Dave & Buster's to open at RIO/Washingtonian Center in Gaithersburg

After losing its original Dave & Buster's when the owners of White Flint Mall pulled the plug on the popular shopping and dining destination, Montgomery County will end up with two of the all-ages arcade, dining and entertainment megacenters. The newest will be at the RIO/Washingtonian Center off Sam Eig Highway and I-270 in Gaithersburg.

Dave & Buster's will take over the vacant health club suite in the building that also houses the AMC Theatres at RIO. Their 39000 SF space is expected to open in 2019.

Patricia Fenati launches campaign for District 14 delegate

Patricia Fenati, a resident of Damascus, launched her campaign for the Maryland House of Delegates from District 14 last night at Argyle Country Club. District 14 covers the northeastern area of Montgomery County from Damascus to Burtonsville, and includes Calverton, Clarksburg, Colesville, Cloverly, Fairland, Olney, Ashton, Sandy Spring, Brookeville and Laytonsville.

Fenati pledged to focus on ending gerrymandering of voting districts in the state and county, job creation, education, and the environment. She noted that the current district boundaries give some communities in District 14 very little say in the outcome of elections for County Council and the General Assembly. Fenati also supports the transportation plan proposed by Gov. Larry Hogan, which would greatly rely on private, rather than taxpayer, funds to accomplish.

No other Republicans have filed for the District 14 delegate race as of this morning. On the Democratic side, only three candidates have filed - Anne Kaiser, Eric Luedtke, and Pamela Queen.

Photo courtesy Patricia Fenati

Kentlands Colonnade condo residents not happy about proposed new building

Residents of the Kentlands Colonnade condominiums have sent a batch of emails and letters to Gaithersburg's Mayor and Council in opposition to a proposed 360-unit residential building on land next to their property. Their concerns are many, including fire department emergency access, and the ability of the new developer to utilize the Colonnade's private road, which owners pay to maintain.

Eight stories is also considered too high by many of the residents, who say it is out of character with the low-rise Kentlands. Other concerns include dirt, dust, traffic on Arch Place and Great Seneca Highway, school capacity, garage obstruction of skyline views, and the fact that residents were told the property would be used for a 4-story office building, when most purchased their units years ago.

Kimberly O'Halloran-Perez, speaking for the law firm that represents the Colonnade Community Association, has suggested that the City of Gaithersburg assume ownership of Arch Place, should the proposed development move forward.

The Mayor and Council will receive the correspondence at their worksession tonight at 7:30 PM at City Hall.