Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Rockville council approves conversion of vacant street-level retail into 13 housing units at 198 E. Montgomery Ave.
Summary
The Rockville Mayor and Council unanimously approved a project plan amendment allowing conversion of 13,011 square feet of previously approved street‑level retail into 13 residential units at 198 East Montgomery Avenue; staff and the applicant said permitting and construction work is underway with an expected opening in 2026.
The Rockville Mayor and Council on Sept. 15 approved a project plan amendment to convert 13,011 square feet of previously approved street‑level retail into 13 residential units at 198 East Montgomery Avenue.
The vote came after Planning staff told the council the applicant completed the required project‑plan steps and recommended approval subject to conditions listed in the staff report. Christopher Davis of Community Planning and Development Services told the council staff had no additional presentation and were prepared to answer questions.
Councilmember Angela Fulton moved adoption of the project plan amendment; Councilmember Barry Jackson seconded. The council approved the amendment by voice vote.
Nancy Reglin, counsel for Comstock 33 Monroe (the applicant), said the consultant team was working on permit plans and expected to open the units in 2026 if the site‑plan review proceeds on schedule. City staff said the project will next complete a Level 2 site plan before the Planning Commission and then proceed to permitting, which staff expects to occur in the coming weeks.
The project converts vacant street‑level space that has been empty for some time into housing, a change the council discussed earlier this year as part of efforts to encourage more residential units in Town Center.
Council members asked the applicant and staff to consider soundproofing for future residents given Town Center’s activity. Applicant counsel said the project team intends to move quickly on permit plans and construction after site‑plan approval.
A record of the council motions and staff recommendations will be included in the formal project file with Community Planning and Development Services.
Planning staff and the applicant said they will return to the council and the planning commission with timelines as permits are filed and reviewed.
