Rockville construction update: Aldi (Photos)

Construction of Rockville's newest grocery store continues at the Congressional North shopping center on Rockville Pike. Aldi has promised to open by the end of 2018. Do you think they can do it?

Robin Ficker releases first ad in County Executive campaign

Attorney Robin Ficker has released his first campaign ad in the Montgomery County Executive race, entitled, "This is Our Election." A former state delegate, the Republican has the best chance to win of any GOP candidate for executive in decades. Ficker is the only executive candidate who did not vote for the highly-unpopular Westbard sector plan.

Ficker touts his role in getting term limits on the ballot, which MoCo voters - including a majority of Democrats - overwhelmingly approved in 2016. He also reminds voters that his property tax cap ballot victory years ago was defied by the Council in 2016, when they used the unanimous-vote loophole in the law to pass a record property tax increase that made property taxes a second mortgage for many County residents.

Mostly, Ficker presents himself as a reasonable advocate for good government, tax relief and change, in the mold of the very-successful Gov. Larry Hogan. He also zeroes in on another very weak spot in his opponents' long records - failure to fix I-270, which he correctly notes would help spur economic development in the currently moribund Montgomery County.

BurgerFi, The Offices at Pike & Rose post coming soon signage

More signs of the future are popping up at Pike & Rose. BurgerFi, the gourmet burger chain that uses 100% Angus beef, has posted coming soon signage on its construction wall along Grand Park Avenue. Developer Federal Realty is also beginning to market leasing space at 909 Rose, branded as The Offices at Pike & Rose. Also coming in Phase 3 are 900, 910 and 915 Meeting Street.

Nike to close Rockville Factory Store

A second sporting goods retailer has failed to last in a prime corner spot at Pike & Rose. The Nike Factory Store will close this Friday, August 24, 2018. City Sports held the spot when the development opened, but closed when the chain fell into bankruptcy.

There's no indication the failure is the fault of Federal Realty; I was at Pike & Rose Saturday night, and the development was the most crowded I have ever seen it so far. To me, the "Factory Store" brand seemed a mismatch for an upscale development, but foot traffic has grown tremendously on Grand Park Avenue over the time the store has been open.

Police release composite sketch of suspect in Rockville sexual assault

Montgomery County police detectives have released a composite image of the suspect in an August 13 sexual assault in Rockville, in hopes that the public can help identify him. Officers responded to an apartment in the 200 block of Rollins Avenue around 11:00 PM that night, after a caller reported a sexual assault.

Detectives say the pantless suspect approached the female victim as she was sitting outside the apartment complex, and grabbed her shirt. He then attempted to pull down her pants. The victim fought back, and the suspect fled on foot in an unknown direction.

Police describe the suspect as a "husky" Asian male in his mid-30’s, approximately 5′ 7″ tall. He has a "broad face with a wide jawline," acne on his cheeks, black hair, and brown eyes. The suspect was wearing a tan baseball cap, a tan T-shirt, and was not wearing pants.

Detectives are asking anyone with information about this incident or the suspect to call the Special Victims Investigations Division at 240-773-5050. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). Crime Solvers will pay a cash reward of up to $10,000 for information provided to them that leads to an arrest and/or indictment of the suspect.

K-Pot Korean BBQ & Hot Pot coming to Rockville

More Korean BBQ and another hot pot place are coming - all in the same restaurant. K-Pot Korean BBQ & Hot Pot plans to open soon at 5550 Randolph Road, in the Montrose Shopping Center. The space was formerly home to Teppanyaki Grill & Buffet.

K-Pot is a New Jersey restaurant that is about to become a chain with this location, and another new location in Philadelphia. The company promises patrons a "fresh, tasty, chic and stylish Asian fusion restaurant."

New details on UNIQLO grand opening at Pike & Rose

As I reported recently, Japanese apparel chain UNIQLO will be opening its Pike & Rose store on Saturday, September 1, 2018 at 10:00 AM. The company released some additional details about its grand opening events on Wednesday.

Japanese Taiko drummers will perform as a countdown to the doors opening just prior to 10:00 AM that day. The following special promotions will be offered on opening day, and September 2, and only at their Pike & Rose location:

Extra Fine Merino Sweaters:

• Men’s: $34.90
• Women’s: $24.90

Ultra Light Down Vests

• Men’s and Women’s: $39.90
• Kids’: $19.90

UTs (UNIQLO T-Shirts):

• Men’s and Women’s: 2 or more for $9.90 each
• Kids’: 2 or more for $7.90 each

Finally, neighbor Kung Fu Tea will be offering your choice of one of the following beverages for free on opening day, and on September 2 (one per customer per day): Passion Fruit Green Tea, Kung Fu Milk Tea, or Winter Melon Green Tea.

“We look forward to opening our doors in Maryland for the first time, and introducing customers to UNIQLO’s exceptional service and innovative apparel designed to help your everyday life,” UNIQLO USA CEO Hiroshi Taki said in a statement yesterday.  “Pike & Rose offers a modern and convenient way to shop, work, and live, and we are excited to join the community in this shared mission on September 1st.”

This is UNIQLO's first Maryland location; it has existing stores in Tysons and at Union Station. UNIQLO is located at 11853 Grand Park Avenue.

51 Monroe St. part of Brookfield securitization move

Brookfield Property Partners has been criticized for carrying too much debt by some investment experts. The company also has office properties in moribund office markets like Montgomery County, also considered risky. Now BPP is placing several D.C. area properties into a $223.4 million securitization scheme through Morgan Stanley.

51 Monroe St., the tallest building in Rockville, is one of the office properties. Also in the securitization deal are One Central Plaza and 6110 Executive Boulevard, both located in Bethesda.

Whether the move will ease critics fears of risk is unclear, however. Some argue that such deals themselves magnify risk, and obscure the equity the owner holds in the properties in question. Such securities were one of several factors that led to the "Great Recession" a decade ago.

Fireside Park improvements to be review by Development Review Committee August 16

Proposed renovations and improvements to the Fireside Park Apartments will be reviewed this Thursday, August 16, 2018, by the Rockville Development Review Committee. The meeting will be held at 10:00 AM in the Black Eyed Susan Conference Room at City Hall. Improvements proposed include interior renovations, landscaping and ADA-compliance upgrades. The meeting is open to the public, but there is no opportunity for public comment.

Rockville construction update: Chapman Row townhomes (Photos)

Winchester Homes' Chapman Row townhome development is still in the early stages. Officially addressed as 1904 Chapman Avenue, it is the second phase of the redevelopment of 1900 Chapman Avenue, formerly home to Syms. Thompson Crescent, the internal circular street mandated by the Rockville Planning Commission, already has a gleaming new street sign, as seen in the above photo.

The site is hemmed in by the CSX railroad to the east, and Twinbrook Parkway to the south. Homes will range from 2,100 - 2,315 SF, and feature three bedrooms, and two or three bathrooms. Winchester is not offering details yet on amenities, but is citing the proximity to Twinbrook Metro, restaurants, shopping and Pike & Rose. The latter is a good distance away on foot, it must be said.

Hogan announces initiatives to reduce human trafficking in Rockville appearance

Just weeks after it was revealed that human trafficking is up in Montgomery County in 2018, Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan made an appearance in Rockville yesterday to address the issue. “As governor, I am committed to ensuring that not only are the violent perpetrators brought to justice, but that we also provide the resources necessary to help survivors recover and rebuild their lives,” Hogan said. “One of our most important responsibilities is to protect Maryland citizens, and human trafficking strikes at the very fiber of our Maryland communities, our families, and our children.”

Among the $9 million in funding and new programs Hogan announced Thursday were a new executive order creating an Anti-Human Trafficking Director position; a new crime, research, and innovation center; strengthened data collection; an updated identification protocol; $5 million in funding for anti-human trafficking efforts; and new legislation to categorize felony human trafficking as a violent crime. Hogan also announced more than $4 million in new grants to target gangs and violent criminal networks as part of the Maryland Criminal Intelligence Network (MCIN). Gang violence is up 72% in Montgomery County this year, thanks to our soft-on-crime County Council.

Rockville construction update: Escher apartments at 1900 Chapman Avenue (Photos)

The most mysterious residential development in recent Montgomery County history is becoming more of a known quantity each day. Escher is an apartment building located at 1900 Chapman Avenue in Rockville. It has perhaps the greatest selection of floorplans of any residential building in Montgomery County, which you can see on their website. The sidewalk has now reopened to pedestrians, and a freshly-painted bike lane can be spotted outside the pet-friendly building in the street.

Rockville woman missing

Montgomery County police are seeking the public's help in locating a missing Rockville woman. Natasha “Alex” Mukaka, 18, was last seen leaving her Montrose Road residence on foot Tuesday around 2:00 AM.

Police describe Mukaka as a black female, 5 feet 4 inches tall, and weighing 110 pounds. She has black hair (currently shaved) and brown eyes. When she was last seen, she was wearing black spandex pants, a white t-shirt, and a black shawl.

Police and family are concerned for Mukaka’s emotional and physical welfare. She regularly takes medication but does not have that medication with her. She is unfamiliar with the Washington, D.C. area, detectives say.

Anyone who has information regarding the whereabouts of Natasha Mukaka is asked to call the police non-emergency number at 301-279-8000 (available 24-7).

JINYA Ramen Bar Rockville review (Video+Photos)

Fire pit seating on the patio outside
JINYA Ramen Bar at Pike & Rose

JINYA Ramen Bar opens this morning at 11:00 AM at 910 Prose Street, at Pike & Rose in Rockville. The first 100 in line will receive a free bowl of ramen. Is it worth the trip? Watch my review for my opinion on the ramen, and several other menu items.

Garden of Todai-Ji cocktail

Tequila infused with matcha & basil,
agave syrup, fresh lime juice and rose water

Crispy Chicken appetizer dipped
in ponzu sauce

Spicy Creamy Vegan Ramen

Brussels Sprouts Tempera with white truffle oil

JINYA Tonkotsu Black Ramen

Pork Gyoza

Noodles in the vegan ramen

The vegan ramen uses all-vegetable broth, which
is not always the case at other ramen places

Green Tea Mochi ice cream

It is ice cream inside a sweet-rice
dumpling exterior