Historic District Commission to decide if barn in Rockville's West End Park can be demolished

A barn believed to date from at least the early 20th century is holding up approval of demolition of all structures at 537 Anderson Avenue in Rockville. Examining the request in November, the Historic District Commission determined the home and an additional rental home on the site have no historic significance. However, the barn was a sticking point for commissioners, as little information is available on its history, and it is a unique structure in the city of Rockville these days.

City staff has consulted with Peerless Rockville and others with historical expertise, but has so far been unable to obtain much more information about the history and significance of the barn. They hope to have found more information by the time commissioners take the matter up again at their January 18, 2018 meeting, which will be held at 7:30 PM at City Hall (and will be televised on Channel 11 for cable tv viewers).

Photo via City of Rockville

Mayor and Council authorize MOU for I-270 noise barrier

Noise relief for some along the I-270 corridor in Rockville is a step closer this morning. Last night, the Mayor and Council voted unanimously to authorize a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the City and the Maryland State Highway Administration to construct a 2,609' Type II noise barrier wall along the east side of the interstate.

There's no indication of the exact start and end points of the wall, other than the stipulation that it begins "at the interchange." Proximate neighborhoods include West End Park, Woodley Gardens and Regents Square.

The barrier, which is currently being designed by the SHA, will begin at the interchange with W. Montgomery Avenue (MD 28) and continue northward for about half a mile. It may require land acquisition by either the SHA or the City.

SHA will pick up 80% of the design and construction costs; the remainder will be paid by the City to the SHA in installments that must be paid within 30 days.

Mayor Bridget Donnell Newton noted after the vote that had the barrier been constructed when originally sought several decades ago, it would have been far cheaper to build.