Strong-arm carjacking in Germantown

The latest carjacking in upper Montgomery County was reported at a condominium complex in Germantown late Tuesday afternoon, December 26, 2023. Montgomery County police were called to a complex in the 13100 block of Wonderland Way at 5:59 PM Tuesday. That is at the Farmingdale Condominiums off of Great Seneca Highway.

Assault at CVS Pharmacy in Montgomery Village

Montgomery County police were called to a CVS Pharmacy in Montgomery Village yesterday morning, after a 2nd-degree assault was reported at the store. The assault was reported at the CVS at 19100 Montgomery Village Avenue at 8:51 AM Wednesday, December 27, 2023. 

Armed carjacking at Spectrum in Gaithersburg

Gaithersburg City police responded to a report of an armed carjacking early Sunday morning, December 24, 2023 at the Spectrum development. The carjacking was reported in the residential parking lot of the Spectrum apartments off of N. Frederick Avenue at 2:30 AM Sunday.

Mojitos Bar & Grill to open in Montgomery Village

Mojitos Bar & Grill is coming soon to 8035 Snouffer School Road in the Horizon Center in Montgomery Village. Owner Elmer Iglesias is the man behind Humitos Grill, a Greek restaurant. Mojitos will serve American cuisine, and if Humitos is any indication, will offer a lively nightlife addition to the Village, as well. Iglesias hopes to open the 3875-square-foot restaurant in January. Operating hours are expected to be 9:00 AM to 2:00 AM Sunday through Thursday, and 9:00 AM to 3:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.

Maryland minimum wage increases to $15 on January 1, 2024

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (L) and
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich

The minimum wage in Maryland will increase to $15 on Monday, January 1, 2024. This statewide increase was signed into law by Gov. Wes Moore (D) earlier this year. Here in Montgomery County, the minimum wage is already $15 or higher for most employers. As a result, only employees of business with 10 or less workers will see their salaries increase on New Year's Day, from $14.50 to $15.00. 

“We applaud Governor Wes Moore’s efforts to help all Marylanders,” Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich (D) said in a statement. “The minimum wage is ultimately about working people being able to earn enough to put a roof over their heads, feed their families and not have to choose between food on the table and medical visits. I want to thank Governor Moore for making this one of his earliest priorities. I was glad to testify on behalf of the legislation, and I support this important State-wide legislation.”

Roberto Clemente MS Holiday Mall provides over 2000 free gifts in 2023 holiday season

The annual Holiday Mall at Roberto Clemente Middle School in Germantown has provided more than 2000 free gifts to students so far this holiday season, according to Montgomery County Public Schools. Over the last three years, the Holiday Mall has allowed students who might otherwise be unable to afford to purchase gifts for family members a way to do so free of charge. Gifts are donated by teachers and staff at Clemente, as well as by the parishioners of New Covenant Fellowship Church in Germantown. 500 students have taken advantage of the program this year, MCPS reports, with no limit on the number of gifts students may select from the haul of toys, apparel, sporting goods, and household and personal care items.

Clarksburg man arrested in Germantown shooting

Montgomery County police have arrested a Clarksburg man accused of shooting a man in Germantown on December 14, 2023. Raymond Leon McRoy, 18, has been charged with attempted first-degree murder, assault and firearms-related charges. He was transported to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit, where he is currently being held without bond.  

McRoy is accused of shooting a man in the 19500 block of Waters Road in Germantown around 9:30 AM that day. The victim was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A warrant was issued for McRoy's arrest following an investigation, and he was taken into custody this past Monday.

Strong-arm robbery at Montgomery Village restaurant

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a strong-arm robbery at a restaurant in Montgomery Village yesterday afternoon, December 19, 2023. The robbery was reported at a restaurant in the 19300 block of Montgomery Village Avenue at 4:00 PM Tuesday. That's in the Montgomery Village Center. A shocking incident for a daylight hour, at a busy shopping center on a major road.

Early morning assault in Gaithersburg parking lot

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault in the parking lot of a Gaithersburg townhome community early yesterday morning, December 18, 2023. The assault was reported in a parking lot in the 9100 block of Centerway Road at 3:00 AM Monday.

Indecent exposure in Kentlands

Gaithersburg City police responded to a report of indecent exposure on a residential street in the Kentlands area of the city early Saturday afternoon, December 16, 2023. The incident was reported on Thurgood Street at 12:00 PM Saturday.

Montgomery County's JBG Smith biggest winner in D.C.'s potential loss of Capitals, Wizards

The Montgomery County Council and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore may have been asleep at the switch during the tug-of-war over the future home of the Washington Wizards and Washington Capitals, but a company in their jurisdiction may pull off the biggest win in the teams' potential move to Virginia. Bethesda's JBG Smith is the landowner of the proposed Potomac Yard arena and mixed-use development sites in Alexandria. If the teams relocate as envisioned by Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and team owner Ted Leonsis, the real estate development firm will stand to be ultimate victor from a business standpoint. Those potential big profits might still benefit the county and state revenue coffers in Maryland, even if the gaudy bragging rights to the actual teams will accrue to Virginia. 

Successful relocation of the teams to Potomac Yard, and the related development, dovetail perfectly with JBG Smith's existing plans and vision for the National Landing area. The firm will be able to sell the proposed sites to a Virginia sports development authority, and would be the developer of the corporate Monumental Sports Entertainment headquarters, arena, media studio, performing arts venue, and e-sports facility proposed as part of the overall plan. And the sports-related growth at Potomac Yards would boost the earning potential for JBG Smith's other National Landing properties, of which Amazon's HQ2 is the crown jewel.

Of course, HQ2's ultimate benefit to Northern Virginia remains to be seen, as Amazon has not been exempt from the work-from-home revolution and other stresses on its businesses. How many jobs and how many square feet of office space Amazon will eventually need at National Landing is up in the air at this point. How much Virginia taxpayers will shell out for a billionaire to move his sports teams is also not set in stone today. But the additional development opportunities the move would provide could not have come at a better time for JBG Smith.

Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser is in the unenviable position of not only possibly losing two of the city's professional sports teams at once, but of having had to make a desperate bid of $500,000,000 at the 11th hour that doesn't appear to have persuaded Leonsis to stay. Such a two-team exit is a potential nightmare for Moore in Maryland, as he tries to keep the Washington Commanders and Baltimore Orioles in the state. His cringeworthy pitch to the Commanders in a VIP suite in "Raljon," as recounted by The Washington Post, did not reflect the bargaining prowess his Wall Street resume would lead us to believe he would have. Moore's inabililty to find immediate success in attracting major companies to Maryland over the past 11 months, despite a Rolodex filled with celebrity and Fortune 500 friends, has raised eyebrows among those closely watching Maryland's economic development efforts.

The fact that Moore was not in the conversation regarding the Wizards and Capitals, when the firm at the center of the intrigue is in his own state, is unlikely to reduce those whispered doubts in the business community. But the silver lining in this case is that JBG Smith - and Montgomery County and Maryland, if they actually get their share of the firm's increased revenue - will likely gain financially, even if Virginia ends up overpaying for the teams, as the company will still profit regardless. Virginia's elected officials could look like suckers a decade from now, but the real winner would still be at 4747 Bethesda Avenue.

Assault reported at Gaithersburg High School

Gaithersburg City police were called to Gaithersburg High School at 101 Education Boulevard on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, after a 2nd-degree assault was reported there. The assault was reported at the school at 12:27 PM Tuesday.

Armed robbery in Germantown

Montgomery County police were called to the 12300 block of Wisteria Drive in Germantown Sunday evening, December 10, 2023, after an armed robbery was reported there. The robbery was reported at 7:45 PM Sunday. A firearm was the weapon employed in the robbery.

Assault at bus stop in Germantown

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault at a bus stop in Germantown yesterday afternoon, December 11, 2023. The assault was reported at a bus stop in the 19500 block of Crystal Rock Drive at 4:07 PM Monday.

Hyattstown United Methodist Church property for sale

The Hyattstown United Methodist Church property at 26121 Frederick Road (MD 355) is available for sale. Asking price is fairly reasonable at $799,000. Offered "as-is," the property would deliver to you a modest-sized church with a sanctuary and hall, a former parsonage (equivalent to a rectory or pastor's home), modular classrooms, and a cemetery. The latter requires the buyer to keep the graveyard's grass mowed, allow access during set hours for visitors to gravesites, and allow any remaining scheduled burials to take place. 

While the church is in good condition, the parsonage reportedly needs quite a bit of work. Broker information suggests that there is potential for public sewer hookup beyond whatever water-sewer infrastructure exists on the property now. It looks like an excellent opportunity for a faith community seeking a home right near an I-270 off-ramp. Apparently, this UMC held its last services here almost a year ago.

Parsonage

Aggravated assault reported at Ridgeview Middle School in Gaithersburg

Montgomery County police were summoned to Ridgeview Middle School at 16600 Raven Rock Drive in Gaithersburg on December 5, 2023, after an aggravated assault was reported there. The assault was reported at the public school at 12:00 PM. 

Jim McNulty elected VP of Gaithersburg City Council

Gaithersburg City Councilmember Jim McNulty has been elected Vice-President of the body by his colleagues. During his one-year term, McNulty will serve as President of the Council on any occasion when Mayor Jud Ashman is absent or unable to attend council proceedings. McNulty will add this responsibility to his existing assignments as liason to the city's Cultural Arts Advisory Committee and Olde Towne Advisory Committee. Outside of his government service, he is a creative director with the Gigawatt Group.

Assault at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg

Gaithersburg City police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault at Rio Lakefront late Monday afternoon, December 4, 2023. The assault was reported in a retail store in the 9800 block of Washingtonian Boulevard at 5:28 PM Monday. Someone was accused of shoplifting in the same incident.

Victim robbed at knifepoint in Kentlands alleyway

Gaithersburg City police responded to a report of an armed robbery at Kentlands Market Square this past Saturday night, December 2, 2023. The robbery was reported in an alleyway in the 600 block of Center Point Way at 9:43 PM Saturday. A knife was the weapon employed in the robbery.

IKEA construction update at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg (Photos)

Is that a Charming Charlie sign still on the wall at the rear of the future IKEA space at 101 Boardwalk Place at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg? Yep, and that flooring and ceiling design look familiar, as well. There are IKEA blueprints laid out, some ladders up, and some panels down...so work has begun, at least. The "Plan and Order" store model has already slipped past the fall 2023 opening date announced by the company last spring.

What's left of Union Jack's at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg (Photos)

Union Jack's has been closed at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg more than three years ago, but some vestiges of the British pub remain at the site. A few artifacts and menus are still visible. Inside, the space is being converted for new tenant Han Spot, a Chinese restaurant. It will be interesting to see how the decor of Han Spot takes advantage of the large size of the Union Jack's space. I always thought Union Jack's here and in Bethesda had great menus.

Holiday Makers Market at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg December 8-10

Rio Lakefront will host a Holiday Makers Market at 30 Grand Corner Avenue from December 8 through 10, 2023. The indoor market will be open from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM on December 8, 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM  on December 9, and 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM on December 10. Handmade products that will make excellent and unique holiday gifts from more than 50 local artisans. The show is organized by Locally Crafted.

Wawa Gaithersburg signage, gas pumps installed ahead of December opening (Photos)

There are real "signs" of progress at the construction site of Montgomery County's first Wawa at 405 S. Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg. The most visible to drivers passing on MD 355 is the roadside sign with the Wawa logo, and digital displays for gas prices. But the main logo sign is also now on the storefront of the convenience store, as well. Wawa-branded gas pumps have been installed, and safety bollards in line with the pumps. Above them is the Wawa logo signage for the gas station canopy. 

When will the Gaithersburg Wawa open? The chain's current target opening date is December 2023. There's still a not-insigniicant amount of paving and landscaping work to be done on the site. Let's see if they can get it done before the ball drops on New Year's Eve.

Land behind Burger King for sale in Germantown

Have it your way behind Burger King in Germantown. A 2.03 acre site, partially-developed with several commercial buildings, is now on the market for sale. The entire property, squeezed between Burger King and a residential street, could be redeveloped as commercial (grandfathered) or as an R-200-zoned residential site. According to the online listing, the asking price is $2.1 million.

Carmen's Italian Ice opens in Gaithersburg

Carmen's Italian Ice is now available in the Kentlands area of Gaithersburg. Their newest location in Montgomery County is at 130 Market Street, at Kung Fu Tea. Operating hours are 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM seven days a week. Carmen's has existing locations in Rockville and Olney.

Carter's opens at Gaithersburg Square

Carter's has returned to Gaithersburg Square, at 520 N. Frederick Avenue. The children's clothing boutique temporarily closed at the shopping center a couple of years back, but apparently had a change of heart or fortune. Operating hours of the new store are 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM Monday through Saturday, and 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sundays. Carter's was founded by William Carter in Needham, Massachusetts in 1865.

Montgomery County police arrest suspects in Montgomery Village shooting death

Osman Antonio Maldonado

Montgomery County police have arrested two suspects in relation to the November 10, 2023 shooting death of Gaithersburg resident Alan Garnica, 22. The homicide took place in the 18400 block of Lost Knife Circle. Kenes Yair Guevara, 19, and Osman Antonio Maldonado, 20, have both been charged with first-degree murder. Guevara is a resident of Gaithersburg; police did not identify the hometown of Maldonado. Both men remain in custody, awaiting bond hearings.

Kenes Yair Guevara