A public hearing on the proposed Rio Lakefront redevelopment in Gaithersburg is now just days away. The plan has generated significant discussion on social media, with more residents voicing concerns than support about adding additional residential buildings to the lakefront area.
The Mayor and City Council and Planning Commission of the City of Gaithersburg will hold a joint public hearing on Schematic Development Plan Application SDP-10104-2025 on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 7:30pm, or as soon thereafter as the matter can be heard. The hearing will take place in the Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 16 South Summit Avenue.
The application, submitted by Peterson Cos., lays out a long-term redevelopment vision for portions of the Washingtonian Center, commonly known as Rio Lakefront. Plans call for the demolition of the existing Kohl’s building and the construction of new residential communities and retail space around the lake.
As previously reported, the proposal includes nearly 500 new multifamily units and townhomes, along with approximately 44,000 SF of retail space anchored by a grocery store. Development would occur in multiple phases, with buildout proposed through 2032.
Members of the public may submit comments ahead of the hearing. Written comments can be mailed to 31 South Summit Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877, or emailed to [email protected].
