Rockville Mayor & Council to hold public hearing on Lincoln Park design guidelines

The Lincoln Park of the future is up for public discussion next week. Rockville's Mayor and Council will hold a public hearing on new design guidelines for residential development in the historic neighborhood at its Monday, November 18, 2024 meeting at 6:30 PM at City Hall. Several potential amendments have been drafted, which include input collected from residents. The amendments under consideration "seek to update existing building standards to provide greater clarity and predictability for residential development in the Lincoln Park neighborhood," a statement from the City Department of Community Planning and Development services says.

You can read the latest draft of the proposed guidelines update here. If the Mayor and Council reach a consensus to approve the new guidelines, and public comment trends favorably, they could be adopted at their December 9 meeting. Should the public raise strong objections at Monday's hearing, the calendar might be extended for further revisions.

See's Candies opens for the holidays at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

See's Candies has opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, and you know what means: the holidays are just around the corner. The candy brand is an annual fixture in malls across the country, with its seasonal pop-up gift shop. My recent experience in trying their candy is that they have not only maintained the quality they are known for, but may have even improved upon it. Sample a Whitman's Sampler assortment after a See's Candies box, and you'll see what I mean. Good God, Whitman's has gone downhill in recent times.

Like many great things in America, See's Candies comes from California. The company was founded in Los Angeles in 1921, and many of their candies still use Mary See's original recipes. They've found maybe their best spot in the mall yet this year, right next to GameStop on Level 1 in the Old Navy/The Cheesecake Factory wing of the mall. Talk about one-stop shopping! Fill the kids' wish list at GameStop, and then go right next door to load up on See's gift boxes for the adults and whole family.

Teso Life Japanese Super Store opens in Rockville

Teso Life Japanese Super Store opened yesterday at 1701 Rockville Pike, at the Shops at Congressional Village. Fans of the Queens, New York-based department store traveled from far and wide to attend the grand opening. Inside are imported Japanese groceries, beauty products, toys, collectibles, and kitchen, bath and home goods, just to name a few categories. Teso Life joins competitor Ebisu Life on Rockville Pike.

Kokee Tea bubble tea kiosk opening at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Westfield Montgomery Mall recently added a coffee kiosk, and now there's an option for tea lovers on the way. Kokee Tea is opening a kiosk on Level 1 of the mall, outside of Macy's. It has been under construction for the last few weeks, but now signage has been attached. 

"Kokee Tea is a cozy and modern bubble tea cafe that offers a variety of delicious and refreshing drinks," the company said in a statement. "Whether you’re looking for a classic milk tea, a fruity smoothie, or a creamy latte, we have something for you. You can also customize your drink with different toppings, such as tapioca pearls, jelly, pudding, or popping boba. Our drinks are made with high-quality ingredients and brewed fresh daily."

The bubble tea chain has added seven new locations this year, including Montgomery Mall. Ashburn, Baltimore, Centreville, Lorton, Patrick Henry Mall in Newport News, and Urbana are the others.

Assault reported outside home in Rockville

Rockville City police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault in East Rockville Saturday morning, November 9, 2024. The assault was reported in the driveway of a home in the 300 block of Howard Avenue at 10:58 AM Saturday. That is a residential street near the CSX and Metro tracks.

Calendar kiosk opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda (Photos)

It's almost that time of year again: Time to replace your wall calendar. The seasonal calendar kiosk at Westfield Montgomery Mall is just what the doctor ordered. Popular calendar subjects this year include perennial favorites like Taylor Swift and Star Wars, as well as timely presidential candidates President-Elect Donald Trump and Vice-President Kamala Harris. Not to be outdone are the retro Muhammad Ali, Rocky, and Rainbow Brite selections. I've already got my 2025 calendar; find yours at the calendar kiosk on Level 1 of the mall, by Forever 21.

Armed fentanyl pusher busted in Rockville

Evidence seized in Friday's bust in Rockville

Fentanyl deaths in America are reportedly declining, but the dangerous synthetic opioid is still being pushed on the streets of Montgomery County. Thanks to Montgomery County police officers, a substantial number of pills have just been taken off the market. Officers searching for a juvenile male wanted for multiple offenses in the Twinbrook area of Rockville found him on Friday, November 8, 2024. The juvenile attempted to elude officers on foot, 4th District Commander Captain David Smith said, but he was ultimately caught and taken into custody.

On his person, police allege, the juvenile had a loaded gun, cash, and about 250 pressed fentanyl pills.  "The apprehension of armed individuals like this is difficult and dangerous work, but also important work," Smith said in a statement. "Fentanyl destroys lives and families, and the officers of 4D are committed to improving conditions. We also appreciate all of the members of our community who care and are equally committed to this cause."

Photo courtesy Montgomery County Police Department