From: Concerned Residents of Woodley Gardens  

We, the undersigned residents of Woodley Gardens, Rockville, urgently call upon the City of Rockville to take immediate action regarding the abandoned and deteriorating property at 850 Nelson St, formerly Georgetown Hill Early School and Woodley Gardens Community Pool, of the Rockville Estates subdivision. 

Rockville, MD Development Plan Site: https://www.rockvillemd.gov/2413/850-Nelson-Street-Woodley-Gardens-Projec

The property, owned by Peter Cromwell (Woodley Waves LLC) a subsidiary of Georgetown Hill Early School has remained in a state of neglect following stalled construction efforts. The school burned down in January 2019, and after the 2024 pool season, the site was closed for reconstruction (https://www.montgomerymag.com/saving-woodley-gardens-pool/ However, due to funding issues, construction has halted indefinitely, leaving the grounds unmaintained, the pool permanently closed, and no clear plan for reopening.  

This derelict property poses serious concerns for our community:  
- It diminishes neighborhood aesthetics and negatively impacts property values.  
- It eliminates an essential summer gathering space for families and children.  
- It creates potential safety hazards and encourages urban blight.  

This used to be a place where families would come together, kids would play and learn to swim, teams would compete, lifeguards would work summer jobs, and we would host community building events. Now it sits empty and unfinished. The lack of a community child care facility also places additional strain on the surrounding area schools and fewer opportunities for families in Rockville to find affordable, accessible care. 

We urge the City of Rockville to enforce property maintenance regulations and zoning compliance, compelling the owner to resume construction or provide a clear and actionable plan for restoring the site. The timely rehabilitation of this property is essential to preserving the integrity and quality of our community.  

We request the following:  
1. Immediate intervention by the City of Rockville to enforce compliance with zoning and property maintenance regulations.  
2. A definitive timeline and accountability from the owner regarding the future of the property.  
3. Assistance in restoring a communal space that serves families and children.  

By signing this petition, we voice our collective concern and demand action from our city officials. We respectfully request a response from the City of Rockville addressing the steps that can be taken to resolve this issue and help bring back our community spaces.  

UPDATES:  Updated ownership and historical dates based on recent Pool Board Meeting (5/18/25)

-School construction is slated to restart late summer 2025, but does NOT include the pool house or pool.