Sexual assault on Rockville Pike

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a sexual assault on Rockville Pike Monday evening, February 7, 2022. The adult victim reported having been fondled in the 800 block of Rockville Pike at 7:48 PM, according to crime data.

Rockville Pike Animal Hospital to open at Towne Plaza

Rockville Pike Animal Hospital is coming soon to 12248 Rockville Pike in the Towne Plaza shopping center. This is the former Navy Federal Credit Union space, which still has a Navy Federal ATM embedded in the storefront. There are at least three other animal hospitals on the Pike currently: Caring Hands at Wintergreen Plaza, Dr. Boyd's Veterinary Resort, and the 24-hour Metropolitan Animal Emergency and Specialty Center.

Strong-arm robbery at Rockville Town Square

Rockville police responded to a report of a strong-arm robbery at Rockville Town Square yesterday afternoon. The robbery was reported in the unit block of Maryland Avenue between Beall Avenue and E. Middle Lane at 4:30 PM, according to crime data.

South Block coming soon to Rockville

South Block has posted coming soon signage at its future location at 11803 Grand Park Avenue at Pike & Rose in Rockville. The local chain specializes in smoothies, acai bowls, fresh-pressed juices, and avocado or banana toast. Take a closer look at these photos to find out how you can get a free acai bowl. You're welcome!

Rockville Super Bowl specials at Taco Bamba

Chicken wings and nachos are frequently found on Super Bowl Sunday spreads at homes across America. Taco Bamba in Rockville is offering a special Super Bowl LVI package featuring both - with some unique flavors - now through Super Bowl Sunday, February 13, 2022. 

For $75, you will get a Big Game Platter with 18 Bamba Wings, cotija poblano ranch dipping sauce, nachos, 12 oz. of your choice of toppings (carne asada, barbacoa, spiced ground beef, birria, carnitas, chorizo, chicken tinga, spicy 'shroom, or roasted buffalo cauliflower), 8 oz. each of queso, guacamole, pickled jalapeño, pico de gallo, and crema; and 16 oz. of salsa of your choice (verde, taquera, arbol, morita).

You can order the Big Game Platter online here. Taco Bamba is located at 1627 Rockville Pike, at Congressional Plaza.

Photo courtesy Taco Bamba

Rockville considers annexing Shady Grove Hospital, Shady Grove Metro station and brewery sites into city

Rockville's Mayor and Council will hold a discussion on the possible annexation of four sites into the city at its virtual meeting this Monday, February 7, 2022 at 7:00 PM. The sites under consideration are the campus of Shady Grove Adventist Hospital, the Shady Grove Metro station, and industrial sites leased by two breweries at 400 E. Gude Drive (True Respite) and 1029 E. Gude Drive (Twin Valley Distilleries). 

Because the hospital and Metro station are owned by non-profit entities, the city can initiate annexation procedures for them without the consent of the landowners, Adventist HealthCare and WMATA. Because state law requires a municipality to border a property it wishes to annex, acquiring the hospital site, would require the agreement of two private property owners whose land is between the city and the hospital campus.

City staff suggests that future development on either property could bring tax revenue to the city if they are annexed. Acquiring the brewery sites would enhance the city's established branding of the RockEast District along Gude Drive as a craft beer destination.

The timeline for annexation of the properties would be nine to fourteen months from the start of the process by the Mayor and Council, assuming there is no legal action taken by any party, and the private landowners of the brewery sites and hospital adjacent sites agree to annexation in a timely fashion. If the Mayor and Council direct staff to lay the groundwork for an annexation of one or more of the properties, staff would begin outreach to the landowners. Site surveys would be performed, and then the Mayor and Council would decide whether to initiate the annexation. 

Eko House soft opening today in Rockville

Be one of the first to try the new Eko House pan-African restaurant and lounge at 150 Gibbs Street at Rockville Town Square. Their soft opening begins today, February 3, 2022, but you need to make a reservation through their website or Resy. Seating will be limited, so don't delay. Soft opening hours this week will be as follows: