Council approves rezoning of Standish Place parcels for townhouses; moves project to planning board

The Montgomery County Council voted unanimously on June 17 to approve local map amendment H‑156, reclassifying a set of parcels on Standish Place from Industrial Moderate Zone (IM2.5) to Commercial Residential Neighborhood (CRN) floating zone, as recommended by the hearing examiner.

Hearing examiner Ciccone presented the office's recommendation for approval, saying the project substantially conforms to the 2021 Shady Grove Minor Master Plan’s vision of a mixed‑use, pedestrian‑oriented environment. Ciccone noted the local map amendment sets general height and setback parameters but that specific site layout and design will be addressed at the planning board during the site‑plan review stage. The project applicant is Tri Pointe Homes DC Metro Inc., and approval is conditioned on an executed declaration of covenants with binding elements.

Councilmember Lukey, who urged colleagues to support the project, said the rezoning will bring much‑needed housing in a transit‑oriented part of the district. Lukey moved approval; Councilmember Friedson seconded. The clerk called the roll and recorded unanimous yes votes from all members present.

The council's approval advances the rezoning to the planning board for detailed site‑plan review, where specific building placement, setbacks, and site amenities will be finalized. Ciccone and planning staff said existing office buildings would be converted to townhouses under the floating zone specifications, and the development will be subject to the floating‑zone declaration referenced in the hearing examiner's report.