13baa19366fb064b1f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771205259&Signature=SVuX8CEvfH6pNqvh17WuzwaJNM91Gx0vpF2i5Ll6IJCHXBj7vaJEIDRNlQ4cOZOoNQcZwB6NsqoEIbl9Nmr-aC1H0feg5oT3qcjmGBhBKqRwUYLiIaONez~BgoI2RPegQe9TtnVaCY931AXly7wm81pR7j3VHDzbYE4Ms2w1FFOrnTIaHyZvWXio~F6MqzFhWyrdH2-0rev4~DB3kNMff8O9n8S4wtxnxQXUUwezA1I9rthzcV7OgaOVNWOVvkk~hpDCLSbWHFYPea~d1yg~p2VUuyiUYhQTMO4mGDDB5q5o8ki-Xqq~~O~u5n4G-xxMSZ73Mzl3c~HvAIotwcqGzA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The mayor and council held the first of a series of work sessions on municipal election reform and directed staff and an outside consultant to return with options on several high‑level policy questions including voting age, term limits, representative districts and ranked‑choice voting.

Consultant and background: The city selected the Gantt Group to assist with a comprehensive review after staff summarized prior Charter Review Commission and Board of Supervisors of Elections (BSC) reports dating to 2012 and 2020. Consultant Jason Gantt said the engagement will cover election law definitions, campaign finance, election procedures (ballot handling, drop boxes, cybersecurity), the role and authority of the BSC, and the four advisory ballot measures that the prior council put before voters in 2023.

Council priorities and concerns: Councilmembers repeatedly asked staff and the consultant to prioritize fixes that will prevent the operational problems seen in the 2023 election (ballot delivery and tracking issues, outreach gaps, and ambiguity about candidate and committee rules). Several councilmembers pressed for clearer enforcement rules, faster responses to complaints, stronger public transparency for campaign finance reporting and better voter outreach and accessibility (including 508/screen‑reader compliance for candidate materials and expansion of drop‑box locations such as the swim center).

Specific items council asked staff to return with options on:
- Voting age: permit 16– and 17‑year‑old resident voting for municipal elections (councilmembers split; some favored exploring it and others opposed).
- Term limits: several members supported exploring limits (examples discussed included three or four consecutive terms); some members asked for staggered terms to avoid mass simultaneous turnover.
- Representative districts vs. at‑large seats: some councilmembers want an exploration of district‑based seats to improve geographic representation; others raised concerns about small‑district effects and implementation complexity.
- Ranked‑choice voting: councilmembers expressed interest in exploring ranked‑choice voting but some noted procedural and software costs and the need for voter education.

Other recurring topics: councilmembers urged (1) clearer definitions for \"campaign materials\" (to cover digital ads, robocalls and text messaging and their disclaimers), (2) faster resolution timelines for alleged campaign violations so enforcement can affect an active campaign, (3) discussion of contribution limits and public financing models (some councilmembers supported pilot public‑financing ideas or small democracy vouchers), and (4) improved election worker protections and accessibility for voters with disabilities.

Process and next steps: Gantt will conduct public outreach and return in June with options and proposals; a final report and recommended ordinance rewrites are expected in July. Staff also said they will begin evaluating procurement needs to secure legal and technical help for any comprehensive Code rewrite so council direction can be implemented before the next city election cycle.

Ending: The council gave staff and the consultant direction to come back with concrete policy options, and multiple councilmembers asked staff to prepare drafts and cost estimates for public financing, ballot‑order alternatives, and how to harden ballot tracking and drop‑box procedures.","The council launched a wide review of city election laws and procedures with an outside consultant. Councilmembers flagged campaign finance transparency, ballot tracking, drop‑box placement, ADA accessibility, and enforcement; staff will return with options on 16‑ and 17‑year voting, term limits, representative districts and ranked‑choice voting.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Developers brief Rockville mayor and council on plan for 147 affordable units at 41 Maryland Avenue

Rockville staff propose changes to emergency rental assistance; council asks for refinements and an interim budget boost

Rockville council authorizes zoning text amendment to regulate standard cannabis dispensaries; vote includes one recorded no

Rockville hires consultant, begins broad election‑code review; council asks for options on districts, term limits and voting rules