Heavy snow and ice Wednesday could fell trees, power lines in East County

The weather forecasters got it wrong yet again, and we are facing a much more serious winter storm Wednesday than we were told last week. Heavy snow is expected to begin falling sometime after 3:00 AM Wednesday, most likely toward 5:00 or 6:00 AM. Accumulation of 3-6" is possible before precipitation switches over to freezing rain and ice mid-afternoon. Locations in the northern half of Montgomery County could see totals rise to 10". The storm is expected to end by 10:00 PM Wednesday night.

The combination of heavy, wet snow and a coating of ice will create conditions favorable to trees and limbs falling, and power outages. Temperatures will be the critical factor in the ultimate accumulation totals by nightfall Wednesday. This will be another serious test of the "new" Pepco system. With 48 hours of advance notice, the utility will have no excuse to not have called in backup workers from out of state. As a multi-state operation, Pepco parent Exelon has even more resources within its own nationwide workforce than the old Pepco did, so again, there will be no excuses.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has urged residents to check their home emergency kit, and to prepare a plan for power outages.

Renovations underway at Chuck Levin's in Wheaton

The venerable Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center at 11151 Veirs Mill Road is getting a facelift. Contractors on the project include the firm of local architect Steven J. Karr, AIA, and construction firm Silva Contracting. I still miss Wheaton Music around the block.

Construction begins on $10 billion BRT boondoggle

Construction on Montgomery County's $10 billion Bus Rapid Transit boondoggle is officially underway at the Briggs Chaney Park & Ride station. Hopefully you had a chance to hug the trees that will begin being cut down today on Lockwood Drive and Tech Road. Nothing boosts the cleanliness of our air like cutting down trees to make way for diesel buses, after all.

Take careful note that your cartel-controlled representatives in Annapolis are not introducing legislation to restrict home and business demolitions for the Route 29, Veirs Mill, Georgia Avenue and Route 355 BRT lines. While serving their developer sugar daddies well with BRT that will allow massive urban density along the entire stretch of each route, they are trying to stop Gov. Larry Hogan's plan to reduce congestion on I-270 and the Beltway, for which the state has made clear no home demolitions will occur. Why the hypocrisy, when their BRT plan actually will destroy homes and businesses along each route? Because the widening of the Beltway and I-270 not only doesn't allow for new urban-style development, but any reduction in traffic congestion only undercuts the fake arguments for high-density, transit-oriented development.

Photos via Montgomery County Department of Transportation

Real estate firm marketing vacant spaces at Bombay Gaylord building in Silver Spring

Here's the latest update from the former home of Bombay Gaylord at 8401 Georgia Avenue in downtown Silver Spring. Thur Retail has online listings for the 2871 SF space on the first floor, and a 3500 SF space on the second floor. Their brochure states that the interiors have been renovated, and shows renderings of an updated building exterior.

Thur is suggesting a restaurant use for the first floor, and an architecture/design firm or beauty salon/beauty school use for the second floor space.

Burgerim update from Wheaton Plaza

We have other signs of progress at the future Burgerim restaurant at Wheaton Plaza. One is literal: the exterior sign has been installed. Meanwhile, workers are constructing the interior, which has a ways to go still.

Giant ends Senior Tuesdays discount

Senior Tuesdays usually find an increase in shoppers at local Giant stores. That was because of the 5% discount for seniors. About two weeks ago, however, some seniors discovered the popular promotion is ending.

While the 5% discount was honored that Tuesday, the shoppers were informed that they could sign up at the customer service desk for a new promotion where coupons would be mailed to them at home. I asked the corporate office at Giant, and they confirmed that the Senior Tuesday promotion is being axed.

Giant said they are introducing a new plan for seniors, a personalized monthly mailer with targeted coupons and nutrition advice. As store employees told shoppers two weeks ago, you can sign up for the mailings at the customer service desk using your Bonus Card and mailing address.

Angel's Pizza & Pasta coming to Wheaton Plaza, Mezeh Mediterranean Grill closes

Angel's Pizza & Pasta

The owners of Rockville's Baronessa Italian Restaurant are opening a new venture in the food court at Wheaton Plaza. Angel's Pizza & Pasta is named after Baronessa's executive chef Angel Mendoza. He and co-owner Marcel Jares will be offering a fast-casual menu of brick-oven pizza, homemade pastas made fresh daily, and Italian desserts to Wheaton.

In other Wheaton Plaza news, Mezeh Mediterranean Grill has closed. Most but not all signage has been stripped from their kiosk.