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.

Fuddruckers prepares return in Silver Spring

Fuddruckers is getting ready to reopen its former restaurant at 819 Ellsworth Drive at Downtown Silver Spring. The burger chain is staging a return after having closed its Montgomery County locations about five years ago. A County liquor license hearing for the restaurant will be held tomorrow, November 21, 2024 at 9:30 AM. Ted Turner would tell you to order the Buffalo burger, now that the Mandela Effect has given him another opportunity to do so.

Holiday "Flash Lights" decorated buses to return on US 29 in December

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation announced that "Flash Lights" buses decorated for the holidays will return on the Colesville Road/U.S. 29 Ride On Flash bus rapid transit line in December. With neon bright lights and decorations, the buses will be hard to miss, particularly after dark. MCDOT encourages the public to post pictures of the Flash Lights buses on their X, Facebook or Instagram accounts, and tag @MCDOTNow for a chance to win a $25 gift card. One winner will be randomly selected from all participants in a weekly drawing. The contest begins on Monday, December 3, 2024. Details will be posted on RidetheFlash.com.

Armed fugitive arrested at mall in Wheaton

Firearm and ammo found on suspect
arrested at JCPenney

Montgomery County police responded to a report of shoplifting at Westfield's Wheaton Plaza mall on Saturday, November 16, 2024. Officers arriving at the scene at JCPenney quickly determined the matter was more serious than the call indicated. The adult male suspect was detained, and a database search indicated he was wanted on a previous 1st-degree burglary charge, for which a warrant had been issued.

Officers searched the suspect, and found he was carrying a loaded firearm. The suspect was taken into custody without incident, 4th District Police Commander Captain David Smith said.

Obra Pharmacy burglarized in Cloverly

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a burglary at Obra Pharmacy at 15525 New Hampshire Avenue in Cloverly during the early morning hours of October 30, 2024. Officers responding to the scene found evidence of forced entry at the business. They determined that the burglar stole pharmaceuticals. Police describe the suspect only as a Black male of unknown age. If you have any information about this incident, call police at (301) 279-8000.

Virginia beats Maryland again, wins $1.3 billion manufacturing facility & 2015 jobs

Could Maryland and Montgomery County use a $1.3 billion corporate investment, 2015 high-wage jobs, and a major infusion of tax revenue? Yes! Did we win the 500,000-square-foot Microporous manufacturing facility? No! But Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin will give you three guesses as to who did. Yet again, our rival across the Potomac River has bested us in the economic development sweepstates.

Microporous, a leading manufacturer of battery separators, will construct the $1.3 billion facility in Berry Hill, Virginia. The factory will create 2015 new, high-wage jobs, and will provide more freight traffic for the Port of Virginia. Tennessee-based Microporous was founded as the American Rubber Company, which patented the first rubber battery separator in 1934. Today, their products are in high demand, as adoption of electric vehicles explodes in many countries around the world, even if demand for EVs still lags in the United States. Virginia's port will indeed see a boost in outbound traffic as a result, as Microporous is the only manufacturer of rubber battery separators used in electric automobiles and mobility devices.

“This historic $1.35 billion investment by Microporous in Pittsylvania County marks a new chapter in Virginia's incredible advanced manufacturing story,” Youngkin said in a statement yesterday. “This project not only brings over 2,000 new jobs to Southside Virginia, but also positions the Commonwealth at the forefront of our nation’s resurgence in manufacturing. Microporous' decision to establish their new facility here underscores Virginia's competitive advantages and our commitment to leading the way in innovative industries.” Youngkin's office identified North Carolina as the other finalist for the facility; it's unclear if Maryland even attempted to pursue the opportunity, or was once again asleep at the switch.

“It is with great pleasure and excitement that we welcome Microporous to the Southern Virginia Megasite and Pittsylvania County," Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors Chairman Darrell Dalton said Wednesday. “Microporous brings a new level of technological advancement to our business community as well as high paying jobs that offer another opportunity for our young people to remain and raise families in and near their hometowns. Microporous will also provide the County with added revenue to better serve our citizens. We look forward to many years of Microporous’ growth and success and Pittsylvania County is honored to be part of that journey.” 

Photos courtesy Office of Gov. Glenn Youngkin

Strong-arm cart-jacking in Silver Spring

The carjackers of Montgomery County are now turning to seizing golf carts. But the Grand Theft Auto-esque adventures of three juveniles were short-lived after Montgomery County police caught up with them. The three teens allegedly cart-jacked two golf carts in the 13900 block of Castle Boulevard around 4:00 PM on October 29, 2024. One of the adult male victims was assaulted in the process, police say. Officers recovered the golf carts, and arrested two juvenile males aged 16 and 17, and a juvenile female aged 15. All three are residents of Silver Spring, police say. 

Silver Spring museum adds Evans AutoRailer to collection

The National Capital Trolley Museum, located at 1313 Bonifant Road in the Colesville area of Silver Spring, has added another rare vehicle to its collection. A 1936 Evans AutoRailer that was used locally by the Arlington & Fairfax Railway during the late 1930s is now on display. The vehicle was unique in that it could travel on the road as a bus, or on the rails as a passenger car. 

“We are thrilled to add Arlington and Fairfax #109 to our collection,” National Capital Trolley Museum Executive Director Eric Madison said in a statement yesterday. “This vehicle not only adds an exciting new dimension to our exhibits, but it also highlights the innovation and adaptability of transportation solutions that were developed during the mid-1930s. We invite all enthusiasts, families, and history buffs to visit and explore this fascinating piece of automotive and railway history.”

Photo courtesy National Capital Trolley Museum

Strong-arm carjacking in Takoma Park

Takoma Park police responded to a report of a strong-arm carjacking early yesterday morning, November 10, 2024. The carjacking and assault were reported in the 7600 block of New Hampshire Avenue at 4:46 AM Sunday. A similar incident at a similar time of day took place on November 5 at 4:06 AM, when five male juveniles assaulted a driver and carjacked his vehicle in the 700 block of Ethan Allen Avenue.

Maryland Attorney General encourages racist text recipients to report messages

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown issued a statement last night encouraging residents to report to law enforcement, and to civil rights and hate crime offices in the state, racist text messages that have allegedly been received by Black residents following Election Day. The general message of the texts, which have several versions, order the recipient to "board a bus" to be transported to a "plantation" for work "as a slave," Brown said. Students were among those who have reported receiving the message, Brown added. 

"The text messages appear to be part of a nationwide campaign targeting Black people in the wake of the election," Brown's statement read. “These messages are horrific, unacceptable, and will not be tolerated. If you have been sent one of these texts, I am asking for you to please come forward and report it,” Brown said. “I am committed to protecting the rights of all Marylanders. There is no home for hate in Maryland.”

If you have received a text message like this, Brown advised informing your local law enforcement agency, and filing a report with the following two offices: The Civil Rights Division of the Attorney General's office, and the Maryland Commission on Hate Crimes Response and Prevention.

 

Suspect arrested in botched Burtonsville Giant robbery

Montgomery County police arrested a suspect after a robbery attempt at a Giant supermarket in Burtonsville went south on October 24, 2024. At 5:48 PM, the suspect allegedly attempted to rob the store's pharmacy of prescription medications. He was not successful, and officers were able to take him into custody.

Tavon Body, 31, of Bowie has been charged with felony robbery, and two counts of 2nd-degree assault. Body was able to post $10,000 bond, but Judge Karen Ferretti revoked that on October 31, and it appears he remains in custody at this time. A preliminary hearing in the case has been scheduled for November 22 in Montgomery County District Court in Rockville.

Fairfax County beats Montgomery County again, winning CMC Electronics facility

Montgomery County has suffered another loss to Northern Virginia in the competition to win a new research and development facility from CMC Electronics. The avionics manufacturer chose Reston, Virginia for its new office and R&D facility, which will bring 89 high-wage jobs to Fairfax County at the start, with more to be added in the future. Virginia Delegate Karen Keys-Gamarra confirmed that the finalists in the race were Virginia, Maryland, Alabama, and Florida. On a positive note, at least Maryland was engaged in this contest - and in the running until the end - rather than being asleep at the switch.

It's hard not to notice the proximity of CMC's future facility site in Reston to Dulles International Airport. Dulles is the only airport in our region with the flight frequency and international destinations that meet the demands of international businesspeople. Montgomery County and Maryland continue to cut off their ideological nose to spite their economic development face, by blocking construction of a new Potomac River crossing from the I-270 corridor to Dulles.

Pierre Rossignol, President, CMC Electronics

"We are thrilled to be joining the vibrant Reston community and are excited about the opportunities this expansion brings—for our team, our partners, and our customers," CMC Electronics President Pierre Rossignol said in a statement. "We look forward to continuing our mission of pushing the boundaries of avionics excellence." The Montreal-based firm has an existing American facility in Sugar Grove, Illinois. CMC stands for Canadian Marconi Company; the company's founder was someone you might have heard of:  Guglielmo Marconi. The brilliant Italian inventor founded the firm in 1903.

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin

“CMC Electronics' decision to invest $5 million and establish its new facilities in Fairfax County underscores Virginia's position as a leader in aerospace innovation,” Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin said in a statement from his office. “This creation of new high-tech jobs demonstrates the strength of our Commonwealth's talent pipeline and our commitment to fostering cutting-edge industries. Virginia's pro-business climate and strategic location continue to attract global companies like CMC Electronics, further solidifying our role in shaping the future of aviation technology.”

Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay

“I am thrilled that CMC Electronics has chosen Reston as the location for their U.S. expansion and continued global growth,” Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay said. “CMC Electronics choosing Fairfax County is yet another testament to how business-friendly policies, a robust talent pipeline that supports innovation, and our unmatched quality of life is a winning combination for maintaining our status as the premiere destination for starting, locating, and growing your business.” 

Visionworks closes at Wheaton Plaza

Visionworks has closed at Westfield's Wheaton Plaza mall. It appears to be the latest victim of the moribund Montgomery County economy. That's because the Texas-based eyewear chain's overall financial performance has been strong nationwide. Visionworks hasn't closed many stores; in fact, it had a net gain of 28 new store openings last year, for a total of 773 locations. It also ended 2023 as one of the Top 10 optical retailers in America, even finishing ahead of the much-hipper Warby Parker, according to Vision Monday.

Skye Antojitos Hondureños opens in Wheaton

Skye Antojitos Hondureños has opened at 2322 University Boulevard West in Wheaton. This was formerly home to Q'viva. The new restaurant serves authentic and popular Honduran dishes. Early reviews are very positive, giving the restaurant a perfect 5-star rating on Google so far.

Police seeking suspects in Wheaton Safeway assault, attempted robbery

Montgomery County police are seeking the public's help in identifying and locating two suspects in the September 14, 2024 assault and attempted robbery of a Safeway customer in Wheaton. The customer was approached by two women while entering the store that evening. When the customer finished shopping and approached their vehicle in the garage shortly before 9:15 PM, they were followed by the same two female suspects (NOTE: Police did not identify the victim as male or female). The women allegedly hit and kicked the victim, and knocked the victim to the ground.

A witness to the garage attack shouted, and told the assailants to stop. The two suspects then fled out of the garage toward Fern Street on foot. Police describe the suspects as two Black females, approximately 18-years-of-age. 

Suspect #1 is described as being 5'5" to 5'7" tall, with a light complexion and short ponytail. She was wearing a pink sweater, white t-shirt and jeans, and was carrying a pink phone case. Suspect #2 is described as having a thin build, with a dark complexion. She was wearing a black sweater and black bonnet.

Anyone with information regarding this crime or the suspects is urged to visit the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County, MD website at www.crimesolversmcmd.org and click on the “P3 Tips” link or call 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). Information leading to an arrest could result in a reward ranging from $250 up to $10,000. Tipsters may remain anonymous.