PIKE AND ROSE CONSTRUCTION UPDATE (PHOTOS)

The massive construction operation continues at Mid-Pike Plaza on Rockville Pike, in the rapidly-developing White Flint area. The main shopping center building at Mid-Pike Plaza is officially closed to the public now, with only construction personnel and vehicle being allowed to physically access the property at this point. A separate retail center on the property, with a Starbucks, remains accessible to the public.

What you're seeing here are primarily two luxury apartment buildings (PerSei, delivering this year; and Pallas, delivering in 2015), an office building (11800 Grand Park Avenue), as well as the related retail, iPic Theater and parking facilities. I'm still struck by how similar Grand Park Avenue (looks from Old Georgetown Road) to an early construction photo I have from Rockville Town Square. I think the reason for this, is that - temporarily - the scene in the distance is very similar. You have the canyon created by the buildings on either side of the street. But in the distance, flat ground, much like what is north of Rockville Town Square.

The outcome will be radically different at Pike and Rose, however. That is for one key reason: Federal Realty owns the land beyond these buildings, unlike the situation at Rockville Town Square. Whereas town center Phase II has stalled out in Rockville, the town center at Pike and Rose will be larger in scale, by the end of all phases of construction.

PerSei luxury apartments,
now leasing

PerSei marketing banner
with Pike and Rose branding

A variety of brick colors

Floor-to-ceiling windows
in these units

Streetlamps installed

Old Georgetown Road will
be reconfigured to have
a traditional intersection,
instead of the existing curve

One of the tower cranes
on-site

Plenty of sun on this side of
the building

11800 Grand Park Avenue (center) and
Pallas (left of center)

11800 Grand Park Avenue

Interesting stone detail

BEEKEEPING HOW-TO PRESENTATION, AND LOCAL HONEY TASTING, SATURDAY IN ROCKVILLE

BZzzzzzzz. You'll be hearing that a lot in the months ahead around Rockville. Bee season is just about upon us, but the positive side of bees is the topic at a free presentation this Saturday, March 22, at Dawson's Market.

Come out to Rockville Town Square tomorrow at 2:00 PM, and learn all about beekeeping from an expert, Marie Rojas, of the Montgomery County Beekeepers Association.

Find out what to expect in your first year as a novice beekeeper. Learn the tricks of the trade, like how to protect yourself, where to place hives in your yard, and the surprisingly complex behavior of bees.

Afterward, enjoy a free tasting of local honey. Space is limited, so RSVP at customer service, or call 240-428-1386 to reserve your spot.

Dawson's Market

225 N. Washington St.

in

Rockville Town Square

ROCKVILLE RESIDENT QUESTIONS PROPOSED REFUSE FEE INCREASE

David Thomas, a resident of Hungerford in Rockville, questioned the proposed increase in refuse fees in the draft of the city's next budget. Speaking at Monday night's Mayor and Council meeting, Thomas noted that funds were previously designated to be moved from the refuse fee funds to other expenditures. He said such a transfer "means you had plenty in the refuse fund at this point."

ROCKVILLE DEVELOPMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETS THURSDAY MORNING

The Rockville Development Review Committee will meet tomorrow morning, March 20, at 10:00 AM, in the Black Eyed Susan Conference Room at Rockville City Hall. On the agenda are two projects: a self-storage facility at 1175 Taft Street, and a 740 square foot addition to a child care facility at 850 Nelson Street.

ROCKVILLE TO BACK CURRENT ETHICS STANDARDS IN ANNAPOLIS

Rockville's city council last night voted to send a letter to District 17 legislators in the Maryland General Assembly, notifying them that the city supports the current ethics standards demanded of all elected officials in the state. Legislation that would alter the ethics reporting requirements is on the table in Annapolis.

Councilmember Tom Moore, who has been a strong advocate of the tightened reporting standards adopted a few years ago, warned his colleagues to oppose any efforts to weaken the existing requirements. Mayor Bridget Newton said she believes some of the information demanded is beyond what is necessary or appropriate. Moore said every piece of property owned by a public official, regardless of how it was obtained or its geographic location, should be known to the public.

A majority of the council agreed with Moore's support for the current law, voting 3-2 to send a letter backing today's standards to Annapolis. Voting in favor were councilmembers Moore, Julie Palakovich Carr and Beryl Feinberg. Opposed were Newton and Councilmember Virginia Onley.

Some municipalities have opposed the recent standards, citing privacy concerns and a reduction in those willing to run for office and make such extensive disclosures. Others, such as Moore, have said having the full story on what a politician owns is essential knowledge for voters, in order to reveal any and all conflicts of interest.

NIGHTSWATCH: ROCKVILLE CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across Rockville on March 14, according to crime data:

Theft. 2200 block McAuliffe Drive (Twinbrook Forest).

Vehicle burglary. 1200 block Clagett Drive (Twinbrook).

Assault/"other sexual offense." Richard Montgomery HS.

Assault/"other sexual offense." Regal Cinemas Rockville.

Drug arrest. E. Gude Drive at Taft Street.

Drug arrest. 100 block Gibbs Street (Rockville Town Center).

Disorderly conduct. 100 block Gibbs Street.

Drug arrest. 1300 block E. Gude Drive.

Drug arrest. Men's shelter, 600 E. Gude Drive.

ROCKVILLE SNOW UPDATE - HOW MANY INCHES OF SNOW IN ROCKVILLE?

A winter storm warning is in effect across the region today from 2:00 PM until 2:00 PM Monday. Rain is forecast to begin this afternoon, and change over to snow as the sun sets. The heaviest snow will fall during the overnight hours tonight. Currently, the National Weather Service is calling for accumulation of 5 inches, or more. Temperatures will be in the 20s overnight.

Winds during the storm will gust up to 20 MPH, but average around 10.

Highs on Monday will remain in the lower 30s, meaning travel will be dangerous, and road conditions could remain hazardous throughout the day.

Stay tuned for updates on this very late winter storm.