Wednesday, April 30, 2014

CHIMICHURRI RESTAURANT CLOSES IN ROCKVILLE (PHOTOS)

Chimichurri has closed in the Ritchie Center on Rockville Pike. The South American spot drew on the cuisines of Argentina and Uruguay, and also was a destination for fans of tango in the DC area.



Tuesday, April 29, 2014

VAPE INK OPENS IN ROCKVILLE (PHOTOS)

The vaping craze is officially hitting Rockville, now that the city's first vape store has opened in the Ritchie Center on Rockville Pike. Vape Ink sells vaping equipment, modifications, and the flavored "juice" to fill them up. But it is also a tattoo and piercing shop, as well - hence the "ink" in the name.

The store has a 5-star rewards program for regular customers to join. For example, program members might earn a free juice after spending $100. The selection of flavors is extensive, as are the equipment options. Staff will help you with questions and technical assistance. Customers say it's becoming a popular hangout for vapers in Rockville. Patrons can sample juice flavors, and the shop features a "Juice of the Day"; the store is for those age 18+ only.

Vape Ink is open Monday to Thursday, 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Friday and Saturday, 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and Sundays, 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Vape Ink
765 Rockville Pike, Unit J
941-962-8021

Monday, April 28, 2014

PIER 1 IMPORTS OPENS IN ROCKVILLE (PHOTOS)

Pier 1 Imports has opened its new store at 12137 Rockville Pike, in the Pike Center. The store replaces the original one forced out by development at 1590 Rockville Pike.

For those unfamiliar, Pier 1 carries furniture, gifts, housewares and home decor, as well as seasonal merchandise. Here are some photos of the new store:





Friday, April 25, 2014

FULL ON CRAFT EATS & DRINKS TO OPEN IN ROCKVILLE (PHOTOS)

A new gourmet sandwich shop will open on Norbeck Road (just north of Leisure World) early this summer. Full On Craft Eats & Drinks will also feature craft beer and wine, at 4007-D Norbeck Road - which is Rockville according to the U.S. Postal Service. But so close to Aspen Hill and Glenmont, that one might consider it Silver Spring, as well. You decide!

What's not up for debate, is Full On's promise not to use preservatives, chemicals or stabilizers in its food. All meats are processed and roasted in-house, not from a factory. And every sandwich will be made to order. Also prepared daily, will be soup, as well as salads made fresh-to-order.

Sandwiches will include Turkey & Cranberry, Ham and Eggs (with egg salad), Crabcake Grilled Cheese, and the Greek Salad Sandwich with smashed chickpeas, greek olives, sliced cucumber, banana peppers, tomato, red onion, and feta cheese, with oil & vinegar.

Thursday, April 24, 2014

ROCKVILLE TO ABANDON RIGHT-OF-WAY BETWEEN DOUGLAS AVE. AND FREDERICK AVE. IN LINCOLN PARK

Rockville Mayor Bridget Newton and city councilmembers voted unanimously Monday to abandon a 15'-wide right-of-way, between Douglas and Frederick Avenues, in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. The city determined it had no future need to develop the currently-unimproved right-of-way, and adjoining property owners approved of the abandonment.

Several structures and property features already are within the right-of-way, and the abandonment will bring them into compliance with city code. While rights-of-way are extremely valuable, this particular one did not appear to hold any use for road or transit purposes. Two utility rights-of-way will be maintained, but the city's Department of Public Works determined the abandonment would have no impact on services to city residents.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

FORMER ROCKVILLE COUNCILMAN: DON'T FORGET ABOUT KARMA ACADEMY SITE IN BUDGET

Bob Wright, a former Rockville City Councilmember, is urging the current Mayor and Council to take proactive steps to acquire the former Karma Academy property on Watts Branch Parkway. The city was one of several bidders on the site, which is currently owned by Montgomery County. Last year, the Mayor and Council instructed city staff to apply for consideration of acquisition of the site from the county.

Wright, speaking during Monday's Mayor and Council meeting, recalled that much of the city's green space was made possible through plans and acquisitions by previous mayors and councils. He noted that the Karma Academy site is "perfectly situated," next to Wooton's Mill Park in the Rockshire area. But, Wright said, “I’m not aware that the mayor and council have a plan for this parcel. I’m not aware that there’s any money in the budget for green spaces or parcels.”

Speaking prior to a public hearing on the city's next budget, Wright urged city leaders to develop a plan and funding for the potential addition to the existing park. "Please don’t forget about this parcel," Wright concluded.

The Karma Academy property's future is of great concern to Rockshire residents, who have testified in favor of Rockville acquiring the site as parkland in the past.

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

MONTGOMERY COUNTY GREEN FORUM WEDNESDAY NIGHT IN SILVER SPRING, 7:00 PM

Today is Earth Day. But Wednesday night (April 23) in Silver Spring, you can find out what Montgomery County candidates have to say about environmental issues, at a Green Forum sponsored by Conservation Montgomery. The forum will be moderated by ABC 7 weekend morning anchor Kathy Park, and include all candidates running for County Executive and County Council.

Audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions via index cards. The event is free, but registration will guarantee you a seat, and a chance to submit your question(s) early for the candidates online. Registration is not required, however.

The forum will be held from 7:00-9:00 PM at the Silver Spring Civic Building. Parking is available in the public garage directly across Ellsworth Drive from the building.

Silver Spring Civic Building
1 Ellsworth Drive
Silver Spring

ROCKVILLE RESIDENTS TELL PLANNING COMMISSION: CURRENT BIKEWAY PLAN WOULD BE "DISASTER"

The president of Regents Square's condo board told Rockville planning commissioners that the draft Bikeway Master Plan would be "a disaster for our community," at last week's public hearing on the document. Joe Covey said his community of 252 townhouses on Azalea Drive, and Nelson Street, were planned with street parking designed to complement off-street lot parking. Woodley Gardens Civic Association President James Reschovsky shared Covey's concern, although both emphasized that their communities are not opposed to improving bike mobility through their neighborhood.

A primary issue is the plan for a .4 mile bike climbing lane on Azalea Drive, that would displace existing street parking. Reschovsky said he did not have the precise number of parking spaces that would be lost, but estimated them as 50-75. "What I can say with confidence," Reschovsky added, is that "the street is totally parked, the off-street parking lots are full [and] there’s already a parking problem now." "50 to 75 is a substantial number of cars," Planning Commissioner Jack Leiderman said, describing the parking elimination as "a major change."

Reschovsky suggested the city examine alternative routes for the new bike connection between Nelson Street and Gude Drive. Pressed by commissioners for specific routes, Reschovsky said it would be inappropriate to speculate, without input from Woodley Gardens residents. He said Crocus Drive and Aster Boulevard would be possible alternatives, but that residents had not had a chance to address that specific question yet.

Montgomery College also expressed opposition to the draft plan's route that passes through its Rockville campus. Don Smith, director of the college's Evening and Weekend Office, and a member of its bike task force, said the college "strongly supports" biking, noting its participation in the Capital Bikeshare program. But "it cannot compromise security by opening the perimeter fence" in the northwest area of the campus, Smith said. "Controlling access is critical to the prevention” of crime on campus, Smith argued. The college "does not endorse" the plan's proposed through-campus route for that reason, Smith said.

The solid opposition of the college to opening the fence needs to be taken into account before passing the draft plan, two commissioners argued. Commissioner John Tyner said the campus is "not to be breached in any place." Leiderman pointed out that, while the city can put any route into the plan, the college cannot be compelled to open its property. To go forward with the college segment as written, would be "exercising futility, to put something in a master plan that cannot be," Leiderman argued.

Proponents of the plan stressed the importance of bike route connectivity both within the city, and to bike infrastructure outside of it. Rockville is already ahead of most in the county in its number and route miles of bike trails. It seems realistic that the goal of more connections could be accomplished while addressing community concerns, such as those expressed at the hearing.

Leiderman moved to hold a second public hearing after the commission holds work sessions, and to keep the public record on the plan open until after that hearing is held. That would ensure the public can comment on finer details not yet known, he said. Tyner agreed, and urged citizens to get involved on the issue. Commissioner David Hill recommended the record close one week following the second hearing. Leiderman and Tyner concurred. Leiderman's amended motion passed unanimously.

Monday, April 21, 2014

NIGHTSWATCH: ROCKVILLE CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across Rockville on April 18, according to crime data:

Liquor arrest. 2000 block Veirs Mill Road (Twinbrook Shopping Center area).

Theft. 300 block Rutgers Street (College Plaza area).

Disorderly conduct. Rockville Pike at Thompson Avenue.

Drug arrest. 800 block 1st Street (Maryvale Park area).

Vehicle burglary. Unit block of W. Montgomery Avenue (Town Center).

Drug arrest. N. Stonestreet Avenue at Lincoln Avenue.

Vehicle burglary. 14300 block Travilah Road.

Friday, April 18, 2014

JBG ASKS ROCKVILLE PLANNING COMMISSION FOR PARKING WAIVER IN TOWN CENTER PHASE II

At next Wednesday's meeting of the Rockville Planning Commission, attorneys for JBG's Hungerford Retail II, LLC project at 275 N. Washington Street will seek a waiver to eliminate 46 parking spaces at the 2-story office/restaurant building. The applicant says the waiver is justified because of sufficient garage parking within Rockville Town Square, and the percentage of clients who will not drive to the bank and restaurants planned for the development.

The waiver request documents, submitted by Ballard Spahr attorney Erica Leatham, include numerous exhibits and citations of both national trends, and specific parking studies conducted recently in Rockville. They also reference a parking waiver recently granted to the 1800 Rockville Pike development.

Leatham argues that most customers will walk to the restaurants from nearby office buildings, and the adjacent residential neighborhood. At the same time, the letter notes that parking tends to be available around the clock in the Town Center garages. JBG's petition also cites the high percentage of Americans who now do their banking online. Of course, this trend does not seem to have stopped a current explosion of new bank branches opening in lower Montgomery County.

The building will have a single below-grade parking garage.

The meeting will be Wednesday, April 23, at 7:00 PM in City Hall.

Thursday, April 17, 2014

51 MONROE STREET REBRANDED IN ROCKVILLE (PHOTOS)

The tallest building in Rockville (for now) is still called 51 Monroe Street. But it's looking a bit different these days. Recently renovated by owner Washington Real Estate Investment Trust (WRIT), the 1978 office tower complex has a new logo. Look closely at the top of the building, and you can see where the iconic "51" numerals were pried off, and replaced with the new design. WRIT also renovated the main lobby. Sorry, but I'm a fan of the old, larger 70s font numerals.

See the remnants of the
old logo? I preferred it
to the new design, which
is a step down, in
my opinion

Still one of the top
office buildings in
Montgomery County

The renovated lobby


Wednesday, April 16, 2014

EASTER BRUNCH IN ROCKVILLE 2014

Searching for Easter brunch in Rockville? This is the place to find the answers.

Amalfi Ristorante Italiano

This longtime Rockville favorite has not yet posted a menu or specials, but its Sunday hours are 1:30-9:00 PM.

12307 Wilkins Avenue
301-770-7888

American Tap Room

Let's hope for good weather and outdoor patio dining at Rockville Town Square! American Tap Room will be serving brunch from 10 AM to 3 PM on Easter Sunday. Here's the menu:

36 Maryland Avenue
(301) 838-4281

Chef Geoff's Rockville

Check out the fabulous Easter brunch menu at Chef Geoff's. Including one of my favorites, Big Shrimp and Very Gouda Grits - not that I'm trying to influence your decision or anything. For just $25.95, your brunch also includes a basket of Cheddar Drop biscuits, coffee and your choice of orange juice, mimosa or Bloody Mary. Sides and desserts are extra, and beignets are one of the options. I also like the convenient and free parking here.

12256 Rockville Pike
(240) 621-3090

Founding Farmers

Founding Farmers will open an hour early, at 8 AM, on Easter Sunday. Due to popularity, the restaurant says its remaining reservations are for parties of 4 or less. They'll also serve brunch on Easter Monday, from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Here's their brunch menu.

12505 Park Potomac Avenue
(right off I-270 at Montrose Road exit)
(301) 340-8783


Tuesday, April 15, 2014

MAIBOCK TAPPING PARTY TONIGHT AT GORDON BIERSCH IN ROCKVILLE TOWN SQUARE (PHOTO)

Gordon Biersch is time traveling back to the decade in which it was founded tonight - and you're invited. Stop by their Rockville Town Square location between 6:00-8:00 PM, as they tap their new Maibock, an Einbecker-style lager, with hints of caramel and roasted malt.

Come in 80s costume, or just your favorite 80s outfit from the back of your closet, and you could win a prize. Enjoy music, food, games, prizes, and a silent auction, with all proceeds going to the Patty Pallatos Fund.

FREE CHIPS AND QUESO TODAY AT CALIFORNIA TORTILLA IN ROCKVILLE!

Got those taxes done? Celebrate turning your hard-earned cash over to The Man with free chips and queso today, at California Tortilla in Rockville!

Taxes not done? Fortify yourself with free chips and queso at California Tortilla for the long night ahead!

Either way, just tell the cashier at Cal Tort this double-secret password:

TAXES SCHMAXES

And that free side of chips and queso is all yours, with any purchase! While supplies last. And depending on your tax situation, this may be all you can afford today.

California Tortilla
199 E. Montgomery Avenue

Monday, April 14, 2014

NIGHTSWATCH: ROCKVILLE CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across Rockville on April 11, according to crime data:

Theft. 1000 block Rockville Pike (Talbott Center vicinity).

Vehicle burglary. 500 block Gilscot Place (Silver Rock).

Vehicle burglary. 1200 block Gladstone Drive (Silver Rock).

Burglary. 500 block Veirs Mill Road (near MD 355).

Disorderly conduct. Rockville Metro station.

Theft. Choice Hotels Circle (Rockville Town Center).

Theft. 300 block Watts Branch Parkway (Rockshire area).

Theft. 1800 block Greenplace Terrace (Fallsmead area).

Theft. 200 block Redland Boulevard (King Farm).

Theft. 9700 block Traville Gateway Drive.

Friday, April 11, 2014

ROCKVILLE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION MEETING APRIL 17

The Rockville Historic District Commission will meet Thursday, April 17, at 7:30 PM, in the Mayor and Council chambers at Rockville City Hall.

On the agenda are applications for Montgomery County historic preservation tax credits for the following properties:

215 Autumn Wind Way

12 Wall Street

709 Grandin Avenue

203 W. Montgomery Avenue

117 West Montgomery Avenue

8 Thomas Street

103 North Adams Street


Thursday, April 10, 2014

MCDONALD'S PEACHES AND CREAM PIE REVIEW (VIDEO)

McDonald's has just added another limited-time-only item to the menu - the McDonald's Peaches and Cream Pie. True to its name, the pie features diced peaches and cream filling, inside a buttery, golden brown crust. How does it taste? Let's find out in this YouTube World Premiere review of the Peaches and Cream Pie.

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

ROCKVILLE PLANNING COMMISSION CHAIR TO COUNCIL: EXPECT PIKE PLAN IN JUNE

The rewrite of the master plan for Rockville Pike could be sent to the Mayor and Council in June, Rockville Planning Commission Chair Don Hadley said Monday night. Hadley had been summoned before the council at the behest of members concerned that the Pike Plan process was taking too long. He submitted a written summary of the issues at hand, and highlighted some of the primary challenges in his remarks to the Mayor and Council.

Hadley noted that the consultants hired by the city to develop a Pike Plan concept had 4 years to complete their work. Translating those conceptual goals into a real-world plan is far more complicated, he said. "Structurally, the Pike Plan actually had two parts," Hadley argued: a policy part, and a practical side. That required the commission to convert policy goals into "technically proficient and enforceable law," Hadley said, "not arbitrary, [but] well supportable" city code.

"Hot topics," such as building height, naturally take time to work out among the "democratization of ideas" on the 7-member commission, Hadley said. The deliberative process among commissioners - who don't necessarily agree on all matters - has "been healthy for us," he said. Technical issues not addressed in the consultants' plan have forced the commission to take extra time, as well. Hadley pointed out that the consultants' plan did not include the massive bus rapid transit line in the center of the Pike, now being pushed on the city by the Montgomery County Council. How to balance the demands for safe bike routes, local bus service, and street parking for merchants, has been a major challenge, Hadley reported. And the current demand for surface parking and big box stores on the Pike doesn't line up with the new urbanist goals of the consultants, he explained. It has fallen to the commission to resolve these inconsistencies, Hadley said.

Most significantly, Hadley said, the consultants' plan ultimately did not reflect Rockville's values. He referred to a panel hosted by former commission chair Jerry Callistein at a city summit, which sought to determine the city's values. "Neighborhood-oriented, family-friendly small-town people," was the panel's final definition of the city's character, Hadley recalled; "that’s been our guiding influence.”

Hadley said that the incompatible nature of the policy goals and today's reality (walkable, mixed use development vs. the existing, popular commercial area along the Pike) would probably demand a reassessment of the plan's specifics and performance every two years. He also sought to assure elected officials that the delays were not political in nature. There "really aren't any politics" on the commission, Hadley said. "I wouldn’t want [the Pike Plan] to come to you with any sense that it has a particular axe to grind," he concluded.

Mayor Bridget Newton and the council briefly responded to Hadley's presentation and letter Monday night. “I thought your letter was very instructive,” Newton said. "We’re delighted to hear that it’s coming in June," said Councilmember Tom Moore, who had expressed concern over the delays.

Planning commissioners Anne Goodman, Jack Leiderman and John Tyner were present at the meeting.

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

SPRING LEAF COLLECTION IN ROCKVILLE

Rockville residents have a bonus leaf collection that Montgomery County residents don't get. Spring leaf collection is now underway in the city. Leaves should be raked to the curb, or into the gutter, by 6 AM on the appropriate day. Here is the map, with dates of collection below:

Area 1 leaves are being collected through today. Area 2 collection will be April 9 and 10, Area 3 will be April 11 and 14, Area 4 on April 15 and 16, and Area 5 will be completed on April 17 and 18.

Monday, April 7, 2014

SMART ONES FISH AND CHIPS REVIEW (VIDEO)

Fried fish and french fries for 300 calories? How will that taste? Watch my video review of Weight Watchers' Smart Ones Fish and Chips to find out!

This frozen dinner has one of those silver-lined packages, designed to make the fish and french fries crisp in the microwave. How did that work out? We'll find out in the video.

The fish and chips are an Alaskan Pollock filet, and crinkle-cut french fries, respectively.

Friday, April 4, 2014

ROCKVILLE PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA FOR APRIL 9 - DRAFT BIKEWAY MASTER PLAN

The agenda for the April 9 meeting of the Rockville Planning Commission will be dominated by the potentially controversial Draft Bikeway Master Plan. Citizens may comment on the draft during a public hearing, which will be the first item on the agenda at 7:00 PM. Commissioners will then discuss the plan, and the public input, in preparation for any direction or changes they may choose to forward to the Mayor and Council.

Are you gung-ho about getting a bike lane on your street? Or concerned about what impact that will have on your street, regarding parking, lane width, safety, etc.? While few details are given in the draft, now would be a good time to make your concerns known to the commission.

The meeting will be held in the Mayor and Council chambers at City Hall next Wednesday.

Thursday, April 3, 2014

TACO BELL A.M. CRUNCHWRAP REVIEW (VIDEO)

Back we go to Taco Bell in Rockville, for another sample of the new Taco Bell Breakfast!

The Taco Bell breakfast menu also includes a breakfast variation on the popular Crunchwrap. You can order the new A.M Crunchwrap in three variations: steak (my choice), sausage or bacon.

Inside the warm, grilled tortilla are Taco Bell's marinated thick-cut steak, scrambled eggs, a hash brown patty, cheddar cheese, and jalapeño sauce. It is a heartier entree than the new Waffle Taco.

How does it taste? Watch my video review to find out:

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

GABLES UPPER ROCK APARTMENT FIRE A SETBACK FOR UPPER ROCK PHASE II (PHOTOS)

Yesterday morning's devastating fire destroyed many apartments in the Gables Upper Rock apartment complex off I-270 and Shady Grove Road. Fortunately, the fire was within an unoccupied part of the complex, which had been expected to open for leasing soon. Instead, crews are turning to a demolition and debris-removal operation today. Equipment was moving into place last evening for that purpose. I'm curious if the sprinkler systems were active at this point in the construction; we're often told by developers that less firefighting resources are needed even as development grows, due to modern sprinkler systems.

Montgomery County firefighters, and at least 4 firetrucks, remained on scene late last night, to inspect and extinguish any remaining hotspots in the wreckage.

MCFRS public information officer Pete Piringer tweeted the following photos of the scene; you can see some of the heavy equipment moving into place for today's operations:





Tuesday, April 1, 2014

WEAK OFFICE MARKET IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY CAUSING LOWER EXPECTATIONS

What was once denied, is now the newest buzzphrase in Montgomery County: the county office market is weak. With no large employer moving to the county in over a decade, the government - and struggling office building owners - are scrambling to temper once-high hopes.

The gleaming building at 7550 Wisconsin Avenue, that was completely renovated into a Class A office tower by developer Akridge, was poised to become a hot business address. 18 months later? It's a vacant monument to a business climate that fails to appeal to major firms searching America for a new corporate headquarters.

With no significant policy or taxation changes on the horizon, no plans to build a new Potomac River crossing for the Dulles Airport access international firms demand, and landlords having to still pay their bills while vacant, some are now thinking small.

Montgomery County's Economic Development Fund is now offering a program designed to attract smaller firms to vacant office space in the county. The MOVE program will offer $4-per-square-foot rent subsidies to a first-time renting firm that meets 4 criteria. Spaces that qualify are limited to those between 2,000 and 10,000 square feet.

Akridge is ahead of the downward curve in Bethesda.

The company is currently in the process of dividing the fourth floor of 7550 Wisconsin into 3 suites - on spec, as there are still no tenants. But going forward, those new suites would likely qualify for the new MOVE subsidy. There are still many other floors in the building, however. According to a source, Akridge is open to dividing other floors into suites, if the initiative proves successful on the fourth floor.