Montgomery County won't join rest of Maryland in Phase 2 reopening Friday

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has put Montgomery County officials on the hot seat again, announcing that he will move the state's reopening from coronavirus lockdown to Phase 2 on Friday, June 5, 2020 at 5:00 PM. Montgomery only entered Phase 1 three days ago, long after most of the state did. That led to many complaints from the business community and residents who argue the damage to their livelihoods and the economy is worse than the risk of contracting coronavirus. With County Executive Marc Elrich making clear he once again will be taking a more cautious approach than Hogan, those critics are livid.

By Friday evening, most of the state will be permitted to reopen businesses the governor had termed "non-essential." Churches, hair salons, barbershops, nail salons, massage parlors, tanning salons and tattoo parlors will be allowed to reopen at 50% of capacity inside. But not in Montgomery County. Elrich said on Twitter that he and other officials are evaluating if any of the loosened criteria lines up with Montgomery's Phase 1 guidelines.

Even Hogan did not escape criticism Wednesday, as his executive order still does not allow gyms, movie theaters, indoor malls, amusement parks, bowling alleys, or sporting events. One Twitter critic said the governor was "social distancing from reality."

Still others remain afraid to venture out to businesses just yet, and are in no hurry to loosen restrictions. By the middle of next week, we should know whether or not the Memorial Day weekend Ocean City boardwalk crowds caused a spike in infections or not. If so, leaders will be in quite a pickle. If not, they'll still be under fire, as there will be even more demand to reopen at the county and state levels.

Rockville construction update: BMW of Rockville dealership (Photos)

German auto brands continue to dominate in the dealership design contest of the last few years. BMW of Rockville is now taking its turn on Rockville Pike, following impressive architecture from Porsche and Audi along the same state highway.

Armed robbery in Rockville

An armed robbery was reported to City of Rockville police Monday. Police were called to the scene in the 300 block of Winding Rose Drive around 9:00 AM. The weapon used was a knife, according to crime data.

Child's Play, Silver Moon cleared out in Rockville

Two storefronts have been emptied out at Congressional Plaza in Rockville. Child's Play and Silver Moon had temporarily closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Now on the eve of curbside sales being permitted for non-essential businesses, they have permanently closed, and the spaces have been cleared out. On a brighter note, Custom Ink has posted a Coming Soon sign; they are expected to open this summer.

Montgomery County Headlines:

Looting in Chevy Chase

Bethesda Row begins boarding up stores in anticipation of looters

Hogan extends moratorium on utility shutoffs, allows breweries to serve in outdoor seating

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan issued two coronavirus-related executive orders this morning. First, he has extended the moratorium on utility shutoffs - including internet and phone service - until July 1, 2020. Secondly, he is allowing state-licensed breweries, wineries and distilleries to begin serving customers on-premises in outdoor seating only. Hogan's order also allows third-party shipment of alcoholic beverages to consumers.

Mass layoffs at Bed Bath & Beyond in Rockville

The fallout of coronavirus continues to crash down around Montgomery County, whose leaders were criticized by Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan Wednesday for not having begun to reopen. Bed Bath & Beyond at 1519 Rockville Pike has announced it will lay off 95 employees. Most of the chain's stores are expected to remain closed at least through May 30, the company has said.

Proposal to demolish historic Rockville home postponed at Historic District Commission

A review of a controversial proposal to demolish an historic home at 725 N. Horners Lane in Rockville has been "postponed until further notice" by the city's Historic District Commission. City staff had determined the home, which has importance to African-American history in Rockville and Lincoln Park, met several criteria for historic designation. The reason for the postponement was not discussed at the HDC's monthly meeting, but Chair Matthew Goguen said he anticipated the issue would return for review "at a later date."