Ace Hardware opening new store in Rockville

Ace Hardware is opening a new location in Rockville. It will be at 835 Rockville Pike at Wintergreen Plaza. That was most recently home to Gold's Gym, so it is a sizeable space. When it opens, this will be the only Ace Hardware store in Rockville.

Elrich to veto Montgomery County Council's massive developer tax break

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich has declared his intention to veto a bill recently passed by the Montgomery County Council, which would exempt new residential developments from property taxes for 20 years, if they provide at least 17.5% affordable units and are converted from - or replace - existing office buildings. The legislation would apply to so many projects that it would likely drain billions from County coffers over the next two decades, and bankrupt the County. Such projects are already being built in great numbers without the new incentive.

"This bill makes no sense," Elrich said in his weekly update video Friday. "It gives away desperately-needed revenues to the developers." The Council is expected to try to overturn Elrich's veto. Seven councilmembers will have to vote in favor of overturning the veto to be successful. "Now is the time to speak up," Elrich said, urging residents to contact their councilmembers, and tell them they oppose overturning Elrich's veto. Although all councilmembers have accepted financial contributions from developers, the vote to overturn Elrich's veto will be closely watched, to see which councilmembers are willing to risk fiscal oblivion merely to facilitate even-higher profits for their developer sugar daddies.

Signage installed at Wegmans in Rockville (Photos)

Here's another "sign" that the opening of Wegmans at 1590 Rockville Pike in Rockville is fast approaching. A sign installation team affixed the large permanent Wegmans logo signage to the outside of the store Friday. The store is scheduled to open a little over two months from now, on June 25, 2025. Wegmans will be the anchor of the new Twinbrook Quarter development.

Peeping Tom, pickpocket strike at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Montgomery County police were kept busy at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda on Thursday afternoon, April 17, 2025. At 3:10 PM, officers were called to investigate a Peeping Tom at the mall. About three hours later at 6:20 PM, a mall patron called police to report that their pocket had been picked. Remember to keep your wallet securely in a front pocket, if possible, and do not leave purses unattended while shopping.

Garbage time: Trash can employed in Rockville assault

Quick reflexes allowed a victim to escape injury when a trash can was hurled in their direction in the Rockcrest neighborhood of Rockville on Sunday, April 13, 2025. The victim, and a suspect known to the victim, were engaged in a verbal argument in the 1500 block of Rockwood Drive at 7:11 PM Sunday. When the dispute escalated, the suspect hoisted a garbage can, and threw it toward the victim. 

The victim was able to sidestep the trash can, but their vehicle was not as fortunate. It was damaged when the can slammed into it instead of its owner, leaving a dent. Rockville City police responded to the scene, and after investigation, the case was referred for charges.

Rockville Pike McDonald's construction advancing (Photos)

Here's a look at the progress on the new McDonald's restaurant at 11710 Rockville Pike in White Flint. New and improved, as this one - unlike the McDonald's that just closed nearby - will have drive-thru service. You can see the two drive-thru windows on the south side of the building now. Fast food restaurant construction is often measured in days or weeks, rather than the months this one has been. Another unusual aspect of this? I've never seen Home Depot protective wrap on a project like this before.

Thai Express opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Thai Express is now open in the Dining Terrace food court at Westfield Montgomery Mall. If something seems familiar about this, it's because Thai Express has filled the spot just vacated by Ruby Thai Kitchen as 2025 began. Like Ruby Thai, Thai Express features combo meals on the entree menu. Thai Express has a few additional side items, but one less soup option than Ruby Thai offered. Operating hours for Thai Express are 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday through Saturday; they are closed on Sundays.