Amazon Fresh Rockville store update (Photos)

Here's a look at the latest progress on the future Amazon Fresh grocery store in the 270 Center on Shady Grove Road. I'm still the only media outlet that has been able to authoritatively confirm this will be an Amazon Fresh store, way back in September 2020. Amazon has publicly remained silent on this location so far, and rebuffed all media requests. The exterior is nearing completion, but the Chevy Chase store proved that installation of all the wiring for the electronics in the store is a lengthier process than for your typical supermarket.

JK Beer & Wine opens in Rockville

There's a new option for beer and wine purchases in Rockville. JK Beer & Wine has opened at 800 Rockville Pike, in the Golden Arcade shopping center. It is in the space formerly home to Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

Eko House, Kumbia post "coming soon" signage at Rockville Town Square

Two of the new restaurants coming soon to Rockville Town Square have posted window screens announcing just that. Kumbia, a pan-Latin American restaurant, is moving into the Spice X-ing space on Gibbs Street. Up the road from there, Nigerian restaurant Eko House is taking over the old Bar Louie spot. Kumbia has a liquor license hearing scheduled for December 2, 2021.

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.