Fairfax County beats Montgomery County again, winning CMC Electronics facility

Montgomery County has suffered another loss to Northern Virginia in the competition to win a new research and development facility from CMC Electronics. The avionics manufacturer chose Reston, Virginia for its new office and R&D facility, which will bring 89 high-wage jobs to Fairfax County at the start, with more to be added in the future. Virginia Delegate Karen Keys-Gamarra confirmed that the finalists in the race were Virginia, Maryland, Alabama, and Florida. On a positive note, at least Maryland was engaged in this contest - and in the running until the end - rather than being asleep at the switch.

It's hard not to notice the proximity of CMC's future facility site in Reston to Dulles International Airport. Dulles is the only airport in our region with the flight frequency and international destinations that meet the demands of international businesspeople. Montgomery County and Maryland continue to cut off their ideological nose to spite their economic development face, by blocking construction of a new Potomac River crossing from the I-270 corridor to Dulles.

Pierre Rossignol, President, CMC Electronics

"We are thrilled to be joining the vibrant Reston community and are excited about the opportunities this expansion brings—for our team, our partners, and our customers," CMC Electronics President Pierre Rossignol said in a statement. "We look forward to continuing our mission of pushing the boundaries of avionics excellence." The Montreal-based firm has an existing American facility in Sugar Grove, Illinois. CMC stands for Canadian Marconi Company; the company's founder was someone you might have heard of:  Guglielmo Marconi. The brilliant Italian inventor founded the firm in 1903.

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin

“CMC Electronics' decision to invest $5 million and establish its new facilities in Fairfax County underscores Virginia's position as a leader in aerospace innovation,” Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin said in a statement from his office. “This creation of new high-tech jobs demonstrates the strength of our Commonwealth's talent pipeline and our commitment to fostering cutting-edge industries. Virginia's pro-business climate and strategic location continue to attract global companies like CMC Electronics, further solidifying our role in shaping the future of aviation technology.”

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay

“I am thrilled that CMC Electronics has chosen Reston as the location for their U.S. expansion and continued global growth,” Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay said. “CMC Electronics choosing Fairfax County is yet another testament to how business-friendly policies, a robust talent pipeline that supports innovation, and our unmatched quality of life is a winning combination for maintaining our status as the premiere destination for starting, locating, and growing your business.” 

Visionworks closes at Wheaton Plaza

Visionworks has closed at Westfield's Wheaton Plaza mall. It appears to be the latest victim of the moribund Montgomery County economy. That's because the Texas-based eyewear chain's overall financial performance has been strong nationwide. Visionworks hasn't closed many stores; in fact, it had a net gain of 28 new store openings last year, for a total of 773 locations. It also ended 2023 as one of the Top 10 optical retailers in America, even finishing ahead of the much-hipper Warby Parker, according to Vision Monday.

Skye Antojitos Hondureños opens in Wheaton

Skye Antojitos Hondureños has opened at 2322 University Boulevard West in Wheaton. This was formerly home to Q'viva. The new restaurant serves authentic and popular Honduran dishes. Early reviews are very positive, giving the restaurant a perfect 5-star rating on Google so far.

Police seeking suspects in Wheaton Safeway assault, attempted robbery

Montgomery County police are seeking the public's help in identifying and locating two suspects in the September 14, 2024 assault and attempted robbery of a Safeway customer in Wheaton. The customer was approached by two women while entering the store that evening. When the customer finished shopping and approached their vehicle in the garage shortly before 9:15 PM, they were followed by the same two female suspects (NOTE: Police did not identify the victim as male or female). The women allegedly hit and kicked the victim, and knocked the victim to the ground.

A witness to the garage attack shouted, and told the assailants to stop. The two suspects then fled out of the garage toward Fern Street on foot. Police describe the suspects as two Black females, approximately 18-years-of-age. 

Suspect #1 is described as being 5'5" to 5'7" tall, with a light complexion and short ponytail. She was wearing a pink sweater, white t-shirt and jeans, and was carrying a pink phone case. Suspect #2 is described as having a thin build, with a dark complexion. She was wearing a black sweater and black bonnet.

Anyone with information regarding this crime or the suspects is urged to visit the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County, MD website at www.crimesolversmcmd.org and click on the “P3 Tips” link or call 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). Information leading to an arrest could result in a reward ranging from $250 up to $10,000. Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Weapons arrest in Briggs Chaney area of Silver Spring

A traffic stop in the Briggs Chaney area of Silver Spring led to an arrest on weapons charges on October 14, 2024. At 11:17 PM that night near the intersection of Briggs Chaney Road and Old Briggs Chaney Road, Montgomery County police found a vehicle occupant to allegedly be in violation of multiple Maryland gun laws. 

D’Marco Sanderson, 26, of Silver Spring was arrested and charged with possession of a stolen firearm, failure to show registration for a machine gun, possession of a firearm used in a crime of violence or possessed by a convicted felon, illegal possession of ammunition, illegal possession of a registered firearm, handgun in vehicle, and loaded handgun in vehicle. Sanderson is being held without bond, according to Maryland court records. A preliminary hearing in the case has been scheduled for November 8 in Montgomery County District Court in Rockville.

Cubano's building for sale in downtown Silver Spring

The former Cubano's restaurant building at 1201 Fidler Lane in downtown Silver Spring is now available for sale. Prospective buyers could choose to open a new restaurant using the existing kitchen infrastructure, or redevelop the 4352-square-foot property, which has a 200' allowable height limit under the existing zoning. 

The asking price for the building is $2,750,000, according to the online listing, and leasing at a rate of $14,000-per-month NNN is also an option offered. "NNN" - which stands for triple net lease - means you as the tenant pay all operating expenses for the property in addition to the monthly rent, such as taxes and insurance. Still hungry for Cubano's? You're in luck: their downtown Bethesda location is still open.

Randolph Crossing Walgreens space available for lease

Walgreens appears to be on the way out at 12222 Veirs Mill Road at the Randolph Crossing shopping center. Its 12000-square-foot end space is being marketed as available for lease by the property owner. This was formerly a Rite Aid store, but was converted to Walgreens when that chain acquired its struggling competitor. Now Walgreens is struggling, and announced earlier this month that it would be closing 1,200 of its stores across America.