Rockville police respond to assault at hotel

Rockville City police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault at a hotel early yesterday morning, June 9, 2023. The assault was reported at a hotel in the 16000 block of Shady Grove Road at 12:22 AM Friday. There is a Red Roof Inn on that block. 

Rockville tells historic district homeowner to hide basketball court, or lose it

UPDATED - June 10, 2023 11:49 AM:  The article has been updated to note that the homeowner has filed two separate applications with the Historic District Commission, one for a Certificate of Approval for landscaping, and one for a Courtesy Review of proposed changes to make the court less visible.

The City of Rockville has called a foul on a modern, half-court basketball court installed at a home in the city's West End Park historic district. Such a facility cannot be added to a home in that area without approval by the city's Historic District Commission. The homeowner at 401 W. Montgomery Avenue did not pursue that approval. Rockville code inspectors "became aware" of the concrete basketball court surrounded with 10' netting, and a fence on the property's western side, on January 10, 2023, and determined the owner of the 1890 Second Empire/Georgian Revival-style home had permits for neither.

The homeowner then applied retroactively for a certificate of approval from the HDC on January 13, a request the commissioners ultimately denied on February 16. At that time, the homeowner was advised that they could appeal the decision in court, or submit a new application for a COA that would be compliant with historic preservation standards. Failure to obtain success via either option would result in the City requiring them to destroy the basketball court.

After the 30-day judicial appeal window expired, and the homeowner did not submit a new COA application, the City issued a Notice of Violation on April 12. A month later, the homeowner submitted an application for a COA to install landscaping in front of the basketball court, and a second application for a courtesy review of proposed changes to make the court less visible. 

HDC staff reviewed the application, but found the homeowner's proposed changes were inadequate. Staff then proposed changes that would bring the basketball court and application into compliance. These include planting evergreen "privacy" trees along the fence in front of the basketball court, relocating the hoop and rebound net to the opposite side of the court, lowering or removing the remaining netting around the court (requiring approval of a fence permit), and replacing the 6' property line fence with an 8' fence.

The primary focus of the City is to block the view of the court from both the street, and from the house next door. Staff review determined the court is currently in violation of at least four of the U.S. Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation of historic properties.  

HDC commissioners will review the latest COA application at their June 15 meeting. If they approve the COA, the homeowner will have 90 days to complete the approved changes. Should they not do so by October 9, the City "will issue citations and seek removal of the half-court basketball court through a Court order." 

Photos courtesy City of Rockville

Bethesda's Pines of Rome to open Rockville location

Pines of Rome, the Italian restaurant that has been a Bethesda institution since 1972, is expanding to Rockville this summer. The second Pines of Rome will be located at 121 Congressional Lane, behind Mykonos Grill, in the Congressional North Plaza. A spokesperson for the restaurant said they have a tentative opening date of July 5, 2023, if all goes according to plan. Bethesda's favorite white pizza will now enter the pizza wars in Rockville, alongside the classic Italian dishes that have kept customers and families coming back for more than two generations.

Will Jawando endorsed by Westminster mayor in Maryland U.S. Senate race

Westminster, Maryland
Mayor Mona Becker

Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando (D - At-Large) has been endorsed by the mayor of Westminster in the Maryland U.S. Senate race, his campaign announced today. Mayor Mona Becker is a member of the faculty, and serves as chair of the Science department, at Westminster High School. Jawando is seeking the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Senator Ben Cardin (D). 

“I am proud to endorse Will Jawando’s candidacy for the U.S. Senate," Becker said in a statement this morning. "All across the country, we have seen vicious attacks on the LGBTQI+ community coming from Republican politicians, and it is putting our community in direct danger. We need a progressive champion in the Senate representing Maryland who will fight like hell for our rights and not let our country slip back away from progress. I am confident that Will is the right person for the job, and I am excited to help him win this race.”

“I have been lucky to partner with Mayor Mona Becker in my capacity as Councilmember, and I am deeply honored that she has decided to endorse my candidacy for the Senate," Jawando said in a statement. "Mayor Becker leads Westminster with compassion, dignity, and grit. From defending LGBTQI+ rights to protecting our environment to so much more, we share the same bold progressive vision for the future of this country. I look forward to working alongside her to build a brighter tomorrow and represent the state of Maryland in Congress.”

Becker's endorsement may give Jawando a boost in the Democratic primary in the western part of the state next year. Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) has been winning the endorsement side of the contest for Cardin's seat in the early stage of the race, having picked up the backing of influential Maryland Congressman Steny Hoyer (D). Other key endorsements Alsobrooks has received include those of Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman, Baltimore-area Congressman Kweisi Mfume, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman, State Senator Anthony Muse, Town of Somerset Mayor Jeffrey Slavin and former Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett.

One prize endorsement observers are awaiting the announcement of is that of Maryland Governor Wes Moore (D), who has established relationships with both Jawando and Alsobrooks. A Moore endorsement could raise Jawando's profile statewide tremendously, or seal the race for Alsobrooks, whose toughest competiton so far is ultrawealthy Congressman David Trone (D). Maryland 8th District Congressman Jamie Raskin (D) could scatter all of this political calculation to the wind, however, should he decide to enter the race this summer. Raskin has a national profile, energizes progressives, and has beaten big-spending Trone before at the ballot box.

Dodge Hornet arrives in Rockville (Photos)

The new Dodge Hornet has arrived in Rockville. This Dodge Charger-inspired crossover SUV in now in stock at DARCARS Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Rockville at 755 Rockville Pike. It's an American version of the Alfa Romeo Tonale. The Hornet is available in hybrid and old-fashioned combustion models.

Crash disrupts outdoor dining at restaurant in Rockville

Rockville City police responded to an accident outside a restaurant in Rockville Town Center this past Saturday, June 3, 2023. Multiple units arrived at the scene after a vehicle crashed into the outdoor dining area at World of Beer at 196 E. Montgomery Avenue. The accident occurred around 11:50 AM Saturday, prime brunch time, but no injuries were reported. However, property of the restaurant was damaged.

Kema by Kenaki sushi bar "coming soon" at Cabin John Village in Potomac (Photos)

Kema by Kenaki, a new sushi bar concept from the owners of Kenaki Sushi Counter in Gaithersburg, has run into many delays over the last couple of years. But opening day for the new establishment, located at 11325 Seven Locks Road at Cabin John Village in Potomac, may finally be coming into view. The interior is nearing completion, and dining tables are already stacked inside the space. They are currently hiring staff. Stay tuned for an opening date!