East Rockville Civic Association Meeting Tomorrow

The May East Rockville Civic Association meeting will take place at the Croydon Park Pump House tomorrow night, starting at 7:30 PM, with plant swapping beginning at 7:15 PM. This month's topic will be on the East Rockville neighborhood plan and the citywide Rockville 2040 plan with Andrea Gilles as the guest speaker. Because Andrea is also a major figure in the Stonestreet Corridor Study, if you did not get a chance to come out to last Tuesday's meeting on this study, tonight would probably be a good time to ask any questions you have. I encourage all of you who live in East Rockville to come out to the meeting tonight, and, if you are a voting member of the association or would like to become one, don't forget to pay your 2017 dues!

East Rockville Housing Meeting

On Saturday, I had the opportunity to attend a meeting to discuss the future of housing in East Rockville, and the possible directions that the neighborhood could take to either add people or remain in its current state. Overall, most present seemed very much willing to grow as a neighborhood, although there were several opinions on the manner in which this could be done. Hosted by David Levy and Ann Wallas, different types of housing discussed for addition to the neighborhood included Accessory Dwelling Units (ACDs), duplexes, fourplexes, townhouses, courtyard housing, small multiplexes, and live/work units.

An example of an ACD, with the unit on the right and the main residence on the left. These saw most support at the meeting, however under current codes are difficult to do. Image Credit: accessorydwellings.org

Although ACDs did see widespread support, thanks to existing city codes they are hard to create, and, because they would have to be created by residents on their own initiative, may not be built and would therefore not actually have much support. Most people felt that these would work well in Burgundy Knolls, England's Second Addition, Harriet Park, and Rockville Park. Additionally, there was limit support for duplexes and fourplexes, especially in the Croydon Park and England's Second Addition areas, with concern about historic preservation being present in the Rockville Park. Additionally, live/work units saw support for the Stonestreet corridor, as did small multiplexes. Courtyard housing saw niche support as well, which, if the city takes these findings into consideration, would mean that East Rockville would, though in a limited manner, add some density to its borders and allow for housing to stay affordable and the neighborhood to grow.

Meet Rockville's New City Manager

On Tuesday, February 14th, a "meet and greet" with the city's new manager, Rob DiSpirito, at the Croydon Park Pump House at 401 South Horners Lane from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. If you have any questions about the city's current plans, or about his work experience and what he plans for the city, drop by!

East Rockville Civic Association Meeting November 15th

Continuing on the October meeting's theme of looking at the neighborhood plan's flaws and advantages, this month's meeting will look at what residents have found in the plan that they feel needs changing, or that they feel works well. If you want to help decide what needs to be added to the existing plan, come to the Croydon Park Pump House at 7:30 PM on Wednesday, November 15th.

ERCA Meeting Wednesday, October 12th

The East Rockville Civic Association will host a meeting this Wednesday, October 12th at 7:30 in the Croydon Park Pump House at 401 South Horners Lane. Guest speakers for the night will include staff from the city planning office to discuss updates to the neighborhood plan. Please come to the meeting to make sure your voice is heard as the neighborhood plan is updated!

East Rockville Neighborhood Meeting Tonight!

Tonight at 7:30 PM (EST), the East Rockville Civic Association will host one of its monthly neighborhood meetings at the Croydon Park Pump House at 401 South Horners Lane. Hope to see you there!