Armed carjacking outside Rockville restaurant

Montgomery County police responded to an armed carjacking outside a Rockville restaurant early Monday morning, October 11, 2021. The carjacking was reported outside of a restaurant in the 15200 block of Siesta Key Way at 5:52 AM, according to crime data. That's between the Bell Shady Grove and Mallory Square apartment complexes off Key West Avenue.

Rockville-based Supernus to acquire Adamas Pharmaceuticals

Rockville-based Supernus Pharmaceuticals announced Monday that it is acquiring Adamas Pharmaceuticals, adding to its portfolio of Parkinson's disease treatments. The deal will bring Adamas' GOCOVRI (amantadine) extended release capsules, the first and only U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug for the treatment of both OFF and dyskinesia in patients with Parkinson’s disease who are receiving levodopa-based therapy; and Osmolex ER® (amantadine) extended release tablets, which is FDA-approved for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, and drug-induced extrapyramidal reactions in adults.

The deal is a financial win for Adamas stockholders, and will expand the revenue base and cash flow of Supernus. “This acquisition represents a significant step to further build a strong and diverse Parkinson’s disease portfolio, and aligns with our focus of acquiring value-enhancing, clinically-differentiated medicines to treat CNS diseases,” Jack Khattar, President and CEO of Supernus Pharmaceuticals said in a statement. “We have a proven track record of strong commercial execution, and look forward to building on GOCOVRI’s growth momentum so that more patients can benefit from access to Adamas’ innovative neurological therapies."

Once again, biotech - along with residential housing construction - remain the only bright spots in an otherwise moribund and stagnant Montgomery County economy. This is largely because the smart decisions that led to the growth of Montgomery's biotech sector were made before those who wrecked the County's economy took office in 2002, 2006 and 2010. Supernus is located at 9715 Key West Avenue in Rockville.

Rockville construction update: The Ansel apartments (Photos)

Here's a super-sized update on The Ansel, the new apartment building in Rockville Town Center across from Regal Row. At this later stage in construction, you can really see how the architecture is complimentary to its sister Duball, LLC project across Helen Heneghan Way. 

The official address of The Ansel is 33 Monroe Street, and the building is managed by Bozzuto. Construction remained on-schedule for the fall opening despite the pandemic, and leasing information can be found on the property's website. The following photos are in chronological order, from August 30, 2021 through today:

Armed robbery in Derwood

Montgomery County police responded to a report of an armed robbery on a residential street in Derwood on Wednesday afternoon, October 6, 2021. The robbery was reported outside a townhome in the 7900 block of Yellowstone Way, a new townhome development along Redland Road at 3:05 PM, according to crime data. A firearm was the weapon employed in the robbery.

Rockville Town Square underground maintenance work explained!

I've received some more information from the City of Rockville about the mysterious underground work going on under the square at Rockville Town Square. It is related to the underground stormwater management system at the property. There is a sand filter located underneath the square.

Stormwater runoff from hard surfaces, parking lots and buildings at and nearby the Town Square is routed through pipes into that underground sand filter - water from nearly 10 acres of surfaces. The filter removes sediment and debris, and then discharges the treated water into Maryvale Park and Rock Creek.

Mandarin Express restaurant for sale in Rockville

Mandarin Express at 15209 Frederick Road in Rockville is for sale, but remains open for business. The owner is thinking of retiring, and is marketing the Chinese restaurant at an asking price of $150,000. It is in a high-visibility location on MD 355, near its busy intersection with E. Gude Drive. The owner is willing to help guide the purchaser in learning the operations of the restaurant, as well as share the recipes that have earned Mandarin Express 25 years in business, and a 3.8 star (out of 5) rating on Google.

Rockville approves mandatory vaccine policy for City employees

Rockville's Mayor and Council unanimously approved a resolution mandating COVID-19 vaccinations for all City employees at their meeting last night. Exceptions for documented religious or medical reasons will be allowed; those receiving approved exemptions will have to be tested weekly for the virus. Those not fully vaccinated or exempted by November 15, 2021 will face disciplinary action, or termination.