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.

Prime Coffee & Bakery opens in Silver Spring

Prime Coffee & Bakery has opened at 930 Thayer Avenue in downtown Silver Spring. The French bakery and Ethiopian coffee shop is located in the ground floor of the Thayer & Spring apartments. Prime is open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, seven days a week. You'll also be under the watchful eye of the Montgomery County surveillance camera robot, which is stationed right outside the building. Gardez Bien!

Olney Golf Park redevelopment could "shape the future of a community"

A major new development could be in the works for Georgia Avenue in Olney. The 22-acre property at 3414 Emory Church Road currently occupied by the Olney Golf Park has just hit the market for sale. A buyer could replace the expansive driving range with housing and retail. In the 1980s and 90s, that might have meant a strip mall with single-family homes behind it. Today, it's more likely to mean multifamily housing of one or more types, with retail facing Georgia Avenue.

The golf park site could expand in size, as
several adjacent property owners are
"amenable to sale"

The property is adjacent to a signaled intersection, has existing utility connections suitable for a variety of land uses, and is a half-mile from the InterCounty Connector (ICC). A Request for Proposal invites potential investment buyers to be part of a "rare chance to shape the future of a community." The property is in the Sherwood school cluster, although the RFP notes that the elite Good Counsel High School is also nearby. A new development could easily exceed the 22-acres now available for the right buyer, as the RFP states that the owners of the adjacent Barnes, Johnson, and Pathways properties are open to purchase offers.

MD Furniture opens in Wheaton

MD Furniture is now open at Westfield's Wheaton Plaza mall at 11160 Veirs Mill Road. The affordable furniture showroom offers free delivery and installation of your purchases. Credit is approved without a credit check, and with no interest. Look for MD Furniture on Level 1 of the mall, outside of JCPenney. 

LA Fitness closing in Wheaton

LA Fitness is closing at 11010 Veirs Mill Road in Wheaton. The gym's last day will be December 30, 2024. LA Fitness closed its Rockville location earlier this year. Although the chain was reported to have bounced back after the pandemic lockdowns, I notice that quite a few LA Fitness locations around the country are closing, or have already closed this fall. LA Fitness has locations in Aspen Hill and Silver Spring (for now).

Armed robbery in Glenmont

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an armed robbery in Glenmont Tuesday afternoon, December 3, 2024. The robbery was reported in the 2300 block of Glenallan Avenue at 2:30 PM Tuesday. That is near the Glenmont Metro station parking garage. A firearm was the weapon employed in the robbery.

Montgomery County police make 2 drug busts in Silver Spring

Montgomery County police brought in quite a holiday haul of cash and contraband in two Silver Spring drug busts Tuesday night, December 3, 2024. One was in the Northwest Park area, and the other in downtown Silver Spring. Officers with the police department's Holiday Crime Detail & Patrol were involved, 3rd District Police Commander Captain Jason Cokinos said. Police recovered drugs, two handguns - at least one of which had been reported stolen, and about $24,000 in suspected drug money. The suspects in both cases are facing felony charges.

Photos courtesy Montgomery County Police Department

Police arrest suspect in downtown Silver Spring assault

Montgomery County police have arrested a suspect in a November 17, 2024 aggravated assault in downtown Silver Spring. Around 7:46 AM that morning near the intersection of Georgia and Wayne Avenues, the suspect allegedly displayed an unspecified weapon, and assaulted an adult male victim. Police have arrested Ethan Bell, 23, of Gaithersburg.

According to Maryland court records, Bell has been charged with felony attempted 1st-degree murder, felony attempted 2nd-degree murder, and 1st-degree assault. He is being held without bond, pending a December 13 preliminary hearing in Montgomery County District Court in Rockville.

Turn restrictions ahead on University Blvd. in Takoma-Langley area this month

Track installation activity for the Purple Line on University Boulvard E. continues to ramp up as the holidays approach. Two new turn restrictions will be implemented to accommodate the work later this month. On or about December 17, 2024, north and southbound traffic on West Park Drive will be limited to right turns only at the intersection with University Boulevard (MD 193) for approximately five weeks. And beginning on or about December 20, 2024, north and southbound traffic on Carroll Avenue will be limited to right turns only at the intersection with University, also for approximately five weeks. 

Police called after assault at restaurant in Takoma Park

Takoma Park police were called to a restaurant during lunchtime on November 26, 2024, after someone reported having been the victim of a 2nd-degree assault there. The assault was reported at Tijuana's Mexican Cafe at 949 University Boulevard E. at 12:40 PM. Police say that the victim was assaulted by an unknown male, whose description has not yet been released by detectives. 

If you have any information about this incident, or can identify the suspect, text an anonymous tip to the Takoma Park Police Department via tip411: Send a text to 847411, type the word “TPPDTIP” before the message, and refer to Case #240056772.

Police officer assaulted at Home Depot in Aspen Hill

A Montgomery County police officer was assaulted by a shoplifting suspect at Home Depot at 14000 Georgia Avenue in Aspen Hill on November 11, 2024. Around 8:54 PM that evening, a man allegedly attempted to steal merchandise from the store. He assaulted the officer when confronted, but was taken into custody. 

Anderson Velazquez, 20, of Glenmont has been charged with felony 1st-degree assault, felony assault on a a law enforcement officer, 2nd-degree assault, misdemeanor theft, resisting arrest, and obstructing and hindering a police officer. He is being held without bond. A preliminary hearing in the case has been scheduled for December 6 at 9:30 AM in Montgomery County District Court in Rockville.

Purple Line traffic shift on MD-193 in Takoma Park set for December 9

A Purple Line-related traffic shift on University Boulevard E. in Takoma Park is scheduled to begin on or about December 9, 2024. Traffic will shift to the outer lanes of University between Carroll Avenue and 14th Avenue, leaving two lanes operating in each direction. The shift will allow creation of a Purple Line work zone in the center of the roadway, for the purpose of track installation for the future light rail line. 

Work may take place between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM on weekdays, and weekends, as needed. Watch for signage and flagmen when traveling through the work zone.

Gingerbread house at Downtown Silver Spring

A life-size gingerbread house has appeared at Downtown Silver Spring for the holidays. "Snow Be It" is the theme for the elevator tower house at the Peterson Cos. development. Pose in front of it and tag @dtsilverspring on Instagram, and you might be featured on their social media accounts. It's not a duplex or quadplex, so don't tell the Montgomery County Council!

DTLR opens in Silver Spring

DTLR has opened at Ellsworth Place mall in downtown Silver Spring, the mall announced yesterday. The chain sells top name brand athletic shoes, sportswear, and accessories. Nike, Puma, Adidas, and North Face are among the labels offered. DTLR has an existing store at Westfield's Wheaton Plaza mall.

Commas food hall update in Silver Spring (Photos)

The new Commas food hall at Ellsworth Place mall in downtown Silver Spring is starting to round into a finished product. It's an addition to the mall that has faced multiple delays over the past several years. Evidence of the latest speed bump in the road was posted at the construction site on November 6. An Inspection Disapproval notice states that there was "no poc on site" for "the second time." The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services inspector issued a requirement for a reinspection fee to proceed.

Update on Prime Coffee & Bakery in Silver Spring

The sign is up at Prime Coffee & Bakery at 930 Thayer Avenue in downtown Silver Spring. Interior fit-out of the French bakery and Ethiopian coffee shop appears to be complete. Seating, as well as kitchen and counter equipment, are now in place. Prime is located in the ground floor of the Thayer & Spring apartment building.