Sam's Car Wash proposed for Damascus

Sam's Car Wash could be coming soon to Damascus, if the local chain receives permission from the Montgomery County Planning Board. Yes, in anti-business Montgomery County, businesspeople apparently can't just open a car wash without jumping through Marxist government hoops. These hoops include a list of demands from government that sound like a cross between Soviet central planning and a mafia shakedown.

The car wash is proposed for 26203 Ridge Road (MD 27), currently the site of a bank building. Sam's would demolish most of the bank, but retain part of it for office space. Existing driveways would be consolidated into one two-way curb cut for ingress and egress. 

The proposed facility is a fully-automated express car wash with automatic gates and license plate readers. "A loader will guide the customer onto the conveyor" to enter the wash tunnel, the planning staff report says. Operating hours would be 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM Monday through Saturday, and 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sundays. 

Planning commissioners will review the conditional use request at their Thursday, March 26, 2026 meeting. Staff are recommending approval of the car wash with a massive list of conditions, including the County restricting the hours of operation to the aforementioned schedule, a stipulation that no more than 4 employees may be on-site at any time, forcing the company to enter a "surety and maintenance agreement" with the Planning Board in order to receive a building permit, and forcing the company to pay the County for the full cost of constructing an 8' bike lane, a 6' street buffer, and a 2' widening of the existing sidewalk. 

And we wonder why the Montgomery County economy is moribund!

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich to hold data center community forum Feb. 3

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich announced today that he will host a community forum on the hot button issue of data centers on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Montgomery County Executive Office Building at 101 Monroe Street in Rockville. The forum will be held in the Auditorium of the building, and will also allow virtual participation online via Microsoft Teams. 

Input collected from the public at the forum will be considered as the County government formulates new legislation, policies, and regulations regarding data centers. The controversial facilities are considered essential, along with ample energy resources, to the development of artificial intelligence and related economic and job growth. But the lack of jobs provided by the facilities themselves, their heavy energy use and cooling needs, imposing size, and noise pollution have generated strong community opposition. Adding to the increasing focus on data centers has been a vigorous attempt by states to divert attention from the impact of their past moves to shutter power plants and force the purchase of wind and solar power, which along with government fees have jacked up energy bills in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and elsewhere, by placing the blame on data centers.

"Data centers are part of the modern economy, and we need to have an honest conversation about what they mean for Montgomery County," Elrich said in a statement today. "Data centers can bring investment and jobs, but they also place real demands on our power grid, our water supply, and our land use. I want residents, businesses, and environmental advocates at the table, so we need to get this right. The decisions we make now will affect our climate goals, our neighborhoods, and energy costs for years to come. This forum is about listening first and making sure any policy we adopt reflects the values and priorities of the people who live here."

Montgomery County Council President Fani-González (D-Dist. 6) and Councilmembers Balcombe (D-Dist. 2) and Sayles (D-At-Large) have already proposed a zoning text amendment that would limit data center locations to industrially-zoned sections of the county. At-Large Councilmember Evan Glass (D) has introduced his own bill, which would establish a data center task force, if passed.

Chris Burnett, a Republican running for the 6th Congressional District in Maryland, which includes part of Montgomery County, warned against the Council pursuing a "piecemeal" approach to data center regulation. "Whatever the Councilmembers decide should be aligned to a part of a strategic plan. I offer real leadership strategies instead of knee-jerk reactions and band-aid solutions through my Innovation Corridor plan," Burnett, a retired Marine Corps officer and national security lawyer, said in a statement. "The piecemeal approach being proposed is what got Virginia into the mess it's in, and we appear to be wading into the exact same scenario without any long-term solutions. This shortsighted approach that doesn't align with national security strategies will inevitably lead to short-term gains at the expense of local residents without any opportunity for strategic growth."

Kentlands Market Square seeks permission for larger signage from Gaithersburg

Kentlands Market Square has filed an application with the City of Gaithersburg requesting an amendment to its August 2020 site plan approval for signage at the property. Kimco Realty, Inc., the property owner, is seeking permission to enlarge wall signs bearing the development name beyond the dimensions allowed under City code. If approved, the wall signage could increase beyond the existing zoning allowance of 13.5-square-feet to 40 SF. 

The Gaithersburg Planning Commission will review the request at its January 21, 2026 meeting at 7:30 PM. City planning staff are recommending approval of the amendment.

Gaithersburg Mayor & Council holding public hearing on Rio Lakefront apartment proposal tonight

The Mayor and Council of Gaithersburg will hold a public hearing tonight, January 5, 2026, on the proposal to build up to 500 apartment units at the Rio Lakefront development in Gaithersburg at 7:30 PM. Under the plan, new residential buildings would be constructed on the other side of the development's lake, between the boardwalk and I-270. Public comment submitted to the City has been trending negative toward the proposal. One factor not helping win public support is the generic architecture being shown at this stage, which resembles numerous other recent apartment buildings in many places in our region (what do you call those tacky facade "frames" that are on virtually every new building these days?), and does not mesh well with the existing structures on the opposite side of the lake.

Public hearing on Lakeforest Mall redevelopment agreement tonight in Gaithersburg

Gaithersburg's Mayor and City Council will hold a public hearing tonight, Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 7:30 PM, at 16 S. Summit Avenue, regarding the Development Rights and Responsibilities Agreement (DRRA) for Lakeforest Redevelopment, LLC. This is in relation to the redevelopment of the Lakeforest Mall site. A DRRA provides for "the creation of an agreement that can provide certainty and stability to developers, while allowing the City to negotiate enhanced public benefits in return," the City said in a statement. "A DRRA aims to enhance development flexibility, innovation, and quality, while ensuring the protection of public interests, health, safety, and welfare."

Walnut Hill Shopping Center seeks parking waivers from Gaithersburg

Walnut Hill Shopping Center is seeking approval of changes to its parking lot, and waivers for smaller drive aisles in several spots around the lot, from the City of Gaithersburg. The retail property was recently annexed into the City, and is making many improvements and alterations to successfully bring add an Aldi grocery store and Sheetz convenience store to its tenant roster. Because the future Sheetz will take up a portion of the existing surface parking lot, a reconfiguration of the rest of the parking spaces on the lot is necessary. Walnut Hill is arguing that maintaining a sufficient number of spaces will require waivers to allow several drive aisles to be narrower than allowed under City code.

The drive aisles proposed in several locations around the parking lot would be 20 to 24 feet in width. City of Gaithersburg code requires drive aisles with two-way traffic to be 26' in width. The Gaithersburg Planning Commission will take up the waiver request at its meeting tonight, April 3, 2024, at 7:30 PM. City staff are recommending approval of the waiver request, and have advised that the other proposed changes - which involve adding green space to the parking lot (shown in green on the map below) - be addressed when the site plan for the Sheetz is submitted for approval at a later date.

Boyds Warrior Canine Connection HQ proposal to be reviewed by Planning Board

A proposal to create an operational headquarters for the non-profit Warrior Canine Connection in Boyds will be reviewed by the Montgomery County Planning Board. The plan proposes to convert an existing barn and kennel facility at 14934 Schaeffer Road into a headquarters with office space for the organization. All 17 acres of the property, which are located within Seneca Creek State Park, are owned by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. That means that the plan will be review under the mandatory referral process. In plain English, that means that the Board may comment, advise and recommend changes to the proposal, but has no legal authority to force the DNR to alter the plan, or to deny approval of the plan.

Warrior Canine Connection plans to use the modified building to expand its program and the number of physically and mentally-injured veterans it can assist. Through the organization, veterans train service dogs for other veterans. The new headquarters facility will have additional space for the breeding, training and care of the dogs housed by the non-profit for the program.

Because the property is on a rustic road, no modifications are required to the front entrance of the site. The entrance driveway will be fully-paved, a new well and septic tanks will be installed, new pathways will be paved, an ADA-compliant parking area will be created, an above-ground fire suppression tank will be erected, a paved area for dumpsters will be poured, and power lines will be undergrounded. No new outdoor lighting is being sought by the applicant. There will be one employee on-site 24 hours a day in case of any emergency related to the property or to the animals. 

The Board will review the proposal at its January 19, 2023 meeting, where the public may testify. Planning staff are recommending approval of the application.

Rendering courtesy Montgomery County Planning Department

Gaithersburg homes could be replaced by car wash

Two single-family homes on MD 355 in Gaithersburg could be demolished and replaced by a car wash, if the proposal is approved by city officials. Crain Partners, LLC of Bowie has submitted an application seeking approval of the site plan for a 5,617 square foot automatic car wash facility at 601, 605 and 607 South Frederick Avenue from the City. 605 and 607 are the house properties; 601 is undeveloped land at the corner of MD 355 and Central Avenue. The properties are backed by a stream that has a wetland buffer zone.

New ingress-egress curb cuts would be added on the Central Avenue side of the property for the car wash. A 3' retaining wall would be constructed along the parking spaces and drive aisle on the site. 18 vacuum stations would be provided for customers. A 16'x11' dumpster enclosure would hide a refuse dumpster. And three micro-bioretention planter boxes would assist in stormwater management. Crain Partners has agreed to donate part of the property along Central Avenue, as required by the Montgomery County Department of Transportation, to meet right-of-way requirements for that street.

Proposed site plan

Some car washes in the county have had issues with backed-up lines spilling out into traffic lanes. Gaithersburg has a 200' stacking length guidance for car wash lanes. Crain Partners has proposed going above and beyond what it is required to offer, by providing two lanes that will total 510' of stacking length. The required 23 parking spaces will also be provided under the site plan, but the applicant will seek waivers for parking space dimensions and parking green space requirements at a later date.

Crain Partners has proposed planting 9 trees and 46 shrubs on the site. The applicant is seeking an environmental waiver related to the retaining wall facing the stream buffer. While the walls will not be built within the buffer zone, workers and their equipment will need to be on the buffer zone land for temporary periods to construct and maintain the walls.

A public hearing on the car wash proposal will be held tonight, March 21, 2022, by the Mayor and Council at 7:30 PM. Because this is the initial hearing on the matter, city staff will not make a recommendation on the proposal at this juncture.

Rio Lakefront seeks permission for new sign on I-270 in Gaithersburg

The Peterson Cos. is asking the City of Gaithersburg for permission to erect a new sign for its Rio Lakefront development along I-270. It is requesting a special exception allowing it to be a bit closer to the highway than current city rules allow, due to the existing vegetation and a sewer line on the strip of land where the sign is to be placed. The sign will be lit at night, and will feature several of the property's retail and restaurant tenant names - and presumably include the AMC Dine-In Rio Cinemas 18, as well. 

Peterson Cos.'s request will be taken up by the Planning Commission at its February 2, 2022 meeting tomorrow night. Planning staff recommends approval of the sign request and exceptions. In its comments, staff notes that competing developments along I-270 have similar prominent signage by the highway, and that Rio should therefore be granted the necessary exceptions.

King Buick GMC moving to Gaithersburg

The King Buick GMC dealership at 16200 Frederick Road will be relocating into the City of Gaithersburg. Its current property is being annexed by the City of Rockville, and will be redeveloped by EYA into a multifamily housing community. King's new location will be 953 N. Frederick Avenue, by the existing King Kia dealership.

A new 15,725 square foot showroom building will be constructed on the site for the Buick and GMC brands. The existing service center will be expanded by 19,589 square feet, as well. These proposed structural additions will be reviewed by the Gaithersburg Planning Commission at its February 2, 2022 meeting. Planning staff recommends approval of the proposal, as well as the granting of a parking waiver.

Clarksburg Town Center developer seeks permission to swap approved condos for townhomes

CTC Development, Inc. is seeking permission from the Montgomery County Planning Board to swap an approved plan for 24 "manor home" condominium units in Clarksburg Town Center with a new plan for 12 townhomes on two lots. The new plan would reduce the number of affordable MPDU units from eight to seven. Planning commissioners will review the request at the board's meeting today, January 6, 2022. Staff is recommending approval of the new plan, with conditions.

Gaithersburg Planning Commission to review proposed Spectrum plan amendment converting office to residential

Last month, Gaithersburg's Mayor and Council voted to send a proposed sketch plan amendment for the Spectrum development to the city's Planning Commission for review and a final decision. The proposal would convert pad sites currently approved for a bank and an office building to residential use instead. Up to 225 residential units would be constructed, if the amendment is approved.

Commissioners are now scheduled to hold a public hearing on the proposed amendment at their Tuesday, September 14, 2021 meeting at 7:30 PM. Planning staff is suggesting the public record be closed on the matter on Friday, October 15, 2021 at 5:00 PM. Commissioners are then expected to vote on the amendment at their November 3, 2021 meeting.

Gaithersburg solar array plan heads to Montgomery County Planning Board

A proposal to construct a solar array on the site of the former Oaks Landfill at 6010 Riggs Road in Gaithersburg will be considered by the Montgomery County Planning Board at its September 15, 2021 meeting. The 170-acre landfill is capped, and gases remaining from that use in the soil are currently being harnessed to generate electricity. 24 of the acres would be used for ground-mounted solar arrays under the proposed plan, generating 11.4 million kilowatt hours of AC power annually. Planning staff is recommending approval of the project.

Developer seeks site plan amendment for Montgomery Village Center townhome project

Developer W-ARC MV Owner VII, LLC is seeking to amend the site plan for its proposed Phase 2 townhome development at the Montgomery Village Center. The applicant wishes to transfer moderately-priced dwelling units (MPDUs) from the associated condo property to the townhomes. It also seeks a reduction in the required number of parking spaces, a revision of its Forest Conservation Plan, and changes to plans for the utilities, stormwater management system, grading and open space for the site.

The project consists of 83 townhomes, 49 of which would be traditional townhouses, and the remaining 34 stacked "two-over-two" townhomes. Changes to the site plan will be considered by the Montgomery County Planning Board at its July 15, 2021 meeting. Planning staff is recommending approval of the amendments.

Public hearing on regulation of poll watchers in Gaithersburg

The Gaithersburg Mayor and Council will hold a public hearing on revised regulations pertaining to poll watchers at election polling places. It will be a virtual hearing online, and you can register to speak now.  If passed, the new ordinance would amend Chapter 6C of the City Code, entitled “Elections,” Article IV, entitled “Poll Watchers,” and Section 6C-30, entitled “Rights; Unlawful Acts, Challengers, and Appeals.” The hearing will take place on June 21, 2021 at 7:30 PM.

Public hearing on Lakeforest Mall master plan scheduled

You have a chance to weigh in on the draft Lakeforest Mall master plan before the Gaithersburg Mayor and Council, and Gaithersburg Planning Commission this coming Monday, June 7, 2021 at 7:30 PM. The online meeting will feature a joint session by both bodies. You can register to testify online ahead of Monday's hearing. My thoughts? Let's keep the mall and build around it over time, and not exaggerate the need for "missing middle" housing there, as that middle housing is quite easily found all around the mall site in Montgomery Village.

Public hearing set for proposed Damascus sidewalk

Montgomery County is proposing to construct a sidewalk along the west side of Oak Drive, and along the east side of MD 27 (Ridge Road) between its north intersection with Oak and Bethesda Church Road, in Damascus. The sidewalk would provide a continuous pedestrian connection between the Damascus Recreation Center and Bethesda Church Road.

Map of Oak Drive segment

A public hearing on the proposed sidewalk has been scheduled for Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at 7:00 PM in the all-purpose room/cafeteria of Damascus ES at 10201 Bethesda Church Road. The feedback received will determine whether or not the proposed sidewalk is constructed.

Map of MD 27 segment

Gaithersburg to hold public hearing tonight on Royal Farms, Starbucks at Spectrum development

Gaithersburg's Mayor and Council and Planning Commission will hold a joint public hearing tonight on three proposed additions to the Spectrum development along Watkins Mill Road between I-270 and MD 355. A Royal Farms convenience store, with gas station and car wash, has been proposed for a site near the future interchange with I-270. Also on the drawing board is a Starbucks, and a pad site for a future retail or restaurant tenant.

Royal Farms has shown some renderings of what its structures will look like. The store, best known for its award-winning fried chicken, will have 61 parking spaces. If approved, it will be the first Royal Farms in Montgomery County.

Rendering of car wash at
proposed Royal Farms

City staff have not made a recommendation on the proposal yet, as it is very early in the process. The Mayor and Council will determine how long to keep the public comment period open at tonight's meeting, which will be held at 7:30 PM at City Hall.

Is this Gaithersburg house historic or not?

A highly-visible home at 309 N. Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg, passed by tens of thousands of motorists each day, will be at the center of a controversy next month: Is it historic, or not? Right now, the City of Gaithersburg officially has said it is. But the property owner is asking the city's Historic District Commission, Planning Commission, and Mayor and Council to remove that designation.

While historic designation offers its own set of benefits to a property owner, most buildings are worth more if they are not designated historic. A property that can be more easily modified, renovated or even demolished is naturally worth more than one with many restrictions and the extra red tape of government approvals. This home sits on a prime piece of property on MD 355, which faces Forest Oak Cemetery.

A joint public hearing by all three city bodies on the request will be held at City Hall on September 3, 2019, at 7:30 PM. The home has been used as a business in recent decades, including as a hair salon.

Gaithersburg Wawa faces hostile reception from neighbors at public hearing

A packed house turned out to testify on the Wawa convenience store and mega gas station proposed for 405 S. Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg last night. The development, which backs up to a residential neighborhood, faced significant resident opposition. Mayor Jud Ashman had to quiet the crowd during Wawa's presentation that preceded public testimony, as some grumbled about statements made by the applicant's representatives.

"This is the wrong time and the wrong place for this project," a resident of Gaither Road told the Mayor and Council. She said allowing a major gas station was the wrong approach for the City when it should be promoting electric vehicles, and that the site was too small for a project of Wawa's scale. Many expressed similar concerns about the environmental and noise impacts on both the adjacent homes, and on Gaithersburg High School students. Wawa suggested during its presentation that it would provide employment for some of those students.

Service station owners testified that Wawa would put them out of business. One said he could not compete with Wawa, because customers there could get both a sandwich and gas. Wawa asserted that convenience store and fresh food sales are their primary business, with gasoline being a lucrative side business for them.

What really stands out about the location is how far it is from any interstate interchange. It seems geared more to the high school audience than weary highway travelers, which is somewhat unusual for a gas station business. By contrast, competitor Royal Farms will be opening their first Montgomery County location right at an off-ramp from I-270. Wawa will also be making their first entry into the MoCo market if this store is approved. "We're excited for this opportunity to come to Montgomery County," a Wawa land acquisition representative said.

Wawa fans across the county are also pretty excited. But those living in Deer Park...not so much. A similar battle over a mega gas station at the Wheaton Costco dragged out for years in court, and residents ultimately won. Could residents here resort to an expensive legal challenge to Wawa? We should know by October, when the Mayor and Council will vote to approve or reject this proposal.