Rockville Historic District Commission Meeting - April 16, 2026
Rockville Historic District Commission Meeting - April 16, 2026
The Rockville Historic District Commission (HDC) held its meeting on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 12:00 PM. Chair Peter Fossum presided, joined by Commissioners Seth Dembo, Michael Goldfinger, Anita Neil Powell, and Mercy Shengay. Staff present included Preservation Planner Sheila Bashari, Deputy City Attorney Cynthia Walters, and Principal Planner Megan Flick. The meeting covered organizational reports, a consent agenda, evaluation of significance for three properties, a certificate of approval for a shed, discussion on Preservation Month events, and new business regarding historic surveys and staff retirement.
Consent Calendar
- Minutes of March 19, 2026: Approved unanimously.
- Certificate of Approval COA 2026-260 for 419 Reading Avenue: Initially placed on the consent agenda but moved to regular discussion for formal consideration.
Public Comments & Testimony
- No members of the public provided comments during the open forum.
Organizational Reports
- Peerless Rockville: Nancy Picard, Executive Director, reported on the Rockville 250 initiative marking the 250th anniversary of the United States and Montgomery County. Upcoming events include a walking tour on April 24, 2026, and an exhibit opening May 11, 2026, at the Red Brick Courthouse.
- Commissioner Goldfinger: Presented a brief history of the old Rockville Post Office building (now the police station), built in 1939 in English Georgian style, including details about its WPA-funded construction and mural.
- Commissioner Powell: Raised a question about an upcoming Mayor and Council work session on zoning that may involve items previously voted on by HDC. She expressed concern about mandatory historic designation and requested clarification on whether commissioners can speak during that session.
Discussion Items
- 419 Reading Avenue – Shed Replacement (COA 2026-260): Applicant explained the design change from a previously approved custom shed to a simpler, larger (10x14) wooden shed from Dutch Homes LLC in Pennsylvania. The new design is more sympathetic to the main house and meets code requirements. The commission unanimously approved the certificate of approval, finding it consistent with Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation.
- Preservation Month Event (May 2026): Chair Fossum recommended canceling the planned event due to scheduling conflicts (Memorial Day weekend), competing events, and limited staff support. Commissioners agreed, with a preference to plan a fall tour instead. Commissioner Powell urged at least a Rockville Reports article or video snippet to highlight historic preservation. Staff will explore publication options.
Evaluation of Significance – Historic Designation Recommendations
- 722 Carr Avenue (2026-278 EOS): A 1955 Cape Cod-style home. Staff found no historic or architectural significance. Commissioner Goldfinger noted labeling errors in the report. Unanimous motion to recommend against historic designation.
- 1395 Picard Drive and 1 Curie Court (2026-283 EOS): Two office buildings built in 1979 and 1984, respectively, occupied by automotive and defense companies. Applicant provided expert testimony (architectural historian Andy Adams) concluding they do not meet designation criteria. Staff concurred. Unanimous motion to recommend against historic designation for both properties.
Key Outcomes
- Votes: Three properties (722 Carr Ave, 1395 Picard Dr, 1 Curie Court) recommended against historic designation. Minutes from March 19, 2026, approved. Certificate of approval granted for 419 Reading Avenue shed.
- Preservation Month: Commission decided not to hold a May 2026 event; will consider a fall tour. Staff to pursue a Rockville Reports article and potential video feature.
- New Business: Commissioner Goldfinger advocated for a citywide post-World War II architectural survey to document mid-century buildings before they are lost. Staff noted prior budget requests were denied. Discussion included possibility of an incremental survey. Staff will follow up with Planning Director Katie (returning later) for budget guidance.
- Staff Announcement: Preservation Planner Sheila Bashari announced her retirement effective after this meeting. She plans to relocate to Panama. Commissioners expressed gratitude for her service.
Meeting Transcript
Good evening. Welcome to the Historic District Commission meeting. This is meeting number four-226. It's Thursday, April 16th, 2026. I'm Peter Fossum, the chair of the Historic District Commission. I'm joined tonight with fellow commissioners Seth Dembo, Michael Goldfinger, Anita Neil Powell, and Mercy Shengay. We're also joined this evening by staff members. Sheila Bashari is our preservation planner. Cynthia Walters is our deputy city attorney, and Megan Flick is our principal planner. This evening you may watch the HCC meeting on www.rockville.gov forward slash Rockville 11, which is Channel 11. And then afterwards, all the recordings are also viewable at uh Rockville MD.gov forward slash video on demand. Um this evening's agenda, first thing on the agenda are committee organizational reports. Uh do we have anyone from Peterless Rockville here this evening? Oh, I see Nancy. Yes, hi, thank you very much. Good evening, everyone. Thank you, Chair Fossilman. Um, my name is Nancy Picard. I'm the executive director for Peerless Rockville with a quick report. I just want to uh mostly talk about the upcoming exhibit and programs we'll have for the 250th as 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of the United States and the founding of Montgomery County, together with the Rockville community, the city of Rockville, and other business partners, Peerless Raffle will explore how national themes in American history have unfolded right here in Rockville over the last two and a half centuries. Rothell 250 will tell the stories of people and places in Rockville that trace our nation's history. We hope you will join us at the pictorial exhibit and other special programming marking 250 years of American history. Peerless Rockville taked off Rockville 250 with a virtual presentation on the resolves at Hunger for Tavern on March 30th. This was about local efforts that contributed to the eventual declaration of independence by the American colonies. Coming up on April 24th at 12 p.m., you can walk the streets of early Rockville. Uh a tour will depart from City Hall and proceed to Rockville's oldest streets. Learn about the colonial era, the transition from Montgomery Courthouse to the city of Rockville, or the town of Rockville, and life in Rothball from 1776 into the 19th century. Spots are limited, so reserved quickly, I guess. Possibly again this summer. Next month, our Rockville 250th, our American story exhibit will open in the Red Brick Courthouse on May 11th. When we hope you'll join us and you can get more information on our website, PeerlessRockville.org. Thank you. Thank you very much, Nancy. Appreciate you being here. Um Commissioner Powell, do you have a report tonight from the uh Lincoln Park Historical Foundation? Good evening. I am Anita Neil Powell, president of the Lincoln Park Historical Foundation and the Lee Roy E. Neil African American Research Center. And tonight I do not have a report. Thank you. Thank you, Commissioner Powell. Next on the agenda are public comments. It's open forum. I see we have a jam-pack audience this evening. Um if anyone would like to comment on anything that is not on the agenda this evening, and that includes uh folks that are joining us online. Do you see anyone, Sheila online? No. Okay. Uh last thing under organizational reports will be from the HTC and um also staff commissioners. Do you have anything to report on or any comments?
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