2026-10-14 - Planning Commission

Good evening. Rockville. Today is Wednesday, October 14th, 2026. This is meeting number 1226 of the City of Rockville Planning Commission. I am Monson, chair of the Planning Commission. I am joined in

chamber by commissioners Jamie Espinosa, Susan Pittman, Jeff Deans, Eric Fulton and Commissioner Shannon Salahuddin. Tonight's meeting is being conducted in person and virtually by WebEx. Tonight's

agenda includes two review and action items, and then will be followed by our regular scheduled commission items. So before we start, any commissioners have any questions or comments? Okay. Hearing

none. Let's proceed with today's first agenda review and action item. A level two site plan application 2026301 STP to permit construction of 3000ft at 521 False Grove Drive in the PPG false Growth

Plan Development Zone F retail LLC is the applicant. So Mr. Westlake, is there a presentation from staff? Yes. Thank you, Madam Chair. And members of the commission. Uh, this is a level two site plan.

And the Planning Commission, uh, is the approving authority. Uh, it's being processed under the 2009 zoning ordinance as one of our pending projects. And with that, I'm going to turn it over to

Richard Lawrence to make the staff presentation after I swear him in. Thank you. Uh, Richard, if you could identify yourself for the record. My name is Richard Lawrence. And will you provide truthful

testimony this evening? I will do so. Please proceed. Good evening, Madam Chair, and members of the Planning Commission. Again, for the record, my name is Richard Lawrence. I'm a principal planner

with the Community Planning and Development Services Development review team. The request before you tonight is a level two site plan application for 521 Falls Grove. Falls Grove Drive, located in the

Falls Grove Village center. Hold up. There we go. The applicant, EFG retail LLC, requests approval to construct a new 3000 square foot bank building within the existing Falls Grove Village Center. The

property is approximately 13.74 acres and is zoned PD, FG. Plan development. Falls Grove, per section 14.25. The retail and commercial uses within the PD has an equivalent zoning of RM, NC mixed use

neighborhood commercial. The new building is proposed along the Shady Grove Road side of the center. The property is surrounded on the south, east and north by the Falls Grove planned community. Falls

Grove Boulevard borders the property to the south, beyond which are four story multifamily residential buildings. To the east of the property, it's bordered by Falls Grove Drive, with townhouse

developments located beyond Falls Grove Drive to the north is a city owned open space and and a hotel north of the open space, and the property is bordered by Shady Grove Road on the west, which

represents the western border for the city of Rockville. The site to the west of Shady Grove Road are office and medical office type uses, as well as the Shady Grove Adventist Hospital. Falls Grove

Village Center is an established commercial and office development within Planning area 15. The broader plan development is approved under resolution 100, with a program development allowing up to

150,000ft of retail and 75,000ft of office space. The center already contains existing retail and restaurant uses, structured and surface parking, internal circulation, sidewalks, landscaping, as well

as site utilities. The proposal is an infill modification to the existing center, not an expansion beyond the previously approved development program. Specifically, looking at the site and the

proposal before you this evening, the proposed building is labeled on the site plan is a one story, 3000 square foot building in the southwest corner of the shopping center, currently with a drive

with a drive. Sorry. Excuse me with a drive thru provided along the western facade of the building parallel to Shady Grove Road to accommodate a queue of approximately five vehicles. A bypass lane

will also be provided adjacent to the drive thru lane to assure unimpeded access in this area of the site. The existing drive aisle south of the proposed Pad site would remain, and it would remain in

its existing configuration. The request would replace approximately 25 existing parking spaces by code 625. Parking spaces are required for the retail and office uses as part of the original approval,

and with approval and construction of the Path site's 811 spaces will remain on the site, with a will be provided with nine non-exclusive parking spaces for the proposed bank site provided along the

eastern facade of the building. The parking space provided are existing spaces and, pursuant to section 25.1606 B4 at approximately 25ft high, the build. The proposed building falls below the 45 foot

height maximum. It's approximately or it's um, it's approximately 28ft from the distance of the Shady Grove Road setback, which exceeds the 15 foot minimum requirement. And the proposal also includes

pedestrian connections, provides the required bicycle parking signs, markings, utilities, and required stormwater management improvements. Looking specifically at the design and architecture of the

building, the architectural elevations show a contemporary commercial building with storefront glazing, canopies, stone veneers, dark panel materials and articulated facades. The primary entrance

faces the shopping center parking area, while the Shady Grove Road side includes windows and a drive thru ATM function. New landscaping and a Micro Micro bio retention facility helped to integrate the

building and its circulation areas into the existing center. The project will comply with the city's green building standards and applicable international green construction codes. The project will

also comply with the city's art and Art and Private Development ordinance by providing public art on site, as permitted by the art and Private Development Ordinance. Under the prior code. Application.

Applications are required to adequately address the following key findings. The first four required findings concern health and safety, public welfare, adequate public facilities, and environmental

impacts. Staff finds that the internal drive through and bypass arrangement, accessible facilities, pedestrian connections, and planned fire access support, safe operations of the proposed use, while

parking will be minimally reduced by approximately 25 spaces, the available shared parking on the site provided across the entire shopping center, complies and far exceeds the minimum required parking

per the ordinance. The infill building is not expected to impact neighboring properties or or change external access to the overall site. Public works issued water and sewer authorization, stormwater

concept approvals and safe conveyance approvals as part of the site plan review process. Additionally, environmental measures include stormwater treatment, erosion, sediment control and replacement.

Tree plantings are required. Conditions of the site. Plan approval. Additional findings addressed the Comprehensive Plan. Compliance with the applicable zoning law, and compatibility of the proposed

project, staff finds a proposal consistent with the Rockville 2040 Commercial Land Use designation and the existing Falls Grove Development Program. The application is being reviewed under the prior

zoning ordinance, per the applicant's request and pursuant to the transitional provisions of the Zoar, the proposed height, setback and parking conform to the cited standards of the mm NC zone. Staff

also finds that the building scale, architecture, landscaping and circulation compatible with the established commercial center and will be subject to the recommended conditions of the site as it

relates to community outreach. Um, the they were consistent with the requirements of the previous ordinance. The applicant held a Pam meeting last fall and provided required notice to the property

owners related to the level two site plan request this evening. In conclusion, staff recommends the Planning Commission approved the level two site Plan Application 2026. 301 STP. Based on the

findings and the staff report and subject to its conditions of approval, the recommended recommended motion before you is to approve the application subject to the conditions contained in the staff

report. This now concludes the staff presentation. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have related to the site or the project. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Lawrence. Uh, any questions for the

staff? Yes, yes. we can start. At this stage of a site plan. Why do you say the lose approximately 25 spaces? Don't you know exactly how many they'll lose? They are. It is 25 spaces. But during the,

um, the signature said if there are any adjustments, we would continue to monitor that. But the applicant is showing a reduction of 25 spaces. Well, the applicant says there'll be 814 remaining

spaces. And you said there will be 811. We calculated 811 based on the figures that were shown in the on the site plan. Those were the numbers that we calculated as part of the review. So your number

is correct and our number is wrong. I believe so, correct. Thank you. Um, I have a question. So I don't see the signage for the building. So are they going to provide signage? The applicant will

provide signage and they can speak to that. They're also here this evening. Um, the signage will be in compliance with the zoning ordinance. Um, and I think they're still working through the final

operations or the operator of the, of the bank site. So that's why it wasn't shown on the site plans. But signage will be part of the building and it will be compliant with the zoning ordinance. Okay.

Thank you. So does the signage require commission approval? I don't believe this. No, no, it does not necessarily. Uh, if there's a sign that has to comply with the sign ordinance and the Falls Grove

standards for the plan development. Okay. Thank you. Any other questions? Okay. Uh, there are applicant. Applicant presentation. Yes, please. Thank you. Good evening. Pat Harris with Charlie and

Brewer here on behalf of the applicant, which is Falls Grove Retail LLC, which is an affiliate of Lerner Enterprises. With me from Lerner. Ah, is Jim Porcaro, who's senior vice president of

construction and development. And then Scott Meyer, who is the project manager. And we also have our transportation consultant, Katie Wagner, and our civil engineer, Pat Levy is here from um, I want

to. Thank chairs. I need to swear you in before you go any further. Everything I just said was very truthful. So you've identified yourself for the record. And will you provide truthful testimony?

Yes, I will. Thank you. Um, I want to thank staff for that very thorough, uh, presentation. We have a presentation, but it really would just highlight just what they said. The one thing I will note

that if you go to the very second to last page to answer the question about signage, there is a comprehensive sign plan that was approved by the city for Falls Grove. And if you can, it's a little

small, but what that did was identify the pad site and what the permissible signage would be for that particular building on that on the pad site. So there would be signage on three sides of of the

building. And again, so given that that's the it's already been pre-approved, we would still get permits for those signs. But um, there wouldn't be any extra steps involved. Okay. Thank you. And then

we're happy to answer any questions. Any questions? Just one. Because I'm a local to this area. You're you're building and signage wouldn't hide the hot donut sign for Krispy Kreme. Never. Any other

questions? Commissioners? Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Uh, so, Mr. Weisberg, any, uh, public to register to speak here or virtually? Uh, Madam Chair, no one has, uh, let us know in advance that they

would like to speak if you would just make an announcement that if anyone would like to speak, they're free to do so. Okay. Uh, so anyone would like to provide public testimony, please. Um, speak, and

you are free to do so, either in the chamber or online. Okay. So. Uh, Madam Chair, I'm not seeing anyone online that has unmuted themselves to speak. Okay, so that concludes the public testimony

portion. Okay. So hearing no questions and commissioners, uh, there are motion. I move that we approve the level two site plan application to 026301 dash step be approved based on the findings and

conditions of approval contained in the staff report. Just one correction. I think it's 310 STP. Oh, okay. 310 STP sorry. And I will second that motion. Okay. All in favor say aye. Madam Chair. Yes

actually it is 301, not 310. Okay. All right. I stand corrected. And so does this slide. Uh. So do I need to say it over again? Nope. I will second the motion. The first motion, not the second motion

that I forced. Upon her real one. Okay. Sounds good. All right, so all those in favor, please say I will raise your hand. all the motion passes. Thank you. Thank. You. thank you. Okay, now let's move

to the next agenda. Mandatory referral application 2027397. To develop the 131 acre site at the Red Gate Park and Arboretum are predominantly passive recreation Park, arboretum and regional

destination. Located at 14,500 Avery Road in the Park Zone, city of Rockville. Recreation and Parks Department is the applicant. So Mister Westlake, is there a presentation from staff? Uh, yes, Madam

Chair and members of the commission. Uh, this is a mandatory referral application. Uh, submitted, uh, per state law for public review of public projects. And, uh, some of you may recall that there was

a presentation to the commission, uh, once the public process to determine future use of Red Gate Park occurred, there was a specific presentation to the commission, uh, for that. And this is kind of

the first step in implementing, uh, that master plan for Red Gate Park. And with that, I'm going to turn over to Principal Planner Nelson Ortiz, uh, to make the staff presentation. Good evening, Madam

Chair. Members of the commission, Nelson Ortiz with community planning and development Services. This is the Red Gate Park and Arboretum mandatory referral application 2027 397 MRF. The property is

located at 14,500 Avery Road. It is 131 acres in size. The land use designation is P. Public Parks and the property is in the park Zone. The site was formerly a golf course which closed in 2018. A

small length of the property fronts East Gowdy Drive to the west. The southern boundary fronts Norbeck Road and a portion of the eastern boundary fronts Avery Road. Primary access to Red Gate Park is

from Avery Road. The applicant, the City of Rockville Recreation and Parks Department, proposes to transform this former golf course site into a park and arboretum, and. I found this on the web for

the applicant. A park and arboretum, as envisioned by the reimagining Red Gate Master Plan adopted by the mayor and Council in October 2022. The master plan anticipates phased implementation of the

park elements. The application identifies the primary phase and provides a framework for future phases. On the right, you can see the overall development plan and on the bottom there are three. I'm

not sure if you can see them, but there are three focus areas that are identified. Um, I'll actually go into further detail in my next slides anyhow, but basically the first, uh, focus area is located

north of the existing parking lot. If you're familiar with Redgate Park, uh, the second focus area is located west of the existing parking lot. And then finally the third focus area is located north

west of the existing parking lot. So here is the first, uh, focus area. Um, this area of focuses primarily on the play and picnic areas. The children's playground, which you can see, um, of course,

there's the legend, uh, with the various different numbers on it. The children's playground will be a nature based and inclusive playground that will incorporate the existing topography and the play

experience. The play equipment is intended to be nature inspired and serve children of all ages, one large and two medium picnic pavilions are proposed flanking a central green space. Compatible

forms, materials and details will be shared amongst the three picnic pavilions. The final locations of the picnic pavilions are tentative, but will generally be located near the children's playground

and the clubhouse building, and have paved pathways and accessible routes. In the second detail, you can see the location of the restroom building, identified a six. Um, if I can point it out, I'm not

sure if it's generally this location where my cursor is. The restroom building will be cohesive, and, uh, with the identity of the of the park and will be constructed in a similar architectural

materials and proportions as the picnic pavilions. This also details all this detail also includes trail and maintenance paths, as well as meadow areas proposed in this phase of development. The

detailed details also include the amphitheater, aqua garden, boardwalks as future phases of development. We still cannot see the presentation. We're trying to make it full screen so you can see the

overall plan. Better. Okay, we can see full screen. Thank you. Okay I think this is much better. Thank you for your patience. Yes. Yeah. So this again is the um the second focus area. Again the

restroom. Um, hopefully you can see it's location a bit better. Um, uh, item number six. Uh, this one also, this detail also shows, uh, several of the future, uh, elements. Um, uh, or several elements

that are proposed in future phases, mostly surrounding the existing ponds. Um, such as the amphitheater, the, um, uh, boardwalk and overlook, um, and some additional, uh, trails. So this, uh, third

and final detail includes, uh, the community garden, which will serve a recreational and educational purpose and offer a variety of gardening options, including wheelchair accessible beds, raised

beds, small and large garden plots, accessible pathways, gathering and seating areas. Adjacent to the community garden is the dog park, which will include two adjacent but separated areas for small

and large dogs. The lawn areas will include natural landforms, shade and seating opportunities. New and upgraded pathways will be provided throughout the park and follow the park's existing

topography. Where practical. Most park features and all park experiences will be accessible to all. As imagined by the Red Gate Master Plan, the trail system will also include along approximately one

mile and a short half mile accessible loops. I do want to call out two items on this slide. The plan does show a potential park connection, uh, identified in that, uh, green asterisk from Taft Court.

Um, this particular connection is part of an ongoing study to provide a pedestrian connection. The other item I want to call out is the path along Avery Road, which rec and parks, uh, that particular

pathway at the moment is not able to commit to, uh, but the applicant will be, uh, coordinating with city staff. That will be, uh, ongoing coordination with them. And, uh, the applicant does, uh,

commit to, uh, completing this portion of the project when funding is available. In terms of next steps for this first phase, the applicant anticipates completion of the design and permitting to occur

spring of 2027. The construction, bidding. And its award summer 2027 and potentially, uh, construction beginning uh fall 2027. So this application is being processed as a mandatory referral in

accordance with state law governing construction of public projects. The Planning Commission's review was to determine consistency with the plan, specifically as it relates to the location, character,

and extent of the proposed site development. The Planning Commission has 60 days from the date of submittal of the application to render its decision, or the application is deemed to be approved. The

applicant may appeal a decision of denial by the Planning Commission to the Mayor and Council, which can vote to overturn the ruling by a two thirds vote and proceed with the project. As I mentioned

in my previous slide, the project is being reviewed to determine consistency with the plan in terms of its location, character, and extent of the proposed site. Development staff does find that this

project is consistent with the plan in terms of its location, character, and extent. Uh staff find that the adoption of the reimagining Red Gate Park Master plan. One second. Adoption of the

reimagining Red Gate Master Plan and its implementation fulfills project P-1 under Planning Area 17 of the Comprehensive Plan, and it addresses actions 21.1 of the Land Use Element and action 3.3 of

the Recreation and Parks Element. Again, both of those from the Comprehensive Plan. Uh, the applicant will be implementing public art throughout the site per chapter four, article two requirements.

Uh, the proposal is also compliant with the TPO and the proposal prioritizes the site's diverse environmental features. Additionally, the applicant will be complying with the uh for the stormwater

management and water and sewer requirements of the city code. For we still have following pages. Okay. We don't need to see the full screen at this stage. So please screen five. It's just the final

recommendation for. So maybe you can verbally present that. Yeah, I think so. The next slide um is the our recommendation slide. So um, uh, as uh, the staff report states, uh, staff is recommending

approval of this mandatory referral, uh, subject to the conditions in the staff report. And that concludes my presentation. I'd be happy to answer any questions you may have. The applicant is also

here. Uh, Chris Henry with, uh, Recreation and Parks Department. There is also a, uh, the other part of the applicant team is also, uh, online in case you have questions for them. Thank you. So does

the park department have a presentation? They do not. Okay. Okay. So this is the presentation we have. Right. Okay. So commissioners, any questions? I do have a question of the Parks Department. Um,

so I'm curious. I saw that, uh, there'll be, uh, bathroom facilities at this park. And I'm just curious how the Parks department goes about deciding what public parks and facilities will get.

Restroom. And I and I asked that because there's, like, Maddie Stepanek Park has a dog park has a popular pickleball courts, popular football field, yet doesn't have public restroom facilities similar

to Broom Athletic. Um, field doesn't have restroom facilities, and Redgate will. I understand that the venue might end up being a little larger than these other two, but it's a little bit more

secluded too, so I'm just curious as to the process of what criteria goes into place when that decision is made. Thank you for the question. I'm Chris Henry, I'm the deputy director of recreation

parks for the City of Rockville. Um, in this particular case, uh, we will eventually have a visitor center, but that could be a little a ways down the road. And so we felt that this was important to

have a restroom when we have, um, picnic pavilions that could hold, um, a lot of people compared to a park where you just come in for an hour and go, um, Maddie Stepanek, we are working on more parks

to open bathrooms. Um, at times between sunrise and sundown. Um, and we've we've been working on that. We have 3 or 4 that have, have opened this, um, this year, and we're working on several more. So,

um, as you say, Maddie Stefanik has, um, has restrooms, but they're not always open. Um, except when we have programs there that are when the concession stands staff. So we do work with, um, we are

working on making sure that they are safe. And, um, so we're installing some security for them and some ways for them to be open and closed, um, at certain times. So we are working on that. Um, how

that is determined. It depends on whether it's a neighborhood park and really have not just because of safety and cleanliness. Um, have struggled with that. Um, so we're we're working on that and

working on a plan to, to implement so that more parks are have restrooms because people are staying in the parks longer. Um, so and that's one of the reasons that the restrooms in Red gate will be

built, um, as part of this phase so that the picnic pavilion that may rent for four hours, then you might have people staying a lot longer than anticipated in other parks. And you touched upon it. Out

of curiosity, will the public restrooms at Red gate? Is the plan for them to always be open or are they going to be closed? And I asked because of Red gates kind of secluded nature, that to me seems

like a safety issue. Um, unless there's increased like, you know, police presence or something. But but it seems like you guys are thinking through this. Yes, we're thinking through that in terms of

security. Um, and, and surveillance cameras for, to protect. And then, um, ways to open and lock them at certain times. There's technology now that does that. So we're working on that. And um, and at

other parks as well. So, um, you are not the only one who wants, who want restrooms, but they'll be, um, open from a certain a certain amount of time. They won't be open through the, through the

night. So it'll be sunrise to sundown. I appreciate it. Thank you. Questions I have, Madam Chair. I think that makes sense. Any other questions. Commissioner? Hi. Thank you. I want to ask briefly

about the potential shared use path from 28 along Avery and the pedestrian trail connections. Um, the information in the briefing book stopped well, short of doing any action on those. And thank you,

Miss Ortiz, for, I think, indicating that it's a lack of funding issue. Uh, so I guess a couple of questions and you can elaborate. As you wish. Um, I'm inferring that there was no money allocated to

pedestrian connections within any of the scopes, if that's the case, and then how would you go about getting the necessary funds for that? Would that have to go through the annual budget process

through the city and the mayor and council, or would that be through other areas? Wow. You almost answered our question. Um, we we received several grants and we did not include that in the grant

application. That was, um, several years ago now. And, um, so when it came to our attention that that was not being, uh, that that wasn't part of a city project yet. Um, we, we got with the Department

of Public Works and we are committed to doing it, but it's not physically in the budget. Right. The second. So we have to move some projects around. Um, but we are committed staff, both recreation and

parks and public works to making that connection happen. Um, there are two, uh, CIP projects available, one in public works and one in recreation and parks that hopefully we can work together and, and

and put that in one of those projects. And I don't know if either one of those is, but there's I, there may be please educate me like just a general sidewalks fund as well. Or in addition to or maybe

that's one that you're referring to. I don't know if you're able to draw money from that as well. Yeah. You're you're spot on. Um, there is a missing sidewalks, um, project as well as a replacement.

And, and, drive. Aisle or, um, drive apron, uh, project that has funds and then recreation and parks has, uh, a project as well that has, um, asphalt and concrete, uh, money for projects. We just have

to kind of move things around. Can, uh, and make sure that it goes through the budget process, um, so that people know, um, and when projects to, when to expect projects to be completed. Yeah. All

right. Um, and so final question, what work ah, can you do before you get the actual construction funds, can you conduct feasibility studies? Can you do design or do you have to wait till you have all

of that money allocated and budgeted before you can go into that, that depth? We do technically have to have the money to to move forward, but we do have some expertise in-house. So we've looked at

it, um, we kind of know what we're we're getting into, um, and what will be, will be, will be needed on that, that side of the road. Um, there are a few trees. There are, there are is some swale that,

um, cuts into, uh, the slope. So there's, there are some things that we've, we've looked at and we've put some numbers together to figure out, you know, kind of in the, in the interim, what we'll take

so that we can put it in the budget. All right. As long as you're ready to move as soon as you get the money. That's that's all that I think matters right now. Thank you. Yes. And this it'll it will

have to be designed. Yeah. Any other questions? I'm new to mandatory referral in Rockville. I'm used to it at park and planning downtown. And, um, we would get things that were about 30% designed. Uh,

this looks like 30% design is somewhere off in the future. Is that correct? I would say that this is closer to concept to 30 between concept and 30%. So are we. Is this board ever going to see this

project again after this mandatory referral? So, uh, this is the only mandatory referral that will come before the board related to Redgate Park. So to answer your question, no, um, we did include,

though, um, we will continue to coordinate with the applicant at various different design stages to ensure that the, uh, the design remains consistent with our plan. And of course, the, uh, uh, Red

gate master plan. I would hope you're the same city. Um, uh, let's say, uh, there was something in the report that said this is like 90% open space or something like that. If if you built everything

you're proposing on the legend, the concept plan that we're approving, what would be the impervious surface when you're done? We don't have an impervious. But it would be 90% passive is what it it was

approved at. So trails or pathways would go through areas. But um, we have kind of have a core active area and that's 10% of the um, 131 acres. Um, we haven't I think we've done a calculation on

impervious throughout the park. And do you know how much boardwalk you're doing in phase one, or is that up in the air? There's not much boardwalk in phase one, but phase one B, uh, depending on

funding, um, we would start to get into to to more of the boardwalk options. Um, and opportunities that, um, hopefully help with education and, and get lift some of the, um, the pathways up off the

ground if there's, if there's wet areas or if there's, um, opportunities for education. So really what we would be approving is that that concept plan drawing. Correct. Correct. And after that who

knows all the the pretty pictures in your report are all maybes. They're all concepts. They're. , they're they're in line with the master plan. So they haven't deviated from that. Um, and they're

we're getting we're moving along on that. But we haven't. We would have to go through regulatory review for all the the details. Yeah. But you had you had really designs on particularly boardwalks.

You had some designs on the uh, uh, the shelters as well, some with metal roofs, some without metal roofs. So what are we approving when we're approving this? Yeah. We haven't decided what the the

exact materials would, will be. So if we approve as submitted, we just don't care in the mandatory referral. Commissioners. Just a reminder, the scope of mandatory referral under state law is simply

determining whether location, character and extent are consistent with the comprehensive plan. Uh, ultimately, it's up to the commission to determine whether the information provided to you is

sufficient to make that determination. Um, but I would remind the commission that, again, the state law on this suggests that the review, um, is is fairly high level. And, um, but again, I won't tell

you whether you have enough information that's for you to determine. But it's not a it's not a detailed review in the same manner as a site plan. For example. Me, I would thank you for that. But I was

trying to go after extent and to the extent, to the extent we're approving the extent, which is really sort of hard to determine here. Um, and I suspect this is the, the typical kind of information we

would get a mandatory referral. I think it varies and kind of depends on the agency that's submitting mandatory referral, of course, for review projects from county government and M.c.p.s as well. So

which, uh, you know, developing a school site, it has to be detailed and it's not really a concept. This is 131 acre park site. Um, so you can determine what elements are proposed in this park.

There's a master plan for the park. And, uh, so we felt that this was an appropriate level of detail, uh, at this stage for this phase of Red Gate Park. Okay. I'm not sure I'm comfortable. but but I'm

new. I'm never comfortable. Thank you. Thank you. Any other thoughts? Commissioners? Um, yeah, I have a question. So I'm curious about the art piece. So the the mentioned there will be a lot of public

art incorporated in the park. Can you elaborate on what will be built or implement. Recreation and parks and the city manager's office? The art and culture manager have been working together,

collaborating on this project, and she is working on the specifics of of of the art. Um, she's also working on the funding for what we would, would think would be, um, pretty substantial art. Um, we

are currently looking at several projects, uh, to work with, some to enhance some of the, the features that we already have, for example, and I think it was stated in the the report with, uh, shade

structures and the survey results of the the art were to incorporate it into things that were existing or that could be like functional art. And so we're working with ano del in the city manager's

office to coordinate the art. And she's she'll do a, she'll complete a process for the, the exact art that will be out there. Oh, so you mean like even the shading structure will be a part of a piece

of. Art, perhaps? Yeah. That sounds pretty interesting. And I know in Rockville I review the need to have a public art piece. Right. And the park should have more. Yes, yes. Well, we we've started it.

So we were we were doing, uh, public art in our process. Um, long before the, um, public art and private development was, was adopted. So, yes, we totally agree that we lead the the way. Sounds good.

I'm excited. So, um, are there any other. Yeah. I'll just say, uh, Miss Henry, this is very exciting. This has been a lengthy public process, and it is in line with the, um, the Red gate master plan.

And it's wonderful to see it progress. It's been it's been a long haul. So thank you for this. Thank you so much. We appreciate it. We've gotten a lot of outside funding and it's really helped. Um,

speed up the process. And um, their deadlines will make us really move forward. So it's very exciting. So thank you so much. Thank you. Commissioner. Thanks. Are you satisfied with. Yeah. Are you

satisfied with all the answers we get? Personally, no. I would ask for more detail and wait till we got it, but that's just me. Okay, then. Uh, hearing no other comments, and, uh, there a motion. Uh,

I move to approve mandatory referral, uh, application 2027397 MRF. Subject to the findings and conditions in the staff report. Second. Sorry, Commissioner Fulton. No. Go ahead. No, you. Go ahead.

Thank second. Okay, so all in favor, please say I will raise your hand. I so oppose okay. We have one I oppose. And the rest of the, uh, in support. So the motion passes. Thank you. Okay, so now let's

move to the commission. Items number eight. Number three, a staff liaison report. Mr. Westlake. Thank you, Madam Chair. Uh, just very briefly. Your next meeting will be October the 28th, two weeks

from this evening. Uh, we actually have another mandatory referral from this one from the county government. Uh, for property at 260 East Jefferson Street. And, uh, following that, the next meeting is

scheduled for November 4th. And we had planned on doing kind of a a Zorro update for you and going over kind of the outcomes of the recommendations that you made to the mayor and council. Uh, so I may

look to see if we can maybe combine those meetings, because those are the only two agenda items on the next two meetings. Um, but so some more detail to follow on that. Um, after November 4th and

remember the 11th, your normal meeting date is a holiday. Um, so we moved the meeting to the fourth. The next meeting would be on December the. 9th. And that concludes my report. Thank you, Mr.

Lesniak. So we are having a meeting on the fourth, or you moved it to the 15th. There. As of at this point in time, there is a meeting on the fourth. Yes. Okay. Uh, November 4th, you mean. Yes. Okay.

Yes. Okay. Uh, any other questions? Okay. None. Any old business? Uh, how is the out? How is the guidelines for street naming coming? So we are just getting starting on that. I expect to have it for

you, uh, after the first of the year. Thank you. Okay. That's, uh, good progress. And I also want to share that, um, we went to the the to receive the proclamation of the Community Planning month for

our commission. So this I will give to Mr. Westlake for the record, for this year. Okay. And, uh, any new business. , I have new business? Yes. This is my annual reminder that October is, uh, hereby

declared. Walked over in the city of Rockville in the state of Maryland, uh, to celebrate, uh, honor and dig deeper into walkability and promote walking and rolling as a viable form of transportation.

And tomorrow, Thursday, October 15th at 6:00 pm, uh, there will be a community walk and roll event that starts at the twin Brook Community Recreation Center. Uh, it's less than a mile. Uh, the

Rockville Pedestrian Advocacy Committee will be there. I know several of the Electeds will be there, as well as city staff. It will begin and end at the twin Brook Community Recreation Center. And

following the walk event, we will be holding a candlelight vigil in honor of the memory of those who have lost their life in the past year due to collisions with motor vehicles. I do have new

business. Um, so as we enter the we only have about three meetings left, right? We have one more on October 1st and November 1st, December, and then our annual election is remind me, do we do it in

November or December? Typically you do it in December. So one thing I know I raised last year and I raised again now is potentially relooking at our rules of procedure. The last time they were looked

at was 2023, which is before there's been four new members, including myself, since the last time. And, you know, with the rules of procedure, uh, we've dealt with some things over the last few years

that weren't necessarily clearly addressed. And I think heading into the new year might be a good opportunity. So I kind of look at, uh, you, mister, what's it like to look at our schedule? One might

be a good time. Uh, when the agenda would allow to potentially go through it. I don't know how my other commissioners feel about that. I think it's all good idea and depends on the time available for

staff for this year. Mister. What's that? Yeah, I would expect that we could work that in a not to speak with Mr. Dumais, who will be an integral part of it, but, uh, probably is appropriate given

that we have a new code, uh, to make sure that's in line with, with the new zoning ordinance, etc.. So I would expect that'd be a good project for 27. Commissioner, just to make sure we're giving you

what you're looking for. Um, would you like. Because last time we did it, we did a fairly comprehensive rewrite. And so we drafted it in advance and then presented it to you for your feedback. Um, in

this case, it probably wouldn't involve quite as many changes. Um, would you like to do that again, where a staff presents you with a, you know, with a red line version of the code based on what we

understand, changes should occur and then let you respond. Or would you like to just go through the existing rules of procedure and comment first, and then have us draft something for you in response

to your feedback? I think what might work is if my fellow commissioners are willing to do a little homework, read through it, and for us to provide you guys comments over our experience over the last

two, three, four years of potential changes. And then, you know, potentially you address those in any changes. You see that should be done based on the new code. I mean, I don't know what your

thoughts are. I think that would be great. Yeah, I think that would work much better this go around. Uh, so for that, I don't think we can finish that in this year, but we can start the process.

Right? Yeah. So, Mr. Watson, if you send us the existing rules and procedure, then we can start to review. I can do. That. Sounds good. Okay, okay. Any other new business? Okay. Hearing none. Uh, I

think we have one minute to approve on September 9th. Correct? Yes. So, any comments for the minutes? Commissioners, you all reviewed? I have no comment. Just I'm remembering last meeting. Did we punt

a set of minutes to this meeting? From last meeting as well. It is the those these minutes. These okay I didn't go back and look. So but yeah I think they. they have addressed my comments. Yeah. On

this minutes. So it's majority the same. I move approval of the minutes as drafted sent to us by staff. Okay. There are a second okay. All in favor please say I will raise. Your hand. I. Um I'm

abstaining because I was absent. Okay. Yes. Thank you. Okay. So any other correspondence I have, I. Know. Okay. Thank you. Then, uh, is there a motion to adjourn? I move to adjourn second. All in

favor, please say aye. All right. Meeting is adjourned. Good, good. Good >>