December 8, 1999

 

 

MEMORANDUM

 

TO:            Planning Commission

 

FROM:  Marian Staye

 

VIA:     Robert Spalding

 

RE:            Review of Master Plan -- Draft Work Plan

 

 

INTRODUCTION:

 

            In accordance with state law, the City is reviewing the 1993 Master Plan.  In addition to the staff review, a number of meetings have been held with boards, commissions, and other groups to identify issues that should be addressed.  This memo summarizes these issues by chapter. 

 

            The Master Plan will be accomplished in two-phases.  The first phase is the review of the Master Plan which will establish the issues that need to be addressed.  This identification will guide the work program.  The second phase is the update or amendment process.  The length of the Update process will depend on the issues that are identified.  The Planning Commission’s discussion will focus on the first phase of the Review and Update of the Master Plan.

 

COMPARISON TO OTHER PLANS AND REGULATIONS:

 

            A variety of documents were reviewed in preparation for Rockville's master plan update.  These were reviewed to learn how other master plans in the county were formatted, their general length, common topics, and graphic treatments etc.  However, it is not the intent to try to mirror other communities' goals or policies in the City of Rockville's master plan document.   In addition, to ensure compliance with state regulations regarding master plans, "Preparing A Comprehensive Plan" was reviewed.  This document was published in 1996 by the Maryland Office of Planning and acts as a general format guide for communities developing master plans. 

 

            Rockville's 1993 Master Plan follows The Maryland Office of Planning's recommendations with a few exceptions.  These exceptions are the lack of chapters on economic development or implementation strategies (including recommendations for streamlined regulations).  Nor does it contain specific bench marks in order to judge how the community is progressing towards its goals. 

 

            The Planning Act of 1992 mandates that a comprehensive or master plan contain "An element which shall contain the planning commission's recommendation for land development regulations to implement the plan and which encourages the following: 

 

1.      Streamlined review of applications for development, including permit review and subdivision plat review within the areas designated for growth in the Plan;

2.      The use of flexible development regulations to promote innovative and cost-saving site design and protect the environment; and

3.      Economic development in areas designated for growth in the plan through innovative techniques; …"

 

Some of these items seem to be implied in the 1993 Plan; however, it may be helpful for them to be explicitly outlined in the update.  In addition, the formation of the Greater Rockville Partnership by the Mayor and Council should be noted in the Master Plan document and that group's role in City-wide economic development should be described.  General economic development goals and recommendations for possible zoning regulation amendments could also be added.  Another important topic that should be included in the master plan under economic development is how to revitalize aging developments.

 

            The following recent master plans for areas within Montgomery County were reviewed for comparison purposes.  These were: 

 

            General Plan Refinement of the Goals & Objectives for Montgomery County

                        (adopted in 1993),

            East Silver Spring Master Plan Public Hearing Draft (1999),

            Takoma Park Master Plan Public Hearing Draft (1999),

            Bethesda Central Business District (CBD) Master Plan (1994),

            North Bethesda/Garrett Park Master Plan (1992, Amended 11/94 & 6/97),

            Friendship Heights Sector Plan (1998).

 

            The General Plan Refinement of the Goals & Objectives for Montgomery County was the most elaborate plan of the group in terms of presentation as it was printed on glossy paper with many color photographs and maps.  In content, it is the most generalized plan that was reviewed and serves as a broad overview of the land use policies for the entire county.  The plan is also noteworthy because it assesses and reaffirms in a streamlined fashion many of the goals and policies of the 1964 "…On Wedges and Corridors" plan.  That plan developed the underlying philosophy for planning and siting growth in Montgomery County and established Rockville as a "corridor city" within the Maryland-Washington, D.C. regional district.  

 

            Specific geographic areas within the County have individualized master plans to implement the general plan.  These plans may contain generalized goals and policies but may also contain sections which have very explicit zoning and land use recommendations as to development options or may recommend particular design elements to be implemented.  The East Silver Spring Master Plan Public Hearing Draft, the Takoma Park Master Plan Public Hearing Draft, Bethesda CBD Master Plan, North Bethesda/Garret Park Master Plan, and the Friendship Heights Sector Plan are examples of individualized master plans.  Most of these plans also closely resemble Rockville's 1993 Master Plan in terms of subject organization although there are slight differences in the layout of the information, goals, policies, and recommendations.  

 

CITY OF ROCKVILLE MASTER PLAN REVIEW PROCESS

 

            During the past two months, staff has been meeting with other department staff and Commissions to identify areas within the 1993 Master Plan which particularly need policy review or revisions to the background material.  In addition, there was a meeting with the public held on November 9 to listen to citizen comments on where changes may be needed to the Master Plan document.  Comments from that meeting are attached.  Additional meetings are planned to receive input from the Town Center Action Team, the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board, the Traffic and Transportation Commission, and the Housing Authority. 

 

            Staff is requesting that the Planning Commission review the 1993 plan and provide general direction as to what areas need to be changed or expanded before the final work plan is adopted.  The following are the general issues that the staff has identified for the Planning Commission to discuss and recommend to the Mayor and Council:

 

            Extent of the revision

            Format

            Additional topics/chapters

            Identify outdated or inconsistent goals, policies, etc.

            Identify potential chapters or areas for possible inclusion

           

            At this point in the process, the discussion is meant to be general in nature but still act as a guide for identifying a work plan and policy areas that members of the Planning Commission believe should be discussed in depth as part of the master plan update process.  Members should identify any information that they feel is needed to further that discussion.  Staff's suggestions for areas that need review or updating are also outlined below for the Commission's review.  A list of accomplishments which have been achieved since the 1993 plan is included for each functional area of the plan.  These accomplishments represent steps taken by the City to implement the goals, policies, and objectives of the Master Plan. 

 

THE EXTENT OF THE REVIEW/REVISION:   

 

            Rockville's 1993 Master Plan outlined general goals, policies and recommendations.  The Plan also identified topics and areas which needed to be studied in greater detail.  Many of the plan's goals, policies, and recommendations appear to be still valid although the Commission may want to review the goals and determine if any should be added.  Relevant goals from the "Imagine Rockville" process also need to be added to the Master Plan.

 

            Complex subject matter for specific geographic areas and land use and zoning recommendations were examined in individual neighborhood plans and adopted into the master plan by reference.  Some of the neighborhood plans and the Rockville Pike Corridor plan were adopted prior to 1993.  Recently, the Bikeway Master Plan and the Environmental Guidelines have been adopted. 

 

            However, the Master Plan itself also could be expanded by examining individual parcels or city sections in detail and making very specific recommendations for those properties or areas.  In addition, the Master Plan could recommend explicit implementation strategies and provide guidelines as to appropriate benchmarks for judging the process for implementation.  The transportation chapter is one area that needs more detail to provide guidance for upcoming transportation related capital improvements and for implementations of a Citywide Transportation Demand Management Program.  "Parks, Recreation, and Open Space" is another chapter that has been identified as needing to be expanded. 

 

            The basic assumptions and recommendations of the 1993 Master Plan are sound; however, it is staff's opinion that an entirely new document is warranted because there are additional details and new issues which should be incorporated into the revised plan. 

 

THE FORMAT/ORGANIZATION FOR THE MASTER PLAN:

 

            The format and chapter subject headings of Rockville's current plan resembles most of the above mentioned plans for areas in Montgomery County, and only minor changes are recommended.  One change would be to add an executive summary at the beginning of the document to highlight the major goals of the plan.  The chapter organization should also be reordered for continuity of topics.  For instance, it would be more logical to place "Urban Growth Areas" later in the document.  Also, the goals, policies, and recommendations should be placed after the main text of the background material for each chapter so that it is easier to follow the logic for the recommendations.

 

            It is not envisioned that the entire master plan document will be rewritten.  Much of the history and background material is still pertinent.  However, many of the population figures, acreage amounts, etc. will need to be updated, as will many of the maps and graphics.  It should be noted that population growth can only be estimated since the year 2000 census data will not be available for this update.  However, we can project population estimates based on the number and types of certificates of occupancy issued since 1993. 

 

 

 

 

MAJOR DISCUSSION POINTS BY CHAPTER: 

 

Introduction:

 

            Chapter One in the current plan contains the "Underlying Planning Principles" for Rockville's Master Plan ­ most of which seem to be still valid.  However, it would be beneficial for Planning Commission members to review those principles to determine which of the principles are most relevant.  The chapter should also be updated to add the State's Smart Growth Initiatives to the planning process.

 

Urban Growth Areas: 

 

            The Planning Commission should review the annexation criteria and confirm that it is still relevant in the second (update) phase.  Parcels in the Urban Growth Area currently located in the County should be reviewed.  Four Montgomery County master plans address properties in the Urban Growth Areas ­ North Bethesda/Garret Park, Potomac Subregion, Shady Grove and Gaithersburg Vicinity, and Upper Rock Creek.  It should be noted that the Potomac and Upper Rock Creek plans are under comprehensive review.  Additionally, the North Bethesda Plan is the subject of a current limited master plan amendment on the Montrose Parkway.

 

Land Use:

 

            The Land Use Chapter is an important part of the Master Plan document because it summarizes the overall land use policy of the City.  In addition, it outlines the types of development which occur within the City and the general land use pattern for that development.  It also provides a summary of existing zones in acreage and identifies "Critical Parcels," within the City that are areas which 1) may not be currently developed in a manner which is totally compatible with adjacent uses or 2) if undeveloped, could have a major impact upon the adjacent neighborhood or City when development occurs.    

 

            An important land use issue for the City is the State's smart growth initiatives and how these apply to Rockville.  This is especially important if the City wishes to retain its sense of community while streamlining certain regulations in order to encourage growth in particular areas.  Furthermore, most likely, there will be state and federal funding implications associated with what is considered accepted smart growth principles. 

 

            In order to adequately review potential land use in Rockville, properties which have not been developed and parcels which are likely to be redeveloped in the future will be evaluated.  Parcels that have development proposals, which either are undergoing the development approval process or have been recently approved with construction pending, also should be noted. 

 

            Currently, the master plan does not have specific land use recommendations for WMATA-owned areas located adjacent to transit stations or the air space above the stations (although there are general recommendations that development should occur near mass transit and be designed to promote access by pedestrians, bicycles and public transportation).  In anticipation of the likely development of the station sites, it would be worthwhile to provide some general guidance for these areas including additional transit- and pedestrian-friendly zoning recommendations.  As part of an overall discussion, it also may be useful to review recent and pending amendments to the zoning regulations to get an understanding of where changes have occurred and if more changes are warranted.

 

            The status of each of the "Critical Parcel/Areas" listed in the 1993 plan will need to be reviewed as part of the update.

 

Accomplishments Since 1993:

 

1.      Modified Comprehensive Planned Development regulations to provide traditional neighborhood design to enhance transit oriented development;

2.      Approved King Farm concept plan under comprehensive planned development regulations;

3.      City initiated "Imagine Rockville" process to receive citizen comments on all aspects of community life and to formulate possible policy changes.

4.      Modified Town Center zoning regulations to permit non-overlapping peak hour parking;

5.      Various zoning amendments to expand allowable uses in Town Center zones;

6.      Permit Plan tracking system instituted;

7.      Establishment of Development Review Committee to better coordinate the development review process;

8.      Approved various residential infill developments;

9.      City officials and staff attend meetings and provide input in the county government development process.

 

Transportation:

 

            Traffic and congestion are a major concern for the area, and this chapter should contain additional detail for specific recommendations which will guide circulation improvements in the future. It is recommended that this chapter undergo a substantial revision.  The transportation analysis will focus on moving people not vehicles.  The chapter should contain useful information as to Rockville's position in the regional transportation system as well as an assessment of neighborhood circulation needs (including traffic calming techniques).  

 

            The primary goal of the chapter will be to examine travel accessibility, to evaluate ease of circulation, and to determine travel options within the City of Rockville by utilizing a variety of transportation types or modes.  These transportation modes are the roadway network (local, county, and state), public transportation (commuter rail, light rail, and local bus), pedestrian routes, and bicycle routes.  The objective would be to identify a number of "key origins and destinations" and ensure that they are accessible to each mode when appropriate. An emphasis will be to understand how each mode interacts with the other modes.  An example of a typical scenario might be to evaluate travel between Rockville Town Center to the Bethesda central business district.  This would include an analysis of various routes by auto, bus, metro, and bicycle.  Pedestrian access will be evaluated for the entire trip or portions of the trip as appropriate.

 

            An interesting possibility for study is to apply computerized traffic modeling techniques based on different land use types or population densities as a means of determining how much traffic is generated by each type of use.  The Commission may want to discuss this possibility (which has cost and time implications) for localized areas such as the Town Center.

 

            In order to accomplish the multi-modal access study, current conditions will need to be assessed because the data utilized for the 1993 Master Plan is almost ten years old.  Traffic volumes will be updated to reflect current conditions.  Roadway classifications also may need to be reviewed. 

 

            In addition, the graphics need to be updated.  The maps in the 1993 plan will be modified to reflect changes in existing and forecasted conditions as well as changes in policies.  Given the importance of transportation issues to Rockville, the use of colorful graphics could be a vital tool for communicating existing conditions and future policy. 

 

Accomplishments Since 1993: 

 

1.      The City has established a Transportation Division to coordinate and review all aspects of transportation planning and implementation;

2.      Developers have paid $.10 per square foot of nonresidential development into a Transportation Demand Management Program as a way to mitigate traffic impacts.

3.      Developers must submit a Standard Traffic Methodology (STM) study as part of the development review process;

4.      The City established a Citizen Bicycle Advisory Committee and hired a bicycle specialist;

5.      The Bikeway Master Plan was adopted in 1998;

6.      Approval for funding by Maryland for construction of one segment of bikeway on Wootton Parkway;

7.      Pedestrian policy was adopted in 1994;

8.      City government gives monthly incentives for its employees to utilize mass transit;

9.      Worked with County to improve the proposed Montrose Parkway design to preserve neighborhood character;

10. Installed bus shelters and traffic cameras to help with traffic control;

11. Secured agreement from SHA & MTA to implement the recommended alignment of the Corridor Cities Transit Easement Alignment through the King Farm;

12. Actively encouraging the State to pursue below grade solution to traffic congestion on Route 355 within the Town Center.

13. Negotiated with developers for road improvements funded by new developments.

Town Center:

 

            The Town Center continues to be a major focus of public and private development activity.  The Imagine Rockville process and the Visual Preference Survey, process have resulted in an increased commitment to a successful Town Center.  To insure that there is a match between the goals of the Plan and future development, a consultant team will be hired to prepare a multi-disciplinary master plan that is based on market conditions. 

 

            The Town Center Action Team (which is a group that evolved from the Imagine Rockville process) has identified common themes which are important for a successful town center such as 24-hour activity, street-level retail, civic uses (library, parks, and government building), restaurants, residential, pedestrian accessibility, and protection of adjacent residential neighborhoods.

 

            In addition, through the Master Plan Review process, a number of other issues were identified for discussion.  These will be addressed primarily by the separate Town Center Plan process but may be addressed to varying degrees by the update of the 1993 Master Plan.  These include:

 

·        Are there proactive ways that the City can insure that the upcoming County projects (library, courthouse(s), parking garage) are integrated into the existing Town Center to meet the Town Center objectives?

·        Does the Town Center boundary need to be reviewed or adjusted?

·        What is a good (sustainable) mix of housing, retail, and office space?

·        What is the appropriate height for buildings in the Town Center?

·        What are the residential options for the Town Center (town houses, high rise apartments/condos, single family houses)?

·        Are there policies or programs that the City of Rockville can pursue to attract desirable uses or tenants?

 

Accomplishments Since 1993:

 

1.                  Demolition of former mall;

2.                  Construction of Courthouse Square, East Montgomery Avenue, extension of Maryland Avenue, and Monroe Street;

3.                  Construction of park around Red Brick Courthouse;

4.                  Modification of zoning regulations to change the mechanisms for calculating density, lower the height limitations and modify the pedestrian connections;

5.                  Continuing to develop a street grid network with pedestrian connections;

6.                  City staff is working with the Town Center Action Team to develop ideas and goals which will be utilized in the new Town Center Master Plan;

7.                  Construction of Metro Promenade with a combination of City, County, and State funds;

8.                  Preparation of a Town Center parking study;

9.                  Approval of preliminary development plan applications for RCI & Foulger Pratt.

 

Residential Neighborhoods:

 

            During the 1980s the City prepared neighborhood plans for five areas (although a total of eleven distinct residential neighborhoods were identified in the 1993 Master Plan) ­ see the attached map.  These five neighborhoods shared an important characteristic ­ the potential for development in the neighborhood or concerns regarding the spread of commercial development into adjacent residential areas.  Land use and transportation impacts of this development were among the key issues.

 

            A large portion of the City’s residential neighborhoods do not have an individual neighborhood plan.  One of the common characteristics of these neighborhoods is the lack of vacant land within the areas since many are comprised of individual subdivisions that were developed in accordance with the 1970 or 1993 Master Plan.  Many of the issues in these neighborhoods, such as cut-through traffic, can be addressed by City-wide policies or tactical operational solutions.  Given this and the necessary level of citizen and staff involvement in preparing an individual neighborhood plan, one of the issues that needs to be addressed is whether the City will prepare master plans for each neighborhood (or combinations of neighborhoods) or address property specific issues within the City-wide Master Plan.  

 

            Evaluating the relevance of the recommendations from the 1993 Plan and the individual neighborhoods is a recommended element of the second phase of the Review and Update of the Master Plan.  In order to determine the extent that an individual neighborhood needs a master plan, staff proposes to conduct a thorough study of all of the neighborhood planning areas as listed in the 1993 Master Plan by reviewing the history of the neighborhood and existing site conditions. 

 

            An overview map with property lines and structures at a scale of approximately

1" = 200' will also be prepared.  This map also would identify any vacant, redevelopable, and government properties which may have an impact on the neighborhood and identify locations of any major planning issues (e.g. commercial encroachment, excessive traffic etc.). 

 

            The study would also identify the need for likely possible future capital expenditures (road improvements, park improvements, or school improvements).  Depending upon the complexity of the issues, it is likely that many of the neighborhood issues can be addressed thoroughly in the Citywide Master Plan.  In addition, some of the neighborhood planning areas may be able to be combined for planning purposes based on geographic areas or similar issues/threats.  However, neighborhoods which have multiple or complex issues which require detailed recommendations will be identified.  A determination will then be made to perform a specific neighborhood plan for that area. 

 

 

 

Accomplishments Since 1993:

 

1.      The City has hired three neighborhood resources coordinators to respond to citizen questions or concerns (as a result of "Imagine Rockville");*

2.      The staff position of Project Implementation Coordinator was established to work on implementation of CIP projects;*

3.      Created a Matching Program for funding neighborhood improvements (neighborhood association signs, lighting, landscaping projects etc.);

4.      Periodic "Walking Town Meetings" are held in individual neighborhoods to meet with residents;*

5.      Developed a Community Association Directory;*

6.      Developed a curriculum and held first Rockville University program.*

 

*These are not traditional master plan goals but improve the ability of the City to respond to neighborhood concerns.

 

Nonresidential Neighborhood Areas:

 

            The goals in this chapter do not appear to need extensive revision.  However, it may be appropriate to review what development has occurred before a final determination as to the applicability of the goals can be made.  In addition, this may be a good chapter in which to incorporate a discussion of economic development.  The following are suggestions:

 

·        Review all of the development which has occurred in the nonresidential neighborhoods (Tower Oaks, Research/Picard, and Southlawn/Redgate) to assess the amount of development which has occurred, the type of development, and the appearance of that development, and what sites still available for growth. 

 

·        Identify zoning classifications that should be comprehensively reevaluated or amended.

 

·        Review all development which has occurred on Rockville Pike after 1989 to evaluate 1) if the plan's recommendations were followed; 2) if not, why not; 3) if the development followed the plan's recommendations, are the results what was envisioned;

 

·        Determine if a short-term redevelopment guidance plan should be established for Rockville Pike;

 

·        Discuss whether the concept of the Rockville Pike Corridor Plan should be extended along the entire length of Route 355;

 

Accomplishments Since 1993:

 

1.      Adopted various zoning ordinance amendments;

2.      Published Retail Space Directory;

3.      Established Greater Rockville Partnership to handle economic development activities;

4.      Adoption of Southlawn-Gude Industrial Study by City and County to provide policy guidance on development in the Southlawn/Gude area.

 

Housing:

 

            The statistics in the introduction section need to be updated; however, particular information on household composition and age of residents cannot be updated until after census data is received.  It may be useful to delineate on a map the general neighborhood location where the publicly funded affordable housing units are located (with the exception of Section 8 voucher subsided housing). 

           

            The first Moderately Priced Dwelling Units (MPDUs) required under the City's ordinance are just now being constructed; consequently, it may be difficult to evaluate the program at this time.  Another topic which should be addressed is the future and varied housing needs for an aging population.  However, overall the housing goals do not appear to need extensive reworking.

 

Accomplishments Since 1993:

 

1.      The City continues to provide low interest housing rehabilitation loans;

2.      The City continues "Free Paint" program for qualified residents;

3.      The City provides assistance to tenants and landlords;

4.      Recent development provides a mixture of housing types including MPDUs;

5.      The City operates Rockville Housing Authority with 146 units of public housing and 300 vouchers of Section 8 housing certificates;

6.      Created and administers "Real Estate Effort for Affordable Community Housing Program (REACH)" for first time buyers.

7.      Worked to increase the viability of Rockville Housing Authority;

8.      Continue to implement tax credits for historically appropriately renovations.

 

 

Community Facilities:

 

            No major changes are anticipated to this chapter.  The three maps (Recommended Sanitary Sewer System, Recommended Water System, and Community Facilities) will need to be updated.

 

Accomplishments Since 1993:

 

1.      City has funded a study to assess sewer capacity (expected completion date 2002);

2.      City's water treatment plant is undergoing major improvements;

3.      City's water storage tanks are undergoing improvements;

4.      Unity Bridge renovation;

5.      Ongoing street improvement program (smooth-seal street resurfacing, asphalt rehabilitation & concrete sidewalk curb maintenance);

6.      Staff is participating in ongoing discussions with Montgomery County regarding the siting and construction of new county library to be located in the Town Center;

7.      Constructed a pump station and force main sewer to serve King Farm and other developments (assessed developer applicable costs);

8.      Worked with MCPS to facilitate modernization of Ritchie Park Elementary, Julius West Middle School and Wootton High School.

9.      Working with MCPS to facilitate future modernization of Richard Montgomery and Rockville High Schools.

 

 

Parks, Recreation, and Open Space:

 

            It is anticipated that this chapter will undergo major revisions.  The revision to the Recreation and Parks chapter will meet Maryland's legislative master plan requirements under the open space and transfer tax program(s).  More specific information about the proposed changes will be available at the end of January after staff meets with the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board. 

 

Accomplishments Since 1993:

 

1.      Twinbrook Community Center opened in 1999;

2.      Lincoln Park Community Learning Center is under construction;

3.      Welsh Park land expansion;

4.      Designation of "Memory Walk" as a City Park;

5.      Ballfield improvements at Glenora, Broome and Welsh Parks;

6.      Creation and maintenance of various flower gardens;

7.      Renovations to F. Scott Fitzgerald Theater and Glenview Mansion;

8.      Established forest preserve areas;

9.      Bikeway Master Plan approved in 1998 and hired a bicycle specialist;

10. City obtained funding for construction of a portion of bikeway network;

11. Required bike path construction in King Farm Development;

12. Developers of King Farm dedicated 108.9 acres of open space to City;

13. Street Tree Master Plan adopted to replace dying or diseased trees;

14. Installed computers at Senior Center;

15. "Spirit of Rockville" events;

16. "Hometown Holidays" events;

17. F. Scott Fitzgerald celebration;

18. Continuation of extensive exercise and recreation programs.

 

Environmental Quality/Sensitive Areas:

 

            It is not anticipated that this chapter will undergo major revisions.  However, most of the figures and Chesapeake Bay data need to be updated.  The "Imagine Rockville" goals need to be added.  The text needs to be reviewed for scientific accuracy and to reflect current regulatory conditions, and for the adoption of the Environmental Guidelines.

 

Accomplishments Since 1993:

 

1.      Development of Street Tree Inventory and Master Plan;

2.      Continue to implement Forest and Tree Preservation Ordinance;

3.      Designation of urban forest preserve areas in various City parks;

4.      Adoption of Environmental Guidelines which contain specific stream and flood plain buffers;

5.      Hiring of environmental specialist to review all development plans for compliance with environmental regulations;

6.      Preparation of Watts Branch Watershed Study and formed Watts Branch Partnership;

7.      Rock Creek Watershed Management Plan was initiated in 1997 and completed in 1999 (implementation will be in the future);

8.      Implemented regional stormwater management program for Cabin John Watershed;

9.      Construction of Rockville Water Supply pump station;

10. Creation and implementation of stormwater best management practices (BMP);

11. New SWM facilities constructed at Don Mills Ct, Hungerford/Stoneridge, Dover Road & Potomac Woods;

12. Retrofit improvements to stormwater management facilities.

13. Developed white-tailed deer and beaver management policies;

14. Designated the Watts Branch Stream Valley Greenway as Urban Wildlife Sanctuary;

15. Staff continues to work with "Imagine Rockville" Citizen Action Team on the Environment (R.A.T.E.);

16. Staff continues to work with Mayor and Council-appointed advisory Science, Technology, and Environment Commission.

 

Community Appearance and Design:

 

            This is a very generalized chapter which recommended the creation of community-wide design guidelines.  Currently, design review is required in special development procedures such as the Rockville Pike Corridor optional method of development, the Town Center, and comprehensive planned developments (in a more limited way). However, specific standard design guidelines have not been developed for other areas of the City, nor does the City have a City-wide design review board or committee. 

 

            As there is a growing concern about the appearance of new development and its compatibility with existing development, this chapter could be expanded by developing specific design guidelines that would be applied to all new nonresidential or multifamily development (traditionally, it has been difficult to apply design standards to single family homes with the exception of those located in historic districts).  However, It should be noted that if design review is required in all commercial developments, then amendments to the zoning ordinance and possibly to other regulations will be needed as well as the development of specific design standards. 

 

Accomplishments Since 1993: 

 

1.      Visual Preference Survey in 1997;

2.      Hired consultant to develop a system for the Town Center directional signs and "Welcome to Rockville" signs;

3.      Development of Street Tree Inventory, tree replacement program, and Street Tree Master Plan;

4.      Development of renovated Courthouse Square park with "Spirit of Rockville" sculpture/fountain, new street lights, brick sidewalks, and brick pavement;

5.      Continued "Art in Public Spaces" program;

6.      Creation and maintenance of various flower gardens through the City;

7.      Median planting program on State and City maintained roads;

8.      Major re-landscaping of Veterans Park at the junction of Route 355 and Veirs Mill Road.

 

Historic Preservation:

 

            The Historic District Commission has performed a preliminary review of this chapter.  The members suggested a few semantic changes to the goals and policies.  In addition specific suggestions for projects to incorporate into the master plan were:

 

·        Insure that the City has a complete historic resources inventory for structures or sites that are at least 60 years old.

 

·        Provide a list of historic sites with building names, identification number, and street address to be included as part of the Master Plan.

 

·        Inventory and prepare a map of vacant properties or large-sized lots  that contribute to the character of a [particular] historic district.

 

·        List historic resources on City-owned parks and/or properties.

 

·        Prepare a plan to establish design criteria which would identify and differentiate the historic district(s) from other areas in terms of the total streetscape design (not just identification signs).

 

·        Review historic district expansion areas and identify potential district expansion.

 

Other issues which Commission members mentioned that were additional goals were :

 

1.                  Either expand the historic district ordinance or formalize a process in which the Historic District Commission or designated preservation staff review not only developments within the district(s) but those developments in the vicinity of the historic district(s) for adverse impacts to historic resources.  This would include landscaping projects on public property.

2.                  Prepare and adopt a demolition ordinance to be in compliance with Section 106.  Formalize a process that all buildings listed on the Historic Properties Inventory are reviewed if the building is to be demolished or is undergoing substantial changes.

3.                  Prepare a study of the Haiti and Lincoln Park neighborhoods for inclusion in a local historic district and/or National Register designation.

4.                  Develop and promote an easement program that would protect vacant land from being developed within or adjacent to a historic district.

5.                  Prepare a historic resources management plan.

 

Accomplishments Since 1993

 

1.      Published "Owning Property in the Rockville Historic District ­ A Guide to Permit Procedures" in 1996.

2.      Inaugurated plaque program which will mark significant historic sites in Rockville with historical photographs and interpretive text.

3.      Publish and mail biyearly informational Historic District Newsletter to all historic district residents.

4.      Designated and installed historic district identification signs.

5.      Preparation of video presentation of the Historic District Commission and historic preservation in Rockville.

6.      Co-hosted annual Montgomery County Awards for Historic Preservation at Glenview Mansion in 1997.

7.      Co-sponsored Tax Credit Workshop (with Maryland Historical Trust) to inform citizens of potential benefits of historically appropriate renovations.

8.      Created partnerships with local historical societies to foster historic education and facilitate preservation projects.