THEFT AT WHEATON METRO, DRUG ARREST AT MCDONALD'S + MORE - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

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

Drug arrest. Lanier Drive at Ross Road.

Assault. 1900 block East-West Highway.

Vehicle burglary. Shell, 9510 Georgia Avenue.

Vehicle burglary. Colesville Road at East-West Highway.

Drug arrest. McDonald's, 2741 University Boulevard W.

Theft. Wheaton Plaza.

Theft. LA Fitness (Wheaton).

Theft. 11200 block Grandview Avenue.

Theft. Wheaton Metro Station.

Liquor arrest. 2500 block Ennalls Avenue.

Liquor arrest. 8400 block Georgia Avenue.

Burglary. 900 block Sligo Avenue.

3 ASSAULTS IN ASPEN HILL, SEXUAL ASSAULT IN WHITE OAK + MORE - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

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

Assault. 4700 block Mercury Drive (Aspen Hill).

Assault. 12900 block Parkland Drive (Aspen Hill).

Assault. 3300 block Hewitt Avenue (Aspen Hill).

Theft from vehicle. 2200 block Greenery Lane (Glenmont).

Theft. 12400 block Georgia Avenue (Glenmont).

Assault. Edwin Street and Centerhill Street (Wheaton).

Assault. 12100 Centerhill Street.

Other Sexual Offense. 2700 block University Boulevard W.

Sexual assault. 1000 block Milestone Drive (White Oak area).

Burglary. 11600 block Lockwood Drive (White Oak).

Assault. 9700 block Hastings Drive.

Assault. 8700 block 1st Avenue.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY COUNCIL ON VERGE OF APPROVING WHITE OAK SECTOR PLAN

The Montgomery County Council is expected to vote on the White Oak Science Gateway Sector Plan today, and all indications are that the plan will pass.

The White Oak Science Gateway Sector Plan, as written, is deception at its finest. Every major concern residents of the area expressed over many years has been turned on its ear by this developer-driven document.

Above all, we were told repeatedly that the problem in White Oak was a glut of housing, and a dearth of jobs. Yet this plan allows for thousands more housing units, and favors residential construction over attracting corporate headquarters. With no changes planned in the county's tax code, regulations, or economic development strategy, this plan will actually generate more new residents than jobs. The only jobs this plan will bring to White Oak are flipping burgers and folding jeans.

Moreover, our county needs affordable housing for families, not more luxury apartments for the rich.

Despite the existing traffic problems along Route 29 and New Hampshire Avenue, and the millions in taxpayer money spent by the state to improve 29's intersections, this plan is now doubling down on road congestion. Rather than require new infrastructure to support development, the plan simply exempts the county and developers from their basic responsibilities to the residents of the east county. The fig leaf of Bus Rapid Transit is a joke. Not only would BRT make traffic congestion worse, by reducing already-insufficient road capacity for cars, there is not a single revenue source to pay for the $5 billion boondoggle. A plan to urbanize suburban White Oak would require a Metrorail extension. Unlike the Tysons plan in Fairfax County, this plan does not make the serious investments in infrastructure required for such a dense, urban vision.

White Oak deserves better. A real White Oak Plan would be firstly placed in the context of changes in the county's tax and regulation scheme, and economic development strategy. Residents have asked for better shopping and restaurants, and high-wage jobs. That's why a sensible White Oak plan would favor development of corporate headquarters and campuses, and high-quality retail centers with a diversity of shopping, restaurants, and small businesses. Such a winning formula can be promoted through responsible planning, and by taking this luxury-apartment-obsessed sector plan off the table for good.

The FDA is primarily a regulator, not an innovator. Its campus is not a magnet for high-wage jobs in general, nor is it the equivalent of NIH and the I-270 corridor in attracting life science and biotech jobs. Now we have a White Oak plan that is a traffic, economic, environmental and quality-of-life disaster.

THEFT AT LEISURE WORLD, ASSAULT IN ASPEN HILL + MORE - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

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

Drug arrest. Spring Center, 8621 16th Street.

Theft. Georgia Avenue at Evans Parkway.

Drug arrest. 1200 block Fidler Lane.

Assault. 1100 block Fidler Lane.

Theft. LA Fitness (Wheaton).

Assault. Progress Place, 8210 Dixon Avenue.

Liquor arrest. 11200 block Triangle Lane.

Liquor arrest. 8400 block Georgia Avenue.

Liquor arrest. 11406-D Georgia Avenue (Wheaton).

Disorderly conduct. Regal Majestic Theater.

Liquor arrest. 8200 block Fenton Street.

Assault. 12700 block Parkland Drive (Aspen Hill).

Vehicle burglary. 3600 block Isbell Street (Connecticut Avenue Estates).

Assault. 12000 block Bernard Drive (Wheaton-Glenmont area).

Drug arrest. 3100 block Weller Road.

Theft. 12400 block Georgia Avenue (Glenmont).

Disorderly conduct. 8200 block Piney Branch Road.

Liquor arrest. University Boulevard at Carroll Avenue.

Vehicle burglary. 1100 block Linden Avenue (Takoma Park).

Drug arrest. 3800 block Dunsinane Drive (Bel Pre/Aspen Hill area).

Theft. 3700 block Rossmoor Boulevard (Leisure World).

Theft. Sears Automotive Center (White Oak).

Vehicle burglary. 11300 block Lockwood Drive (White Oak).

Drug arrest. 500 block Rosemere Avenue (Colesville).

Assault. New Hampshire Avenue at Randolph Road.

Theft. 14800 block Notley Road.

SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

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

Theft from vehicle. 2700 block Garfield Avenue.

Vehicle burglary. 10800 block Littleford Lane.

Theft from vehicle. 11700 block Hatcher Place.

Liquor arrest. McDonald's, 2741 University Boulevard W.

Theft. Wheaton Plaza.

Theft. City Place Mall.

Drug arrest. Georgia Avenue at Blair Mill Road.

Theft. 2200 block Fleeter Place.

Liquor arrest. 800 block Wayne Avenue.

MCDONALD'S JALAPEÑO DOUBLE REVIEW (VIDEO)

After months without a new entree on the menu (since the Bacon Clubhouse), McDonald's finally has a new burger - the Jalapeño Double burger. The Jalapeño Double features 2 of the standard McDonald's all-beef patties, white cheddar cheese, ranch sauce and - surprise! - jalapeños. And lots of jalapeños, it turns out. Some fresh sliced, and others crispy-fried.

Ironically, Baltimore was a test market for this burger last year. Now I finally get a chance to test it out, in this new video review.

VEHICLE BREAK-INS IN DOWNTOWN SILVER SPRING + MORE - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

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

Burglary. 9500 block Gwyndale Drive.

Burglary. 4100 block Dahill Road.

Drug arrest. 1100 block Ripley Street.

Liquor arrest. 1100 block Ripley Street.

Drug arrest. 12000 block Connecticut Avenue (near Veirs Mill Road).

Drug arrest. 900 block Wayne Avenue.

Vehicle burglary. Parking Garage 60, 921 Wayne Avenue.

Vehicle burglary. Safeway, 909 Thayer Avenue.

Burglary. 7700 block Fenton Street.

ROBBERY ON COLIN ROAD, DRUG ARREST AT SILVER SPRING CVS - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

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

Burglary.  9400 block Woodland Drive.

Theft. The Point at Silver Spring.

Drug arrest. CVS Pharmacy, 1290 East-West Highway.

Theft. 8000 block Blair Mill Way.

Theft. JC Penney at Wheaton Plaza.

Theft. Safeway (Wheaton).

Robbery. 11900 block Colin Road.

Vehicle burglary. 2600 block Dawson Avenue.

ASSAULTS ON ENNALLS AVE., COLESVILLE ROAD + MORE - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

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

Theft. Macy's at Wheaton Plaza.

Liquor arrest. Parking Lot 13 (Wheaton).

Drug arrest. 11200 block Grandview Avenue (Wheaton).

Liquor arrest. Triangle Lane at Reedie Drive (Wheaton).

Assault. 2500 block Ennalls Avenue (Wheaton).

Assault. 8700 block Colesville Road.

Drug arrest. Jessup Blair Local Park, 900 Jessup Blair Drive.

Vehicle burglary. Parking Garage 1-1A, 730 Ellsworth Drive.

ASSAULT ON FOREST GLEN RD. + MORE - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

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

Theft. Wheaton Plaza.

Assault. 1500 block Forest Glen Road.

Liquor arrest. 11406-A Georgia Avenue (Wheaton).

Liquor arrest. Rodman's, 4301 Randolph Road.

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

Disorderly conduct. 11200 block Georgia Avenue (Wheaton).

Theft from vehicle. 600 block Sligo Avenue.

DOUGH ROLLER PIZZA REVIEW (VIDEO)

The much-anticipated Dough Roller in King Farm Village Center opened on Saturday. A first step in the Ocean City, MD-favorite's expansion into the DC area, the Rockville location is currently the only Dough Roller outside of the Maryland resort town. This is arguably one of the biggest restaurant openings in the region this year, given the following Dough Roller has among Ocean City vacationers.

Although the restaurant is open, some finishing touches will be added in the coming weeks, according to a Dough Roller spokesperson. One example is a new exterior sign that is directed toward pedestrians passing outside the store. A sign holder appears to be in place to the left of the main sign, for a third sign installation. A lot of work has been done on the gleaming interior since I came past a week ago.

The menu for the Rockville Dough Roller features breakfast (starting at 7:30 AM), burgers, a hot dog, sandwiches, salads, chicken wings and fingers, crab bites, and - of course - their famous pizza and all-day pancakes. I like that their crab cake is made with 100% blue crab.

What from the OC menus doesn't show up here? Dayton's Chicken (which is only available at one of the OC locations, anyway); the Dough Roller Supreme, Meat Explosion and Pepperoni Obsessed pizzas; Italian and Seafood Dinner platters; and funnel cake fries. But many favorites did make the leap across the Bay, including the Crab Burger. And at least a couple of items that seem to be exclusive to Rockville. Having said all that, the menu changes with the time of day (for example, the breakfast items were not on display in these photos), and additional items may be added over time.  Click menu photos to enlarge for detail:

I stopped by the new Rockville location to pick up a cheese pizza, and here is my review.

ASSAULT AT WHEATON METRO STATION, 3 DRUG ARRESTS IN SILVER SPRING + MORE - CRIME UPDATE

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

Assault. 1300 block Fenwick Lane.

Liquor arrest. 2700 block University Boulevard W.

Assault. Wheaton Metro Station.

Disorderly conduct. Grandview Avenue at Ennalls Avenue.

Drug arrest. Georgia Avenue at Eastern Avenue.

Liquor arrest. 8400 block Georgia Avenue.

Burglary. 700 block Easley Street.

Vehicle burglary. 7100 block Willow Avenue (Takoma Park).

Drug arrest. 1900 block East-West Highway.

Drug arrest. Southbound Georgia Avenue at Seminary Place.

WEAPON ARREST IN TAKOMA PARK, ASSAULTS IN SILVER SPRING/WHEATON - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

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

Weapon arrest. Unit block of Darwin Avenue (Takoma Park).

Drug arrest. 8700 block 1st Avenue.

Drug arrest. 1200 block Fidler Lane.

Assault. Blair Mill Road at East-West Highway.

Theft. Safeway (Wheaton).

Liquor arrest. 900 block Silver Spring Avenue.

Assault. Georgia Avenue at University Boulevard.

GEORGIA AVENUE BUS RAPID TRANSIT LINE WOULD CONDEMN 155 PROPERTIES ALONG THE ROUTE

Add another item to the list of why Montgomery County Bus Rapid Transit is such a bad idea. Now the Maryland State Highway Administration has concluded that such a BRT facility along Georgia Avenue would require 155 properties to be condemned. Those properties are located on Georgia between Wheaton and Olney. Which obviously also includes Aspen Hill, and Glenmont in the eminent domain circus. 

The SHA calculation takes into account what facilities will be required for pedestrians, bicyclists, automobiles and 2 dedicated lanes for BRT. And the width Georgia Avenue will have to be widened to, to accommodate such a design.

What a disaster! And they expect landowners to support the idea?

COLOMBIA INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION IN WHEATON THIS SATURDAY

Looking for a spot to celebrate Colombian Independence in the east county? Stop by Master 8 Billiard Sports & Lounge in Wheaton this Saturday, July 19:

THEFTS AT WHEATON METRO, LA FITNESS + MORE - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

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

Drug arrest. Ramsey Avenue at Colesville Road.

Liquor arrest. 11100 block Veirs Mill Road.

Theft. Wheaton Plaza.

Theft. Macy's at Wheaton Plaza.

Liquor arrest. 11200 block Grandview Avenue.

Theft. Wheaton Metro Station.

Burglary. 1500 block Woodman Avenue.

Theft. LA Fitness, 8616 Cameron Street.

WEAPON ARREST ON ROSS ROAD, THEFT AT MAJESTIC THEATER + MORE - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

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

Weapon arrest. 2400 block Ross Road.

Theft. 2500 block Forest Glen Road.

Theft. JC Penney at Wheaton Plaza.

Theft. Macy's at Wheaton Plaza.

Theft. Wheaton Plaza.

Theft. Wheaton Plaza.

Liquor arrest. 11200 block Grandview Avenue (Wheaton).

Drug arrest. Silver Spring Avenue at Mayor Lane.

Vehicle burglary. 1600 block Dublin Drive.

Liquor arrest. Ellsworth Drive at Fenton Street.

Theft. Majestic Theater.

Disorderly conduct. 8500 block Fenton Street.

DRUG ARREST, ASSAULT IN WHITE OAK; ASSAULT IN TAKOMA PARK + MORE - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

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

Drug arrest. 4000 block Adams Court.

Disorderly conduct. District Court, 8552 2nd Avenue.

Theft. 1100 block Fidler Lane.

Theft. Wheaton Plaza.

Disorderly conduct. The Fillmore.

Theft. City Place Mall.

Assault. 10600 block Dunkirk Drive.

Liquor arrest. 2200 block University Boulevard W. (Wheaton).

Assault/"other sexual offense." Philadelphia Avenue at Piney Branch Road (Takoma Park).

Theft from vehicle. 2300 block Jones Lane.

Vehicle burglary. 12600 block Dalewood Drive.

Theft. 11600 block Yeatman Terrace.

Theft. Unit block of Kinsman View Circle.

Theft. 14200 block Georgia Avenue (Aspen Hill).

Drug arrest. Carroll Avenue at University Boulevard.

Theft. 1000 block Ruatan Street.

Drug arrest. 11200 block Columbia Pike (White Oak).

Vehicle burglary. 10200 block New Hampshire Avenue.

Assault/"other sexual offense." 11500 block February Circle (White Oak).

STORM KNOCKS OUT POWER IN ASPEN HILL, LAYHILL, KEMP MILL/WHEATON AREAS - POWER OUTAGE UPDATE

Aspen Hill found itself in the path of a violent thunderstorm Sunday night, which left debris and significant power outages in the area. About an hour ago, the state of Maryland was warning drivers of tree debris in the right lane of southbound Georgia Avenue, near Bel Pre Road.

Over 300 Pepco customers are currently without power in Aspen Hill. Pepco crews are reportedly on the scene, and power restoration is estimated for 2:00 AM. A smaller outage near Flint Rock Road should be fixed by 1:00 PM Monday afternoon, Pepco says at this hour.

Another outage off Layhill Road, around Barrie Campus Drive, is currently under evaluation by Pepco, with restoration estimated at 3:00 AM this morning.

There is also a sizable outage in the Kemp Mill/Springbrook Forest area of Wheaton. Those are near Hermleigh Road (6 AM estimate), Stonington Place (12 PM), and Lovejoy Street (3 AM).

HERR'S SLOPPY JOE POTATO CHIP REVIEW (VIDEO)

One of the great American dinner solutions for decades has been the Sloppy Joe. Some say it was invented in Iowa in the 1930s, but many of us tend to think of the Manwich of the 1970s-present.

"What's a Manwich?"

Of course, now Manwich-type products exist that don't even require you to add your own ground beef - it's already in there. Now Herr's of Pennsylvania brings us a Sloppy Joe potato chip. As a major Sloppy Joe/Manwich fan, I'm skeptical it can be done. Particularly given the fact that I don't see either beef or green pepper on the ingredient list.

Let's go ahead and test it out. Will it be a just the equivalent of a sandwich, or a Manwich? Watch my review and find out.

ASSAULT AT HOLY CROSS HOSPITAL + MORE - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

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

Theft. 11700 block Highview Avenue.

Theft. Wheaton Plaza.

Vehicle burglary. 3900 block Ferrara Drive.

Disorderly conduct. Dixon Avenue at Bonifant Street.

Drug arrest. 12000 block Connecticut Avenue.

Assault. Holy Cross Hospital.

Burglary. 1400 block Woodman Avenue.

Vehicle burglary. 700 block Pershing Drive.

SILVER SPRING LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION UPDATE (PHOTOS)

The new Silver Spring Library is one of the best architectural designs currently under construction in Montgomery County. Compared with the parking garage travesty that is the Silver Spring Transit Center, the library is a distinctive, modern design that fits in the new downtown Silver Spring. The only travesty that remains was the failure to include the walkway to the Metro station, which would have been a world-class feature. Click any photo to enlarge for greater detail:

ROBBERY AT FENTON ST. 7-ELEVEN, BURGLARY AT CITY PLACE MALL + MORE - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across eastern Montgomery County on July 6-7, according to crime data:

Burglary. City Place Mall.

Theft. Wheaton Plaza.

Vehicle burglary. 1900 block Rosemary Hills Drive.

Vehicle burglary. 1200 block East-West Highway.

Theft from vehicle. Apple Avenue at 2nd Avenue.

Liquor arrest. 8000 block 13th Street.

Disorderly conduct. 11300 block Elkin Street.

Theft. Baja Fresh, 8515 Fenton Street.

Robbery. 7-Eleven, 8101 Fenton Street.

Vehicle burglary. 8500 block Fenton Street.

ROBBERY ON FENTON ST., SEXUAL ASSAULT ON SLIGO CREEK PKWY. - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

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

Assault. 2700 block Norbeck Road - 4:40 PM.

Theft. 15400 block New Hampshire Avenue.

Stolen car. 2300 block Randolph Road (Glenmont).

Assault. 2300 block Glenmont Circle.

Burglary. 800 block Randolph Road (Glenmont).

Assault. 11700 block Highview Avenue (Wheaton).

Assault. 1700 block Glenpark Drive (Wheaton).

Burglary. 10400 block Tenbrook Drive.

Theft. 500 block Ridgewell Way.

Assault. 11600 block LeBaron Terrace.

Assault. Georgia Avenue at Seminary Place.

Sexual assault. 9000 block Sligo Creek Parkway.

Assault. 8500 block 16th Street.

Robbery. 8100 block Fenton Street.

Assault. 8800 block Glenville Road.

Theft from vehicle. 300 block Lexington Drive.

Assault. 11500 block Stewart Lane (White Oak).

Assault. 4000 block Sparrow House Lane (Burtonsville).

2 ASSAULTS ON BEL PRE ROAD IN ASPEN HILL + MORE - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

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

Assault. 3900 block Bel Pre Road - 12:13 AM (Aspen Hill).

Assault. Chesterfield Road at Bel Pre Road - 12:10 AM (Aspen Hill).

Burglary. 13400 block Crispin Way (Aspen Hill).

Assault with deadly weapon. 12300 block Charles Road - 1:20 AM.

Other sexual offense. 11500 block Clairmont View Terrace (Wheaton).

Assault with deadly weapon. 11200 block Georgia Avenue.

Theft. 9300 block Columbia Boulevard.

Other sexual offense. 1100 block Fidler Lane.

Burglary. 8300 block Colesville Road.

Theft from vehicle. 800 block Wayne Avenue.

Assault. 900 block Ellsworth Drive.

Theft. 300 block Southampton Drive.

Assault. 1500 block Heather Hollow Circle (White Oak).

Assault. 11100 block New Hampshire Avenue (White Oak).

Assault. 7600 block Maple Avenue.

WINGSTOP OPENS IN ASPEN HILL (PHOTOS)

The long-awaited opening of Wingstop in the Aspen Hill Shopping Center finally happened. The store is now open in the retail center at the corner of Connecticut Avenue and Aspen Hill Road.

Wingstop features both traditional and boneless wings, available with 10 sauces, including the most popular - Original Hot, Lemon Pepper and Garlic Parmesan. They also serve their own fries, hand-cut from 100% Idaho potatoes. Owner Dan Remaklus says, “Wingstop is rapidly increasing its presence in the region, and it’s great to be a part of that expansion. Everyone in the area is invited to stop by and try out the best wings in town.”

Wingstop Aspen Hill

13633 Connecticut Avenue

301-438-9464

VEHICLE BREAK-IN AT WHEATON METRO, ASSAULT ON ELLSWORTH DR. + MORE - SILVER SPRING/WHEATON CRIME UPDATE

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

Theft. Wheaton Plaza.

Theft. Target at Wheaton Plaza.

Vehicle burglary. Wheaton Metro Station.

Disorderly conduct. 8700 block Colesville Road.

Assault. 900 block Ellsworth Drive.

Theft. City Place Mall.

Burglary. 1400 block Woodman Avenue.

Theft. 800 block Easley Street.

Disorderly conduct. 1800 block Alberti Drive (Wheaton Forest).

STORM DAMAGE UPDATE

Pepco crews were working hard on the Fourth of July, and had a big job on Georgia Avenue in downtown Wheaton. Two southbound lanes of Georgia were closed yesterday morning near the El Fogón de Wheaton restaurant, as workers replaced a dangling utility pole with a new one. The roar of generators and engines mixed with the metallic clang of a jackhammer as drivers maneuvered past the scene in the single southbound lane.

Traveling the area, I found a massive, uprooted tree collapsed on the property of the soon-to-be-demolished office building at Georgia and Blueridge Avenue in Wheaton. Further up in the Glenmont/Aspen Hill, remnants of a tree were being worked on in front of a Georgia Avenue house. I also saw what was left of at least one fallen tree along the Forest Glen on-ramp to the Capital Beltway in Silver Spring.

Fortunately, all traffic signals I encountered were operational, and power outages were greatly reduced last night, down from thousands when the July 3 storm hit.

Pepco truck on Georgia Avenue

A man prepares to be lifted
in a cherry picker bucket as
the leaning utility pole looms
over Georgia Avenue

Georgia dropped to two lanes,
and then to one at the
scene south of University Blvd.

The replacement pole awaited
installation on a flatbed Pepco
truck down the block

Down to one lane on
Georgia Avenue