City of Rockville names new Assistant City Manager, Director of Communications

The City of Rockville announced the promotions of two employees to higher positions in city government on Tuesday. City Manager Rob DiSpirito assigned Director of Communications Marylou Berg to the position of Assistant City Manager. Rockville 11 channel manager Kathy Kirk-Dantzler will take Berg's place as Director of Communications. Both changes will become effective next month.

“Marylou possesses strong skills that she has developed in the 16 years that she has served the city,” DiSpirito said in a statement. “As a career professional, Marylou endeavors to play a larger role in the city’s overall success, while also being an advocate for employees through engagement and servant leadership.” Kirk-Dantzler has led Channel 11 since 2015, and was nominated for an Emmy award as a senior news producer. “We are incredibly fortunate to have Kathy as part of our team,” DiSpirito said. “Her vision, energy and passion for improving communications with our residents, and within this city organization, will serve us all well.”

Rockville Burger King construction update (Photos)

The construction, or reconstruction, of the Burger King at 16004 Shady Grove Road continues at a glacial pace. Since my last update on October 15, 2021, the tower at the front right corner of the building is the only significant progress visible. Also of note, as the project nears completion, it no longer resembles the new BK restaurant design the chain touted last year. Let's hope the grand reopening is sooner, rather than later, so we don't miss out on anymore limited-time menu items.

Indecent exposure at Rockville convenience store

Rockville police were called to a convenience store to investigate an incident of indecent exposure last Thursday evening, November 4, 2021. The incident was reported at a convenience store in the 400 block of Lincoln Street at 7:15 PM, according to crime data.

Rockville Planning Commission to consider height waiver for rooftop equipment at building in King Farm

The owner of 800 King Farm Boulevard, an office building, is seeking a height waiver from the City of Rockville for equipment it needs to install on the roof for a future tenant. In a rare bit of good news about high-wage jobs coming to King Farm, rather than being replaced with housing, a future biotech tenant requires larger HVAC and exhaust systems than those approved under existing ordinances. 

Since the proposed equipment would exceed 25% of the roof area, it would be counted as additional height under the current rules. To avoid being out of compliance, Banyan Street Irvington Centre, LLC is seeking a waiver that would allow the proposed use of 39% of the roof area for the equipment and screening. The building is in a commercial area, but not far from homes in King Farm and Upper Rock.

The Rockville Planning Commission will consider the waiver request at its Wednesday, November 10, 2021 meeting at 7:00 PM. Planning staff is recommending approval of the waiver.

minte opening soon at Montgomery Mall

If you've ever used the typical teeth whitening kit at home, you know it takes a long time, makes your teeth more sensitive, and shows minimal results after one course of treatment. minte, a teeth-whitening studio opening soon at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, is promising a different experience. The staff at minte will do all the work for you, and in one visit. Results are promised to last a lifetime.

Is it too good to be true? The website does not specify what the actual nature of the treatment is. It does specify that they also offer a tooth gem service. For $50, you can have a Swarovski crystal glued to your tooth, with additional crystals added at $25 each.  

A sneak peek shows a Roman palace-inspired interior, and socially-distanced dental chairs. Audentes fortuna iuvat. Look for minte on Level 2 next to UNTUCKit.

Vie de France closes at Rockville Town Square

Vie de France has closed at Rockville Town Square. The French bakery cafe had operated there for a decade. Two other Vie de France locations remain nearby, at White Flint Plaza (which is technically Rockville, according to the United States Postal Service) and at the Potomac Village Center. 

Perhaps they should have moved to downtown Bethesda, where there is an explosion of new French cafes opening. While this is the latest exit at Rockville Town Square, there are several new restaurants coming soon to the Federal Realty property, including HalfSmoke, Eko House, El Merkat Bar de Tapas, and Kumbia. Thai Chef just opened recently there, as well.

Supply chain issues affect BIBIBOP in Rockville

More signs of America's supply chain woes are visible every week in Montgomery County, from paper goods to gasoline to local restaurant menus. BIBIBOP Asian Grill at 835 Ellsworth Drive at Downtown Silver Spring isn't immune, and neither are the Bethesda Row location at 4820 Bethesda Avenue, nor the Pike & Rose outpost at 11584 Old Georgetown Road in Rockville. The restaurants have posted notices to customers - and on their online ordering pages - that "due to a disruption in our supply chain, this location is using a substitute for our normal bowl."