Rockville Campus Expansion Task Force Meeting

January 10, 2007

At this meeting the Task Force moved toward more focus on viable sites for expansion. Campus needs to keep in mind include: Classroom space, parking, student life space

Additions to the Option List:

• Mastercraft Interiors Building
• Build an entirely new campus
• Marlo building
• Staples building

Dave Capp, Rockville Facilities, showed an aerial view of the campus in the surrounding neighborhood, led the discussion, and answered questions.

The 2002-2012 Master Plan has not been implemented because the process (approvals, budget, planning, actual construction) is extremely time-consuming. Any project will be done in phases, moving people temporarily during construction and/or renovation.

Any plan needs to consider traffic implications of new buildings, proximity to main campus and walkability.

Narrowing Options

Each group was given 10 dots to place beside options it supports, and individuals were given 2 minutes to advocate for or against specific options. The 7 options with the most votes, which will be researched by the Executive Committee and the resource group, are:

• Build up to code and build down sublevels
• Expand parking off campus and build on current lots
• Use athletic facilities in Rockville for buildings and transfer athletics to Germantown
• Create a system for assessing and sharing available space at MC, University of Maryland at Shady Grove, Johns Hopkins, etc.
• Carver Site
• Jackson Place North and South
• Lease or buy nearby office space

Discussion:

College Plaza:

• Important to leave it as it is because of neighborhood needs – shopping within walking distance of many homes.
• An important factor in having Rockville declared a senior-friendly area.
• Best of all options for expansion. There is parking; some stores could be left in place and College space built above. It is close to the main campus.
• Too far away from main campus – there’s no department, office or program that could logically be housed there.

Jackson Place:

Could be purchased partially or in phases

Carver site issues:

• Zoning
• Historic viewshed from 355 to front of building
• Façade must be maintained
• MCPS is using and owns the space

What the Task Force wants the Executive Committee to keep in mind:

• Criteria: square feet, cost, time/availability, political/other issues.
• Don’t fragment the academic areas – keep campus integrity.
• Student considerations.
• Consider both interim and long-term solutions.
• Respect the community.
• Recommend speedier implementation of the Master Plan.

Next Meeting:

The next meeting of the Task Force will be on Wednesday, February 21, 2007, from 6:30-9:00 p.m.

Return to the Rockville Campus Expansion Task Force Homepage