Commissioner Johnson offered congratulations to fellow Commissioner Wiener and her husband on the addition to their family of a new baby boy. 

BRIEFING AND DISCUSSION

Bike Stations – for a briefing on bike stations by the Rockville Bicycle Advisory Committee (RBAC) to be followed by discussion with the Traffic and Transportation Commission

This was a Joint Session with the RBAC and T&TC.  

Richard Resnick introduced himself as acting chair of the Traffic and Transportation Commission (T&TC).  He also introduced other T&TC Commissioners in attendance. 

Nancy Breen, Chair of RBAC introduced members of the Commission.  She stated that they have also been working with the City of Gaithersburg.  Ms. Breen introduced Jim Warren Clark with the Rockville Bicycle Advisory Committee who, in turn, introduced the speaker, Jim Sebastian with the DC Department of Transportation. 

Mr. Sebastian stated that he has been working on a bike station in D.C, which is located near Union Station.  Mr. Sebastian presented photos of various bike-parking facilities around the world.  He discussed having bike stations in Rockville, which would lessen the need and expense for surface and structured parking.  Mr. Sebastian discussed long-term operating costs, design and finding appropriate sites for bike stations that would provide bike friendly areas.  A rendering of the proposed bike station for Union Station was presented to the Commission.  He noted that the station would hold about 150 bikes and there would be additional racks to park tandem bikes.  He explained that there would be two types of payment:  one would be a membership card where one would pay $100 per year with unlimited access to the parking and the other would be $1.00 per day, and a la carte parking fee.  Mr. Sebastian noted that there would be lockers and changing rooms, but no showers because of the lack of space.  There would be some free bike parking as well, which would be exposed to the elements.  There would also be 24-hour controlled access to the bikes with security guards and cameras.  Mr. Sebastian stated that they are hoping to open the bike station at Union Station next spring.   

The Commission discussed looking at various location possibilities in Rockville and what ingredients would create a bike station such as transit, retail, jobs, and housing. 

Nancy Breen inquired about feeder routes into the bike stations.  She asked whether there was that situation in Washington, D.C. going into Union Station.  Mr. Sebastian replied that they are working on the Metropolitan Branch Trail in that area, which would provide a lot of the access to Union Station.  Feeder routes should be closer to Metro stations, jobs, towns and housing. 

Mr. Sebastian talked about the other cities in Maryland and Virginia proposing bike stations. 

A discussion ensued regarding bike friendly areas in Rockville.            

REVIEW AND ACTION

Mandatory Referral, Rockville Civic Center – for a parking and circulation improvement plan at the Rockville Civic Center, 603 Edmonston Drive.

Mr. Hurlbutt presented the staff report.  Mr. Hurlbutt stated that this application is a conceptual plan for future improvements on the Civic Center site.  The property is a 153-acre complex, of which 51 acres are developed parkland with a combination of facilities including the Glenview Mansion, the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, the Civic Center Cottage (Doll house), the Croydon Creek Nature Center, and the Recreation Services Buildings.  The Glenview Mansion is located in the center of the property at the site’s highest elevation as well as associated parking and recreational facilities.  Mr. Hurlbutt stated that this review would provide the final recommendations to the Mayor and Council and the plan would act as the guiding document for future CIPs as they come forward, individually.  The concept plan was developed to address ADA concerns on the site as well as traffic circulation and pedestrian circulation.  The Plan consists of nine improvement areas for the site.  Improvement 1- Entrance – to provide pedestrian access from Edmonston Drive that does not currently exist; provide an additional handicap parking in front of the theatre (6 spaces); provide crosswalks at all places where sidewalks cross the roads; and to discourage traffic from using the service road/encourage flow into the parking lot by redirecting the travel lanes.  Mr. Hurlbutt stated that, as part of this plan process, this Plan was taken to the Historic District Commission (HDC), the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Cultural Arts Commission and the Mansion Sub-committee.  Some of the recommendations for this option included:  The Boards and Commissions recommendation to Improvement #1 was that the sidewalks located at the south end of the Mall should not be straight and formal, so that the final sidewalk design is more curvilinear and less formal and that grading, or a retaining wall that blends into the landscape should be used in the area where the stone seating wall is located.  Grading is preferred, as opposed to using a wall. 

Improvement 2 – Handicap Access to Theatre – to provide sidewalk for pedestrian access from parking lot to the Theatre; provide better ADA drop off access to the Social Hall/Elevator; provide additional handicap parking spaces for the theatre (12 spaces) with a sidewalk for access to the building; provide crosswalks at all places where sidewalks cross the roads; provide sidewalk connection from the parking lot to the existing sidewalk on the north side of the theatre; provide additional parking spaces (3 on one-way entrance road); separate the drop off and handicap traffic from patrons going to the parking lot.

Improvement 3 – Theatre Parking Expansion – to increase the number of parking spaces for the Theatre; provide access to the field for overflow parking; and separate the drop off and handicap traffic from patrons to the parking lot.  The expansion will add 28 parking spaces to the lot and provide two access points to the field for better circulation when this area would be used for large events.

Improvement 4 – Main Parking Lot Expansion – South – to increase the number of parking spaces for the Theatre/Mansion (34 spaces); discourage traffic from using the service road/encourage flow into the parking lot by redirecting the travel lanes; provide sidewalk for pedestrian access from the parking lot to the existing sidewalk; provide crosswalks at all places where sidewalks cross the roads; and discourage traffic from using the service road/encourage flow into the parking lot by redirecting the travel lanes.

Improvement 5 – Main Parking Lot Expansion – North – to increase the number of parking spaces on the north end of the lot and/or along the two-way roadway (14 spaces or 22 spaces if parallel parking is provided).  There are grade issues that would have to be examined at the detail stage.  The recommendation from the HDC and the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board was to eliminate parallel parking along the roadway as an option because there would be unnecessary impact to the trees and the hillside and that all parking should be kept in one lot. 

Improvement 6 – Walk to Mansion – to provide pedestrian access from the overflow parking lot to the Mansion and from the Formal Garden to the Mansion; provide crosswalks at all places where sidewalks cross the roads; and remove the blind spot at the top of the hill.  Sidewalks should be added to link the lower parking lot near the City’s facilities buildings to the Mansion, so that lot could be better utilized for overflow parking. 

Improvement 7 – Main Entrance to Mansion – to provide better visibility of entrance; provide access from the stairs to the Mansion; and to provide crosswalks at all places where the sidewalks cross the roads.  This improvement would simply add a raised crosswalk where the sidewalk crosses the service road.  The recommendation of the HDC and Recreation and Parks Advisory Board was to retain the mature boxwoods and not replace them with low plantings near the entrance to the Mansion.  This would maintain the balance and symmetry of the façade setting, being of similar massing and maturity as the boxwoods on the east side of the Mansion. 

Improvement 8 – Handicap Parking at Mansion – to increase the number of handicap parking spaces for the Mansion; revise the grade to ADA standards; ensure space for service vehicle drop offs; provide pedestrian access from parking to the Mansion; provide short-term parking; and relocate the dumpster.  This improvement has been redesigned a number of times to balance ADA requirements, loading/drop off areas, and to maintain the historic appearance of the Mansion.  Previous designs include a large traffic circle with parking around it.  The most recent layout is similar to what exists today, but adds a row of handicap spaces that extends about 25 feet from the existing parking area.  The parked cars will be screened by vegetation and a retaining wall would be needed to keep the grade within ADA standards.  The recommendation of the HDC and Recreation and Parks Advisory Board was to remove the one parking space in the island to reduce the size of the island and limit the amount of new impervious area.

Improvement 9 – Pedestrian Access to Mansion – to provide safe pedestrian access from the Civic Center entrance to the Mansion; and, provide traffic calming measure on the access road and discourage vehicular traffic.  This improvement would extend a sidewalk along the service drive from the existing sidewalk north of the theatre to the Mansion.  The sidewalk would be placed on the existing roadway whether width permits limiting impacts to nearby landscaping. 

Mr. Hurlbutt pointed out that copies of emails from concerned citizens were sent to the Planning Division this afternoon and they have been distributed to the Planning Commission this evening regarding concerns, such as addressing the removal of trees as well as stormwater management and impervious area.  He noted that forestry issues will come up as part of individual CIP projects to identify the trees and which trees should be retained and which trees should be removed.  Mr. Hurlbutt stated that in the majority of the improvements, only ornamental trees planted over the years would be removed.  Mr. Hurlbutt discussed the Boards and Commissions recommendations regarding the nine improvements.  For the overall site, the HDC would like to see if anything could be done to save trees that would be removed as part of the parking lot expansions or if there could be a redesign to save trees.  Consideration should be given to permeable materials for sidewalks throughout the site.  He discussed the recommendations for Improvements 1, 5, 7 and 8.   The Recreation and Parks Advisory Board agreed with all the recommendations made by the HDC, but felt that the design had taken into account the trees as much as possible and balancing the trees with other issues for the site.  Also, whatever materials are used for the sidewalk should not inhibit circulation or movement of users.  The Culture Arts Commission and Mansion –Sub-committee supported the Plan as proposed before any recommendations were made. 

Mr. Hurlbutt concluded by stating that these changes have been designed to limit the impact to Historic resources of the site.  More review of how individual impacts would affect the site would be made as final designs come back to the members of the Rockville Civic Center Task Force, which includes an HDC member for consensus, and ultimately to the Mayor and Council for approval.   

Commissioner Ostell inquired how often the current parking is maxed out at the Mansion.  Kathleen Moran, Civic Center Superintendent explained that the parking is a problem when the theatre has a sold out audience and there is a cast of 80 on stage as well as wedding parties, and other events.  She said there are approximately five hundred events a year and every weekend is filled with events.  Ms. Moran said that they now have well over 700 people on the grounds and there are approximately 280 parking spaces on the site.  They find that people jump curbs and park, which causes problems should there be an emergency vehicle needed on the site.  It is not about the festivals, it is about when there are weddings and theatre events. 

In response to Commissioner Ostell, Ms. Moran stated that the proposal is for the addition of 70 spaces on the site.  She noted that the biggest force is correcting their handicapped parking.  The Mansion currently does not have any parking that is to code. 

The Commission discussed concerns regarding tree removal on the site, timing of the CIP projects, ADA parking modifications, increase in parking and whether current parking is to code, overflow parking, exploring pervious surface for the parking areas, additional parking spaces to serve the increase in use, better sidewalk configuration, impact on plantings and historic sensitive areas of the Mansion, bike racks on the site, and modifications to stormwater management.  

Commissioner Britton asked what the process was for the Commission to review this project again.  He asked staff if the City were to construct the parking lot, would it require a use permit.  Mr. Wasilak replied that there is no current use permit for the Civic Center.  Work has been performed over the years through mandatory referral approvals.  If the Commission has concerns about certain aspects of these improvements, this project could be brought back to the Commission for review. 

Commissioner Johnson stated that he would like to see the parking segment of the Plan come back to the Commission for review. 

Commissioner Hill said he would like to see more thought put into the configuration of the theatre parking lot.  He also discussed other issues with Improvement 4 regarding discouraging traffic from using the service road.  He questioned whether it would be more prudent to reconstruct rather than building something for this purpose. 

In response to Commissioner Hill, Mr. Hurlbutt discussed the historic nature of the service drive behind the Mansion.
The Commission further discussed concerns with Improvements 4 and 5.     

John Landenburger stated that he lives on Burdette Road that adjoins the Civic Center.  He stated that when the theatre fills up, parking overflows onto the lawn nearby and there is a small service drive where people park on.  He asked why the City does not just let it continue to happen and not curb back on greenspace on the site.  He questioned in Improvement 7 where ADA parking is proposed.  He asked about an existing rock wall and whether it would be destroyed.  Mr. Hurlbutt replied that a similar retaining wall would be erected as part of the improvement.     

In response to the Commission, Mr. Wasilak stated that the property has been nominated for the National Register.  The Mayor and Council have endorsed the nomination.  In fact, the Governor’s Coordinating Committee is meeting at the Mansion to consider the nomination.  Once they approve that, it gets forwarded to National Park Service and entered on the National Register.  Mr. Wasilak noted that the period of significance is the 1920s renovation that made these connecting improvements to the property.   

Commissioner Britton expressed his discomfort with the parking lots such as the main ones and the one behind the theatre.  He said he could appreciate the need for many of the other improvements and the requirements for ADA access.   

The Commission discussed concerns regarding some of the improvements.  The theatre and the parking lot that feeds into the main portion of the park were bothersome to some of the Commissioners.  The Commission discussed exploring valet parking, putting in more bike racks, more creative scheduling of events, carpooling, as well as other suggested solutions to the parking situation and the sidewalk on the sledding hill. 

Commissioner Hill suggested grouping Improvements 2 with 3 and 4 with 5 because those involved the configuration of the driveway and with the parking lot as well as the approach to the parking lot on the hill.   

The Commission discussed the process for reviewing the plan again.

Commissioner Britton moved, seconded by Commissioner Hill to recommend the following with respect to Mandatory Referral, Rockville Civic Center: 1) with respect to satisfying the parking needs and increasing parking capacity, to explore alternate methods of the use of space in parking; 2) and to explore demand management techniques for the events at the facilities; 3) that any new hard surface be made of pervious material; 4) that the proposed parking lot behind F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre be reconfigured from the current proposal to maintain the curvilinear design so as to not take up as much space; 5) add green grass covering parking; 6) reconfigure the alignment of the walk over to the overflow parking lot to avoid recreational impacts.  The motion passed on a vote of 4-0 Commissioners Medearis and Wiener were absent. 

COMMISSION ITEMS

Chief of Planning Report

Mr. Wasilak listed upcoming applications for the Commission’s next meeting on May 23. 

Mr. Wasilak talked about the Twinbrook Neighborhood Plan.  He reported that staff has begun the public outreach phase and the first meeting was Sunday, April 29.   He noted that Commissioner Hill was present. 

Commissioner Hill stated that he was impressed with the turnout of that session.    

Mr. Wasilak said that two further sessions are coming up on Tuesday, May 15 and Thursday, May 31.  Staff is considering how they may improve on the April 29 session.  The meeting will be held in the Rockville High School cafeteria.  Staff is looking for Planning Commission volunteers for the May 15 and 31 sessions.   

Commissioner Hill stated that he would not be attending the second meeting in June.

After further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 9:13 p.m.