Golf cart stolen in Aspen Hill

A golf cart was stolen in Aspen Hill on December 11, 2024, Montgomery County police report. The cart was parked in the 3200 block of Weeping Willow Court. Police believe the cart was taken sometime between 4:00 and 4:30 PM that afternoon, but do not have a description of the alleged thie(ves). If you have any information about this incident, call police at (301) 279-8000.

Takoma Park proposes new regulations on apartment fees

The City of Takoma Park is seeking to regulate the application of new fees and fee hikes on apartment leases. An administrative regulation that could take effect January 15, 2025 would prevent the creation of new fees for services or amenities that were previously included within the monthly rent payment. Existing itemized fees could still be charged, but could not be raised. See the draft regulation for the full list of proposed changes. Written comments on the proposed regulation should be submitted to the City Clerk at: clerk@takomaparkmd.gov. The deadline for receipt of public comments is Monday, December 30, 2024.

Virginia named State of the Year by Business Facilities magazine

Our neighbor across the Potomac is ending 2024 on another economic development high note. Business Facilities magazine has just named Virginia "State of the Year." This is the third time the Old Dominion has taken home the prize since the magazine introduced the honor in 2007. Of course, it's little surprise that Virginia was named the winner, as it is one of the primary destinations of corporate headquarters relocations in America. Maryland? Dead last. Montgomery County hasn't attracted a single major corporate headquarters in over a quarter century, and the statewide record looks just as bad.

"Virginia is a prime location for businesses of all varieties, and this honor from Business Facilities underscores the work we’ve been doing since day one to make Virginia the best place for business investment and job creation," Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin said in a statement. "The Commonwealth has experienced record job growth from companies that are drawn by our best-in-class talent, infrastructure, and business-friendly environment. I am thrilled that Virginia has earned this recognition from a leading source for site selection experts."

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin wraps up
another year of the Old Dominion cleaning
Maryland's clock at economic development

"From advanced manufacturing to data centers to professional services, Virginia is attracting companies across industries with its business-friendly environment and programs to support the distinct needs of those businesses," Business Facilities Editorial Director Anne Cosgrove said. Earlier this year, CNBC named Virginia America's top state for business. Maryland came in 31st out of 50 on that list. Ouch.

Youngkin has proposed a number of tax cuts for Virginia residents in 2025. Maryland residents are facing yet more tax hikes, as its moribund economy has depressed revenues, while legislators in Annapolis have continued to spend wildly. 

"Let's take a victory lap on
Montgomery County's bike lanes!"

With no good news to share, and the potential loss of the Washington Commanders and future FBI headquarters looming, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has been reduced to creating distractions by endorsing the legalization of beer and wine sales in grocery stores. Residents have been demanding that for decades, and have been stiff-armed by their representatives in Annapolis every step of the way over those years. While desperation and embarrassment have led to the topic suddenly being revived by their governor and party leader, a number of powerful Democrats in Annapolis went on the record last week to suggest they will block such a move in the upcoming legislative session.

Photos courtesy Office of Gov. Glenn Youngkin

Maryland to open new I-95 Express Toll Lanes ahead of holiday travel

The Maryland Transportation Authority announced that it will open a new stretch of Express Toll Lanes on northbound I-95 tomorrow, Wednesday, December 18, 2024. A variable toll charged to drivers who use the lanes will provide a way around traffic congestion, which is expected to be heavy around next week's Christmas and Chanukah holidays. The new Express Toll Lanes run for 6.5 miles along the northbound side of the interstate between White Marsh Boulevard (MD 43) and Mountain Road (MD 152).

Completed Express Toll Lanes all the way to MD 24 (Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway), along with new ramps connecting I-695 to the northbound ETL, are expected to open to traffic by the end of 2027. The first section of ETL opened in 2014. MDTA recommends obtaining an E-ZPass, to save up to 77% over toll charges you might otherwise receive via Pay-by-Plate or video tolling.

“The northbound I-95 Express Toll Lanes extension project provides travelers with a more reliable travel experience while easing congestion on our highways,” MDTA Executive Director Bruce Gartner said in a statement. “Through innovation and safety, this project represents our commitment to modernize Maryland’s infrastructure and enhance mobility options.”

Armed robbery at 7-Eleven in White Oak

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an armed robbery at the 7-Eleven store at 12257 Tech Road, at the Westech Corner shopping center in White Oak on December 7, 2024. The robbery was reported at 11:44 PM. A suspect entered the store, displayed a weapon, and obtained cash before fleeing. 

Police describe the suspect only as a Black male of 18 to 20 years of age. If you can identify this suspect, call police at (301) 279-8000.

Montgomery County police to stage sobriety checkpoint tonight

If you drive while intoxicated tonight, Friday the 13th may truly be your unlucky day. Montgomery County police will conduct a sobriety checkpoint somewhere in the county tonight, December 13, 2024, beginning around 10:00 PM. The exact location is not being disclosed by the police department for obvious reasons, but you could anticipate it will be on a major road. Drunk-and-drugged driving and crash statistics are employed in choosing the site of the checkpoint. Any driver showing signs of intoxication will be ordered to pull over for further testing. 

Crossroads of Kensington construction update (Photos)

The curved pedestrian pass-through is starting to really resemble the rendering image at the Crossroads of Kensington shopping center, in the later stages of construction at 10619 Connecticut Avenue in Kensington. Signage with the name of the retail center has been installed above it. You can also see the extensive installation of glass in the storefronts that has been completed in recent weeks. That last available 1,719-square-foot retail space on the Plyers Mill Road side of the property seems to be a hard sell for some reason, as it remains unleased as the end of 2024 approaches. In contrast, the other spaces in the center leased up very quickly, most even before construction had gotten going.