Rockville council approves 147‑unit affordable housing project at 41 Maryland Ave with height and parking waivers

The Rockville Mayor and Council on Nov. 17 voted unanimously to approve Project Plan PJT 202523, allowing SCG Development and co‑applicants to build a 12‑story, 147‑unit affordable housing building at 41 Maryland Avenue in Rockville Town Center.

City staff told the council the plan meets required findings for public health, safety and environmental compliance and that the project includes requested waivers for maximum building height and for a reduction in on‑site parking. Chris Davis, planning staff, said the site is about 2.42 acres and that staff found schools, transportation and utilities adequate to serve the development.

Kirk Salpini, director of construction for SCG Development, said the project will deliver ‘‘100% affordable housing’’ across one‑, two‑ and three‑bedroom units targeted to households at roughly 50%–80% of area median income and that the proposal includes a 99‑year affordability covenant for the building’s MPDUs. Nancy Redwood, the applicant’s attorney, told the council staff will work on a transfer plan so eligible Boulevard 44 MPDU residents have priority to select comparable units and receive moving assistance.

During the public hearing, nearby Victoria Condominium residents raised concerns about privacy from balconies, construction dust and vibration, and potential long construction hours. Padam Singh, a Victoria resident, said 83 residents signed a petition objecting to the scale and proximity of the building and requested removal or reduction of balconies facing the Victoria. The applicant responded that the design had been revised to remove balconies from the elevation confronting Victoria and that second‑floor terraces and 35‑plus foot building separation help reduce impacts.

Council members asked about parking, MPDU income bands, and tenant protections. The applicant said residents who currently lease parking at Boulevard 44 would be able to continue to rent at MPDU rates and that moving assistance and at least 120 days’ notice would be provided in alignment with county practice. Staff and the applicant confirmed the MPDUs to be transferred are subject to a 60% AMI covenant if the existing covenant is held; if re‑recorded the city could consider current AMI ranges.

Council moved to waive the layover period and then adopted the resolution approving the project, height waiver and parking reduction; the votes were unanimous. The applicant said it will seek site plan approval next and pursue financing, including LIHTC, with a target construction timeline that could complete the project by 2027 depending on the financing stack.

The council’s action authorizes the project plan, the requested waivers, and the MPDU transfer; the site will return for site plan review and additional conditions through that process.