Road closures in Rockville that allow outdoor dining on Gibbs Street and East Montgomery Avenue will remain in place indefinitely, Mayor Bridget Donnell Newton told the community at the Monday, Oct. 4 Mayor and Council meeting.
The decision, made by City Manager Rob DiSpirito, comes after September’s virtual meetings to gauge public sentiment toward retaining Rockville’s “streeteries.” A partial closure of East Montgomery Avenue allows for eastbound traffic, a pickup/drop-off lane along the south curb, and an outdoor dining tent for World of Beer along the north curb. Gibbs is closed entirely.
“We are going to leave them as is … ” Newton said at the Mayor and Council meeting. “So just for those of you who are looking for that, we have done what you requested, we heard you loud and clear in the three town hall meetings, so thank you for your participation.”
Feedback from the public meetings, as well as door-to-door and phone conversations, and an online survey, indicated broad and strong support for continuing the closures. In addition, free, 15-minute on-street parking for curbside pickup will continue in designated spaces in Town Center.
In June 2020, the city closed Gibbs Street, between East Middle Lane and Beall Avenue, and East Montgomery Avenue, between Maryland Avenue and Helen Heneghan Way, to allow for expanded outdoor dining areas. The city also created a permit to allow local eateries to temporarily create or expand outdoor dining spaces on private property and within the city’s rights of way, and designated curbside pickup and 15-minute free parking spaces throughout Town Center. East Montgomery was partially reopened in May.
Rockville’s Outdoor Dining to Remain ‘Indefinitely’
Most Recent Articles
Help the City With Its Drinking Water Service Line Inventory
Rockville recently sent notices to nearly 8,300 city water customers requesting their help in determining and reporting the material used in their drinking water service lines. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s recent Lead and Copper Rule Revisions require water service
Neighborhood Celebrated with New Public Artwork
Thanks to D.C.-based artist Rose Jaffe, a vibrant mural now adorns the playground-facing wall of the Lincoln Park Community Center at 357 Frederick Ave. The mural features residents of all ages dancing, playing and moving together, alongside Maryland and Lincoln
Making the New Pool’s Future More…Concrete
Work is continuing on a comprehensive renovation and reconfiguration of the Rockville Swim and Fitness Center’s outdoor recreation pool. Improvements are being made to accessibility, amenities will be modernized, and infrastructure will provide new recreational features and pools for swimmers
Rockville Reports is the official publication of the City of Rockville, published at City Hall, 111 Maryland Ave., Rockville, MD 20850.