Research Row seeks parking reduction

Rockville's newest shopping center isn't even complete yet, and the owner is already seeking to eliminate 96 of the parking spaces required under city code. Research Row argues that they are currently overparked, given that the research building on-site operates with fewer employees than a general office building would. In a filing with the city, the developer notes that Montgomery County offers a lower parking requirement for such research laboratory office buildings than for general office uses.

The developer also wants to convert some of their approved office space to restaurant use, including a full-service restaurant and a carryout restaurant. There is already a Chik-fil-A operating on the property.

City zoning chief Jim Wasilak is recommending the Planning Commission grant the parking reduction, noting that while there's no guarantee the office building will not someday convert to general office use, that its laboratory floorplans make it highly unlikely. Commissioners will take up the parking reduction request at their meeting tomorrow night, January 9, 2019 at 7:00 PM at City Hall.

Lebanese Taverna, Chico's moving at Congressional Plaza

Lebanese Taverna and Chico's are moving at Congressional Plaza on Rockville Pike. Both stores have new spaces under construction at the shopping center, while the original locations continue to operate. The new Lebanese Taverna space will be by Modern Market..

Man disappears from Dorothy Day Place in Rockville

Montgomery County police are searching for an adult male resident of Dorothy Day Place who hasn't been seen since December 27. James Schenk, 40, had recently been living in the transitional housing there at 5320 Marinelli Road in Rockville.

Police describe Schenk as a white male, 6’ 01” tall and weighs 265 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. Anyone who has information regarding the whereabouts of James Schenk is asked to call the police non-emergency number at 301-279-8000 (24 hours).

OneLife Fitness opens in Rockville

Rockville's newest gym has opened west of I-270 at the new Research Row shopping center. OneLife Fitness is located at 1407 Research Boulevard. The facility features 65000 SF of fitness space on two floors, with state-of-the-art equipment. There are swimming pools, a whirlpool and indoor salt water pool, and full basketball courts. Group classes in a variety of fitness disciplines are available.

OneLife joins Chick-fil-A as the first tenants of the new shopping center, which overlooks W. Montgomery Avenue.

Man charged with murdering his mother outside Rockville church

Montgomery County police have arrested and charged a suspect in the deadly assault of a woman outside St. Raphael's Catholic Church in Rockville last Friday evening.  Kevin Justin McGuigan, 21, of the 10300 block of Grosvenor Place, has been charged with the first-degree murder of his mother, 49-year-old Jaclyn McGuigan, of Marwood Court in Rockville.

Detectives allege McGuigan fatally wounded his mother around 6:00 PM outside of the church with an unidentified "cutting type of instrument." Witnesses who heard the victim's screams say they saw McGuigan standing over his mother, who was laying on the ground at that point, and then fleeing in a Honda sedan.

Police found McGuigan's Honda abandoned at Falls Road Local Park forty minutes after the alleged assault took place. After obtaining an arrest warrant for McGuigan, County officers closed in on him at a Rockville gas station Saturday morning around 7:00 AM, successfully taking McGuigan into custody.

Drybar posts "coming soon" signage in Rockville

Blowout salon chain Drybar has posted Coming Soon signage at its future Pike & Rose storefront.  The 1705 SF salon will open at 11861 Grand Park Avenue this coming spring.

Kabuto Hibachi Grill & Sushi opens in Rockville

The long-awaited Kabuto Hibachi Grill & Sushi restaurant at 1 Choice Hotels Circle in Rockville is now open. Try something raw from the fresh sushi menu, or something hot made at your hibachi table - or both. As Rick Perry said, "Why not?!"

Parking is free for four hours in the Rockville Metro Plaza parking garage, with validation from the restaurant. Call (301) 978-7923 to make a reservation.