MORE BURGLARIES IN WHEATON/KEMP MILL AREA, BEL PRE ROAD CRIME SPIKE - SILVER SPRING CRIME UPDATE

A wave of burglaries in the vicinity of Kemp Mill in Wheaton continued Friday, with 2 additional break-ins reported. Increased criminal activity was recorded in the area of Bel Pre Road that day, as well. A robbery was reported on Grubb Road, and 2 thefts and a drug arrest occurred in Calverton.

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across Montgomery County on March 28, according to crime data:

Robbery. 8300 block Grubb Road.

Theft. 1700 block East-West Highway (downtown Silver Spring).

Drug arrest. 8300 block 16th Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Vehicle burglary. 8600 block Cameron Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Vehicle burglary. Parking Garage 2, 1200 Spring Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Vehicle burglary. 8700 block Cameron Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Disorderly conduct. 11200 block Grandview Avenue (Wheaton).

Disorderly conduct. 2500 block Ennalls Avenue (Wheaton).

Assault. Wayne Plaza, 926 Wayne Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Assault. Rodman's on Randolph Road (Wheaton).

Disorderly conduct. 8500 block Fenton Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Disorderly conduct. Silver Spring Library, 8901 Colesville Road (downtown Silver Spring).

Liquor arrest. 8200 block Fenton Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Burglary. 800 block Easley Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Drug arrest. 11500 block Amherst Avenue (Wheaton).

Vehicle burglary. 300 block Ellsworth Drive (downtown Silver Spring).

Theft. 700 block Sligo Avenue.

Theft. 2500 block Sheraton Street (Glenmont).

Assault. Georgia Avenue at Randolph Road.

Burglary. 800 block Gabel Street (Kemp Mill).

Drug arrest. Four Corners 7-11.

Burglary. 7700 block Maple Avenue (Takoma Park).

Burglary. 800 block Kersey Road (Kemp Mill).

Assault. 7500 block Carroll Avenue (Takoma Park).

Burglary. 13500 block Georgia Avenue (Aspen Hill).

Theft. Kohls (Aspen Hill).

Assault. 3700 block Bel Pre Road.

Drug arrest. 14300 block Astrodome Drive (Bel Pre Road area).

Theft. 14300 block Layhill Road (near Bel Pre Road).

Theft. 12000 block Cherry Hill Road (Calverton/Riderwood area).

Theft. 12000 block Cherry Hill Road (Calverton/Riderwood area).

Drug arrest. Gracefield Road at Calverton Boulevard (Calverton).

BURGLARS STRIKE THRICE IN WHEATON - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON/GLENMONT CRIME UPDATE

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Three burglaries were reported in close proximity of each other in Wheaton on Thursday. All were in neighborhoods on either side of University Boulevard, east of Georgia Avenue. If you have any information to report, please call the Montgomery County Police non-emergency number, at 301-279-8000.

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on March 27, according to crime data:

Drug arrest. 2700 block East-West Highway (Silver Spring).

Drug arrest. SB Georgia Avenue at Forest Glen Road.

Theft. 11700 block Joseph Mill Road (Wheaton/near Veirs Mill ES).

Theft. JC Penney at Wheaton Plaza.

Assault. Colesville Road at Georgia Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Vehicle burglary. 8100 block Georgia Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Theft. 8200 block Georgia Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Vehicle burglary. 1600 block Cody Drive (west of Sligo Creek Park).

Liquor arrest. 11300 block Amherst Avenue (Wheaton).

Burglary. 11100 block Dodson Lane (Glen Haven area/Wheaton).

Burglary. 11100 block Luttrell Lane (near above Wheaton burglary).

Burglary. 11500 block Taber Street (near above 2 Wheaton burglaries).

Liquor arrest. 12400 block Georgia Avenue (near Glenmont Shopping Center).

BURGLARY AT ROSEMARY HILLS ES, ASSAULT ON EW HIGHWAY - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on March 26, according to crime data:

Burglary. Rosemary Hills Elementary School.

Burglary. 10400 block Hutting Place (Wheaton).

Drug arrest. 4100 block Highview Drive (near Veirs Mill ES, Wheaton).

Theft. JC Penney at Wheaton Plaza.

Theft. Wheaton Plaza.

Assault. 1100 block East-West Highway (downtown Silver Spring).

Drug arrest. 7900 block Georgia Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Drug arrest. Veirs Mill Road at Randolph Road (Wheaton).

Drug arrest. Ellsworth Drive at Fenton Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Drug arrest. 12400 block Veirs Mill Road (Wheaton).

TACO BELL BREAKFAST REVIEW: WAFFLE TACO (VIDEO)

Taco Bell Breakfast is here, and here is my first review from the menu! The Waffle Taco is available in Egg and Cheese, Sausage or Bacon versions. I chose to start with the sausage version, which has a sausage patty, scrambled eggs, and cheese wrapped in a warm waffle. A packet of maple syrup comes with it, for dipping purposes.

How has the Taco Bell breakfast experiment turned out? Watch my detailed review and find out! I also give an update on the Taco Bell Breakfast Phone.

ROBBERY IN TAKOMA PARK, ASSAULT IN LONG BRANCH, DRUG ARREST AT GLENMONT CIRCLE - CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across Montgomery County on March 25, according to crime data:

Theft. 1900 block East-West Highway (Rosemary Hills).

Vehicle burglary. 9500 block Georgia Avenue (Montgomery Hills).

Thefts. JC Penney and Macy's at Wheaton Plaza.

Weapons arrest. 2400 block Reedie Drive (Wheaton).

Drug arrest. 8700 block Colesville Road (downtown Silver Spring).

Assault. 8700 block Colesville Road (downtown Silver Spring).

Theft. 900 block Ellsworth Drive (downtown Silver Spring).

Assault. Majestic Theater (downtown Silver Spring).

Vehicle burglary. 12200 block Bushey Drive (Wheaton).

Robbery. 7100 block Willow Avenue (Takoma Park).

Drug arrest. University Boulevard at Dennis Avenue.

Drug arrest. 2300 block Glenmont Circle.

Theft. Giant (Aspen Hill Shopping Center).

Assault. 9300 block Glenville Road (Long Branch).

SILVER SPRING/WHEATON/ASPEN HILL CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on March 24, according to crime data:

Disorderly conduct. Einstein High School (Wheaton).

Vehicle burglary. 1300 block Spring Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Drug arrest. Kennett Street and Newell Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Drug arrest. Veirs Mill Road and University Boulevard W. (Wheaton).

Drug arrest. CVS Pharmacy, 11190 Veirs Mill Road.

Theft. JC Penney and Target at Wheaton Plaza.

Vehicle burglary. Parking Garage 2, 1200 Spring Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Vehicle burglary. 8700 block Cameron Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Vehicle burglary. 8100 block Georgia Avenue.

Drug arrest. 4000 block Samson Avenue (Wheaton).

Burglary. 8800 block Colesville Road (downtown Silver Spring).

Liquor arrest. Silver Spring Avenue at Fenton Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Liquor arrest. Fenton Street at Thayer Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Burglary. 800 block Sligo Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Drug arrest. 10400 block Julep Avenue (Wheaton).

Vehicle burglary. 11600 block Leesborough Circle (Wheaton).

Burglary. 11100 block Luttrell Lane (Wheaton).

Drug arrest. 12700 block Veirs Mill Road (Aspen Hill).

2 ASSAULTS IN GLENMONT FOREST, CROOKS GET BUSY ON FENTON ST. - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on March 23, according to crime data:

Drug arrest. 9700 block Rosensteel Avenue (Forest Glen area).

Liquor arrest. 11200 block Grandview Avenue (Wheaton).

Drug arrest. Ellsworth Drive at Fenton Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Vehicle burglary. 8100 block Fenton Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Drug arrest. Fenton Street at Burlington Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Vehicle burglary. 800 block Philadelphia Avenue (near Fenton Street).

Assault/"other sexual offense." 3D at 801 Sligo Avenue.

Assault. 700 block Sligo Avenue.

Assault. 12200 block Kendall Court (Glenmont Forest).

Assault. 2800 block Munson Street (Glenmont Forest).

ASSAULTS IN GLENMONT, DOWNTOWN SILVER SPRING; DISORDERLY DAY IN WHEATON - CRIME UPDATE

Five liquor arrests were reported in Wheaton Saturday, within a close area of each other.

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on March 22, according to crime data:

Disorderly conduct. Sundale Drive at East-West Highway (Silver Spring).

Liquor arrest. Spring Center, 8621 16th Street (Silver Spring).

Drug arrest. Spring Street at 2nd Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Theft. JC Penney, Wheaton Plaza.

Disorderly conduct. Grandview Avenue at Reedite Drive (Wheaton).

Disorderly conduct. Parking Lot 13 (Wheaton).

Disorderly conduct. 11200 block Grandview Avenue.

Disorderly conduct. Grandview Avenue at Ennalls Avenue (Wheaton).

Assault. Fenton Street at Colesville Road (downtown Silver Spring).

Disorderly conduct. 11100 bock Amherst Avenue (Wheaton).

Liquor arrest. 8100 block Fenton Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Drug arrest. Silver Spring Avenue at Fenton Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Liquor arrest. 8200 block Fenton Street.

Theft. 600 block Sligo Avenue.

Assault. 2200 block Georgian Way (Glenmont).

ASPEN HILL MINOR MASTER PLAN AMENDMENT PUBLIC MEETING APRIL 1

Will it be a Walmart? A trojan horse town center jammed with residential units? Or stay as it is today?

With the lack of demand for office space in Montgomery County, Lee Development Group hopes its property at 4115 Aspen Hill Road can be rezoned to include other uses. The Montgomery County Planning Department has begun a Minor Master Plan Amendment process, to study what uses should be permitted on the site. A planning "scope of work" document also expands the amendment study area to a parcel on the south side of Aspen Hill Road, at its intersection with Connecticut Avenue.

A second community meeting on the matter will be held Tuesday, April 1, 2014, at 6:30 PM, at the Aspen Hill Library (4407 Aspen Hill Road).

Formerly home to facilities for Vitro Corporation, the office space has sat vacant for about a decade. Interest in the site by retail giant Walmart added urgency to the zoning question, and predictably ignited controversy.

A Walmart store sounds like a good fit for the site, as its immediate neighbor would be another Big Box store (Home Depot), the property is located in a major retail mecca in Aspen Hill, and low income and middle class residents alike could benefit from Walmart prices on groceries and other goods. Traffic would be a primary issue, particularly with the county's failure to build the Rockville Freeway originally planned to bisect Connecticut and Georgia Avenues in Aspen Hill. Ramp stubs for the freeway's cloverleaf interchange with Connecticut were constructed decades ago, in advance of its expected construction. They remain in place today.

The Montgomery County Council already led a full-court-press to sink plans for a Walmart store in south Rockville, on MD 355. Preventing Walmart from opening stores countywide naturally increases regional demand for the existing Germantown store, in the Milestone Shopping Center. An Aspen Hill store would be a similar draw for patrons outside of the Aspen Hill area. Conversely, one could argue that Kohls and Kmart are also rare, and regional draws as well.

What's the bottom line? Aspen Hill is indisputably a suburban bedroom community, with high-quality, desirable brick homes on leafy, tree-lined streets. It also boasts a central commercial area that serves residents of surrounding communities, with businesses of all sizes. While there will be some impact on the community no matter what use is chosen for the Lee site, it would seem that the Walmart proposal would be the most consistent with the character of the neighborhood. The structure would be far less imposing than "town center" apartment towers, which would reduce the impact on immediate neighbors.

A finished amendment could be before the Planning Board by summer.

TACO BELL BREAKFAST PHONE UNBOXING (VIDEO)

Taco Bell sent me a special package: a Taco Bell Breakfast Phone! As you've probably heard, Taco Bell is launching breakfast nationwide this Thursday, March 27. Let's open the package, and see what the Breakfast Phone is all about.

Apparently, Taco Bell will be sending text messages and voicemails with "secret missions" to carry out, related to the Taco Bell Breakfast theme. What other surprises does the phone have in store between now and Thursday?

Stay tuned, because you know as much as I do.

DRUG ARREST AT EINSTEIN HS, ASSAULT AT WHITE OAK MCDONALD'S - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON/GLENMONT CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on March 21, according to crime data:

Drug arrest. Einstein High School (Wheaton).

Assault. 2900 block University Boulevard W. (near Wheaton Plaza).

Drug arrest. Spring Street at Georgia Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Disorderly conduct. 8700 block Ramsey Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Assault. Wheaton Plaza.

Theft. Wheaton Plaza.

Vehicle burglary. 2000 block Dayton Street (Glen Haven area of Wheaton).

Drug arrest. 7800 block Eastern Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Liquor arrest. 11200 block Grandview Avenue (Wheaton).

Liquor arrest. Public Parking Lot 13 (Wheaton).

Disorderly conduct. 11200 block Grandview Avenue.

Liquor arrest. Dixon Avenue at Bonifant Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Theft. 8600 block Colesville Road (downtown Silver Spring).

Theft. 8800 block Cameron Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Assault/"kidnapping case." Fenton Street at Ellsworth Drive (downtown Silver Spring).

Theft. Majestic Theater (downtown Silver Spring).

Vehicle burglary. 900 block Wayne Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Vehicle burglary. Whole Foods (downtown Silver Spring).

Assault. 500 block Thayer Avenue.

Weapons arrest. 900 block University Boulevard W. (Kemp Mill vicinity in Wheaton).

Liquor arrest. 12400 block Georgia Avenue (Glenmont).

Drug arrest. 7-11 (Glenmont).

Drug arrest. 1100 block Loxford Terrace (Kemp Mill).

Vehicle burglary. 9300 block Biltmore Drive (Long Branch).

Drug arrest. Northgate Shopping Center (Aspen Hill).

Theft. Kmart (Aspen Hill).

Vehicle burglary. 4000 block Postgate Terrace (Aspen Hill/Bel Pre area).

Burglary. 300 block Lyric Lane (Route 29 corridor).

Assault. McDonald's (White Oak).

Assault/"rape." 800 block Downs Drive (White Oak).

Vehicle burglary. 2200 block Bear Valley Terrace (near Layhill).

Drug arrest. 13400 block New Hampshire Avenue (Colesville).

ROBBERY IN TAKOMA PARK, SEVERAL THEFTS IN N WHEATON, GLENMONT - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on March 20, according to crime data:

Drug arrest. 2700 block University Boulevard W. (Wheaton).

Theft. 11100 block Veirs Mill Road (Wheaton).

Theft. JC Penney, Wheaton Plaza.

Burglary. 11100 block Georgia Avenue (Wheaton).

Drug arrest. Georgia Avenue at Reedie Drive (Wheaton).

Theft. 3300 block Seaport Way (near Wheaton Claridge Local Park).

Theft. 8300 block Georgia Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Theft. Doubletree Hotel (downtown Silver Spring).

Assault. 7500 block Blair Road.

Drug arrest. NB Georgia Avenue by Arcola Avenue (Wheaton).

Theft. 3900 block Jeffry Street (off Connecticut Avenue N of Weller Road in Wheaton).

Burglary. 5000 block Aspen Hill Road.

Vehicle burglary. 12600 block Holdridge Road (Glenmont).

Theft. 12900 block Goodhill Road (Connecticut Avenue Estates).

Theft. 12300 block Georgia Avenue (Glenmont).

Robbery. 7500 block Maple Avenue (Takoma Park).

HEALTHY CHOICE TOP CHEF CRUSTLESS CHICKEN POT PIE REVIEW (VIDEO)

Top Chef? A TV dinner with that branding sets the bar pretty high, doesn't it? Healthy Choice's Top Chef-inspired Crustless Chicken Pot Pie brings great expectations. This is going to be a gourmet, deconstructed version of an American classic, chicken pot pie.

Or is it?

Watch my review, and find out. Crustless Chicken Pot Pie features sliced chicken breast, carrots, peas, corn and dumplings (standing in for usually-rich pot pie crust), in a cream sauce.

It comes in the Cafe Steamers format. Which means you cook the whole thing first, and then pour the ingredients into the sauce, that steams below in its own dish.

This dinner has a surprisingly-high number of calories for a diet frozen entree.

3 DRUG ARRESTS IN DOWNTOWN SILVER SPRING, ASSAULT ON COLESVILLE ROAD - CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on March 19, according to crime data:

Theft. 8400 block Colesville Road (downtown Silver Spring).

Theft. 1200 block East-West Highway (downtown Silver Spring).

Drug arrest. 8600 block Cameron Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Drug arrest. Colesville Road and Ramsey Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Disorderly conduct. St. Dunston Lane near Randolph Road (Wheaton).

Theft. JC Penney and Target, Wheaton Plaza.

Assault. Colesville Road at Georgia Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Vehicle burglary. Charles Road at Randolph Road (Wheaton).

Drug arrest. Georgia Avenue at Blair Road (downtown Silver Spring).

Theft. 1500 block Forest Glen Road.

Drug arrest. SB Georgia Avenue near Price Avenue (Wheaton).

Liquor arrest. Parking Garage at 730 Ellsworth Drive (downtown Silver Spring).

Theft. 7800 block Fenton Street (downtown Silver Spring).

JAPAN FAIR THIS SATURDAY IN ASPEN HILL

Travel to Japan without leaving Aspen Hill this Saturday! Visit the Japan Fair, from 1:00-5:00 PM, at the Bauer Drive Community Center, at 14625 Bauer Drive. Admission is free.

Japanese exchange students from Yokohama Hayato High School in Yokohama, Japan will demonstrate Japanese arts, games and customs. Watch an informal Japanese Tea Ceremony, and enjoy authentic Japanese music. Take in an action-packed martial arts demonstration, and traditional Japanese dances. Learn how to create origami and calligraphy, play Japanese games and explore Anime and Manga.

The event is co-sponsored by Montgomery County Recreation and Sakura Educational Exchange USA. If you have any questions about the fair, contact Alex Taylor at 240-777-6922.

ASSAULT AT DUNKIN' DONUTS IN WHEATON, BURGLARY ON COLSTON DR. - SILVER SPRING CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on March 18, according to crime data:

Burglary. 2200 block Colston Drive (Grubb Road area, Silver Spring).

Assault. 8300 block 16th Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Theft. Wheaton Plaza.

Drug arrest. Georgia Avenue at Forest Glen Road.

Theft. 1400 block East-West Highway (downtown Silver Spring).

Disorderly conduct. Wheaton Metro station.

Assault. Dunkin' Donuts at 2405 Reedie Drive (Wheaton).

Drug arrest. Cedar Street at Ellsworth Drive.

Drug arrest. 10400 block Julep Avenue (near Sligo MS).

BUMP 'N GRIND COFFEE GETS CONSTRUCTION GREEN LIGHT IN SILVER SPRING

Bump 'N Grind, a coffee shop, vinyl record store and cybercafe all in one, has received its construction permit from Montgomery County this week. It's all starting to come together for the shop that has been generating buzz for several months. Bump 'N Grind's La Marzocco Strada EP multi-coffee boiler just arrived yesterday. That unit allows several coffees to be prepared at separate temperatures.

The 1820 square foot shop will have listening stations for music, and an outdoor patio during warm months.

Bump 'N Grind

1200 East-West Highway

Silver Spring

SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE - ST. PATRICK'S DAY EDITION

Give east county residents and visitors credit - apparently only one person was arrested on alcohol charges on St. Patrick's Day.

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on March 17, according to crime data:

Assault. 9800 block Georgia Avenue (the assault apparently was reported in an apartment; Forest Glen area).

Theft. Wheaton Plaza.

Drug arrest. Georgia Avenue and Veirs Mill Road.

Assault. 11100 block Georgia Avenue (Wheaton).

Liquor arrest. 8500 block Georgia Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Theft. 8200 block Georgia Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Assault/"other sexual offense." 12700 block Connecticut Avenue (Wheaton).

Vehicle burglary. 12700 block Holdridge Road (Glenmont).

SILVER SPRING STUDENTS WILL TALK TO OUTER SPACE TODAY

Beam us up! Students at Forest Knolls Elementary School in Silver Spring will make direct contact with the International Space Station around 14:38 UTC today (which would be 2:38 PM EST or 3:38 PM EDT? - I honestly don't know for sure). Check that time first, and then you can listen in to the broadcast on ham radio at 145.80 MHz.

Forest Knolls has its own amateur radio station, which also hosts an afterschool ham radio club with 15 student members. This broadcast will be to the Final Frontier, however.

Students will ask astronauts as many as 25 questions, if time allows.

SUPPORT WHEATON REGIONAL PARK AT MACY'S IN WESTFIELD WHEATON PLAZA (PHOTO)

Stop by a register at Macy's in Wheaton Plaza before March 31, and you can help raise money for Wheaton Regional Park. Donate any amount from $1 and up, and Macy's will match your gift, up to a total of $250,000. In other words, when Macy's reaches $250,000 in matching donations across all donors, the fundraising campaign will end.

SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on March 16, according to crime data:

Vehicle burglary. 9500 block Georgia Avenue (Montgomery Hills).

Vehicle burglary. 4400 block Fernhill Road (Wheaton, near Veirs Mill ES).

Burglary. 8700 block Georgia Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Drug arrest. Georgia Avenue at Sligo Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Disorderly conduct. Fenton Street at Colesville Road (downtown Silver Spring).

Theft. 8700 block Colesville Road (downtown Silver Spring).

COUNTRY BOY MARKET IN GLENMONT CAN DELIVER MULCH TO YOU - AND LOTS OF IT (PHOTO)

Country Boy Market in the Glenmont Shopping Center has mulch in stock for spring, and they deliver. Give them a call to find out about ordering a delivery, anywhere from 1 bag to a full truckload. Most homeowners in the area probably won't need that many bags, but you never know!

Country Boy Market, 2211 Randolph Road

(301) 942-6355

Photo courtesy of Country Boy Market

ROBBERIES IN WHEATON, DOWNTOWN SILVER SPRING - CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on March 15, according to crime data:

Drug arrest. Georgia Avenue at Evans Drive.

Robbery. 1200 block East-West Highway (downtown Silver Spring).

Theft. Target at Wheaton Plaza.

Theft. Wheaton Plaza.

Liquor arrest. 11200 block Grandview Avenue (Wheaton).

Liquor arrest. 8700 block Cameron Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Disorderly conduct. 8700 block Cameron Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Disorderly conduct. Grandview Avenue at Ennalls Avenue (Wheaton).

Robbery. 12100 block Selfridge Road (Wheaton near Veirs Mill Road).

Theft. Ellsworth Drive at Fenton Street.

Theft. 900 block Thayer Avenue.

Drug arrest. Sligo Creek Parkway at Schuyler Road (Silver Spring).

DENIZENS BREWING CO. IN SILVER SPRING GETS CONSTRUCTION PERMIT

Denizens Brewing Co., an urban craft brewery and bar opening this summer in downtown Silver Spring, has been issued a construction permit by Montgomery County. This will allow the owners to transform the space at 1115 East-West Highway from a restaurant into a "restaurant and brewing company" configuration, according to the permit.

Among the in-house brew options will be trendy sour beers, and there will be live music as well. This definitely sounds like a great addition to downtown Silver Spring.

Up until now, Denizens has been in the news for changing its name - after another local brewery, DC Brau, objected to the original brand name of Citizens Brewing Company. No, I don't get what the problem was, either.

By this summer, expect Denizens to be know more for its beers and nightlife than that old story.

Logo courtesy of Denizens Brewing Co.

ROBBERY IN DOWNTOWN SILVER SPRING, DRUG ARREST AT NORTHWOOD HS - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on March 14, according to crime data:

Drug arrest. SB Georgia Avenue at Evans Drive.

Theft. 1200 block East-West Highway (downtown Silver Spring).

Robbery. 8700 block Georgia Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Burglary. 8700 block Georgia Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Theft. Wheaton Plaza.

Drug arrest. Georgia Avenue at Prichard Road (Wheaton).

Vehicle burglary. 11900 block Veirs Mill Road (Wheaton).

Disorderly conduct. Safeway, 909 Thayer Avenue.

Disorderly conduct. Fenton Street at Silver Spring Avenue.

Liquor arrest. 7600 block Takoma Avenue (Takoma Park).

Theft. Parkland Drive at Bayne Street (Aspen Hill).

Drug arrest. Northwood HS.

Drug arrest. Hebrew Academy (Aspen Hill).

Assault/"other sexual offense." Colesville Road at University Boulevard (Four Corners).

Assault. Colesville Road at University Boulevard (Four Corners).

Drug arrest. Piney Branch Road at Greenwood Avenue (Long Branch).

Drug arrest. Georgia Avenue at Wendy Lane (Aspen Hill).

Vehicle burglary. 1500 block Stateside Drive (New Hampshire Ave. corridor).

Drug arrest. New Hampshire Avenue at Northwest Drive (White Oak).

Theft. White Oak Shopping Center.

Theft. 4100 block Great Oak Road (Leisure World/Norbeck Road vicinity).

Drug arrest. 9700 block Mount Pisgah Road (vicinity of The Chateau apartments).

Theft. 1700 block Overlook Drive (Hillandale).

ST. PATRICK'S DAY IN SILVER SPRING AND WHEATON

WHEATON

The Limerick Pub in Wheaton has vowed not to let snow ruin St. Patrick's Day this year, promising to  stay open and go forward with a full menu and full day of entertainment today:

Breakfast will be served from 10-12 AM:

$10 per person

**ALA CARTE (INCLUDES JUICE OR COFFEE, TOAST)**

SCRAMBLED EGGS W/ CHOICE OF BACON, SAUSAGE, HAM

CORNED BEEF HASH W/ SCRAMBLED EGGS

PANCAKES W/ CHOICE OF BACON, SAUSAGE, HAM

OATMEAL W/ FRESH BERRIES

NO SUBSTITUTIONS AND NO KIDS DISCOUNTS

Dennis Vaughn and Mark Walbridge will perform live from 2-6:30 PM, and Kieran Whelan will take over from 7:00 PM to close.

Here's the rest of menu, which will be served between noon and 11:00 PM tonight:

STARTERS

Jumbo Chicken Wings $8: Bbq, Buffalo, Old Bay Or Sweet Thai Chili

Warm Chesapeake Stlye Crab Dip W/ Grilled Pita Bread $9.5

Warm Spinach Formaggio Dip W/ Grilled Pita Bread $9

Fresh Fried Local Oysters $10

Basket Of Limerick Chips Or Onion Rings $6

Soup Of The Day: Cup $3.5 / Bowl $5

ENTRÉES: (Served W/ A Side Salad W/ Balsamic Vinaigrette On The Side*)

Bangers And Mash $15.5

Corned Beef And Cabbage $16: Served W/ Baked Potato Or Mashed Potato Only

Basket Of Fish And Chips $15.5

Guinness Beef Stew $15.5

Three Bean Vegetarian Stew $14.5: Vegan W/O Cheese And Sour Cream

SANDWICHES: (Served W/ Fries Or Onion Rings Only)

Banger Grinder $8.5: Grilled Pork Sausage, Sauteed Onion & Mushroom, Melted Cheddar On Sub Roll

Fresh Beer Battered Cod $8.5: Fried Cod On A Kaiser Roll W/ Lettuce Tomato Onion & House Made Tartar Sauce

Limerick Burger $9.5: Grilled To Your Liking W/ Lettuce Tomato And Onion On Toasted Kaiser Roll

Grilled Chicken Sandwich $9: Grilled Chicken Breast On Kaiser Roll W/ Melted Swiss Cheese

SILVER SPRING

In downtown Silver Spring, live music begins at McGinty's Public House at noon with acoustic performers.

From 3-5:30 PM, Pete Moss and the Bog Band will be joined by Irish dancers from the Culkin School of Dance.

The Lloyd Dobler Effect was scheduled to play outdoors from 4-7 at the fountain, but its unclear how that will work out with the snow.

Damion Wolfe will play upstairs at 6:00 PM, with Brian Frank playing downstairs.

Thieves will close it out at McGinty's, starting at 9:00 PM.

There is a cover charge of $10 starting at 6 PM.

SILVER SPRING/WHEATON SNOW UPDATE

Westfield Wheaton Plaza will open at noon today.

Expect delays on the Red Line due to single tracking between Van Ness and Dupont Circle. Metrobus is on a snow schedule, meaning detours on routes. Ride On is running.

Road conditions range from poor on main roads, to abysmal on county side streets.

PUBLIC STORAGE BURGLARIZED IN DOWNTOWN SILVER SPRING - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON/GLENMONT CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on March 13, according to crime data:

Drug arrest. Georgia Avenue northbound lanes at Blueridge Avenue (Wheaton).

Theft. 8500 block 16th Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Theft. 9300 block Georgia Avenue (Montgomery Hills).

Drug arrest. 10700 block Georgia Avenue (near Plyers Mill Road).

Drug arrest. 7900 block Georgia Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Burglary. Public Storage, 7800 Fenton Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Drug arrest. Colesville Road at Mansion Drive (Woodside Park area).

Theft. 2700 block Hardy Avenue (Glenmont Forest area).

DC AREA SNOW FORECAST - HOW MANY INCHES? SILVER SPRING-WHEATON-ASPEN HILL-GLENMONT-TAKOMA PARK

A winter storm warning is in effect across the region today from 2:00 PM until 2:00 PM Monday. Rain is forecast to begin this afternoon, and change over to snow as the sun sets. The heaviest snow will fall during the overnight hours tonight. Currently, the National Weather Service is calling for accumulation of 5 inches, or more. Temperatures will be in the 20s overnight.

Winds during the storm will gust up to 20 MPH, but average around 10.

Highs on Monday will remain in the lower 30s, meaning travel will be dangerous, and road conditions could remain hazardous throughout the day.

Stay tuned for updates on this very late winter storm.

ASSAULT ON GRANDVIEW AVENUE, 2 MORE DOWNTOWN SILVER SPRING DRUG ARRESTS - CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on March 12, according to crime data:

Drug arrest. Colesville Road at East-West Highway (downtown Silver Spring).

Theft. 8700 block Georgia Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Vehicle burglary. 10900 block Georgia Avenue (near Encore Wheaton).

Theft. 11100 block Veirs Mill Road (Wheaton).

Theft. Wheaton Plaza.

Assault. 11200 block Grandview Avenue (Wheaton).

Theft. 2600 block Fenimore Road (Wheaton).

Drug arrest. Georgia Avenue northbound at Sligo Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Vehicle burglary. 900 block Bonifant Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Drug arrest. 11500 block Georgia Avenue (Wheaton).

ASSAULT AT WHEATON PLAZA, DALE DRIVE BURGLARY - SILVER SPRING/ASPEN HILL/WHEATON CRIME UPATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on March 11, according to crime data:

Vehicle burglary. 2000 block Lanier Drive (Montgomery Hills).

Theft. 8300 block Colesville Road (downtown Silver Spring).

Theft. Macy's at Wheaton Plaza.

Theft. Wheaton Plaza.

Assault. Wheaton Plaza.

Drug arrest. King Street at Eastern Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Drug arrest. Georgia Avenue at Sligo Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Drug arrest. Elkin Street at University Boulevard (Wheaton).

Drug arrest. Thayer Avenue at Fenton Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Burglary. 1100 block Dale Drive.

Theft. 12700 block Veirs Mill Road (Aspen Hill).

Theft. 10600 block Tenbrook Drive (Kemp Mill).

Drug arrest. 600 block Sligo Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

ASPEN HILL HOME DEPOT GETS GREEN LIGHT FOR 30,000 SQ. FT. STORE EXPANSION

After a ponderous, hours-long hearing, the Montgomery County Planning Board approved the site plan for a 30,000 foot expansion of the existing Home Depot store on Georgia Avenue in Aspen Hill. In the process, we got a bit of a preview for how some in the county feel Aspen Hill should be "remade" in the next few decades.

The board imposed some conditions recommended by staff, which were modified over the course of the hearing. Ultimately, Home Depot could be forced to give up 25 feet of its property along Georgia and Connecticut Avenues, to accommodate a potentially-meandering 8' "multi-use path." The store will also have to fund a traffic signal study for the property's existing access point off of Georgia Avenue, even though the MD State Highway Administration and planning staff acknowledge the existing intersection is too close to another signal to qualify for one of its own. But state highway officials said the study is the only way to determine if lesser traffic measures are warranted for the intersection. Other conditions include requiring 8 secure bike parking facilities, which Home Depot already provides employees now.

One condition was dropped entirely. A recommendation that the Georgia entrance crosswalk be moved closer to the road was debated among commissioners. Eventually, board members Norman Dreyfuss, Amy Presley and Marye Wells-Harley concluded it was unnecessary, forming a majority. Commissioner Casey Anderson argued strongly that moving the crosswalk closer to Georgia Avenue would greatly improve safety, making pedestrians more visible to drivers before they start turning into the driveway there.

A lengthy debate over the proposed path took up the most time. Home Depot argued that the demand it allow a path out front was not justified, given that the store is simply building the additional square footage it originally asked for in 1995. Such a path would almost certainly disturb the natural topography of the green space in front of the property, as well as disrupt existing stormwater drainage. It also would degrade the suburban, green nature of the property frontage. Yet a path deep within the Home Depot property is completely inconsistent with urbanists' stated goals to urbanize Aspen Hill - they want dense apartment buildings that are built out to the street. So a redeveloped Home Depot property would end up just tearing the whole path out again. And the overall bicycle facility design and needs have yet to be determined in the vicinity, as no one yet knows what the future streetscape will be, if the county's misguided BRT bus system ever gets built there.

Yet Home Depot is going to have to give up the 25' out front, even though such a path demand is a bit over the top for an expansion of a store built 20 years ago. How much can you demand from one property owner?

"It's unfair," said Dreyfuss. It is "absurdly disproportionate" to put the burden of the county's infrastructure failures over the years on one property owner, Presley said. She is a former resident of the Aspen Hill area.

The store addition was endorsed by the county's Department of Economic Development. One nearby resident, Max Bronstein, suggested trees be trimmed to allow better visibility for drivers turning out of the property.

Home Depot says it hopes to open the new expanded store in the first part of 2015, assuming the county does not slow it down. The store will remain open during the expansion. Most of the new store will be located close to Connecticut Avenue, which should be more accommodating to the residents who live adjacent to the property than the original plan. Twenty new parking spaces will be added. The primary reason for the expansion is to improve inventory and selection, according to Home Depot representatives.

Anderson's remarks on the future of Aspen Hill may give current residents pause. He said he suspects that within 10-20 years, Home Depot, the potential Walmart site and Kmart will redevelop, presumably as multi-family, dense mixed-use buildings.

"The character of this place could be significantly altered," Anderson said. Outgoing board chair Francoise Carrier stated last year that she considered at least 2 (unidentified) Aspen Hill apartment buildings as ripe for rezoning and redevelopment.

Such plans are quietly in the works, and the result would severely reduce the quality of life in the great neighborhoods that already exist around Aspen Hill. Residents should be wary of BRT, as it is part of a Trojan horse scheme to qualify Aspen Hill for dense redevelopment. 

Should the urbanization of suburban Aspen Hill come to pass, Anderson's prediction could be the understatement of the century.

ROBBERY NEAR SLIGO PARK, 3 AUTO BREAK-INS ON ROSENSTEEL AVE. - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Three vehicles were broken into in the 9800 block of Rosensteel Avenue, in the Forest Glen area of Silver Spring on Monday. A robbery was reported the same day, near Sligo Park on Piney Branch Road.

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on March 10, according to crime data:

Vehicle burglary. 9800 block Rosensteel Avenue.

Vehicle burglary. 9800 block Rosensteel Avenue.

Vehicle burglary. 9800 block Rosensteel Avenue.

Drug arrest. Georgia Avenue and August Drive.

Theft. Giant Food (downtown Silver Spring).

Theft. 1200 block East-West Highway (downtown Silver Spring).

Theft. Wheaton Plaza.

Theft. Target at Wheaton Plaza.

Drug arrest. Georgia Avenue at Veirs Mill Road (Wheaton).

Theft. 2900 block Fenimore Road (Wheaton).

Drug arrest. 11200 block Triangle Lane (Wheaton).

Theft. Marshalls (downtown Silver Spring).

Vehicle burglary. 10700 block Horde Street (Wheaton/Glen Haven area).

Drug arrest. 11300 block Elkin Street (Wheaton).

Robbery. 8000 block Piney Branch Road (Sligo Park area).

Theft. 2300 block Randolph Road (Glenmont).

MCDONALD'S BACON CLUBHOUSE CHICKEN SANDWICH REVIEW (VIDEO)

What if you put Big Mac special sauce on Fried Chicken? McDonald's just answered that question. The new McDonald's Bacon Clubhouse can not only be ordered as a quarter-pound burger, but as a crispy or grilled chicken sandwich, as well.

I tested the crispy chicken version, and here is my review. This sandwich features all the same ingredients as the burger version I tested last week, including Big Mac special sauce, white cheddar cheese, grilled caramelized onions, tomato, whole leaf lettuce and thick-cut Applewood smoked bacon, on the brand-new "soft, warm Artisan bun."

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MASSIVE POWER OUTAGE IN LONG BRANCH AREA OF SILVER SPRING

Here's a big one folks. I think this may be the one I had just heard about. 1818 Pepco customers just lost power in the Long Branch area of Silver Spring, between Indian Spring Drive and Gilbert Place, west of University Boulevard. It spreads as far west as Highland View.

Pepco has assigned crews to respond to these outages, but the cause is not yet known. The utility expects power to be restored in Long Branch by 3:00 AM this morning.

A smaller outage was just reported near Indian Spring Drive and University Boulevard. Pepco has a longer timetable for that one - 1:00 PM this afternoon.

WILD NIGHT, POWER OUTAGES IN WHEATON, SILVER SPRING, GLENMONT

The only consolation in eastern Montgomery County on this windy night, is that you're doing far better than Pepco customers in Bethesda.

A transformer reportedly exploded in the downtown Silver Spring area earlier. I just saw a report on Twitter by @calloni saying that power just went out elsewhere within the 20901 zip code.

Sparks falling from the sky - or the power lines, to be precise - in the vicinity of Georgia Avenue and Arcola Avenue set the tone for the night. Arcing power lines were responded to by Montgomery County Police, and eventually Pepco. Residents along Georgia there were unable to pass beneath the wires out in front of their homes tonight. 6 customers there are scheduled to get power back by 6:00 AM this morning.

Several Glenmont customers could get power back by 3:00 AM in the areas of Glenmont Forest and Glenmont Village, along the Randolph Road corridor. A few customers in the Lund Place/Soward Drive vicinity are due for power back by sunrise at 7:00 AM.

50 customers are out in the Bryants Nursery Road area, just south of Norbeck Road. They're estimated to be restored by 4:00 AM. 11 customers nearby off Norwood Road should be restored an hour earlier than that.

In the downtown Silver Spring area, 27 customers are without power after a tree limb fell northeast of the railroad tracks, in the area between 16th and Spring Streets. They should be restored by 6:00 AM, Pepco predicts.

No such luck for 5 customers knocked out hours ago in Northwest Park; they're scheduled to be restored at 1 PM on Thursday. Same for another 5 customers in the vicinity of Dale Drive and Wayne Avenue. And for 5 more east of University Boulevard, in the Edgewood Avenue area.

High winds are expected to continue through 11:00 AM, so this list could grow.

ASSAULT ON ENNALLS AVENUE, 2 DOWNTOWN SILVER SPRING DRUG ARRESTS - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on March 9, according to crime data:

Theft. JC Penney at Wheaton Plaza.

Theft. Macy's at Wheaton Plaza.

Assault. 2500 block Ennalls Avenue (Wheaton).

Drug arrest. East-West Highway at Georgia Avenue.

Theft. 7900 block Georgia Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Drug arrest. Spring Street and Roeder Road (downtown Silver Spring).

Theft. 900 block Wayne Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Liquor arrest. Georgia Avenue and University Boulevard (Wheaton).

CRIME UPDATE FOR SILVER SPRING, ASPEN HILL, WHEATON, TAKOMA PARK AND GLENMONT

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on March 8, according to crime data:

Vehicle burglary. 8300 block 16th Street.

Drug arrest. 2700 block University Boulevard W. (Wheaton).

Theft. 8500 block Colesville Road (downtown Silver Spring).

Liquor arrest. 11200 block Grandview Avenue (Wheaton).

Liquor arrest. Grandview Avenue at Ennalls Avenue.

Disorderly conduct. Majestic Theater (downtown Silver Spring).

Theft. 800 block Ellsworth Drive (downtown Silver Spring).

Vehicle burglary. 7300 block Birch Avenue (Takoma Park).

Theft. 13100 block Parkland Drive (Aspen Hill).

Liquor arrest. 12300 block Georgia Avenue (Glenmont).

MCDONALD'S BACON CLUBHOUSE BURGER REVIEW (VIDEO)

Montgomery County is one of the first places in America to get a historic new sandwich from McDonald's: the new McDonald's Bacon Clubhouse. The Bacon Clubhouse can be ordered as a burger, or as a chicken sandwich (grilled or crispy).

What makes the Bacon Clubhouse historic? It is the first time McDonald's has used its famous Big Mac special sauce on a non-Big Mac product. In this case, you're getting the special sauce on a quarter-pound, all-beef patty, with premium leaf lettuce, tomato, grilled caramelized onions, Angus seasoning, and thick-cut smoked Applewood bacon.

One other big deal with this sandwich? The bun.

The Bacon Clubhouse features a special new bun, which McDonald's is calling a "soft and warm Artisan roll." A shiny egg wash effect tops off the premium bun, which is slightly sweet in flavor, and has the toasted exterior and soft interior of a high-quality dinner roll.

What's the verdict?

Watch my review to find out!

3 ASPEN HILL DRUG ARRESTS, ANOTHER AT GLENMONT SHOPPING CTR., 2 TAKOMA PARK BURGLARIES - CRIME UPDATE

We have an epic crime report from last Friday here. Police were able to make 3 drug arrests in Aspen Hill, and another at the nearby Glenmont Shopping Center. Plus, the east county area of Cloverly makes its first appearance in a crime report on this blog.

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on March 7, according to crime data:

Vehicle burglary. 10500 block Georgia Avenue (near Evans Drive).

Weapons arrest. Georgia Avenue near Rampart Way (Wheaton).

Burglary. 11100 block Veirs Mill Road (Wheaton).

Theft. Wheaton Plaza.

Theft. 11100 block Veirs Mill Road (Wheaton).

Liquor arrest. Parking Lot 13 (Wheaton).

Liquor arrest. 8000 block Blair Mill Way (Silver Spring).

Drug arrest. Fenton Street at Cameron Street.

Theft. 8700 block Cameron Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Disorderly conduct. 2500 block Ennalls Avenue (Wheaton).

Theft. 8700 block Colesville Road (Silver Spring).

Disorderly conduct. Austin Grill (Silver Spring).

Drug arrest. 900 block Wayne Avenue.

Drug arrest. 12200 block Veirs Mill Road (Wheaton).

Liquor arrest. Mississippi Avenue at Piney Branch Road.

Drug arrest. 9800 block Colesville Road (near Beltway interchange).

Theft. 7500 block Maple Avenue (Takoma Park).

Drug arrest. Glenmont Shopping Center.

Burglary. 8200 block Piney Branch Road (near Dale Drive & La Casita).

Drug arrest. 4600 block Hallet Place (Aspen Hill).

Assault. Piney Branch Road at Dale Drive.

Drug arrest. 4400 block Independence Street (Aspen Hill).

Burglary. 7200 block Carroll Avenue (Takoma Park).

Liquor arrest. Flower Avenue at Piney Branch Road (Long Branch).

Burglary. 9500 block Seminole Street (near Franklin Ave./Long Branch).

Disorderly conduct. 500 block Domer Avenue (Long Branch).

Burglary. 6400 block New Hampshire Avenue (Takoma Park).

Drug arrest. Georgia Avenue at Bel Pre Road (Aspen Hill).

Theft. 11200 block New Hampshire Avenue (White Oak).

Theft. 1500 block November Circle (White Oak).

Drug arrest. 12400 block Columbia Pike (Calverton).

Vehicle burglary. 15400 block New Hampshire Avenue (Cloverly).

DRUG ARREST AT WHEATON HS, SILVER SPRING ASSAULT - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on March 6, according to crime data:

Drug arrest. 3400 block University Boulevard W. (Wheaton).

Vehicle burglary. 8600 block 16th Street (downtown Silver Spring).

Drug arrest. Georgia Avenue and Evans Drive (Silver Spring).

Drug arrest. 1200 block East-West Highway (downtown Silver Spring).

Assault. Georgia Avenue at Sligo Avenue.

Drug arrest. 10400 block Julep Avenue (Silver Spring).

Drug arrest. Wheaton High School.

ROBBERY IN DOWNTOWN SILVER SPRING, ASPEN HILL AUTO BREAK-IN - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a list of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on March 5, according to crime data:

Robbery. 1300 block Fenwick Lane (downtown Silver Spring).

Drug arrest. Valley View Avenue at University Boulevard W. (Wheaton).

Theft. 1400 block Spring Street.

Vehicle theft. 11200 block Veirs Mill Road.

Theft. Target at Wheaton Plaza.

Theft. Red Lobster (downtown Silver Spring).

Vehicle burglary. 7900 block Georgia Avenue.

Weapons arrest. Eastern Avenue at Georgia Avenue.

Liquor arrest. 900 block Thayer Avenue.

Burglary. 800 block Sligo Avenue.

Vehicle burglary. 13200 block Grenoble Drive (Aspen Hill).

Assault. 10200 block Colesville Road.

Theft. Flower Avenue at Arliss Street (Long Branch).

3 AUTO BREAK-INS WEST OF DOWNTOWN SILVER SPRING, WHEATON/GLENMONT BURGLARIES - CRIME UPDATE

Residents of neighborhoods west of downtown Silver Spring may want to be on the lookout for suspicious activity, or suspicious vehicles on your street. 3 cars were broken into on Tuesday in that area. Call police if you have any tips to report, lock your vehicle, and remove any valuable objects from the cabin.

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on March 4, according to crime data:

Vehicle burglary. 8200 block Grubb Road.

Theft. 10000 block Brunswick Avenue (Silver Spring).

Vehicle burglary. 2200 block Washington Avenue (Grubb Road area).

Vehicle burglary. 8300 block Colesville Road.

Drug arrest. 13th Street and Eastern Avenue.

Drug arrest. Days Inn, 8040 13th Street (Silver Spring).

Drug arrest. 1600 block Belvedere Boulevard (Forest Glen area).

Theft. 900 block Ellsworth Drive.

Theft. Korean Korner (Wheaton).

Theft. 8100 block Fenton Street.

Burglary. 2300 block McMahon Road (Wheaton).

Burglary. 11500 block Elkin Street (Wheaton).

Theft. 10900 block Rocky Mount Way (Sligo Creek Park area).

Burglary. 2300 block Georgian Woods Place (Glenmont).

KHANA - A CLAYPOT RESTAURANT OPENING IN BURTONSVILLE

More Asian flavors are coming to Burtonsville. A new restaurant called, Khana - A Claypot Restaurant, is under construction at 15616 Old Columbia Pike. The space formerly belonged to the Hair Affair salon.

POLICE SEARCHING FOR 2 MISSING SILVER SPRING TEENS (PHOTOS)

Two Silver Spring teenagers are missing tonight, and Montgomery County Police are asking the public's help in locating them. They are each separate missing persons cases.

First, we go to Aspen Hill:

Verenice Soledad Cruz, 16, a resident of the 13500 block of Georgia Avenue, was last seen February 1.  She is a Latina female,  5’02” tall, and weighs approximately 120 pounds. Cruz has brown eyes and long, black hair.  She was wearing a black leather jacket and blue jeans the last time she was seen.  Police say Cruz "frequents" the Aspen Hill Apartments, which are in the same block where she lives, as far as I can tell from the information.

The second missing teen is from the Stonegate area, off of Bonifant Road, near the Intercounty Connector (MD 200):

Martin Curtis Reed disappeared from Carona Court "earlier today," police say. Reed is a white male, 5’9″ inches tall, and weighs about 210 pounds.  He has blue eyes and short blonde/brown hair.  He was last seen wearing blue sweatpants, a black sweatshirt, and a camouflage vest.  He was also carrying a backpack and a black, pool cue-type bag.  Reed is walking with one crutch due to a broken left leg that is in a cast. Police say he was involved in a family argument before leaving.

If you have seen, or have information about, either missing teen, police ask you to call their non-emergency number, at 301-279-8000.

WHICH STORE HAS THE BEST CATCHING FIRE BLU-RAY/DVD PACKAGE FOR HUNGER GAMES FANS? (PHOTOS)

Friday is the big day for Hunger Games fans, as the second film installment hits stores across the country. Catching Fire doesn't have quite the elaborate special edition packages the first movie did, but offers more than the average Hollywood blockbuster release in these days of dwindling bonus gifts. For collectors, it's all about the bonus pack-ins, and exclusive content and artwork.

So, which store has the best Catching Fire Blu-ray/DVD package?

In my opinion, it's Target.

The Target Catching Fire set includes 45 minutes of exclusive bonus content:

Target Exclusive (45 minutes of content): 

• “ONE VISION” (A FAITHFUL ADAPTATION)--translating Suzanne Collins' source material to the big screen 

• “THE ALLIANCE” (RETURNING CAST)—an inside look at the close-knit relationships of the returning actors 

• “FRIEND OR FOE” (NEW CAST)--finding the perfect embodiments of the new characters 

And a booklet.

But, wait, there's more!

Pre-order your copy from Target, and you also get this Target-exclusive fabric poster:

Not to mention that the Target edition appears to have the best cover design. And you get all of this for $22.99, more than you pay for many recent Blu-ray releases that had no collectible bonus items.

Walmart

Walmart is second best, if you live near one that is opening at midnight tonight - the first 50 Catching Fire purchases will come with a Walmart-exclusive poster. Find a Walmart midnight opening event near you.  The poster isn't new; it is said to be the IMAX theater poster from last November's opening.

But that's it for bonus items, and Walmart has no exclusive bonus-disc content. The only other Walmart exclusive is a 2-movie set for the completist. Walmart has an online price of $19.96 for the Blu-ray/DVD.

Best Buy

Best Buy's primary exclusive, is offering Catching Fire in the steelbook format. This is best for those who collect steelbooks in general, or, again, for the completist. If you're not near a midnight opening Walmart, bump up Best Buy to #2 on the list. The other 2 Best Buy bonuses that can bump it up to #2 are A) you can pick up the first Hunger Games Blu-ray steelbook version for only $5 when you buy Catching Fire, and B) you also get $8 in Fandango Cash, payable towards Divergent when it hits theaters on March 21. Best Buy's price is the same as Target.

Amazon.com

Zip, zilch, nada. Just the movie, that's it.

ROBBERY NEAR TAKOMA PARK, ASPEN HILL ASSAULT - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on March 3, according to crime data:

Assault. 8200 block 16th Street (Silver Spring).

Drug arrest. Georgia Avenue and White Oak Drive (Montgomery Hills).

Drug arrest. Cameron Street and 2nd Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Drug arrest. 2700 block University Boulevard W. (Wheaton).

Theft. Wheaton Plaza.

Vehicle theft. 12200 block Judson Road (Glenmont).

Vehicle theft. 4300 block Joplin Drive (Aspen Hill).

Assault. 13500 block Georgia Avenue (Aspen Hill).

Robbery. Garland and Clayborn Avenues (Takoma Park area).

Drug arrest. 7400 block New Hampshire Avenue (Takoma Park).

SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on March 2, according to crime data:

Drug arrest. Veirs Mill ES.

Theft. Wheaton Plaza.

Liquor arrest. 11200 block Grandview Avenue.

Assault/"other sexual offense." Holy Cross Hospital (please note: assaults and sexual assaults are often reported by victims at hospital emergency departments; a report of an assault there does not mean that the assault occurred at the hospital).

Drug arrest. 2400 block University Boulevard W. (Wheaton).

Assault. 12100 block Centerhill Street (Wheaton).

Assault. 2300 block Blueridge Avenue (Wheaton).

AVALON BAY SEEKS EXTENSION FOR AVA WHEATON APARTMENT BUILDING AT GEORGIA AND BLUERIDGE AVENUES (PHOTOS)

Developer Avalon Bay is requesting an extension of the sketch plan review period from the Montgomery County Planning Board, for its proposed AVA Wheaton apartment building. The project, which would replace an office building property at the northeast corner of Georgia and Blueridge Avenues, is located where downtown Wheaton transitions to the residential suburbs.

Planning staff are recommending the board grant the request, which would extend the review of the project's sketch plan to May 8, 2014, and reschedule the public hearing date for April 24, 2014. Avalon Bay says it would like the additional time to incorporate new feedback from the Development Review Committee. The AVA Wheaton is expected to deliver in 2016.

The project will change the dynamic of the northern gateway to downtown Wheaton to a degree. Overall, the AVA Wheaton building height averages 4 stories. Existing apartment buildings nearby are also 4 stories, (although in reality, their stories are shorter, and the new building will still be slightly taller). AVA Wheaton will be built right out to the sidewalk along Georgia and Blueridge, creating a more dominating presence on Georgia, in contrast to today's building setback. That setback (and surface parking) allowed for green and sky views to the northeast and east, for those heading north on Georgia. Those views will be blocked, as far as I can tell from the sketch plan. The current sketch landscape design does not show trees along Georgia Avenue. A former Metro construction site remains as green space, for now, between the AVA Wheaton site, and the townhomes on the former Good Counsel site. A building on the western side of Georgia on this block is 3 stories.

But having said that, the existing building on the site - while less dense than the new one will be - rises as high as 7-8 stories along the dramatic slope of Blueridge. So, on the one hand, the new building could actually be shorter than the old one. On the other hand, I don't know the exact height of the current building to compare it to the 117' highest point of the AVA Wheaton.

In any case, the developer has shown some restraint here. There are far taller proposals, for less dense areas in the county, than this one. Density is still high in the project, though, with 322 apartments proposed. I don't see any ground floor retail or restaurants in the designs, so it will likely be a quiet neighbor for existing nearby residents. If you are one of those residents, please feel free to leave a comment below, with your opinion about the AVA Wheaton proposal.

The big takeaway from this project, is the continuing weakness in Montgomery County's office space market. This was a pretty nice office complex, with plenty of parking, well connected by regional Ride On and Metrobus routes, not far from the Wheaton Metro station, and not far from the Beltway, either. To have a lack of tenants interested in the office space there, speaks volumes about the moribund office market in the county. Those conveniences will certainly be to the benefit of the future residents of the AVA Wheaton, however.

Images via Avalon Bay, Hord Coplan Macht, VIKA Maryland, and Studio 39; All Rights Reserved.

ASSAULT AT GLENMONT SHOPPERS FOOD WAREHOUSE + MORE - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on March 1, according to crime data:

Assault. 8500 block Colesville Road (downtown Silver Spring).

Assault. Dewey Road and Randolph Road (Wheaton).

Theft. Wheaton Plaza.

Liquor arrest. 2500 block Ennalls Avenue (Wheaton).

Liquor arrest. Parking Lot 13 (Wheaton).

Assault. 8500 block Georgia Avenue (downtown Silver Spring).

Drug arrest. Thayer Avenue at Georgia Avenue.

Theft. Fenton Street at Colesville Road.

Drug arrest. Colesville Road at Spring Street.

Liquor arrest. 7700 block Blair Road (Silver Spring).

Liquor arrest. 8200 block Fenton Street.

Assault. Shoppers Food Warehouse (Glenmont).

FREE PANCAKES IN SILVER SPRING, TAKOMA PARK AND WHEATON TODAY!

Enjoy a FREE short stack of 3 pancakes at IHOP today, March 4! Today is IHOP National Pancake Day, from 7 AM to 10 PM at participating locations.

All IHOP asks in return, is that you consider making a donation of any amount to Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. The money you donate will stay in the area, to help children in need at Children's National Medical Center (a.k.a. Children's Hospital) in Washington, D.C., a member of the CMN hospitals.

Get your free pancakes for a good cause today, at the IHOP nearest to you:

Wheaton:

2526 University Boulevard W.
(I know this one well!)

Silver Spring:

12251 Tech Road

Takoma Park:

7405 New Hampshire Avenue