MoCo Council asking Annapolis for eminent domain-on-steroids land grab power

For the third time in this term of office, the Montgomery County Council is trying to quietly ram a major change in the law through behind closed doors in Annapolis. In 2015, they tried to establish an Independent Transit Authority with unlimited taxation and debt power, and in 2017, they attempted a backdoor runaround the term limits voters had approved only months prior. This morning, they are exhorting the Montgomery County delegation to the Maryland General Assembly to expand and increase their eminent domain authority.

The bill, like the others, is being filed at the eleventh hour, and with no fanfare. Bill MC 27-18, "Eminent Domain - Expansion of 'Quick Take' Authority," would streamline the property seizure process related to highway and transit projects. For example, it would eliminate the ability to compare a property to similar pieces of land for the purpose of determining fair market value. The Council would also be able to force residents out of homes, and businesspeople out of commercial properties immediately, as long as they make an immediate payment of that potentially less-than-actual market value to the landowner.

Purple Line opponents suspect the law may be used in short order for eminent domain seizures related to that light rail project. That would fit the "heckuva rush" manner in which it is being put forward in Annapolis.

But looking ahead, this law would be equally handy in the quick demolition of more than 150 homes and businesses along Georgia Avenue between Olney and Wheaton, for the planned BRT route there. We know that from a state analysis, but we don't have similar numbers yet for which properties would end up being seized for BRT along MD 355 and Route 29. How might this also be used in the Veirs Mill Corridor sector plan, which is about to begin the process of approval before the Montgomery County Planning Board? Land seizures along Veirs Mill have been strongly hinted at by planners.

The late-filed bill will be introduced at the 9:30 AM session of the Montgomery County Delegation this morning. If the bill receives the necessary votes to advance, a public hearing will be scheduled. One question will be: will that hearing be held in Rockville, or Annapolis?

It's no wonder they held this bill from you, despite planning it for months, and are now attempting to file it quietly at the last minute!

A'GACI, Fashion to Figure close at Wheaton Plaza (Photos)

A'GACI, which sold women's apparel it described as "fierce, fabulous and fresh," has closed at Wheaton Plaza. The chain filed for bankruptcy last week.

Also out at Wheaton Plaza is Fashion to Figure. Although the eastern USA chain has closed many of its stores, it still has plans to open new ones in several states, including Maryland.

Helping to lighten the mood at Wheaton Plaza is a life-size Deadpool, which FYE is selling for $999.99. However, his comments about the Montgomery County Council could not be printed in a family publication.

IHOP under construction in Olney (Photos)

There were a few doubting Thomases, but my report that IHOP would open a restaurant at Olney Village Center has been vindicated by reality. The restaurant is now under construction at 18143-18145 Village Center Drive. They are still in the early phase of construction, as you can see. The Olney location has not yet been added to the official IHOP website, as of this morning.

Massage Envy opens, Paisano's on the way in downtown Silver Spring (Photos)

Massage Envy is now open at 955 Wayne Avenue in downtown Silver Spring. The spa is open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM every day, according to the schedule on the door.

Coming soon to 8213 Georgia Avenue will be Paisano's Pizza. Construction is underway, but still in the early stages.

Chelsea Manning to take on Ben Cardin in Maryland U.S. Senate Democratic primary

North Bethesda resident

would be first

transgender member of

Congress

What should have been a sleepy stagger over the finish line for Senator Ben Cardin (D - Maryland) has turned into a battle royale with national implications overnight. The Maryland Democratic political machine and Republicans alike melted down upon hearing Red Maryland report that Chelsea Manning has entered the race. Manning, a North Bethesda resident, is best known for her role in providing damaging information about U.S. actions and operations during the Iraq War to Wikileaks in 2010. She was serving as an Army intelligence analyst deployed to Iraq at the time.

Incumbent U.S. Senator
Ben Cardin (D-Maryland)

Cardin has essentially ignored Manning's announcement so far. He will have plenty of money, and remains very popular among Democrats, despite having no notable legislative achievements. Manning is making a clear appeal to progressives, in a state where the Democratic party's progressive wing is growing restless with the throwback leadership of their establishment. At the same time, many in both parties consider her a traitor whose actions disqualify her from office.

Manning can capitalize on national attention and money. The victory of Danica Roem in Virginia last November showed just how much national money was out there for a minor state legislative race. Manning would be the first transgender U.S. Senator, if elected. That's a strong selling point, when 2018 is expected to be another Year of the Woman in politics.

A campaign video and fundraising page have been posted by Manning's campaign in the last 24 hours.

Brew Belly to open in Olney (Photos)

A shuttered beer and wine market at 18065 Georgia Avenue in Olney will get new life early this year. Brew Belly Kitchen & Sudhaus is under construction. They will have a liquor license hearing next month.

Brew Belly will be a retail store for craft beer and wine, but will also serve upscale versions of street food.

Follow @GreaterOlney on Twitter for 24/7 news updates from Olney.

Tower crane installation in Wheaton Triangle this weekend, redevelopment update (Photos)

Reedie Drive will temporarily close this weekend between Triangle Lane and Grandview Avenue, for installation of a tower crane at the Lot 13 construction site. This is one of two cranes that will be installed for the construction of the new Montgomery County office building there. As you can see, the base of the first crane is already in place, awaiting the crane's arrival this weekend.

Workers installing the base for
the south tower crane

The second crane is expected to arrive for erection on January 26. Excavation for the office building is now scheduled to be completed by January 28, weather permitting (this is January during global cooling, so all bets are off).