The Rockville Senior Center is located at 1150 Carnation Drive. For information call 240 314 5010.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Rockville Senior Center Holiday Bazaar
The Rockville Senior Center invites you to join their Holiday Bazaar on Saturday, December 5, from 9am to 2pm. Lots of fun for the family and a great opportunity to do some holiday shopping. Try your luck in the Raffle with its $500 first prize and many more. Visit their attending craftsmen with their lovely items for sale, and don’t miss the Gift Shop, Thrift Shop and Book Sale for additional gift ideas, as well as the Cafeteria and Bake Sale.
The Rockville Senior Center is located at 1150 Carnation Drive. For information call 240 314 5010.
The Rockville Senior Center is located at 1150 Carnation Drive. For information call 240 314 5010.
Monday, November 16, 2009
November Meeting Announcement
The November WECA meeting is scheduled for 7:00pm, Thursday, November 19, 2009, at the Rockville Presbyterian Church. Enter church from Harrison Street.
The agenda is as follows:
Treasurer report
Housekeeping items
Victory Housing Update
Community building ideas
The meeting is open to the public and all West End residents are encouraged to attend and participate.
Hope to see you there!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
You are not voting at Beall Elementary this year and other election information
Residents who live within the corporate limits of the city and are registered to vote may vote in City of Rockville elections. Rockville residents who missed the deadline to register to vote can still do so on Election Day.
The City's election ordinance allows for same day voter registration on Election Day. To register on Nov. 3, and vote, residents should go to City Hall. Those residents must then also vote at City Hall. Residents who choose to register - and vote - on Election Day must bring a valid photo ID, such as a driver's license or state issued ID card, and proof of residency.
Rockville is divided into 10 voting districts and polls are open on Election Day from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Two of the polling locations have changed. Voters in District 2 will now vote at Rockville Swim and Fitness Center (previously Beall Elementary School) and voters in District 8 will now vote at Thomas Farm Community Center (previously Lakewood Elementary School).
Residents who wish to vote but are physically unable to access the voting room in the polling place can use the curbside voting option. In order to be eligible for use of curbside voting, residents must arrive at the polls in a car and have a companion notify an election judge in the voting room of the need for assistance.
The City's election ordinance allows for same day voter registration on Election Day. To register on Nov. 3, and vote, residents should go to City Hall. Those residents must then also vote at City Hall. Residents who choose to register - and vote - on Election Day must bring a valid photo ID, such as a driver's license or state issued ID card, and proof of residency.
Rockville is divided into 10 voting districts and polls are open on Election Day from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Two of the polling locations have changed. Voters in District 2 will now vote at Rockville Swim and Fitness Center (previously Beall Elementary School) and voters in District 8 will now vote at Thomas Farm Community Center (previously Lakewood Elementary School).
Residents who wish to vote but are physically unable to access the voting room in the polling place can use the curbside voting option. In order to be eligible for use of curbside voting, residents must arrive at the polls in a car and have a companion notify an election judge in the voting room of the need for assistance.
Absentee Ballot Info for Upcoming Election
Registered voters who are unable to vote at their district polling place on election day, November 3, 2009, or who will be out of town, can vote by absentee ballot. You can apply at http://www.rockvillemd.gov/election09/absenteerequest.htm to request an application form to receive an absentee ballot.
After receipt of this form, an absentee ballot application will be sent to you. The signed application must reach the City Clerk's Office by Tuesday, October 27, 2009. Absentee ballots will be mailed starting Monday, October 5, to qualified voters from whom applications have been received. No absentee ballots will be mailed out after October 27.
After October 27, 2009, if you still wish to vote absentee, you or your authorized agent must pick up the ballot in person in the City Clerk's Office in City Hall, 111 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20850 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., weekdays. Absentee ballot applications will be accepted and processed through Election Day, November 3, 2009.
After receipt of this form, an absentee ballot application will be sent to you. The signed application must reach the City Clerk's Office by Tuesday, October 27, 2009. Absentee ballots will be mailed starting Monday, October 5, to qualified voters from whom applications have been received. No absentee ballots will be mailed out after October 27.
After October 27, 2009, if you still wish to vote absentee, you or your authorized agent must pick up the ballot in person in the City Clerk's Office in City Hall, 111 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20850 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., weekdays. Absentee ballot applications will be accepted and processed through Election Day, November 3, 2009.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Area Meeting to Discuss County Proposal for Addition to Judicial Center
The County is asking the City to approve an application to allow development of an addition to the existing Montgomery County Judicial Center at 50 Maryland Avenue, at the corner of West Jefferson Street and Maryland Avenue. The Area Meeting will be held on November 9, 2009 from 6:30 pm to 8:30pm at the Executive Office Building Auditorium located at the lobby of 101 Monroe Street.
At this meeting the County will make every effort to illustrate how the property will be developed and answer questions. If you have any questions, please contact Randall Hawkins at 240-777-6099.
At this meeting the County will make every effort to illustrate how the property will be developed and answer questions. If you have any questions, please contact Randall Hawkins at 240-777-6099.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Piotr Gajewski's Responses to Questions Asked at WECA Candidates' Forum
Since Piotr Gajewksi was unable to attend the WECA Candidates' Forum, due a prior professional commitment, many residents asked WECA to give him the opportunity to respond here.
(May not be the exact wording)
Q1. I have lived in Rockville since I was 1 year old and that was in the early 1960s. Rockville has always had such a “livable” feel to it with many small local businesses and the like. Now to put it bluntly, I don’t recognize my hometown. My local pizza place is now a wine restaurant (whatever that is). The High’s where I bought milk is gone and in its place are a bunch of boutiques and chain restaurants. After years of the Town Center, there is still no grocery store. Do you think this is progress? What are you planning to do to get us some useful stores? A grocery, a hardware store, a garden center?
A1. This is a difficult topic. The stores that one person finds useful are not necessarily the stores that another person finds useful. The reason that the High’s is no longer here is because not enough people found it useful. The reason that a wine restaurant (if that is what it is) is here is because enough people find it useful for it to prosper. It is as simple as that.
I was also a kid in the early sixties. I lived in Poland, under communist rule, where the government decided what stores were needed for each neighborhood. I can tell you from personal experience that government does not do a very good job of dictating what store should go where.
And so it is in Rockville. If reelected, I promise to continue to stay out of the way while Rockville’s residents, voting with our spending habits, decide what stores we should have in Rockville and where.
With respect to the grocery store in Town Square, I share the frustration. Clearly Town Square is a right place for a grocery store, which is precisely why a major grocery store chain has been willing to pay monthly rent on an empty store front just to keep the place reserved for the future store. It is frustrating that the store has not yet opened, but soon this will be “yesterday’s story,” and the grocery store will be in Town Square for decades to come.
Q2. One issue that has clearly been of great concern to many residents is the massing of high-density, affordable housing in certain parts of the city, like the Haiti area of the West End – a policy that many feel violates the city’s master plan which calls for “scattered site” affordable housing. If elected, how will you address these concerns?
A2. The master plan makes a passing reference with respect to scattered sites for affordable housing without trying to define this concept in any way.
Certainly, if the City ever gets in the business of providing affordable housing (and I hope that the City never needs to do that), we may want to set some bench-marks in this respect. However, when affordable housing is being erected by non-profits (with a mission of providing affordable housing), trying to bean-count, according to some yet to be developed formula, where such apartments may or may not be erected would not be productive.
I happily live within 150 feet of an affordable housing complex. I could not ask for better neighbors and I would be delighted to have more.
Q3. The State and County had to cut back by laying off employees, furloughing employees and cutting back on programs. Do you think the $1.7 million in raises to city employees were appropriate given our current economic downturn?
A3. I am appalled that the State and County did not foresee the economic downturn and are so poorly managed that they had no choice but to layoff employees, even after raising taxes.
Rockville was able to honor its contractual obligation to its employees without raising taxes.
To renege on our employee agreements, simply to further lower Rockville’s property tax rate, would be unethical, and would potentially expose the City to costly litigation. Having credibility as a government means telling the truth and keeping promises, both to our citizens and to our employees (too few of whom are also residents, because they already cannot afford to live here).
Q4. Business and restaurants in the Town Center are either going under or are barely holding on. Many owners feel the recent increase in parking hours will negatively impact their business. How will your resolve this issue?
A4. The premise of this question is inaccurate. Businesses in Town Square are actually thriving at a higher level than businesses in other parts of Rockville. A few have closed – victims of a tough economy, questionable business plans, or both.
For each business that has closed, a new one has taken its place, because investors are eager to locate in Town Square to make money. There are no boarded up storefronts in Town Square. There are numerous empty storefronts in Rockville Pike strip malls where parking is free.
Having said that, Town Square business owners have recently proposed a new protocol for Saturday and evening parking in Town Square, and on Monday, October 12th, I joined my Council colleagues in endorsing this proposal.
Q5. The Master Plan says the city should identify all possible ways to preserve open space, and underdeveloped parcels should be evaluated for parkland acquisition before they are developed as infill. Why hasn’t the parcel where Victory Housing is proposed to be built been considered for green space? How do you reconcile that it hasn’t with Rockville’s claim as Tree City USA and the State and County programs to encourage citizens to plan more trees?
A5. I am comfortable with Rockville’s present commitment to open spaces, which includes 905 acres of parkland in 65 parks.
The owner of the property slated for Victory Housing, Montgomery County, has no interest in selling the property. Of course, even if the site were for sale, a revenue source would need to be identified in order to purchase this prime piece of real state in downtown Rockville.
I do not advocate raising Rockville’s property tax rate in order to purchase additional parkland.
(May not be the exact wording)
Q1. I have lived in Rockville since I was 1 year old and that was in the early 1960s. Rockville has always had such a “livable” feel to it with many small local businesses and the like. Now to put it bluntly, I don’t recognize my hometown. My local pizza place is now a wine restaurant (whatever that is). The High’s where I bought milk is gone and in its place are a bunch of boutiques and chain restaurants. After years of the Town Center, there is still no grocery store. Do you think this is progress? What are you planning to do to get us some useful stores? A grocery, a hardware store, a garden center?
A1. This is a difficult topic. The stores that one person finds useful are not necessarily the stores that another person finds useful. The reason that the High’s is no longer here is because not enough people found it useful. The reason that a wine restaurant (if that is what it is) is here is because enough people find it useful for it to prosper. It is as simple as that.
I was also a kid in the early sixties. I lived in Poland, under communist rule, where the government decided what stores were needed for each neighborhood. I can tell you from personal experience that government does not do a very good job of dictating what store should go where.
And so it is in Rockville. If reelected, I promise to continue to stay out of the way while Rockville’s residents, voting with our spending habits, decide what stores we should have in Rockville and where.
With respect to the grocery store in Town Square, I share the frustration. Clearly Town Square is a right place for a grocery store, which is precisely why a major grocery store chain has been willing to pay monthly rent on an empty store front just to keep the place reserved for the future store. It is frustrating that the store has not yet opened, but soon this will be “yesterday’s story,” and the grocery store will be in Town Square for decades to come.
Q2. One issue that has clearly been of great concern to many residents is the massing of high-density, affordable housing in certain parts of the city, like the Haiti area of the West End – a policy that many feel violates the city’s master plan which calls for “scattered site” affordable housing. If elected, how will you address these concerns?
A2. The master plan makes a passing reference with respect to scattered sites for affordable housing without trying to define this concept in any way.
Certainly, if the City ever gets in the business of providing affordable housing (and I hope that the City never needs to do that), we may want to set some bench-marks in this respect. However, when affordable housing is being erected by non-profits (with a mission of providing affordable housing), trying to bean-count, according to some yet to be developed formula, where such apartments may or may not be erected would not be productive.
I happily live within 150 feet of an affordable housing complex. I could not ask for better neighbors and I would be delighted to have more.
Q3. The State and County had to cut back by laying off employees, furloughing employees and cutting back on programs. Do you think the $1.7 million in raises to city employees were appropriate given our current economic downturn?
A3. I am appalled that the State and County did not foresee the economic downturn and are so poorly managed that they had no choice but to layoff employees, even after raising taxes.
Rockville was able to honor its contractual obligation to its employees without raising taxes.
To renege on our employee agreements, simply to further lower Rockville’s property tax rate, would be unethical, and would potentially expose the City to costly litigation. Having credibility as a government means telling the truth and keeping promises, both to our citizens and to our employees (too few of whom are also residents, because they already cannot afford to live here).
Q4. Business and restaurants in the Town Center are either going under or are barely holding on. Many owners feel the recent increase in parking hours will negatively impact their business. How will your resolve this issue?
A4. The premise of this question is inaccurate. Businesses in Town Square are actually thriving at a higher level than businesses in other parts of Rockville. A few have closed – victims of a tough economy, questionable business plans, or both.
For each business that has closed, a new one has taken its place, because investors are eager to locate in Town Square to make money. There are no boarded up storefronts in Town Square. There are numerous empty storefronts in Rockville Pike strip malls where parking is free.
Having said that, Town Square business owners have recently proposed a new protocol for Saturday and evening parking in Town Square, and on Monday, October 12th, I joined my Council colleagues in endorsing this proposal.
Q5. The Master Plan says the city should identify all possible ways to preserve open space, and underdeveloped parcels should be evaluated for parkland acquisition before they are developed as infill. Why hasn’t the parcel where Victory Housing is proposed to be built been considered for green space? How do you reconcile that it hasn’t with Rockville’s claim as Tree City USA and the State and County programs to encourage citizens to plan more trees?
A5. I am comfortable with Rockville’s present commitment to open spaces, which includes 905 acres of parkland in 65 parks.
The owner of the property slated for Victory Housing, Montgomery County, has no interest in selling the property. Of course, even if the site were for sale, a revenue source would need to be identified in order to purchase this prime piece of real state in downtown Rockville.
I do not advocate raising Rockville’s property tax rate in order to purchase additional parkland.
Candidates Respond to Additional Questions from WECA Citizen’s Forum
Ten of the candidates running for Rockville mayor and council positions have responded to additional questions from the WECA Candidates' Forum. Click on the links below to see the responses.
If Rockville participates in another public-private partnership, such as Town Center, would you support or oppose Rockville taking on a major partner such as Federal Reality, which has a track record of preferential treatment of national chains to the detriment of local businesses?
Are you a current (dues paying) member of your neighborhood civic association? What involvement have you had in your neighborhood civic association? What have you achieved as a result of those efforts?
There is a perception in the community that the city is not defending citizen’s rights to a reasonable schedule when it comes to new development proposals and a fair process. Why do developers get years, working hand-in-hand with the city, out of view of the citizens? Citizen’s hear about it years later and get only 2-3 months to come up to speed and respond. Would you work to change this process to make it more objective, fair to citizens, and not pro-developer? What specific changes would you recommend?
How can Citizen’s complaints be better addressed other than once a month mayor and council meetings?
Everyone is in favor of senior housing and low-income housing, but why is there such a heavy concentration of each in Rockville?
What would you plan to do about the abandoned housing in the West End?
When is Rockville giving up on our off-year elections? This would increase voting dramatically.
Should increases in planned fees be put off in light of State and County budget cuts?
How do you feel about the ICC?
Can we reduce the number of city policemen if we continue to use cameras for speed enforcement? Since millions of dollars are collected and the contractor is managing the cameras with a good percentage of the fees, would it be appropriate to see a savings?
One of the greatest protections that our residentially zoned neighborhoods have from commercial encroachment is that non-conforming uses in residential zones are not allowed to be expanded. Pumphrey’s Funeral home has stated to many neighbors that they want to expand their parking on the vacant lot on West Montgomery Ave. and would need a zoning text amendment approved by the mayor and council to allow this. What is your position on either allowing or not allowing expansion of non-conforming uses in residential neighborhoods?
If you could go back in time and redesign Town Center, what would you do differently? Give specific examples of the mix of businesses you think would have enabled Town Center to better weather this economic environment.
A house in the 700 block of Beall Ave. has sat unfinished and vacant for the last 2 years. The property has been a mess for the past 2 years. The front yard is covered with construction materials and the grass is 2 feet high. Why hasn’t the city government done anything to remedy this situation? What will you commit to do between now and the election to remedy the situation?
The city’s conversion of the old post office to the new police station was originally set to cost less than $5 million. It will now cost nearly $10 million. How can you justify such a large cost over-run?
Rockville has always had wonderful city services. I wish I could say that I thought that this was still true. Our twice weekly trash pickup, that I used to joke that I didn’t want to part on the street or else risk having them pick up my car, is being replaced by once-a-week “just what I can fit in the City supplied can,” service.
Rockville has its own police force, yet when my tires were slashed while my car was parked in front of a friend’s Croydon Park home, the Rockville City Police would not let my friend file a police report, since it was not his car, and it was parked on the street, and not on his property.
Why are we paying for these services when Montgomery County has trash pick-up at one a week and they have a police force that I am paying for already? I don’t mind paying for services when I get a return on my taxes, but we’re paying extra and getting nothing extra in return.
If Rockville participates in another public-private partnership, such as Town Center, would you support or oppose Rockville taking on a major partner such as Federal Reality, which has a track record of preferential treatment of national chains to the detriment of local businesses?
Are you a current (dues paying) member of your neighborhood civic association? What involvement have you had in your neighborhood civic association? What have you achieved as a result of those efforts?
There is a perception in the community that the city is not defending citizen’s rights to a reasonable schedule when it comes to new development proposals and a fair process. Why do developers get years, working hand-in-hand with the city, out of view of the citizens? Citizen’s hear about it years later and get only 2-3 months to come up to speed and respond. Would you work to change this process to make it more objective, fair to citizens, and not pro-developer? What specific changes would you recommend?
How can Citizen’s complaints be better addressed other than once a month mayor and council meetings?
Everyone is in favor of senior housing and low-income housing, but why is there such a heavy concentration of each in Rockville?
What would you plan to do about the abandoned housing in the West End?
When is Rockville giving up on our off-year elections? This would increase voting dramatically.
Should increases in planned fees be put off in light of State and County budget cuts?
How do you feel about the ICC?
Can we reduce the number of city policemen if we continue to use cameras for speed enforcement? Since millions of dollars are collected and the contractor is managing the cameras with a good percentage of the fees, would it be appropriate to see a savings?
One of the greatest protections that our residentially zoned neighborhoods have from commercial encroachment is that non-conforming uses in residential zones are not allowed to be expanded. Pumphrey’s Funeral home has stated to many neighbors that they want to expand their parking on the vacant lot on West Montgomery Ave. and would need a zoning text amendment approved by the mayor and council to allow this. What is your position on either allowing or not allowing expansion of non-conforming uses in residential neighborhoods?
If you could go back in time and redesign Town Center, what would you do differently? Give specific examples of the mix of businesses you think would have enabled Town Center to better weather this economic environment.
A house in the 700 block of Beall Ave. has sat unfinished and vacant for the last 2 years. The property has been a mess for the past 2 years. The front yard is covered with construction materials and the grass is 2 feet high. Why hasn’t the city government done anything to remedy this situation? What will you commit to do between now and the election to remedy the situation?
The city’s conversion of the old post office to the new police station was originally set to cost less than $5 million. It will now cost nearly $10 million. How can you justify such a large cost over-run?
Rockville has always had wonderful city services. I wish I could say that I thought that this was still true. Our twice weekly trash pickup, that I used to joke that I didn’t want to part on the street or else risk having them pick up my car, is being replaced by once-a-week “just what I can fit in the City supplied can,” service.
Rockville has its own police force, yet when my tires were slashed while my car was parked in front of a friend’s Croydon Park home, the Rockville City Police would not let my friend file a police report, since it was not his car, and it was parked on the street, and not on his property.
Why are we paying for these services when Montgomery County has trash pick-up at one a week and they have a police force that I am paying for already? I don’t mind paying for services when I get a return on my taxes, but we’re paying extra and getting nothing extra in return.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Funeral at Pumphrey Funeral Home
We have received notification of a Military funeral taking place between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM this evening at Pumphrey Funeral Home on West Montgomery Ave.
Do not be alarmed, as the funeral will include a 21 gun salute.
Do not be alarmed, as the funeral will include a 21 gun salute.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Vehicle Break-ins
From the Rockville City Police:
A series of car break-ins have occurred over the last few weeks at several locations in the West End. The following is a snapshot of the events that have been identified by our Crime Analyst so far:
Vehicle Break-ins:
* Wall Street - 2 vehicles entered
* Williams Street - 1 vehicle entered
* Evans Street - 1 vehicle entered (the only vehicle that appears to have been secured and had a window smashed)
* West Argyle street - 1 Vehicle entered
* 100 Block of North Street - 2 vehicles entered, victim states doors were locked. GPS stolen. Only one vehicle was ransacked. Responding Officer was able to obtain latent prints.
* 100 Block of Monument Street - a GPS was taken from an unlocked vehicle.
* Stevens Court - A tag stolen from a car.
Although anything in your car may be valuable, GPS units remain a "Hot" item for thieves. Remember to completely remove any indication of a GPS unit from your car. Remove the mount and any related wiring and ensure they are hidden from view. As an extra precaution, clean off the suction cup "ring" that remains on the windshield when you remove such a GPS mount. Keep you cars interior free from clutter and store briefcases or bags in the trunk.
Our patrol shifts have been made aware of the problems and were directed to increase their levels of patrol in the area. This "Increase Patrol" request will last for several weeks and any results are returned to Captain Rappoport for tracking purposes.
Crime prevention is a collaborative effort between the community and the police department. It is extremely important for anyone who observes or hears anything unusual to promptly report the suspicious activity to the police at 240-314-8900. Criminals committing car break-ins can take as little as one minute to enter your car and remove property.
A series of car break-ins have occurred over the last few weeks at several locations in the West End. The following is a snapshot of the events that have been identified by our Crime Analyst so far:
Vehicle Break-ins:
* Wall Street - 2 vehicles entered
* Williams Street - 1 vehicle entered
* Evans Street - 1 vehicle entered (the only vehicle that appears to have been secured and had a window smashed)
* West Argyle street - 1 Vehicle entered
* 100 Block of North Street - 2 vehicles entered, victim states doors were locked. GPS stolen. Only one vehicle was ransacked. Responding Officer was able to obtain latent prints.
* 100 Block of Monument Street - a GPS was taken from an unlocked vehicle.
* Stevens Court - A tag stolen from a car.
Although anything in your car may be valuable, GPS units remain a "Hot" item for thieves. Remember to completely remove any indication of a GPS unit from your car. Remove the mount and any related wiring and ensure they are hidden from view. As an extra precaution, clean off the suction cup "ring" that remains on the windshield when you remove such a GPS mount. Keep you cars interior free from clutter and store briefcases or bags in the trunk.
Our patrol shifts have been made aware of the problems and were directed to increase their levels of patrol in the area. This "Increase Patrol" request will last for several weeks and any results are returned to Captain Rappoport for tracking purposes.
Crime prevention is a collaborative effort between the community and the police department. It is extremely important for anyone who observes or hears anything unusual to promptly report the suspicious activity to the police at 240-314-8900. Criminals committing car break-ins can take as little as one minute to enter your car and remove property.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
WECA Letter to Board of Appeals re: Senior Housing on Fleet St
September 28, 2009
Board of Appeals
Rockville City Hall
111 Maryland Ave.
Rockville, MD 20850
Dear Sirs:
I am writing to you on behalf of the West End Citizen’s Association (WECA) in regards to the Victory Housing proposal for affordable senior housing.
At the most recent Board of Appeals meeting on September 12, 2009, I came before you requesting additional time for WECA to review and evaluate the potential impact of this development on the community. This letter is a follow-up to my testimony.
At that meeting the final decision regarding this project was delayed until your October meeting; this delay provided an opportunity for WECA to invite Victory Housing to its September 17, 2009 meeting. This was an effort on our part to make the citizens of the WECA community aware of the project and provide them with an opportunity to provide input.
Jim Brown of Victory Housing along with the lead architect from Grimm & Parker Architects attended the meeting and gave a presentation of the Victory Housing project. At the meeting, we had over 25 residents in attendance of which 17 were block area captains. By way of background, organizationally, WECA is made up of 43 block area captains and 5 executive board members who are responsible for disseminating information about issues within the West End to neighbors within their block. In addition, the board and block area captains have voting rights at our monthly meetings on all issues requiring a vote. There are over 1600 residents in WECA and while every meeting is open to every resident, only block captains are eligible to vote at regular meetings. Twice a year we hold general membership meetings per year where all residents are eligible to vote on issues. Our September meeting was not a general membership meeting.
Many residents asked questions and sought clarification on the size and design of the project. Specific questions included: accessibility features, the length of the lease, parking, if religious affiliation will be required given that Victory Housing is affiliated with the Archdiocese of Washington, income qualifications, the need for a Special Exception, the financing process, construction time, rent fees, competition in area from other such facilities, and design issues, notably the high roof and the number of units for this particular lot.
After Victory Housing’s presentation, we had a presentation by Alice Liu of Courthouse Walk to review the concerns of area residents.
At the end of Alice’s presentation there was general discussion about the project and ultimately a motion was made to write a letter to the Board of Appeals stating WECA’s concern over this project’s height and density and that both be reduced. This motion was passed 10 in favor, 6 against and 1 abstention.
As such, I respectfully request that you take the concerns raised at our September meeting into consideration as you evaluate Victory Housing’s request for a special exemption.
If you have any questions about this letter, please do not hesitate to contact me at (301) 762-5354 or by email at sprince@cadencemarketing.com.
Thank you or your consideration in this matter.
Sincerely,
Susan Prince
Susan Prince
President of West End Citizen’s Association
Board of Appeals
Rockville City Hall
111 Maryland Ave.
Rockville, MD 20850
Dear Sirs:
I am writing to you on behalf of the West End Citizen’s Association (WECA) in regards to the Victory Housing proposal for affordable senior housing.
At the most recent Board of Appeals meeting on September 12, 2009, I came before you requesting additional time for WECA to review and evaluate the potential impact of this development on the community. This letter is a follow-up to my testimony.
At that meeting the final decision regarding this project was delayed until your October meeting; this delay provided an opportunity for WECA to invite Victory Housing to its September 17, 2009 meeting. This was an effort on our part to make the citizens of the WECA community aware of the project and provide them with an opportunity to provide input.
Jim Brown of Victory Housing along with the lead architect from Grimm & Parker Architects attended the meeting and gave a presentation of the Victory Housing project. At the meeting, we had over 25 residents in attendance of which 17 were block area captains. By way of background, organizationally, WECA is made up of 43 block area captains and 5 executive board members who are responsible for disseminating information about issues within the West End to neighbors within their block. In addition, the board and block area captains have voting rights at our monthly meetings on all issues requiring a vote. There are over 1600 residents in WECA and while every meeting is open to every resident, only block captains are eligible to vote at regular meetings. Twice a year we hold general membership meetings per year where all residents are eligible to vote on issues. Our September meeting was not a general membership meeting.
Many residents asked questions and sought clarification on the size and design of the project. Specific questions included: accessibility features, the length of the lease, parking, if religious affiliation will be required given that Victory Housing is affiliated with the Archdiocese of Washington, income qualifications, the need for a Special Exception, the financing process, construction time, rent fees, competition in area from other such facilities, and design issues, notably the high roof and the number of units for this particular lot.
After Victory Housing’s presentation, we had a presentation by Alice Liu of Courthouse Walk to review the concerns of area residents.
At the end of Alice’s presentation there was general discussion about the project and ultimately a motion was made to write a letter to the Board of Appeals stating WECA’s concern over this project’s height and density and that both be reduced. This motion was passed 10 in favor, 6 against and 1 abstention.
As such, I respectfully request that you take the concerns raised at our September meeting into consideration as you evaluate Victory Housing’s request for a special exemption.
If you have any questions about this letter, please do not hesitate to contact me at (301) 762-5354 or by email at sprince@cadencemarketing.com.
Thank you or your consideration in this matter.
Sincerely,
Susan Prince
Susan Prince
President of West End Citizen’s Association
WECA Candidates Debate Scheduled for Oct 8
A WECA sponsored Candidates Debate will be held on October 8, 2009, at the Rockville Senior Center, 1150 Carnation Drive. This forum will be televised on Rockville Channel 11, the City's cable TV station, and will start at 7 p.m. promptly.
WECA members are encouraged to submit questions in advance by emailing to forum@weca.us, as this gives WECA members an opportunity to carefully consider good questions. Questions can also be submitted at the debate.
City of Rockville elections are held every two years, at which time the mayor and four council seats are up for election.
For the mayoral seat, Mayor Susan R. Hoffmann will seek re-election and current Councilmember Phyllis Marcuccio will also run.
Ten will vie for the four council seats. They are:
* John Britton
* Piotr "Peter" Gajewski
* Carl Henn
* Trapper Martin
* Tom Moore
* Mark Pierzchala
* Bridget Newton
* Virginia Onley
* Waleed Ovase
* Max van Balgooy
Councilmember Anne M. Robbins will not seek re-election.
The elections will be held on November 3.
WECA members are encouraged to submit questions in advance by emailing to forum@weca.us, as this gives WECA members an opportunity to carefully consider good questions. Questions can also be submitted at the debate.
City of Rockville elections are held every two years, at which time the mayor and four council seats are up for election.
For the mayoral seat, Mayor Susan R. Hoffmann will seek re-election and current Councilmember Phyllis Marcuccio will also run.
Ten will vie for the four council seats. They are:
* John Britton
* Piotr "Peter" Gajewski
* Carl Henn
* Trapper Martin
* Tom Moore
* Mark Pierzchala
* Bridget Newton
* Virginia Onley
* Waleed Ovase
* Max van Balgooy
Councilmember Anne M. Robbins will not seek re-election.
The elections will be held on November 3.
Road Closures Planned, Traffic Impacts Anticipated in Rockville for Event
Light the Night Walk Set for Oct. 10
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On Saturday, Oct. 10, the Light the Night festival and walk, sponsored by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, will be held 5:30-9 p.m. in Rockville's downtown and throughout the City's West End.
The Light the Night festival and walk will begin at 5:45 p.m. with a remembrance ceremony at Courthouse Square. The walk, which travels through the City of Rockville's West End, begins at 6:45 p.m. The walking route will be as follows:
- Beginning at Courthouse Square, going north on Maryland Avenue
- Turn left on Beall Avenue
- Turn right on N. Van Buren Street
- Turn left on Dawson Avenue
- Turn left on Forest Avenue
- Turn right on Carr Avenue
- Turn left on Luckett Street
- Turn left on Anderson Avenue
- Turn right on Forest Avenue
- Turn left on Harrison Street
- Turn right on N. Van Buren Street
- Turn left on W. Middle Lane
- Turn right on N. Washington Street
- Turn left at Courthouse Square and end
Rockville City Police will provide a rolling roadblock, and walkers are encouraged to use sidewalks and crosswalks where available. There will be temporary road closures throughout the course of the walk.
Beginning at 7 a.m., E. Montgomery Avenue will be closed between N. Washington Street and Maryland Avenue and between Maryland Avenue and Monroe Street. Maryland Avenue will remain open.
Beginning at 4 p.m., Maryland Avenue and Jefferson Street and Maryland Avenue at E. Middle Lane will be closed for the duration of the event.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Four Meetings Scheduled to Learn About Rockville's Recycling and Refuse Program
| Rockville will implement the final phases of its once-per-week, semi-automated, curbside collection system before the end of the year. Approximately 7,400 homes in Phase 1 and 2 are already part of the new system and another 6,500 will transition to it during the coming months. Phase 3 will begin the week of September 28 and Phase 4 will begin the week of December 7.
Certain components of recycling and refuse collection, such as bulky item collection and the holiday schedule, will change. Learn more about the new program at www.rockvillemd.gov/recycling-refuse or call 240-314-8568. |
Monday, September 21, 2009
Upcoming Deadline to Let the City Know What You Think of the Victory Housing Proposal for Fleet Street
Note: Please be advised that the Board of Appeals has decided to continue the public hearing of this matter to its November 7, 2009 meeting.
The WECA Board met last Thursday, September 17, and heard a presentation from Victory Housing about their proposal for the Victory Housing project. If you wish to comment to the City, now is your chance because the project is before the Board of Appeals and they’ve left the public record open until Saturday, September 26, 5 pm. The Board asked for comments from WECA when it reviewed the project on Saturday, September 12 and will continue the hearing on Oct. 3.
Send your emails to: cchasten@rockvillemd.gov (City Planner III and staff liaison to the Board of Appeals) and citymanager@rockvillemd.gov (Scott Ullery, City Manager)
More information will be available in the forthcoming newsletter, but due to the upcoming deadline, we are sending this now. Information can be found at two web sites: www.victorycourt.com, created by Victory Housing, and savefleetstneighborhood.wordpress.com, created by neighbors adjacent to the project.
Background - Victory Housing, an arm of the Catholic Archdiocese of Washington DC, and Montgomery County are proposing to build affordable housing for independent seniors on the property between the historic houses on Fleet St. and the Courthouse Walk townhouses. The County owns the land at this site and has agreed to provide a long-term lease in an effort to facilitate this use of the land.
Status - The developer has submitted a Special Exception application, which is required because of the type of use (senior housing) and the height of the proposed building. The City Planning Commission voted to recommend that the Board of Appeals approve the special exception. The Board of Appeals is the commission that is charged with making a decision regarding the Special Exception. It met on 12 September 2009. After an all day session the process was not complete and the Board will continue testimony and deliberations on 3 October.
If you wish to comment to the City, now is your chance because the project is before the Board of Appeals and they’ve left the public record open until Saturday, September 26, 5 pm.
The WECA Board met last Thursday, September 17, and heard a presentation from Victory Housing about their proposal for the Victory Housing project. If you wish to comment to the City, now is your chance because the project is before the Board of Appeals and they’ve left the public record open until Saturday, September 26, 5 pm. The Board asked for comments from WECA when it reviewed the project on Saturday, September 12 and will continue the hearing on Oct. 3.
Send your emails to: cchasten@rockvillemd.gov (City Planner III and staff liaison to the Board of Appeals) and citymanager@rockvillemd.gov (Scott Ullery, City Manager)
More information will be available in the forthcoming newsletter, but due to the upcoming deadline, we are sending this now. Information can be found at two web sites: www.victorycourt.com, created by Victory Housing, and savefleetstneighborhood.wordpress.com, created by neighbors adjacent to the project.
Background - Victory Housing, an arm of the Catholic Archdiocese of Washington DC, and Montgomery County are proposing to build affordable housing for independent seniors on the property between the historic houses on Fleet St. and the Courthouse Walk townhouses. The County owns the land at this site and has agreed to provide a long-term lease in an effort to facilitate this use of the land.
Status - The developer has submitted a Special Exception application, which is required because of the type of use (senior housing) and the height of the proposed building. The City Planning Commission voted to recommend that the Board of Appeals approve the special exception. The Board of Appeals is the commission that is charged with making a decision regarding the Special Exception. It met on 12 September 2009. After an all day session the process was not complete and the Board will continue testimony and deliberations on 3 October.
If you wish to comment to the City, now is your chance because the project is before the Board of Appeals and they’ve left the public record open until Saturday, September 26, 5 pm.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Paid Parking Hours Extended in Rockville Town Square Beginning Oct. 5
Rates will be in Effect Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Rockville, Md., Sept. 15 - The days and hours of paid parking at the City of Rockville's Town Square garages and town center meters will expand starting Monday, Oct. 5. The hours of paid parking will be Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The rate is $1 per hour.
Currently visitors must pay for parking Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The number of hours of paid parking will increase from 60 hours to 90 hours per week. The City estimates it will generate more than $400,000 in annual parking revenues, which will significantly reduce the current subsidy from the budget's General Fund to pay for the parking garages.
The Mayor and Council approved in April a related measure to encourage residents to visit Rockville's downtown. The measure allows each household in the City of Rockville's corporate limits a coupon code for 12 free parking visits in the Rockville Town Square parking garages.
To claim the free parking coupon, residents must visit one of three designated City facilities in person before Thursday, Dec. 31, and present a valid picture ID and proof of residency. Each household is limited to one coupon code that can be used 12 times.
Residents may pick up their free parking coupon code and instructions for how to use it at one of the following locations in the city:
Rockville, Md., Sept. 15 - The days and hours of paid parking at the City of Rockville's Town Square garages and town center meters will expand starting Monday, Oct. 5. The hours of paid parking will be Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The rate is $1 per hour.
Currently visitors must pay for parking Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The number of hours of paid parking will increase from 60 hours to 90 hours per week. The City estimates it will generate more than $400,000 in annual parking revenues, which will significantly reduce the current subsidy from the budget's General Fund to pay for the parking garages.
The Mayor and Council approved in April a related measure to encourage residents to visit Rockville's downtown. The measure allows each household in the City of Rockville's corporate limits a coupon code for 12 free parking visits in the Rockville Town Square parking garages.
To claim the free parking coupon, residents must visit one of three designated City facilities in person before Thursday, Dec. 31, and present a valid picture ID and proof of residency. Each household is limited to one coupon code that can be used 12 times.
Residents may pick up their free parking coupon code and instructions for how to use it at one of the following locations in the city:
- City Hall, 111 Maryland Ave., Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Residents are advised to call ahead to verify evening hours, at 240-314-5000.
- Twinbrook Community Recreation Center, 12920 Twinbrook Parkway, Monday through Friday, 6 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Thomas Farm Community Center, 700 Fallsgrove Drive, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
The coupon codes may be used in any of the three City-owned parking garages in Rockville Town Square. The garages are located at 215 North Washington St., 30 Maryland Ave. and 330 Hungerford Drive (Route 355) between East Middle Lane and Beall Avenue.
There is no expiration date on the coupon codes, and the codes can only be used 12 times.
For more information about parking in Rockville go to www.rockvillemd.gov/parking/index.html.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Agenda Update
The Victory Housing issue wasn’t decided on Saturday at the Board of Appeals as we originally thought would happen. Instead, they’ve continued it into October. Therefore,
Thursday, September 10, 2009
September Meeting Announcement
The next WECA meeting is scheduled for next Thursday, September 17th at the Swim Center Room A at 7:00.
Our agenda for the meeting will include:
MHP/BGII update
Victory Housing update
Candidate’s debate in October
City report
Nomination and election of Recording Secretary*
* Jan Balkam can no longer serve as Recording Secretary. According to the by-laws, we need to fill her vacancy at the next meeting. If you or someone you know is interested in being nominated, please come prepared to submit their nomination. We’ll vote on all nominations at the meeting.
By-law reference:
Section 5. All vacancies in elected offices shall be filled by election at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Executive Board after the vacancy occurs.
Our agenda for the meeting will include:
MHP/BGII update
Victory Housing update
Candidate’s debate in October
City report
Nomination and election of Recording Secretary*
* Jan Balkam can no longer serve as Recording Secretary. According to the by-laws, we need to fill her vacancy at the next meeting. If you or someone you know is interested in being nominated, please come prepared to submit their nomination. We’ll vote on all nominations at the meeting.
By-law reference:
Section 5. All vacancies in elected offices shall be filled by election at the next regularly scheduled meeting of the Executive Board after the vacancy occurs.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Burbanks Scheduled For Demolition Tomorrow
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Setting the Record Straight
July 16, 2009
Letter to the City of Rockville Mayor and Council:
I am writing to you today in response to questions raised at the Mayor and Council meeting on July 13, 2009 and subsequent email communications.
At the citizen’s forum, I spoke regarding the negotiations between the West End Citizen’s Association (WECA) and Montgomery Housing Partnership (MHP) regarding the development at Beall’s Grant II. I also sent a letter to the Mayor and Council on July 13th supporting the comments I made at the citizen’s forum.
Since there seems to be some confusion regarding the status of our negotiations, I thought I would provide additional information for clarity.
1. MHP does not have an agreement with WECA. WECA drafted a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlined the details that both parties agreed to on building parameters, residency requirements and community impact of the project. MHP agreed to each point in the MOU. WECA has signed this agreement, MHP has not. To date, MHP has not provided an answer as to why they refuse to sign the MOU, despite repeated requests.
2. The MOU was presented to the WECA general membership and approved. The
WECA general membership voted 62-1-2 to approve the MOU which specifies the parameters for WECA support for the project. This MOU clearly indicates the conditions under which WECA will support MHP and the Beall’s Grant II project. However as mentioned above, MHP has declined to sign this agreement. Without MHP’s signature, we have no agreement. Without an agreement, there is no support. In addition, the original motion to approve the MOU was amended to include a motion that the Mayor and Council be made aware that MHP not only modified our original document with “poison pill” amendments, but also that they were misrepresenting the status of our negotiations – that we had an agreement when in fact there is no signed agreement.
3. There is great concern in the West End over concentration of affordable housing. The issue of increased density both at Beall’s Grant I and II, as well as the development of future sites in and near the West End, was raised repeatedly during our negotiations. MHP agreed to cap the number of units at the Beall’s Grant site and not acquire any future sites for development in a specific geographic area. (An exception was made for the acquisition of individual MPDUs). Language that spells out their commitment is included in section VI of the MOU.
4. The impact of additional development in the West End is also a concern. Beall Elementary especially is faced with significant enrollment over their capacity. Additional portable classrooms will be added this year. Traffic along residential streets continues to increase and the city has even resorted to speed cameras to provide additional pedestrian safety. As such, the limits MHP agreed to regarding future development are crucial to minimizing the impact on the community.
I have included the last two points as the conversation subsequent to the June 30th meeting has centered mainly on the fact that MHP and WECA “agree” on the size of the Beall’s Grant II building. And while we all know size does in fact matter, in the context of this development, it’s not the only thing.
For MHP to claim we have an agreement is disingenuous at best and untrue in fact. Yet this is precisely what they have done; to residents within the West End, and to the Mayor and Council and to the City Staff. And is exactly the tactic that the general membership voted to communicate to the Mayor and Council.
If in fact, we have an agreement, as MHP claims, then I ask – why not sign the agreement?
Mayor Hoffman, you so rightly asked this very question at the Mayor and Council meeting this past Monday.
WECA has committed to provide their support of this project only upon MHP signing the MOU; not for an “agreement-in-fact.”
MHP cannot be allowed to choose which sections of the MOU they wish to uphold. Each section is important to the City and to the West End citizens – not just the details on the size of the building.
Our agreement contains concessions on both sides. WECA compromised on the size of the building and number of units and MHP compromised on limiting future expansion and resident requirements. Allowing MHP to proceed with a building that only reflects the compromises WECA agreed to without holding them to the concessions on their side is not the right and honorable thing to do.
Sincerely,
Susan Prince
Susan Prince
President
West End Citizen’s Association
Letter to the City of Rockville Mayor and Council:
I am writing to you today in response to questions raised at the Mayor and Council meeting on July 13, 2009 and subsequent email communications.
At the citizen’s forum, I spoke regarding the negotiations between the West End Citizen’s Association (WECA) and Montgomery Housing Partnership (MHP) regarding the development at Beall’s Grant II. I also sent a letter to the Mayor and Council on July 13th supporting the comments I made at the citizen’s forum.
Since there seems to be some confusion regarding the status of our negotiations, I thought I would provide additional information for clarity.
1. MHP does not have an agreement with WECA. WECA drafted a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that outlined the details that both parties agreed to on building parameters, residency requirements and community impact of the project. MHP agreed to each point in the MOU. WECA has signed this agreement, MHP has not. To date, MHP has not provided an answer as to why they refuse to sign the MOU, despite repeated requests.
2. The MOU was presented to the WECA general membership and approved. The
WECA general membership voted 62-1-2 to approve the MOU which specifies the parameters for WECA support for the project. This MOU clearly indicates the conditions under which WECA will support MHP and the Beall’s Grant II project. However as mentioned above, MHP has declined to sign this agreement. Without MHP’s signature, we have no agreement. Without an agreement, there is no support. In addition, the original motion to approve the MOU was amended to include a motion that the Mayor and Council be made aware that MHP not only modified our original document with “poison pill” amendments, but also that they were misrepresenting the status of our negotiations – that we had an agreement when in fact there is no signed agreement.
3. There is great concern in the West End over concentration of affordable housing. The issue of increased density both at Beall’s Grant I and II, as well as the development of future sites in and near the West End, was raised repeatedly during our negotiations. MHP agreed to cap the number of units at the Beall’s Grant site and not acquire any future sites for development in a specific geographic area. (An exception was made for the acquisition of individual MPDUs). Language that spells out their commitment is included in section VI of the MOU.
4. The impact of additional development in the West End is also a concern. Beall Elementary especially is faced with significant enrollment over their capacity. Additional portable classrooms will be added this year. Traffic along residential streets continues to increase and the city has even resorted to speed cameras to provide additional pedestrian safety. As such, the limits MHP agreed to regarding future development are crucial to minimizing the impact on the community.
I have included the last two points as the conversation subsequent to the June 30th meeting has centered mainly on the fact that MHP and WECA “agree” on the size of the Beall’s Grant II building. And while we all know size does in fact matter, in the context of this development, it’s not the only thing.
For MHP to claim we have an agreement is disingenuous at best and untrue in fact. Yet this is precisely what they have done; to residents within the West End, and to the Mayor and Council and to the City Staff. And is exactly the tactic that the general membership voted to communicate to the Mayor and Council.
If in fact, we have an agreement, as MHP claims, then I ask – why not sign the agreement?
Mayor Hoffman, you so rightly asked this very question at the Mayor and Council meeting this past Monday.
WECA has committed to provide their support of this project only upon MHP signing the MOU; not for an “agreement-in-fact.”
MHP cannot be allowed to choose which sections of the MOU they wish to uphold. Each section is important to the City and to the West End citizens – not just the details on the size of the building.
Our agreement contains concessions on both sides. WECA compromised on the size of the building and number of units and MHP compromised on limiting future expansion and resident requirements. Allowing MHP to proceed with a building that only reflects the compromises WECA agreed to without holding them to the concessions on their side is not the right and honorable thing to do.
Sincerely,
Susan Prince
Susan Prince
President
West End Citizen’s Association
WECA President's letter to Mayor and Council
To: City of Rockville Mayor and Council
I am writing to you on behalf of the West End Citizen’s Association (WECA) regarding the recent negotiations with Montgomery Housing Partnership (MHP).
As you know, a WECA committee made up of diverse group of residents of the West End met with representatives of MHP beginning in December 2008 and continuing through June of 2009.
Our goal and intent was to negotiate an acceptable design and development for the Beall’s Grant II housing project.
Our efforts culminated in a joint meeting between the WECA committee and MHP on June 17, 2009. At that meeting representatives of MHP reviewed and verbally agreed to details of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that covered the design, resident requirements and community impact of the project. Dennis Cain, Chairman of the committee then signed the MOU and presented it to MHP for signature. MHP chose not to sign the MOU at that time. A copy of that agreement was also provided to the Mayor and Council. (An additional copy is attached for your reference.)
This document not only covers mass and size of the proposed building, but also the community-impacting design details of the building (setbacks, townhouse fronts, no access on Beall Avenue, mansard roof, etc.), the demographics of future residents (i.e., income levels, preference for teachers, firefighters, etc.), commitment not to further expand or develop this site in the future, and safeguards against MHP further concentrating affordable housing within the immediate vicinity. These details go directly to the issues of affordable housing concentration in the West End and overcrowding in our schools – ongoing issues of concern that sparked the outcry over the original proposal approved by the Planning Commission in July 2008. Issues that you are likely to hear more of in the coming months.
The details in the MOU represent concessions on both sides and must be viewed as a whole. MHP and the City cannot leave the door open for expansion and concentration at will or pick and choose which concessions to honor – the committee agreed to a certain number of rental units based on the understanding that MHP would agreed to requirements for prospective residents and future development within the West End.
Subsequent to the meeting on June 17th, MHP modified the signed copy of the MOU by inserting language into the MOU that the committee had rejected as beyond its purview and authority. MHP then signed this version of the document and circulated it as a final agreement. I believe the Mayor and Council have also received a copy of this “cut and paste” document.
At no time did the committee approve these modifications to the MOU and these amendments remain unacceptable to the committee.
As the committee had gone as far as it could in its negotiations with MHP, Dennis Cain and Vice Chair Bridget Newton made a presentation to the general membership of the West End Citizen’s Association on June 30, 2009. As you recall, emotions ran very high at the WECA general membership meeting in October, and a high level of interest in our negotiations has continued in the ensuing months. We had a large turnout to hear the committee’s report.
After presenting the details of the MOU, a motion was made and approved (62 for, 1 against and 2 abstentions) to support the MOU in its entirety. Not parts. Not a modified version. The WECA general membership approved the document that is attached.
MHP continues to decline to sign the MOU – despite repeated attempts and even as recently as today when I spoke with their representative, Artie Harris.
As such, WECA is unable to offer any support to MHP in the development of the Beall’s Grant II project.
Furthermore, we request that the Mayor and Council support the citizen’s of the West End and reject any forthcoming request for a letter of support by MHP until such time as this agreement is signed.
Given all the time and effort your citizens have put into this process and our efforts to negotiate in good faith, we are confident you will support our position.
Sincerely,
Susan Prince
President
West End Citizen's Association
I am writing to you on behalf of the West End Citizen’s Association (WECA) regarding the recent negotiations with Montgomery Housing Partnership (MHP).
As you know, a WECA committee made up of diverse group of residents of the West End met with representatives of MHP beginning in December 2008 and continuing through June of 2009.
Our goal and intent was to negotiate an acceptable design and development for the Beall’s Grant II housing project.
Our efforts culminated in a joint meeting between the WECA committee and MHP on June 17, 2009. At that meeting representatives of MHP reviewed and verbally agreed to details of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that covered the design, resident requirements and community impact of the project. Dennis Cain, Chairman of the committee then signed the MOU and presented it to MHP for signature. MHP chose not to sign the MOU at that time. A copy of that agreement was also provided to the Mayor and Council. (An additional copy is attached for your reference.)
This document not only covers mass and size of the proposed building, but also the community-impacting design details of the building (setbacks, townhouse fronts, no access on Beall Avenue, mansard roof, etc.), the demographics of future residents (i.e., income levels, preference for teachers, firefighters, etc.), commitment not to further expand or develop this site in the future, and safeguards against MHP further concentrating affordable housing within the immediate vicinity. These details go directly to the issues of affordable housing concentration in the West End and overcrowding in our schools – ongoing issues of concern that sparked the outcry over the original proposal approved by the Planning Commission in July 2008. Issues that you are likely to hear more of in the coming months.
The details in the MOU represent concessions on both sides and must be viewed as a whole. MHP and the City cannot leave the door open for expansion and concentration at will or pick and choose which concessions to honor – the committee agreed to a certain number of rental units based on the understanding that MHP would agreed to requirements for prospective residents and future development within the West End.
Subsequent to the meeting on June 17th, MHP modified the signed copy of the MOU by inserting language into the MOU that the committee had rejected as beyond its purview and authority. MHP then signed this version of the document and circulated it as a final agreement. I believe the Mayor and Council have also received a copy of this “cut and paste” document.
At no time did the committee approve these modifications to the MOU and these amendments remain unacceptable to the committee.
As the committee had gone as far as it could in its negotiations with MHP, Dennis Cain and Vice Chair Bridget Newton made a presentation to the general membership of the West End Citizen’s Association on June 30, 2009. As you recall, emotions ran very high at the WECA general membership meeting in October, and a high level of interest in our negotiations has continued in the ensuing months. We had a large turnout to hear the committee’s report.
After presenting the details of the MOU, a motion was made and approved (62 for, 1 against and 2 abstentions) to support the MOU in its entirety. Not parts. Not a modified version. The WECA general membership approved the document that is attached.
MHP continues to decline to sign the MOU – despite repeated attempts and even as recently as today when I spoke with their representative, Artie Harris.
As such, WECA is unable to offer any support to MHP in the development of the Beall’s Grant II project.
Furthermore, we request that the Mayor and Council support the citizen’s of the West End and reject any forthcoming request for a letter of support by MHP until such time as this agreement is signed.
Given all the time and effort your citizens have put into this process and our efforts to negotiate in good faith, we are confident you will support our position.
Sincerely,
Susan Prince
President
West End Citizen's Association
Saturday, July 4, 2009
WECA Endorses Beall's Grant II MOU
The Beall’s Grant II Committee presented the Beall's Grant II Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) (see article below) at the WECA General Membership Meeting on June 30. After the presentation, the approximately sixty residents in attendance voted, nearly unanimously, to accept the terms of the MOU. Committee members explained that there are apparently two versions of the MOU at this point, the one developed by the WECA committee in conjunction with MHP and a second, later version written by MHP. This later version has been modified with the addition of a "kickout" clause. There was much confusion and discussion about this "kickout" clause added in the MHP version and this modification was rejected by the WECA membership.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
General Membership Meeting
The agenda for the meeting includes a report by the Beall’s Grant II Committee as well as an update on the Victory Housing project.
The Beall’s Grant II Committee was formed last fall in response to concerns that were raised at the October general membership meeting regarding the size and scale of the building and its impact on the surrounding community.
The Committee, ably led by Dennis Cain and Bridget Newton, has worked diligently over the past 6 months to reach a compromise with MHP. This compromise includes a revised design for a smaller building with a reduced number of units. In addition, access to the building was changed to minimize traffic on Beall Ave. There were many other details that were discussed, negotiated and agreed to by both the Committee and MHP.
The details of our agreement were drafted into a Memorandum of Understanding, a copy of which can be found in the article below.
At the meeting on Tuesday night, we will review this document and you will be able to see the changes that have been negotiated and what the revised building will look like.
While it was the goal to present a fully executed agreement to the general membership, it appears this is not going to be possible.
Subsequent to the Committee signing the MOU, MHP modified the terms of the agreement.
This was unacceptable for two reasons, first they modified the terms of a signed and executed document, and second they inserted language that the committee had previously rejected. This language allows them to invalidate the agreement for events beyond the Committee’s control and that do not relate in any way to the design of the project. Their version of the MOU essentially nullifies the last 6 months of negotiation.
That being said, we are confident that the hard work the Committee has put into negotiating the details of the project will not be lost and that by ratifying the MOU, WECA can forward this new and improved plan to the City for their consideration.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Beall's Grant II Committee and MHP - Memorandum of Understanding
The WECA BGII committee met with the MHP leadership Wednesday evening and held a
lengthy and very productive negotiation session regarding the remaining differences concerning the proposed BGII project. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was finally agreed upon which contains a compromise solution to the alternatives proposed by the neighborhood representatives and the developers. The WECA BGII committee approved the MOU unanimously and it was signed by the Committee Chair Dennis Cain and given to Rob Goldman with the request that MHP co-sign the agreement. At present, we are awaiting a response from MHP.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Regarding the article on Beall’s Grant II in last week’s Gazette
Letter to the Editor
Rockville Gazette
04.10.09
Re: AGREEMENT REACHED OVER BEALL’S GRANT II (04.08.09)
Regarding the article on Beall’s Grant II in last week’s Gazette, (Agreement Reached Over Beall’s Grant II) we are concerned that there are several frank errors:
1. The description that the building is a “football-sized building” rather than the reality which is a huge building footprint the size of a FOOTBALL FIELD – ie over 300 feet long.
2. “Residents agreed to accept Montgomery Housing Partnership (MHP) to build 70-75 rental units”. (sic) In fact, the committee stated that we would consider a maximum of 70 – 74 units per the model that MHP presented on 03.19.09.
3. “The new tentative design… brings the building height down from 4 stories to 2 stories with a 3rd story on the North side of the building closest to Dawson Avenue.” In fact, the building proposed is a 3 story structure with 2 story face on Beall Avenue and N. Adams Street.
4. “MHP will draft a written agreement with the West End Committee….” In fact, what the committee has asked MHP to do is to provide a written description of the building with specific details as it relates to size, setbacks, number of units, shape and design features. The Committee will then consider this information prior to a vote of approval for the project.
5. “….in the last of a series of meetings….” Though we are hopeful that we are close to an agreement with MHP, we will continue to meet until we have reached agreement on a design.
By far the biggest error in the article is the statement that an agreement has been reached between the West End and MHP. NO AGREEMENT HAS BEEN REACHED. NEITHER THE CITIZEN’S COMMITTEE NOR THE WEST END COMMUNITIY HAS SEEN A FINAL DESIGN LET ALONE VOTED APPROVAL OF SAID FINAL DESIGN. MHP had agreed to provide specifics of the design this week and to date, nothing has yet been received.
Additionally, the Committee, according to it’s charge by the WECA, has stated since it’s first meeting in December that though the GOAL of the Committee would be to work with MHP to come up with a recommendation of a design that is an asset to both the West End and MHP, the final decision rests with the West End Citizens Association. There has been no meeting yet of the community and no vote has been taken.
Dennis Cain, Chair
Bridget Newton, Vice-Chair
WECA Committee on Beall’s Grant II
Rockville Gazette
04.10.09
Re: AGREEMENT REACHED OVER BEALL’S GRANT II (04.08.09)
Regarding the article on Beall’s Grant II in last week’s Gazette, (Agreement Reached Over Beall’s Grant II) we are concerned that there are several frank errors:
1. The description that the building is a “football-sized building” rather than the reality which is a huge building footprint the size of a FOOTBALL FIELD – ie over 300 feet long.
2. “Residents agreed to accept Montgomery Housing Partnership (MHP) to build 70-75 rental units”. (sic) In fact, the committee stated that we would consider a maximum of 70 – 74 units per the model that MHP presented on 03.19.09.
3. “The new tentative design… brings the building height down from 4 stories to 2 stories with a 3rd story on the North side of the building closest to Dawson Avenue.” In fact, the building proposed is a 3 story structure with 2 story face on Beall Avenue and N. Adams Street.
4. “MHP will draft a written agreement with the West End Committee….” In fact, what the committee has asked MHP to do is to provide a written description of the building with specific details as it relates to size, setbacks, number of units, shape and design features. The Committee will then consider this information prior to a vote of approval for the project.
5. “….in the last of a series of meetings….” Though we are hopeful that we are close to an agreement with MHP, we will continue to meet until we have reached agreement on a design.
By far the biggest error in the article is the statement that an agreement has been reached between the West End and MHP. NO AGREEMENT HAS BEEN REACHED. NEITHER THE CITIZEN’S COMMITTEE NOR THE WEST END COMMUNITIY HAS SEEN A FINAL DESIGN LET ALONE VOTED APPROVAL OF SAID FINAL DESIGN. MHP had agreed to provide specifics of the design this week and to date, nothing has yet been received.
Additionally, the Committee, according to it’s charge by the WECA, has stated since it’s first meeting in December that though the GOAL of the Committee would be to work with MHP to come up with a recommendation of a design that is an asset to both the West End and MHP, the final decision rests with the West End Citizens Association. There has been no meeting yet of the community and no vote has been taken.
Dennis Cain, Chair
Bridget Newton, Vice-Chair
WECA Committee on Beall’s Grant II
Is WECA Going Solar?
The Rose Hill Falls community is exploring the installation of solar panels. Nadia Azumi, Vice-president of the Rose HIll Falls Board, invited Tim Grahl of Chesapeake Solar to the April WECA meeting and she wanted to share this information with residents of the WE. Tim provided some background on the company, distributed Power Point notes detailing installation and cost savings, discussed financial incentives available from the Federal, State, and County governments, and offered to do solar evaluations on homes to determine what system would work best for individuals’ homes. For more information, check out their website: www.chesapeakesolar.net.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
April 28, 7pm - Senior Adult Housing on Fleet Street Property
Many WECA residents received a letter informing them that Victory Housing is proposing to build a 90-unit affordable housing community for independent elderly residents (to be known as “Victory Court”). The development approval process has begun and per the new city zoning ordinance, the developer is holding an Area Meeting with the neighborhood on Tuesday April 28th, 7 pm, in the Auditorium of the Council Office Building (COB) at 100 Maryland Ave. The developer is seeking approval of a Special Exception for Housing for Senior Adults. More information, site plans, etc. can be found on the Victory Housing page of the Courthouse Walk HOA web site.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Town Center - Present and Future
The Town Center Action Team is planning a very special event on April 21; a Town Center Summit, from 7 to 9 PM in the VisArts second floor exhibit hall.
Join us for a discussion of the successes, challenges, and prospects of Rockville Town Square and nearby Town Center development, and how we can facilitate and encourage improvements in the short and long term. The meeting will include representatives from all of the interests that will influence the future of our Town Center - residents, merchants, property owners, and managers who live and work in Town Square, and also interested Rockville citizens.
The first part of the summit will be on the just completed Town Square including how to make the best of the current economic environment. The second part of the meeting will look forward to Town Center north of Beall Avenue (across the street from Town Square), to understand what it would take to develop it and how it can best complement and enhance Town Square.
The Town Center Action Team hopes to see you there!
Also, check out our new website at: http://rockvilletcat.blogspot.com/
Join us for a discussion of the successes, challenges, and prospects of Rockville Town Square and nearby Town Center development, and how we can facilitate and encourage improvements in the short and long term. The meeting will include representatives from all of the interests that will influence the future of our Town Center - residents, merchants, property owners, and managers who live and work in Town Square, and also interested Rockville citizens.
The first part of the summit will be on the just completed Town Square including how to make the best of the current economic environment. The second part of the meeting will look forward to Town Center north of Beall Avenue (across the street from Town Square), to understand what it would take to develop it and how it can best complement and enhance Town Square.
The Town Center Action Team hopes to see you there!
Also, check out our new website at: http://rockvilletcat.blogspot.com/
Slate for Officers 2009-2010
At the March 19, 2009 WECA Executive Board meeting, the Nominating Committee, chaired by Robin Nelson, announced the following slate for officers for 2009-2010:
President - Susan Prince
Vice-president - Jim Vitol
Corresponding Secretary - Jacques Gelin
Recording Secretary - Jan Balkam
Treasurer - Noreen Bryan
President - Susan Prince
Vice-president - Jim Vitol
Corresponding Secretary - Jacques Gelin
Recording Secretary - Jan Balkam
Treasurer - Noreen Bryan
Monday, April 6, 2009
Hotel Proposed for Town Center
Duball Rockville, LLC, the owner of the lot in front of the Regal Theaters, announce that Starwood Hotels & Resorts International, the world's third largest hotel company, is interested in Duball Rockville's project as one of the first national locations of their newest hotel brand, the "aloft" Hotel. The aloft Hotel is in the select "W Hotel" family but is a more contemporary, hip hotel at mid-range rates.
Duball Rockville recognized that a hotel in the downtown has long been on the City's wish list since the Visioning Rockville 2000 project and is highlighted as very desirable in the Town Center Master Plan. The Mayor and Council included in the PDP Approvals for the Duball site specifically that a hotel was a permitted use that could be included in addition to the other approvals on the site.
Therefore, although Duball Rockville has City approvals in hand for their two residential buildings in front of the Regal Theatre, they believed the aloft Hotel was an important and unique opportunity for Rockville and worked hard to incorporate the hotel with their existing approvals.
The hotel has been incorporated into the west building between Maryland Avenue and Renaissance Street. No changes were made to the height, massing, setback, streetscape, and landscaping of the approved building. The size of the residential dwelling units was modified to accommodate the space for the hotel. Here is the view of the hotel from Renaissance Street.
Affordable housing proposed for Beall and North Washington
Update: At the October 16, 2008 WECA General Meeting, the general membership passed a motion to rescind WECA's letter of support for Beall's Grant II. A second motion to form a working group to work with Montgomery Housing Partnership was also passed. The WECA board will review this motion and determine how to best form a committee which with consult with MHP regarding Beall's Grant II.
Update: Information on resident income levels has been updated.
Update: At a Planning Commission hearing in July, 2008, the Montgomery Housing Partnership received approval to move forward on this project.
Update: At the February 21, 2008, WECA board meeting, MHP presented revisions to their plan and indicated that the project is moving forward and has gone before the Development Review Committee.
At the September 21, 2006 WECA board meeting, the Montgomery Housing Partnership presented plans for their proposal to build affordable housing units at the northwest corner of the intersection of Beall Avenue and North Washington Street. The Montgomery Housing Partnership is a private, non-profit organization that builds, rehabilitates and manages affordable housing in multiple locations throughout Montgomery County. In addition to providing traditional management services, this organization provides training opportunities for adults, as well as clubs for children.
The site for this proposed building is situated just south of the Beall's Grant apartment building. Currently, this complex is composed of the sixty unit Beall's Grant, an unoccupied fourteen unit building, a large concrete pad where the Trading Post once stood and a small park. The Montgomery Housing Partnership proposes to tear down the fourteen unit apartment building and construct a 109 unit four and a half story building. There would be parking underneath the building. The playground would be relocated to the front of Beall's grant and the intersection in front of Beall's Grant would be improved and converted into a right angle intersection.
About 20-30% of the units will be market rate with no income restrictions. About 60-70% of the residents will be working families and individuals earning $35,000 to $60,000. About 10% will be restricted to those earning below $35,000.
KSI Plans for Redeveloping the Bank of America Building
At the May WECA board meeting, KSI presented their plans for redeveloping the Bank of America Building at the northeast corner of Beall and North Washington. The preliminary development plan (PDP) was approved in 2004. The PDP included 325 dwelling units and 5,000+ square feet of commercial space.
KSI has now provided further details. The current plan is a U-shaped building with the following heights:
- 25 feet high along North Washington.
- Units along North Washington will be two stories tall and 15-20 feet deep. There will be eight 1,200 square foot, two-story "live/work" units.
- 75 feet high behind this.
- 85 feet to 100 feet high on the side towards Maryland Avenue.
91 feet is approximately ten stories.
By comparison, Town Center heights will be in the range of 65 to 85 feet and the current Bank of America Building is approximately 60 feet in height.
The number of dwelling units has been reduced to 290 units.
Parking for the entire building will be underground, with two entrances. The main entrance will be from a new road to be built to the north of the building. A second entrance for visitors and retail shoppers will be off of Beall.
KSI has agreed to provide $73,000 to the City for traffic calming and studies in the West End neighborhood, plus an additional five projects or $110,000 to discourage cut-through traffic.
The proposed traffic calming currently under consideration are:
- Entrance /gateway to Beall
- Improved crosswalks at Mannakee Circle
- Sidewalks on Beall from North Adams to North Van Buren, if there is any money left over.
Forty-four New Homes Proposed for Fleet Street
Update: The Rockville Mayor and Council has designated the homes on Fleet Street as historic and the County is developing new plans for developing the rest of the site.Update: Due to the adoption of the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance and due to concerns by the Mayor and Council over the proposed density, Montgomery County is reconsidering its options for this site.
Six Homes Proposed for the Corner of Great Falls and Monument
Note: This plan has been put on hold due to both a new law prohibiting pipe-stem development and the adoption of the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance.
Update: More recently, a church has expressed interest in purchasing the property to develop a large church on this site.
On May 17, 2007, the Historic District Commission held a hearing to determine whether to recommmend historic designation for 406 Great Falls Road. Staff Kebba presented a summary of the staff report, noting that the applicant is considering Substantial Alteration of such a scale, that it actually constitutes Demolition of the existing house. Staff is recommending against historic designation on the basis of loss of integrity and lack of significance to the City. While associated with the well-known local families, Trail and Nicholson, this property is associated with later generations, two brothers specifically, who built the homes in the 1940s and are not noted specifically for their public contributions. The HDC not to recommend historic designation.
A developer has submitted plans for a proposed six home development to replace the two existing homes at 406 Great Falls Road and 408 Great Falls Road. These houses, on the southeast corner of the intersection of Great Falls Road and Monument Street, were built around the 1930's and occupy two large lots, typical of the Rockville Heights neighborhood, By city law, all demolition permits for buildings over fifty years old require an evaluation by the Rockville Historic District Commission (HDC) to determine whether the building(s) are historically significant. HDC staff has recommended that these homes be preserved, but the developer has requested an extension in order to refile the application. This matter will come before the HDC shortly and WECA and the HDC would like your input on this important issue.
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