New public parking garage opens in Rockville Town Center

Parking is always a hot topic in Rockville Town Center. Now there is a new option for drivers: the public parking garage at the Ansel apartments at 33 Monroe Street. The just-opened garage is operated by Colonial Parking.

There aren't any businesses to patronize at the Ansel yet, but you can still park there when going to any other nearby destination in the town center. In fact, there may never be any businesses in the Ansel. Despite developer Duball, LLC's success in attracting desirable national brands like World of Beer and Panera Bread to the sister Upton/Cambria Suites building across the street, the company is now seeking permission to convert the ground floor retail spaces in the Ansel to residential apartments.

Sexual assault reported at Rockville store

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a sexual assault at a retail store in Rockville Tuesday night, January 4, 2022. At least one individual reported being fondled, as well as being the victim of a 2nd degree assault at the store, which was in the 5700 block of Bou Avenue. Target is on that block. The incident was reported at 7:12 PM Tuesday, according to crime data.

Westfield warns of staffing shortages at Montgomery Mall, Wheaton Plaza amid omicron surge, snow

Mall operator Westfield is warning patrons about staff shortages at both of its Montgomery County properties. Blue alert banners have been posted at the top of the home pages for Westfield's Montgomery Mall and Wheaton Plaza malls advising patrons to call ahead to verify if a particular store is open regular hours. Hours may vary at the moment, Westfield says, due to "unexpected changes in store staffing levels." This week, factors have included not only Covid-19 and the media-hyped "Great Resignation," but also winter weather (more of which is on the way in the coming days).

11 Montgomery County Public Schools switching to virtual learning for 2 weeks

Montgomery County Public Schools are closed today, but students at eleven schools won't be returning to the classroom anytime soon. MCPS announced this morning that the following schools are switching to virtual learning for two weeks, due to student coronavirus case numbers:

Cannon Road ES

Forest Knolls ES

Hallie Wells MS

Monocacy ES

North Chevy Chase ES

Roberto Clemente MS

Rock Terrace School

Rosemont ES

Seneca Valley HS

Sherwood ES

Waters Landing ES 

Roaming Rooster aiming for spring 2022 opening in Rockville (Photos)

The signage is up at Roaming Rooster at Pike & Rose. This local chicken sandwich chain is booming, and opened its latest area location in Tysons a couple of months back. Roaming Rooster says it currently expects this restaurant at 11586 Old Georgetown Road to open this spring. The closure of Taylor Gourmet at Pike & Rose will be a boon for Roaming Rooster in the lunchtime sandwich search at the property, with many offices being added to the site in the next two years.

Amici Miei Ristorante closes in Rockville

Patrons of Amici Miei Ristorante at 6 N. Washington Street in Rockville were surprised to hear that the longtime Italian favorite had permanently closed this past weekend. The restaurant announced the closure on social media, and in an email to customers. Owner Roberto Deias reports some good news, however: he and his staff will be relocating to Trattoria da Lina in Takoma Park on January 11, 2022.

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich tests positive for Covid-19

The omicron wave has hit the top of government in Montgomery County. County Executive Marc Elrich (D) announced Saturday that he has tested positive for Covid-19. Elrich had received two doses of an RNA vaccine, and a booster, as had many victims of the omicron coronavirus variant in recent weeks. He credited those shots for his relatively mild symptoms so far.

"Just feeling tired," was Elrich's characterization of his condition as of yesterday. In a statement, he encouraged everyone to get vaccinated and boosted. Elrich said he is isolating, and will continue to execute his duties from home.