Panera Bread space marketed for lease in Rockville Town Center

Panera Bread's space at 219 E. Middle Lane in Rockville Town Center is being marketed as available for lease. Prospective tenants and their representatives are warned "Do not disturb" the existing restaurant. Panera Bread remains open for business at this time, but its loss would certainly be a blow to the lunch scene in the Town Center area. A former bank space in the ground floor of the same building, vacant for some time now, also remains available for lease. Panera has two other locations in Rockville, at the Fallsgrove Village Center, and at Federal Plaza on Rockville Pike.

R.F. Fager Supply opens in Rockville

R.F. Fager Supply has opened a new location in Rockville. It is next to Taipei Cafe at 800 Hungerford Drive (MD 355). In addition to its consumer-facing designer plumbing fixture showroom, R.F. Fager also carries a massive inventory of plumbing supplies for the professional tradesperson. The company started in Central Pennsylvania, but has expanded into Maryland in recent years.

Assault on residential street in Rockville

Rockville City police responded to a report of an assault on a residential street in the King Farm area yesterday morning, March 28, 2026. The assault was reported in the 800 block of Elmcroft Boulevard at 11:45 AM Saturday. At least one individual was also accused of obstruction, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct in the same incident. This took place just three days after a teen was stabbed outside of the nearby Safeway store at King Farm Village Center. Yet another example of the troubling new trend of violent crimes being committed during daylight hours in Montgomery County.

Man shot to death in Rockville

Montgomery County police are investigating a deadly shooting in Rockville last night. The shooting was reported in the 12900 block of Twinbrook Parkway at 10:20 PM Friday. Officers arriving at the scene found a 20-year-old man in a parking lot suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. @TheDMVLive reported the man had been shot in the face, and was in cardiac arrest. Police say officers began CPR on the victim, who was transported to a local hospital, where he tragically passed away.

No suspect has been identified so far by police. A homicide investigation is now underway. The victim will not be identified until family members can be notified, police say.

Maryland silica factory closing, production relocating to South Carolina

There goes another one. Evonik Corporation will close its Maryland factory in Havre de Grace, and relocate its production of silica to South Carolina. The closure will eliminate 34 jobs, according to a filing the chemical firm submitted to the state on Wednesday. While the company explains its strategic move with buzzphrases like "economies of scale," there are several obvious reasons why the grass appears much greener in the Palmetto State if you are running a business enterprise.

Industrial electricity rates in South Carolina are 22% less than in Maryland. This is largely due to the forced closure of eight power plants by Maryland elected officials, who have also mandated the purchase of ever-increasing amounts of "clean power," such as solar or wind. In addition, the state has socked energy utility customers with an EmPOWER Maryland fee, that funds a Marxist program that subsidizes the purchase of energy efficient equipment by lower income customers. The end result is that Maryland now imports the majority of its electricity from out-of-state, naturally at greater cost than it had been provided from those shuttered in-state plants. Not to mention that Maryland ratepayers are now receiving record-high monthly power bills.

Maryland's corporate tax rate is 8.25%. South Carolina's is 5%. Doh!

Last year, Maryland Governor Wes Moore and the Democratic-controlled legislature established a 3% tech tax. By comparison, IT consulting, custom coding, and systems design are not taxed in South Carolina.

Finally, Maryland’s average annual pay for chemical engineers is approximately $121,012 to $140,708. In Charleston, the average is roughly $93,975 to $128,000, according to Indeed.com.

Heckuva job, Brownie!

Maryland Governor candidate Ed Hale blasts Wes Moore's floundering Key Bridge rebuild

"I heard a noise, it's that close to me," Maryland Governor candidate Ed Hale recalled of the collapse of the Key Bridge in Baltimore two years ago today. The Republican businessman and Charm City resident's home was within earshot of the catastrophe that unfolded on March 26, 2024. Two years later, progress on the construction of a replacement bridge has stalled as the cost of the project ballooned fivefold under the administration of Governor Wes Moore (D). Running afoul of federal funding guidelines, and Moore's relentless personal attacks on President Donald Trump, have led to the possibility that former president Joe Biden's vow to pick up 100% of the tab is now in serious jeopardy. Hale scheduled a press conference within sight of the bridge yesterday to excoriate Moore for the lack of progress, 24 hours ahead of the predictable Moore media blitz.

"It's a bridge that I've used pretty much all of my life," Hale told reporters Wednesday. "I'm from around here. This is my house right here," he added, gesturing toward his home. The neighborhood around the former bridge connection "is hurting, because it takes forever to go from here to over there," Hale said.

Hale argued the floundering rebuild is "emblematic of a governor that's really not paying attention to this whatsoever. He'll smile and say that he is, but he's not. And what you see is anger on both sides of the bridge, all around [Anne Arundel and Baltimore] County and just, the citizens here are extremely upset and don't like the idea that we're not getting this done. There's no end in sight for this thing to be done."

"We are a ship without a rudder," Hale charged of Moore's leadership of the state, saying the current governor's attention is largely consumed by his quest for the presidency in 2029. He announced that in lieu of a workable solution from the Moore administration, "I have a plan."

"I'm going to have the bureaucrats involved, the engineers, and the construction companies involved in this whole process, and see what they can do," Hale said. "And if they don't have a reasonable explanation, they're not going to last long in my administration." He suggested the state turn to Maryland-based firms that do similar work around the world to rebuild the bridge, saying he knows they are qualified because he has hired many of them for his own projects. "I've talked to a bunch of people, and they're standing by, ready to do it."

Hale cited the outflow of residents and wealth from Maryland to other states in recent years. Voters are "now telling me, 'If you don't win, we're moving,'" Hale recounted. A recent poll found that over 60% of Maryland residents are either in the process of leaving the state, or are considering a move. "We can't continue to have this happen," Hale said.

"We don't have economic development. We don't have job creation. We are the worst in the nation for job creation," Hale explained, noting that as a private sector businessman, he has created tens of thousands of jobs. By "every metric you can think of, we're failing," Hale said. "I don't intend to fail. I intend to make things better. Help is on the way."

Teen stabbed at Safeway in Rockville

A teenage boy was stabbed multiple times outside of the Safeway grocery store at 403 Redland Boulevard in the King Farm Village Center in Rockville last night, March 25, 2026. The shocking crime took place just after 8:30 PM during a peak shopping time. Montgomery County and Rockville City police both responded to the incident, in which the juvenile victim was hospitalized with what were believed to be non-life-threatening injuries. One suspect has been arrested, County police say, but they have not provided a description of the suspect in custody, nor of a second potential suspect they are still looking for. Eyewitnesses have stated there were at least six teens in the gathering outside the store that led to the altercation.

Pickpocket strikes in parking lot in Rockville

Watch your wallet! Montgomery County police responded to a report of a pickpocket in a parking lot in Rockville on Saturday, March 21, 2026. The theft was reported in a commercial parking lot in the 700 block of Hungerford Drive at 1:10 PM Saturday. Remember to carry your wallet in a front pocket, if possible.

Rockville man killed in rollover accident on Norbeck Road

A Rockville resident was one of two passengers killed when the gray 2025 BMW M8 they were riding in on eastbound Norbeck Road flipped over and wound up in a drainage ditch. Montgomery County police are investigating why the driver crossed the center median and lost control of the vehicle at 3:09 AM on Sunday, March 22, 2026. The BMW struck a curb and a pedestrian signal post, flipped over, and skidded upside-down through the intersection with E. Gude Drive. It continued forward, striking another curb, another pedestrian signal post, and several trees before landing in the drainage trench alongside Norbeck Road. The BMW's onboard computer alerted 911 to the crash.

Alexander J. Medrano Cangalaya, 24, of Rockville and Abraham D. Huracaya Del Aguila, 24, of Silver Spring were pronounced dead at the scene. The unnamed driver of the BMW was pulled from the vehicle by Rockville City police officers, and transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

County police say their investigation is ongoing, and may take several months to complete. They are welcoming any eyewitness information or details that might assist them. Anyone with information regarding this collision is asked to contact the Collision Reconstruction Unit at 240-773-6620.

Cycle Gear opening March 25 in Rockville

Cycle Gear will open for the first time on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 1500 Rockville Pike, according to a sign posted in the window. As you can see, the shelves and displays inside are just about fully stocked. Cycle Gear is America's largest retailer of motorcycle gear, apparel, parts, and accessories. The opening date was first reported by The MoCo Show. Here's a sneak peek inside:

Assault reported in wooded area in Rockville

Rockville City police responded to a report of an assault in a wooded area yesterday afternoon, March 21, 2026. The assault was reported at 1:32 PM Saturday in the 2400 block of McCormick Road. However, the actual incident appears to have taken place a day earlier at 5:00 PM. Glenora Park is directly adjacent to McCormick Road.

Assault at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda on March 19, 2026. The assault was reported at the mall at 5:00 PM Thursday. This is the third assault reported at the mall this year, with the first having taken place on January 10, and the second on January 26. The mall is now on-pace for 12 assaults this year at this rate, the same number that took place at the property in 2025.

Update on Sheetz construction at Walnut Hill Shopping Center (Photos)

Construction on the second Sheetz convenience store and mega gas station in the MD 355 corridor is advancing quickly at the Walnut Hill Shopping Center at 733 S. Frederick Avenue. The familiar building design and roofline are now visible. There's an interesting Sheetz Site Safety sign I have included a picture of below. It looks like the store could be open by summer at this point.

Armed robbery in Rockville

Rockville City police responded to a report of an armed robbery Monday night, March 16, 2026. The robbery was reported in the 100 block of Rockville Pike at 7:33 PM Monday. A firearm was the weapon employed in the incident.

J. Crew Factory to open at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg

J. Crew Factory is coming soon to Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg. The outlet arm of the preppy apparel brand has posted signage in the storefront windows at 20-A Grand Corner Avenue. J. Crew Factory will open in "Winter 2026," according to the signage. Very similar to Gap Factory, J. Crew Factory is not a liquidation outlet of past-prime J. Crew clothing, instead carrying a line of clothing designed specifically for Factory stores. 

What's the difference? Mostly in the materials used. They're going to be lower-quality but also much lower priced. The genuine wool sweater or scarf you might buy at J. Crew, for example, could be made of synthetic fabrics at Factory stores. So it's a way to get J. Crew styling for less, but the pieces might not last you as long as The Real Thing. How can you immediately recognize a Factory item on the resale market? J. Crew Factory items will have two tiny diamonds or dots on the brand label.

Lifestyle Essentials opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda (Photos)

Lifestyle Essentials has opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. The streetwear and athletic shoe retailer is a locally-owned small business, with an existing location at Dulles Town Center. Brands carried include Nike, Adidas, Asics, and the always-non-controversial Yeezy. Look for Lifestyle Essentials on Level 1 in the Nordstrom wing of the mall, next to Everything But Water.

How tough does Montgomery County make it to open a car wash business? Soviet tough!

Sam's Car Wash could be coming soon to Damascus, if the local chain receives permission from the Montgomery County Planning Board. Yes, in anti-business Montgomery County, businesspeople apparently can't just open a car wash without jumping through Marxist government hoops. These hoops include a list of demands from government that sound like a cross between Soviet central planning and a mafia shakedown.

The car wash is proposed for 26203 Ridge Road (MD 27), currently the site of a bank building. Sam's would demolish most of the bank, but retain part of it for office space. Existing driveways would be consolidated into one two-way curb cut for ingress and egress. 

The proposed facility is a fully-automated express car wash with automatic gates and license plate readers. "A loader will guide the customer onto the conveyor" to enter the wash tunnel, the planning staff report says. Operating hours would be 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM Monday through Saturday, and 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sundays. 

Planning commissioners will review the conditional use request at their Thursday, March 26, 2026 meeting. Staff are recommending approval of the car wash with a massive list of conditions, including the County restricting the hours of operation to the aforementioned schedule, a stipulation that no more than 4 employees may be on-site at any time, forcing the company to enter a "surety and maintenance agreement" with the Planning Board in order to receive a building permit, and forcing the company to pay the County for the full cost of constructing an 8' bike lane, a 6' street buffer, and a 2' widening of the existing sidewalk. 

And we wonder why the Montgomery County economy is moribund!

Rockville office building broken into

Rockville City police responded to a report of a burglary at an office building late yesterday morning, March 16, 2026. The burglary was reported at a building in the 1700 block of Research Boulevard at 11:47 AM Monday. Officers responding to the scene found evidence of forced entry at the building. Police believe the break-in occurred sometime between 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM the previous day.

City Hall, facilities close ahead of severe storms, tornado threat in Rockville

The City of Rockville has closed City Hall and all other City facilities due to the impending severe storms approaching the Washington, D.C. area. Montgomery County Public Schools have dismissed students early today for the same reason. Maryland Governor Wes Moore has declared a State of Preparedness. That action authorizes the Maryland Department of Emergency Management to coordinate preparations with emergency management, transportation, law enforcement, and public health agencies across the state.

Today's storms are expected to bring wind gusts of 70-80 MPH, heavy rain, lightning, hail, and the potential for isolated tornadoes. “We are working with our state and local partners to prepare for potential impacts across Maryland,” Maryland Department of Emergency Management Secretary Russ Strickland said in a statement. “We are planning for the possibility of hazardous conditions which could include debris, downed powerlines, and travel disruptions. Marylanders should make their preparations now by reviewing family emergency plans including where to shelter during a tornado warning, charging personal devices in case of power outages, and signing up for local emergency alerts to stay informed. If you don’t need to be on the roads, stay home, and always follow guidance from local officials.”

Montgomery County, central Maryland under severe storm threat Monday

The latest forecast from the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center portends trouble for the Washington, D.C. suburbs and central Maryland tomorrow, Monday, March 16, 2026. Many meteorologists are saying the NWS prediction is showing the highest chance of a tornado or derecho event they've seen in many years. The NWS predicts there is a 15-29% chance of a tornado in Montgomery and Frederick Counties Monday. The "moderate" designation means "widespread severe storms are likely," with severe weather most likely between 3:00 PM and 9:00 PM.

Such a forecast underscores the importance of monitoring weather forecasts and NWS bulletins over the next 36 hours. Make sure to bring indoors or secure any objects in your yard or on your balcony that could be lifted by high winds. Replace batteries in flashlights and transistor radios as needed tonight, try to fully charge your cellphone, and ensure you have at least half a tank of gas. A few days' supply of non-refrigerated snacks and water bottles can't hurt. Finally, have a plan for all occupants of your home to quickly move to the basement or lowest level of your house if you receive a Tornado Warning on your phone.

Police respond to alleged prostitution activity at hotel in Rockville

Montgomery County police were called to a hotel in Rockville early Tuesday afternoon, March 10, 2026, to investigate an alleged prostitution incident there. The activity was reported at a hotel in the unit block of Research Court at 1:29 PM Tuesday. There are two hotels on that block. Police have not yet identified at which hotel the activity took place.

Ed Hale endorsed by boilermakers union in Maryland governor race

Dan Weber of Boilermakers Local 45 (left) with
Republican candidate for Maryland Governor Ed Hale

Baltimore businessman Ed Hale, a candidate for Maryland Governor, has been endorsed by the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers and the Boilermakers Local 45 Zone #193 unions. "Your efforts to support unions in our fight for good jobs and a just economy help our members and the millions of workers who depend on a strong labor movement," IBB Director of Government Affairs Cecile Conroy wrote in a letter informing Hale of the coveted labor endorsement. "As always, we thank you for your friendship and support of working families."

"Maryland was built by WORKERS — not politicians," the Republican candidate said in announcing the endorsements yesterday. "I’m very grateful for their endorsement. These skilled tradesmen build the ships, power plants, and infrastructure that keep our economy running. As Governor, I’ll always stand with the men and women who build things."

Hale began his career at Bethlehem Steel in Dundalk, where he joined the Ironworkers Union. After moving to another job at the Port of Baltimore, he founded Hale Intermodal Trucking Company, and Port East Transfer. The latter company became the largest employer at the port, and laid the groundwork for the Hale Companies, a trade and logistics firm that incorporated barge and additional truck companies under its umbrella. The Hale Companies also built 343 buildings. 

Hale's massive success in business gave him the ability to win a proxy battle for control of the Bank of Baltimore. His $1.4 million investment led to his appointment as CEO of the bank. Hale parlayed his banking experience into the founding of his own financial institution, 1st Mariner Bank. By 2011, his new bank sported 24 branches, and $1.2 billion in assets. He then purchased the Baltimore Blast soccer team, and has invested millions in revitalization projects in Baltimore, including Canton Crossing, which boasts the only Target in the City of Baltimore and a Wonder food hall. The 20-acre development replaced a brownfield left behind by an ExxonMobil oil refinery, and has won multiple awards.

Incumbent Governor Wes Moore (D) by contrast, has so far fallen flat in economic development and job creation in his first term, despite having been touted as a Wall Street-connected business genius by the local and national press. A budget surplus he inherited from his GOP predecessor Larry Hogan quickly vanished and became a structural deficit under Moore's leadership. Amid gathering fiscal storm clouds, Moore refused to abandon the massive cash-burning Blueprint for Maryland school funding initiative. As a result, the state lost its coveted AAA bond rating. 

Moore hiked taxes and fees, and introduced new ones, including a massive tech tax that has failed to raise the revenue expected because many companies left the state rather than pay it. His vow to quickly rebuild the Key Bridge, destroyed by an out-of-control ship, has spiraled into a fiasco of inaction and skyrocketing cost overruns. Moore has spent the majority of his first term attempting to raise his national profile for a presidential run by attacking Donald Trump, which severely backfired when Trump yanked away the planned Maryland FBI headquarters, the federal blank "100%" Key Bridge construction check promised to Moore by Joe Biden, and the state's National Guard air wing in retaliation.

The inertia, malaise, and affordability woes hammering Marylanders have created an opening for a successful businessman like Hale to make a compelling case to voters. Those voters are also receiving the highest monthly energy bills in the nation, a result of Moore's acquiescence to the Democrat-controlled forced closure of 8 power plants in the state, mandates of clean power purchases, and a massive EmPOWER surcharge added to electric and gas bills. Moore had recently approved an increase in that surcharge so large that utility companies sent written notice to customers to inform them that the charge was coming from the state, not the utilities. Hale has said he would reopen the shuttered plants and expand nuclear energy capacity in the state.

Argument with stranger ends with theft of car keys in Rockville

When we see scooters on the streets of Rockville these days, they are typically being used to make deliveries. One allegedly criminal rider used his to take something away, Rockville City police report. An unknown male suspect became engaged in an argument in the 16000 block of Shady Grove Road around 7:00 AM on March 6, 2026. He finally grabbed the victim's car keys, police say, and sped away on his scooter. 

Police have not released a description of the suspect beyond his gender. If you have any information that could assist detectives in closing this case, call police at 240-314-8900.

Montgomery County government enters the grocery business before Zohran Mamdani

Montgomery County's Marxist County Council has beaten Zohran Mamdani at his own game. Before the New York City mayor could even acquire a site for his first government-run grocery store, his fellow travelers on the Montgomery County Council are poised to launch a government-run grocery wholesale business. It's a two-part scheme. 

Part 1 involves the County awarding one lucky bidder $550,000 in taxpayer funds to build, stock and operate a wholesale grocery warehouse. The government-funded wholesale operation would sell to "schools, senior centers, hospitals, food banks and correctional facilities," according to a press release from Councilmember Andrew Friedson.

Part 2? Friedson is taking a victory lap in proclaiming Montgomery County will be the first jurisdiction in the region to join the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) Local Food Procurement Challenge. Activating the Montgomery County Anger Translator, we can convert that word salad program name into the English language: The County will mandate the purchase of local farm produce by its "departments and agencies" with "public dollars" on the basis of geography, rather than stretching tight "local dollars" (a.k.a. taxpayer funds) by purchasing the cheapest products from anywhere.

The move continues two longstanding Council trends: socialism, and jacking up the cost of government by continually reducing the number of suppliers of a product or service. These include numerous laws mandating the preference or outright mandate that all bidders or sellers must be minority-owned, woman-owned, or veteran-owned. Likewise, some of the laws have excluded bidders or service providers who do not meet a particular ideological or politically-correct profile determined by the Council.

It doesn't take a Harvard economist to tell you that when you reduce the number of bidders, the cost of the winning bid automatically increases. It's called market economics, and it's only one small reason the County budget has doubled in just the last decade. Equally obvious is that the more public dollars funneled into the grocery business by the County, state, and federal government, the more local grocery prices increase. Heckuva job, Brownie!

Maryland Governor candidate Ed Hale vows to cut vehicle registration fees, gas tax

Baltimore resident Ed Hale, running for governor of Maryland as a Republican, is proposing a significant reduction in the state's vehicle registration fees. The fees, massively increased recently by current Governor Wes Moore and the Democrat-controlled state legislature, are now so high that the state has been forced to offer a payment plan to residents already cash-strapped by high housing and grocery prices. "The cost is ridiculous," one resident complained in a video released yesterday by the Hale campaign. "They wanted me to pay almost $400!" "It's awful," a vehicle owner at the Reisterstown Road Motor Vehicle Administration office in Baltimore said. "Who can afford it? It's too much money."

The skyrocketing fees are "just another way to grab money from you," Hale said at a press conference outside the MVA office. Hale has vowed to cut vehicle registration fees back to the level they were before Moore hiked them. He is also proposing to reduce the state's gas tax, as well as Moore's tire tax.

"We know you have to get to work," Hale said. "We know you have to get the kids to school and to practice. The tire tax, gas tax, registration fees and vehicle emissions fees are outrageous and I'll bring this situation under control."

Strong-arm robbery in Rockville

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a strong-arm robbery in Rockville during the lunch hour yesterday, March 8, 2026. The assault and robbery took place in the 12200 block of Rockville Pike at 12:30 PM Sunday. It was reported along the street there. Another shocking crime committed in broad daylight, as Montgomery County's violent crime wave extends into a sixth year at the hands of our pro-criminal, anti-police County Council. Heckuva job, Brownie!

Rockville Mayor & Council to consider conveyance of 301 Frederick Ave. to private owner

Rockville's Mayor and Council will consider the possible conveyance of City property at 301 Frederick Avenue to the owner of an adjoining residential property at its April 13, 2026 meeting at 5:30 PM at City Hall. It's not an insignificant parcel, totalling 7340-square-feet, and is currently improved with a City sidewalk and a bus stop. The adjoining homeowner is asking the City to convey the plot, minus the sidewalk and bus stop, to them.

There's a back story to the request, some context that lends more logic to the potential transaction. You see, in 1964, original 715 Douglass Avenue homeowners Mabel Hill and Alice Mason conveyed this parcel to the City for public use, "for nominal consideration." Now a descendant is requesting that the City convey the unused portion back "for nominal consideration." 

The City has determined it has no further need for the remaining 5867-square-feet of the parcel. It is now giving the required public notice of the potential conveyance, which can be executed by the City Manager upon the approval of the Mayor and Council on April 13. Residents with questions about the proposed property conveyance, or who wish to submit written comments, can contact Jennifer Wang, senior transportation engineer with the Department of Public Works, at jwang@rockvillemd.gov.

Montgomery County Animal Services shelter reaches critical capacity for large dogs

The Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center (MCASAC) is issuing an urgent appeal for community support as the shelter faces an unprecedented space crisis. In a span of just three days—from March 4 to March 6—the facility took in 29 dogs, pushing the total canine population over 100 and exceeding the shelter’s capacity for care. The situation has reached a tipping point, threatening the shelter's long-standing commitment to animal welfare, and avoidance of euthanasia based solely on space limitations.

With dogs arriving faster than staff and volunteers can safely place them, available kennels have become extremely limited. MCASAC is calling on residents who are able to adopt a large dog to visit the shelter as soon as possible. Adoptions are completed on a first-come, first-served basis, and interested individuals should be prepared to take their new pet home the same day. Visitors are asked to bring a leash and collar to facilitate the process.

If you can take a big dog in for a short stay until the crisis is over, residents can join the MCASAC temporary foster program at no cost. The shelter provides all necessary supplies to those willing to open their homes to a large dog temporarily.

Visiting hours at the shelter are 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM Tuesday through Friday, and 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. The shelter is closed on Mondays. MCASAC is located at 7315 Muncaster Mill Road in Derwood.

Operated by the Office of Animal Services, MCASAC is Montgomery County’s only open-admission municipal shelter. It provides 24-hour emergency response and promotes responsible pet care through education and outreach. For more information on the adoption process or to view available animals, visit www.montgomerycountymd.gov/animalservices.

Char'd opens in Rockville, offering Ramadan specials

Char'd has opened at 11881 Grand Park Avenue at the Pike & Rose development on Rockville Pike. The fast-casual burger restaurant is also welcoming those breaking their Ramadan fast each evening. Through the end of Ramadan on March 19, the restaurant is offering complimentary dates and tea during Iftar hour, and will stay open until midnight each night. The Char'd menu is halal, including the grass-fed beef.

Montgomery County starting work on Hoyles Mill MARC station project

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation is making final preparations to begin work on the Hoyles Mill MARC station project. Utilizing land around the Boyds MARC commuter rail station, including the Anderson property the County acquired for this purpose, several upgrades and amenities will be added to the station. These include construction of a new parking lot, a new Ride On bus loop, sidewalks, a shared-use path, and restrooms for bus drivers. The current parking lot has only 15 spaces that typically fill up fast in the morning; the new lot will provide 55 spaces for commuters, as well as new bicycle parking spots.

In addition to the station improvements, the historic Hoyles Mill structure will be stabilized. It is essentially a ruin, but stabilization is needed to insure it doesn't collapse. Montgomery County has received a total of $590,000 in grants from state agencies for this purpose. According to the Library of Congress, much of the mill's sheathing and internal machinery remain intact, and it is one of a few timber-frame mills that remain standing in Montgomery County.

Overall, the goal of the project is to encourage more ridership for MARC from the Germantown and Clarksburg areas. Massive development was allowed in both, but the County Council engaged in a rug pull with new homebuyers who had expected to commute via a new Corridor Cities Transitway rail line, and M-83 Highway. After they purchased their homes, the Council pulled the plug on both projects. The Hoyles Mill MARC station project was approved in 2019, and is only now moving forward.

Maryland Governor candidate Dan Cox proposes property tax limit

Dan Cox, a Republican candidate for Maryland Governor, has proposed placing a limit on property taxes in the state. The proposal would prevent the assessed property value calculated by the state from increasing above the price the current homeowner paid for the house at the time of purchase. Cox's running mate, Rob Krop, announced the platform plank on social media yesterday. "We need to stop taxing families out of their homes," Krop said.