Gaithersburg Toys R Us - What's left behind (Photos)

The Toys R Us in Gaithersburg - like the chain's stores nationwide - closed last year. Signage was stripped from the front of the building. But there are still some "signs" of the Gaithersburg Toys R Us still left behind today, as an urbex expedition to the abandoned store reveals.

One is the customer pickup lane sign. The Rockville store had one of these in the rear, as well. It was where customers would drive around with their claim slip to pick up a big item like a bicycle or ride-on car. Sadly, children today will never experience the excitement of driving around back for a big toy, or even of a massive store filled wall-to-wall with only toys. 

And then, wait a minute, what's this? A Toys R Us semi truck trailer! With Geoffrey and the classic Toys R Us logo. Do you think there are any toys inside? 

Toys R Us is reportedly planning something of a comeback at a smaller scale. But we now know it was not a lack of demand for toys, or the internet, that caused them to fail. It was the greed of private investment firms like Mitt Romney's Bain Capital. These firms suck all the value out of a retail chain like Toys R Us, Sears, etc., and then throw away the husk, and the jobs of all the employees along with it.

City of Gaithersburg staff have met with Lakeforest Mall's new owner

City of Gaithersburg Planning Director John Schlichting said Wednesday that he and unidentified other City staff members have already had conversations with the new owner of Lakeforest Mall, WRS, Inc. of South Carolina. They first had a phone discussion on July 31, he said. WRS informed them that they are more of a mixed-use development firm than a mall operator.

Schlichting and other staff then met in person at City Hall with WRS representatives this past Monday, he said. "We are exploring many options at this point, and that's all I can really say," Schlichting said yesterday.

As a result of those discussions, Schlichting recommended the Mayor and Council delay action on a previously-proposed Special Study Area planning review of the Lakeforest area, and a proposed moratorium, until their August 19 meeting. J.C. Penney has closed at the mall, and Lord & Taylor is scheduled to close its Lakeforest store in September.

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.

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.

Set-up begins for Montgomery County Agricultural Fair 2019 in Gaithersburg (Photos)

Workers began setting up the carnival rides for the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair in Gaithersburg on Sunday. The 2019 fair will run from August 9-17, at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, located at 501 Perry Parkway.

Gaithersburg construction update: The Halal Guys (Photos)

Construction of The Halal Guys continues at 522 N. Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg. It will be located in the Gaithersburg Square shopping center.

Gaithersburg construction update: Silver Diner at Rio Lakefront (Video+Photos)

It looks like Silver Diner will indeed make its expected debut this month at Rio Lakefront. All that can be seen from the outside looks great, including the patio and signage.

It's hard to believe how the takeout entrance area I showed you earlier this summer looks now compared to the skeletal framework back then, with the expected art deco accents and lighting. Staff training begins August 3!