Assault at Damascus convenience store

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an assault at a convenience store in Damascus yesterday morning. The assault was reported at a store in the 26000 block of Ridge Road (MD 27) around 11:30 AM Tuesday, according to crime data.

Pickpocket strikes in Germantown

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a pickpocket in Germantown last night. Unlike most pickpocket cases that occur in stores or other crowded public areas, this incident was reported in a residential parking lot. The pickpocket allegedly picked the victim's pocket in the lot of a townhome development in the 19900 block of Stoney Point Way around 7:06 PM, according to crime data.

Gaithersburg Square renovations underway (Photos)

A major renovation of Gaithersburg Square is now underway at the Federal Realty-owned shopping center at 524 N. Frederick Road. All businesses are open during the remodeling.

AMC Dine-In Rio Cinemas 18 reopening today - without the Dine-In

The AMC Dine-In Rio Cinemas 18 movie theater will reopen today, March 26, 2021. There's just one catch: In order to comply with local pandemic restrictions, you won't be able to dine-in at the Dine-In. 

That's right, there will be no food or drink sold at this or other theaters in Montgomery County until the restriction is lifted. This is to ensure patrons do not remove their masks at any time during a screening. 

What an ironic turn of events the dining ban is, as this theater debuted a spectacular new menu of restaurant-quality food and beverages only last year. Such sales are also needed so theater operators can make a profit, especially with the costs up and the number of seats that can be filled per show down. 

So, don't forget to eat before going to the movie! Fortunately, there are plenty of options for that at Rio Lakefront. There's also a surprisingly decent line-up of movies showing today, considering how many blockbusters were kicked down the road by studios.

Revive opens at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg

Revive, an intravenous wellness bar (IV bar), has opened at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg. They are located at 26-A Grand Corner Avenue. Revive will directly inject IV vitamin cocktails, shots and boosters into your bloodstream to "maximize health, prevent illness and reverse disease." They also offer hormone replacement, cryotherapy and medical aesthetic services.

David Blair announces candidacy for Montgomery County Executive

Businessman David Blair (D) announced this morning that he will again run for Montgomery County Executive in 2022, after losing the Democratic nomination for the office by only 77 votes in 2018. Blair will face a rematch with the current executive, who squeaked past him and went on to win handily that year, Marc Elrich (D). Elrich has also signaled his intention to run for reelection. Both men may face competition from term-limited County Council members in the Democratic primary, but none have demonstrated the popular support of Blair and Elrich seen in 2018.

Blair has maintained a high-profile since his narrow 2018 loss. While unsuccessful, he scored points with many for his gracious concession speech, and for declining to challenge the extremely close voting results. There is no sign he has lost the strong support from the business community he enjoyed in 2018. And his founding of the Council for Advocacy and Policy Solutions (CAPS) since the election has furthered his effort to earn progressive credentials while running as a pro-business candidate.

The Blair campaign site launches with a 3-minute video with prominent scenes of downtown Bethesda, small businesses, and the pandemic. Montgomery County's economy has been stagnant for more than a decade, and has not improved since 2018, with the impact of the pandemic not helping matters. 

The County has failed to attract a single major corporate headquarters to relocate here in over 25 years, and ranked last in the region over the last decade by virtually every relevant economic development measure. This has tanked County revenues. But rather than trim spending, the Council has simply raised taxes each year, except for 2014. That has led to a flight of the rich to lower-tax jurisdictions in the area, further reducing revenue.

All that bad economic news gives Blair a strong foundation again to run on. But Elrich is the most popular politician in Montgomery County by the numbers. He not only aligns with the most-progressive faction of Democrats that increasingly is steering that party in Maryland, but also wins support from Republicans and independents concerned about development and quality-of-life issues. Elrich has demonstrated that he will continue to resist the influence of real estate development interests that now control all nine seats on the County Council.

Elrich will also be receiving a timely bailout from Uncle Sam, courtesy of the American Rescue Plan Act just passed by Congress. The influx of $203.7 million in American taxpayer funds could go a long way to papering over the County's disastrous budget picture for one fiscal year. A fresh piece of tape over the "Check Engine" light on the County budget dashboard is a welcome development for any incumbent official in Montgomery County. A Council with several members who want to oust Elrich hasn't so far been inclined to follow his budget priorities, however.

The Blair-Elrich matchup was tremendously entertaining for anyone who enjoys politics in 2018. A 2022 rematch promises to be the title fight again. On the undercard, the addition of two new Council seats, at least two other open seats, and new district boundaries will make 2022 an exciting year in Montgomery County politics.

Gaithersburg Historic District Commission to review plan to rehab Crown Farm Corn Crib

The Gaithersburg Historic District Commission will review a plan to rehab one of the most historic structures in the city at its next virtual meeting on March 24, 2021 at 7:30 PM. The Crown Farm Corn Crib, located on what is now City property, dates back to the mid-to-late 1800s. It is essentially a barn, but was divided into rooms where corn was stored.

Rehabbing the corn crib is a necessary step to the eventual creation of a public park on the site. Proposed plans include replacing synthetic siding added later, and restoring the original German, lap or beveled-lap wood siding. Half-round metal gutters would be installed. Storm windows that will visually blend in with the original materials are also being recommended.

City planning staff is recommending approval of the plans. The staff report says that successful preservation of this resource will "help tell the farm's complete story in its approximately 150 years of operation."

Gaithersburg Burger King renovations update (Photos)

Renovation of the Burger King at 16004 Shady Grove Road on the Rockville-Gaithersburg border continues. It's really almost the construction of a totally new building, which is why the restaurant is closed during the project. Customers are being directed to the "Silver Spring" and Germantown Burger King locations. Don't go to bed before the King!

3 Gaithersburg railroad crossings to close for CSX maintenance this month

Three CSX Metropolitan Branch railroad crossings will close on a staggered schedule this month so the railroad can perform necessary maintenance work. The closures will begin this weekend with the Metropolitan Grove crossing tomorrow, March 20, 2021. It will be closed two-to-three days for the work.

Two other crossings will close for the same amount of time after that. The Summit Avenue crossing will close on March 25, and the Chestnut Street crossing on March 29. All of these dates could shift for reasons ranging from weather to railroad operations.

Watch for barricades and detours during the closures. There will be no disruption to Amtrak or MARC service during the closures. The Metropolitan Branch is part of an Amtrak and CSX route between Washington, D.C. and Chicago, via Pittsburgh and Cleveland.

Gaithersburg Amazon Fresh store update (Photos)

Amazon Fresh store under construction
at the Collection at Chevy Chase

Here's a look at the progress on two Amazon Fresh grocery stores in Montgomery County. The store at the Collection at Chevy Chase in Friendship Heights is nearing the finish line. In contrast, the sound of the starting gun is still echoing at the second Amazon Fresh store at the 270 Center on Shady Grove Road, on the Rockville/Gaithersburg border. 

Chevy Chase

Both locations are massive makeovers of buildings that already hosted retail stores; a Giant in Chevy Chase, and an Office Depot at 270 Center. A lot of work recently at the Chevy Chase location has been the complex wiring that will govern the high-tech shopping and checkout experience. At 270 Center, work so far has been gutting the Office Depot, and boarding up all of the entryways and most window openings.

Shady Grove Road 270 Center

Renovations planned for Harbor Freight Tools store in Montgomery Village

The Harbor Freight Tools store at 9649 Lost Knife Road in Montgomery Village will get an extensive remodeling this year. New fixtures will be installed in the merchandise area, restrooms will be renovated, the manager's office and cash room will be revamped, and electric sliding entry doors will replace the existing entrance. Harbor Freight Tools is located in the Montgomery Village Crossing shopping center.

Silver Diner to add pergola to outdoor patio at Rio Lakefront

Silver Diner plans to transform its outdoor patio at Rio Lakefront with the addition of a pergola. Constructed of aluminum, the nearly 12' tall structure will have blue striping. A small Silver Diner logo is proposed for the pergola, but the restaurant will have to obtain a City of Gaithersburg sign permit in the future for that addition.

Rooftop louvers on the pergola will be able to open or close based upon the weather. Likewise, the pergola's vinyl fabric "walls" can be rolled up in warmer months, and down in the winter. New heaters and fans will be installed in the ceiling of the pergola for additional year-round climate control.

The proposed pergola design will be presented to the Gaithersburg Planning Commission at its Wednesday, March 17, 2021 virtual meeting for approval. City planning staff is recommending approval of the request, citing other restaurants at Rio which have similar outdoor dining accommodations.

Car stolen in Germantown

Montgomery County police responded to an apartment complex in Germantown Thursday morning. They were summoned due to a car being stolen from the parking lot in the 12500 block of Great Park Circle. 

Montgomery County Council bucks state advice to lift covid restrictions on business

While most of Maryland reopened for business without restrictions yesterday, the Montgomery County Council resisted Gov. Larry Hogan's call to end restrictions on business. The Council met as the Board of Health Friday, after debating its authority to rebuff Hogan's statewide lifting of limits on retail and restaurants all week. Councilmembers ultimately chose not to lift capacity limits on indoor dining and shopping, which will remain at 25% capacity (although some large retailers have been able to get a waiver for the 25% cap for months), and only rise to 50% on March 26. The updated guidelines unanimously approved by the Council include the following:

As of yesterday at 5:00 PM:

• removing local restrictions on capacity at child care facilities, which follow state requirements
• increasing outdoor gatherings to a maximum of 50 people
• increasing indoor gatherings to a maximum of 25 people
• eliminating the limit of one person per 200 square feet
• eliminating alcohol limits on food-service facilities; alcohol can be sold after 10 pm
• eliminating the restriction on buffet service for food-service facilities
• increasing the capacity for religious facilities to 50%

The following changes will go into effect on March 26:

• increasing the maximum capacity to 50% for indoor dining, retail shops, fitness centers and other businesses
• permitting arts and entertainment facilities to open at 25% capacity, provided they do not sell or permit food for consumption in the facility

The guidelines for entertainment venues as written do not immediately appear to apply to movie theaters, which serve food. Only "theaters" that don't serve concessions may reopen at 25% as of March 26. Given that concessions are key to profits for cineplexes, it seems unlikely they would forgo sales of food just to reopen.

County Executive Marc Elrich cited the low percentage of Montgomery County residents who have received a coronavirus vaccination as a primary reason to not lift covid restrictions to the degree the state did Friday. "County leaders will continue focusing on what works, listening to our public health experts and acting based on the needs of our community because public health is the key to a sustained and robust recovery for all," Elrich said in a statement yesterday after the Council vote.

Assault at Germantown grocery store

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a second-degree assault at a grocery store in Germantown Wednesday afternoon. The assault was reported at a supermarket in the 18300 block of Leaman Farm Road around 5:49 PM, according to crime data. There is a Giant store on that block.

Java Nation targeting summer opening in Gaithersburg

A few more details have emerged about the expansion of Java Nation to Gaithersburg at 121 Market Street at Kentlands Market Square. The upscale coffee shop is aiming for a summer opening. It will be open Mondays and Tuesdays 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Wednesdays 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Thursdays and Fridays 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM, Saturdays 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM, and Sundays 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM. 

Java Nation has filed for a liquor license from Montgomery County. Their hearing is scheduled for March 18 at 11:00 AM.

Royal Tandoor opening this spring in Gaithersburg

A local chef is bringing new flavors to Muddy Branch Square in Gaithersburg. Brews & Barrels owner Neel Kamal will open Royal Tandoor Fine Indian Cuisine & Whiskey Bar this April at 820 Muddy Branch Road, near First Watch. Here's a sneak peek at the menu, as well as the extensive list of whiskeys and other spirits that will be served at the restaurant. Royal Tandoor has applied for its liquor license, and has a hearing scheduled for March 18 at 9:00 AM.

Car stolen in Germantown

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a stolen car in Germantown yesterday morning. The vehicle was taken from a residential parking lot in the 20100 block of Waterside Drive, and was reported stolen around 10:30 AM, according to crime data.

Gaithersburg Mayor & Council to receive presentation on Lakeforest Mall draft master plan

The future of the Lakeforest Mall property will begin to take shape at tonight's Gaithersburg Mayor and Council meeting. At this virtual meeting, there will be a presentation of a draft Lakeforest Mall master plan. 

The draft plan would add residential to the existing commercial designation of the more-than-102-acre property. It notes that the site is 1.2 miles from the MARC commuter rail station in Olde Towne Gaithersburg. New housing "should focus on multifamily units," the draft plan states.

Planning staff has divided the site up into parts, such as the "Lost Knife corridor" and "Montgomery Village Avenue corridor." The plan argues that redevelopment of the mall property should make new amenity space "a primary goal."

One red flag is the plan's use of the term, "missing middle" housing, in stating the claim that there is a lack of such in Gaithersburg. The site is surrounded by just such housing in Gaithersburg and Montgomery Village, where mid-priced homes are already quite easily "found." In ironic contrast, unless a highly-charitable developer takes command here, all new housing minus MPDUs on the Lakeforest property will be well above the market rate. The area is also already one of the most-racially-diverse in Montgomery County.

Free cookie with purchase at Potbelly at Rio Lakefront - here's how to get it

Today through March 11, 2021, you can get a free cookie at Potbelly at Rio Lakefront if you purchase a salad or sandwich. To get the free cookie, first redeem the offer on Rio's Spend Local webpage before ordering at Potbelly. Potbelly is located at 128 Boardwalk Place.

Missing Gaithersburg man now believed to have been murdered, police say

A Gaithersburg missing person case has become a homicide case, Montgomery County police detectives said yesterday. Jose Gonzalez (“Piti” to friends), 32, of the 9600 block of Horizon Run Road was reported missing by his family on August 23, 2020. He had not been seen in Gaithersburg since August 9, after returning from a work trip. 

Now, detectives say, their investigation has turned up evidence that Gonzalez was murdered. They're hoping to find more evidence in the case with the public's help. Detectives with the Major Crimes Division urge anyone with information about the disappearance of Jose Gonzalez, to include anyone who saw Gonzalez on August 9 or knows about his movements on that day, to contact the Major Crimes Division at 240-773-5070 or Crime Solvers by phone: 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), online, or via the Crime Solvers app. Callers can remain anonymous.  

Purse snatching at Montgomery Village convenience store

Montgomery County police were called to a Montgomery Village convenience store Monday evening, after a purse snatching was reported at the business. The incident was reported at a store in the 18200 block of Contour Road around 7:25 PM, according to crime data.

Space available for lease in historic Druid Theater in Damascus

Space is now available for lease in one of the most beautiful historic buildings in Montgomery County. A 3900 square foot second-floor space in the Druid Theater at 9840 Main Street in Damascus is now being marketed by Taylor Properties. According to the online listing, the space can be yours for $4550 a month, if my calculation (rent is $14 per SF per year) is correct. 

Built in 1947, the movie palace shuttered in 1990, and sadly is now a Rite Aid drug store on the ground floor. I'd like to see this architectural treasure restored to an operating movie theater someday.

Peeping Tom in Montgomery Village

A peeping Tom was allegedly spotted in Montgomery Village early yesterday morning. Montgomery County police officers responded to the location where the peeping Tom was seen, at an apartment complex in the 9800 block of Feathertree Terrace around 12:20 AM Sunday morning.