The Gaithersburg Planning Commission on June 4 voted unanimously to recommend that the mayor and city council approve zoning map amendment Z9928-2024 and an associated schematic development plan to rezone 481 North Frederick Avenue, 101 Lake Forest Boulevard and 702 Russell Avenue from C-2 General Commercial to the new CD zone.

Staff presented the application as a combined rezoning and schematic development plan — the first CD rezoning under the city's new code — proposing replacement of two existing office buildings with a multifamily rental building that includes ground-floor commercial space at the corner of Lake Forest Boulevard and a new commercial service road. The application record closed May 23, 2025 with 65 exhibits; a joint public hearing was held April 21, 2025.

Laura, a Planning Department staff member, summarized the project and public record, noting the applicant provided additional materials in response to hearing questions. The schematic plan shows a 10-foot shared-use path along Lake Forest Boulevard that staff says will be pulled off the back of curb and separated by a planted strip. The application proposes a new commercial service road that connects the site to 355 and retains the existing office building at 702 Russell with edge improvements.

Traffic, unit mix and retail location: Three late public comments raised traffic concerns; staff said the project's traffic study was approved by the Department of Public Works and concluded study intersections would operate at acceptable levels without mitigation. Commissioners raised questions about downstream intersection impacts and were told Department of Public Works staff worked with the applicant to set the traffic study scope, taking into account planned city improvements and mall redevelopment. Several commissioners pressed for stronger streetscape design along Lake Forest Boulevard and said they will scrutinize the final site plan for building-edge treatment and pedestrian activation.

On unit mix, staff and the applicant said the schematic plan intentionally shows a denser unit mix to avoid future amendments; the final unit mix, including the number of three‑bedroom units, will be determined at final site plan following a market study the applicant plans to complete. Staff also said the city will commission a retail and housing study to inform the land-use element update.

Staff recommendation and outcome: Based on the record, staff recommended the Planning Commission recommend approval of the rezoning and schematic development plan to mayor and council with three conditions. A motion to recommend approval carried unanimously.

Next steps: The mayor and city council will consider the rezoning and schematic development plan together; per staff, both approvals are required for the rezoning to take effect. Final site-plan review, architectural detailing and any required traffic mitigation will be evaluated in subsequent applications and hearings.