Auto Spa Express car wash proposed for Gaithersburg

Car washes have been a tough sell for approval in Gaithersburg in recent years. Auto Spa will be the latest chain to make the case for one before the Gaithersburg Planning Commission tomorrow night, April 16, 2025. The property in question is 10009 Fields Road, which is bounded by Sam Eig Highway and Fields Road, right smack between Downtown Crown and Rio Lakefront. As such, the traffic expected for the car wash is controversial, but Gaithersburg planning staff are now supportive of a car wash use. 

The property owner has tried and failed over the last five years to attract a retail or restaurant tenant to the site. Three letters of intent were signed: one by a bank, one by a casual restaurant, and one by a drive-thru fast food restaurant. However, none of those proposals were "economically feasible or sustainable," the owner concluded.

Silver Diner pergola, annexation request on Gaithersburg Planning Commission agenda tonight

A long-planned pergola enclosure for the outdoor dining patio at the Silver Diner at Rio Lakefront is on the Gaithersburg Planning Commission agenda tonight, January 17, 2024, at 7:30 PM. The pergola will have guillotine-style window, and a louvered roof, which both can be remotely operated by restaurant employees to adjust to changing temperatures and weather conditions. City staff are recommending approval of the pergola, with the condition that some minor errors in the plans submitted to the City are corrected prior to issuance of the construction permit. 

Commissioners will also make a recommendation to the Mayor and Council on whether or not an unaddressed piece of land between I-370 (Sam Eig Highway) and O'Neill Drive should be annexed into the City. The Casey Foundation is making the request for annexation. Staff are recommending commissioners defer their recommendation until all public comment is received by the deadline of 5:00 PM on January 31, and then decide on their recommendation at their February 7, 2024 meeting. 

Gaithersburg Planning Commission to make recommendation on new Spectrum apartment building proposal

The Gaithersburg Planning Commission will vote on its final recommendation to the Mayor and Council on a proposed new residential development at the Spectrum development this Wednesday night, October 19, 2022 at 7:30 PM. Located at 103 and 203 Spectrum Avenue, the building would house 230 units. It would be six stories tall, at a total height of 70'. 

City planning staff notes that residents of 30 units on the first and second floors may have difficulty accessing the lobby and amenity space of the building, and that the applicant's revised proposal has not adequately addressed those concerns. It also finds that the side of the development facing MD 355 could still be better enhanced with tile or landscaping features. 

Despite these two areas of concern, staff is still advising the Planning Commission recommend the Mayor and Council approve the project. Staff will address the two concerns with amended conditions to the approval, if the Planning Commission wishes.

Gaithersburg Mayor & Council to vote on resolution denying proposed car wash on MD 355 tonight

Gaithersburg residents have shifted the debate over a proposed car wash that would replace two single-family homes at 605 and 607 South Frederick Avenue, and an undeveloped plot at 601 South Frederick. After residents launched a campaign to oppose approval of the car wash, and the Mayor and Council discussed the project and the feedback from all stakeholders, city staff has now drawn up a resolution denying approval of the site plan.

Issues raised by the community, of which ten residents spoke at the March 21, 2022 public hearing, included traffic back-ups, and noise and light concerns. The proximity of a stream to the properties, and the proposed location of a retaining wall relative to the stream's buffer zone, also generated environmental impact concerns. 

Staff found that the car wash would not fit with the residential character of the location, which is how the city's master plan currently characterizes it. A car wash would not foster "an attractive and cohesive development pattern" for that area, the staff report asserts, as it would create a more "vehicle-intensive use" and include a structure larger than anything currently around it. The side street, Central Avenue, is residential and could not handle the traffic volumes of the car wash curb cuts on that side of the property, staff concluded.

The two homes that would be demolished are old enough that they cannot be demolished without a review of their historical significance, the staff report notes. Overall, staff concluded, the project is not in "the public interest," based on negative community feedback, and increased traffic and environmental impacts. 

The Mayor and Council will consider the resolution of denial at their meeting tonight, June 21, 2022. 

Gaithersburg Mayor & Council to discuss new Parklands development, controversial car wash tonight

Gaithersburg's Mayor and Council will discuss a proposed multifamily development on the Stevenson and Metgrove properties adjacent to the never-built Parklands town center and CSX railroad along Metropolitan Grove Road at their public meeting tonight, May 16, 2022 at 7:30 PM. A developer has proposed building up to 287 residential units on the properties, and an amenity space alongside the CSX right-of-way. The units may include townhomes, 2 over 2 townhomes, and/or triplexes, with heights ranging from 4 to 5 stories. Amenities proposed include a clubhouse, pool and railroad noise barrier.

No final decision on the project will be made tonight. The purpose is for discussion only. Also on the agenda tonight is a controversial car wash proposal that would replace two single family homes and a third plot of land at 601, 605, and 607 S. Frederick Avenue. Again, this will be a discussion, with no final vote scheduled for this evening.

Gaithersburg Wawa final site plan goes before Planning Commission Wednesday

The long road to breaking ground on the construction of Montgomery County's first Wawa store may be nearing its end this week. On Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at 7:30 PM, the Gaithersburg Planning Commission will review the project's final site plan. The Wawa convenience store and mega gas station, if approved, will be located at 405 S. Frederick Avenue, across from Gaithersburg High School. 

Planning staff is recommending approval of the site plan, with a condition that the applicant resolve concerns the Department of Public Works has with planned retaining walls on the property. Competitor Royal Farms' first Montgomery County store, also in Gaithersburg, is nearing completion at the Spectrum development. Wawa's arch-rival Sheetz has yet to announce any plans to open a store in Montgomery County.

Gaithersburg Mayor & Council to consider spending $249,451 on hybrid police interceptors

Gaithersburg's Mayor and Council will consider approval of a contract to purchase seven hybrid Ford Police Interceptors at their meeting tonight. If approved, the vehicles would be purchased from Apple Ford in Columbia for $249,451. City staff recommends approval of the purchase, which would replace seven city vehicles it argues are reaching the end of their service life.

Photo courtesy Ford Motor Co.

Spectrum developer seeks to convert office, commercial space to residential

Mayor & Council also expected to

make final decision on 

Lakeforest Mall master plan

Montgomery County's weak office market and moribund economy may end up sinking more potential office space development in Gaithersburg. A developer at The Spectrum property at the I-270 interchange with Watkins Mill Road is asking the City of Gaithersburg to convert sites approved as office and commercial use to residential apartments.

Under the current approval held by HIP Projects, Inc., the two sites were expected to become a bank branch, and an office building. The revised plan, if approved by city officials, would replace both with a six-story residential building containing 225 units. This would raise the total number of residential units at the Spectrum development to 690 apartments. A planned senior housing development, a police station, and a senior center have yet to be constructed at the Spectrum.

The request will be reviewed by the Mayor and Council at their meeting tonight, August 16, 2021. They are being asked by city staff to direct the Planning Commission to hold a public hearing, and send them back a final decision on the proposal. The Mayor and Council also have the right to retain final decision-making power on the matter for themselves. 

This would be only the latest example of space that could house high-wage jobs being switched to residential, reducing potential commercial and job growth if the stagnant County economy could be turned around in the future. Montgomery County continues to evolve into a bedroom community for the job centers located elsewhere in our region. I've been writing about it for a decade, but even former County Executive Ike Leggett expressed alarm at the trend in 2016.

The Mayor and Council will also review a final resolution on the Lakeforest Mall master plan draft that would allow up to 1600 housing units to be constructed on the site of the current mall. They are expected to vote on that resolution tonight. On the one hand, 1600 units seems like a small amount for a property of that size, if its proximity to MARC rail could be maximized. On the other hand, few expect county and state leaders to ever deliver such long-promised rail upgrades, and the mall is not walking distance to Metro.

Gaithersburg Square makeover proposed (Photos)

Federal Realty has proposed major renovations and upgrades at its Gaithersburg Square shopping center at 524 N. Frederick Avenue. New facade treatments, light sconces, architecture and art elements, and transformed landscaping and hardscaping will give the center's traditional buildings an updated look.

Distinctive additions will include features like a "whimsical downspout" and hanging lanterns in tree branches. On the more practical side, some changes will reflect changing shopping habits. As curbside pick-up sales increase in the pandemic era, Federal Realty is proposing to create pick up spaces in front of certain businesses, instead of the solid curb and sidewalk.

The Gaithersburg Planning Commission will review the proposal at its virtual meeting tonight, October 7, 2020. City planning staff are recommending approval of the renovations, with conditions. The proposed conditions are to provide a public access easement between the public crosswalk at the Perry Parkway circle and Federal Realty's property, and for Federal Realty to obtain approval of the final site plans by both the Department of Public Works and Planning Division prior to the issuance of any permits.

Gaithersburg seeks public input on Diamond Farms playground proposal tonight

The City of Gaithersburg is seeking public input on a proposal for a new playground at Diamond Farms Park. They are also encouraging parents to bring children who will be the primary users of the future playgrounds to get their opinions. The equipment being replaced is targeted towards children of ages 2-5. Equipment geared to older kids in the park is still too new to be replaced.

The community meeting for Diamond Farms Park takes place tonight, Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at the Robertson Park Youth Center, 801 Rabbitt Road. The 90-minute meeting will start at 7:00 PM.

State to take public input on I-270 congestion between Gaithersburg and I-70

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan

The Maryland State Highway Administration will hold two meetings in upper Montgomery County next month, to get public feedback on options to reduce traffic congestion on I-270 between I-370 in Gaithersburg and I-70 in Frederick County. Gov. Larry Hogan is already moving forward on existing plans for Express Lanes south of there on I-270.

Meetings will be held on the following dates at these locations:

• Tuesday, November 12, 2019 – Clarksburg High School, 22500 Wims Road, Clarksburg
• Thursday, November 21, 2019 – Activity Center at Bohrer Park, 506 South Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg

True Food Kitchen will demolish Joe's Crab Shack at Rio Lakefront, new Rio sign requested

The Peterson Cos., owner of Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg, is seeking permission to demolish Joe's Crab Shack and construct a new restaurant building for future tenant True Food Kitchen. According to the application, the footprint and configuration of the new restaurant will be very similar to the existing one. It will have outdoor patio dining with an overhead canopy.

The request will be considered by the Planning Commission at their meeting tonight, August 7, 2019. City staff are recommending approval of the site plan amendment.

A second Rio item will also be reviewed by commissioners at tonight's meeting. Peterson Cos. is seeking approval of a new 144 SF building sign. The sign will feature the latest branding logo for the development, and is proposed to be attached to the lakefront facade of 9811 Washingtonian Boulevard. Staff is also recommending approval of this request, as well.

355 Bus Rapid Transit open houses June 26 & 27

What's a $10 billion boondoggle with branding that brings to mind a creepy man wearing a trenchcoat? Montgomery County's proposed $10 billion Bus Rapid Transit network, devised with consulting help from Communist Chinese officials, and branded as "Flash," despite moving only one mile every four minutes. The public will have an opportunity to learn more about the MD 355 BRT route proposed to run between Clarksburg and the Bethesda Metro station at two open houses next week.

Open House #1 will be held Wednesday, June 26, 2019 from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park, located at 506 S. Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg. The second Open House will be held the next evening, Thursday, June 27 from 6:00-8:00 PM in the Wisconsin Multipurpose Room at the B-CC Regional Services Center, located at 4805 Edgemoor Lane in downtown Bethesda.

You'll notice several key factoids are not emphasized to the public about this particular BRT proposal.

First, if dedicated lanes are utilized, the vehicle capacity of already-jammed MD 355 will be slashed by 33%. If you know that BRT advocates' most-optimistic number for the percent of people who will "get out of their cars" (as the globalists like to say) is only 16% in the best-case scenario, in a "flash" you can quickly calculate that the BRT will have the effect of severely-worsening rush hour traffic - and increasing exhaust emissions from additional idling in traffic jams.

Second, speaking of fumes, these buses run on diesel fuel. Unlike the futuristic subways on wheels depicted in glossy promotional materials you paid for, the buses look just like Metrobuses. That was exposed in one of the most cringeworthy PR disasters of the BRT push, when the actual bus was displayed at the County Fair, and it looked like a junky Metrobus.

Third, the 355 route - like Route 29 and Georgia Avenue BRT lines - will require demolition of thousands of residential and commercial properties between Clarksburg and Bethesda. Watch this very closely, and keep track if all of the same activists who are raging against 37 potential home demolitions for Beltway Express Lanes yell and scream about thousands of demolitions for BRT. I expect to see heartfelt columns from John Kelly denouncing the greedy developers and their puppets on the County Council and Planning Board, and extensive local news coverage of anti-highway folks jumping up and down and lighting their hair on fire to stop BRT! And like the anti-Express Lane and anti-M83-Highway campaigns, shadow-funded by the Rockefeller Foundation, of course.

In the fine print, you'll notice the County is "still studying" the "property impacts" of BRT. LOL.

Fourth, the only thing the Flash does fast is eat up taxpayer money. 355 "Flash" will take a turtle-like 87.2 minutes to travel the 21.8 miles from Clarksburg to the Bethesda Metro station. And then you're not even at work, because you still have to transfer to Metro to reach where the actual jobs are in the District or Northern Virginia. Better pack a Red Bull, my friend.

It's a simple fact that only transit projects that can beat automobile travel times will get ridership, meaning "Flash" is dead-on-arrival. This, of course, is why the War-On-Cars County Council is trying everything to increase auto commuting times, proposing nuclear options ranging from changing the speed limit to 25 MPH along 355, reducing the width of lanes to 10' and seizing one lane in each direction for the bus.

But that still won't create ridership, or "get people out of their cars." Why? Because increasing your auto commute by another 34 minutes still won't take as long as the average one-way transit commute of two hours. So you'll just end up with empty buses running past heavier traffic congestion and thicker clouds of exhaust from idling vehicles. Heckuva job, Brownie!

Why would County officials press ahead anyway, knowing all this? Because BRT isn't meant to improve travel or be a success. It's simply meant to allow urban-density development along all the routes it travels, by magically qualifying them for "transit-oriented development" by being on a "rapid transit line." The Council's developer sugar daddies couldn't be more pleased.

Finally, there's no demand for bus service on 355. I'm the only journalist to conduct spot checks on the $1 million Ride On Extra service between Shady Grove and Medical Center Metro stations. I've yet to find any significant ridership even during rush hour on this line. During peak evening rush hour, I counted one person riding the Ride On Extra in each direction on 355 at Edmonston Drive. During another peak evening rush hour, a Ride On Extra departed Shady Grove Metro station with no passengers on board.

This is a boondoggle of astronomical proportions. For a fraction of the cost of BRT, we could build the M-83 Highway, the long-delayed new Potomac River crossing, the Rockville Freeway between Montrose Road and the ICC, and the equally-long-delayed Georgia Avenue-Norbeck Road interchange. Each one of the aforementioned highways would carry more commuters each day than the entire $10 billion BRT network. And the Potomac River crossing, like I-270 and Beltway Express Lanes, could be built at virtually no cost to taxpayers by private firms that would earn back their investment through tolls on those new lanes and roadways.

In an economically-moribund county where the government's debt - if it were a government department - would be the third-largest department in the County government, highways make the most sense: moving the most people for the lowest cost of any mode of transportation.