HOST YOUR FANTASY FOOTBALL DRAFT AT MILLER'S ALE HOUSE IN ROCKVILLE

Miller's Ale House

1471 Rockville Pike

(301) 770-8535

ROCKVILLE PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDS ZTA TO ALLOW BURGER KING DRIVE-THRU AT RED ROOF INN

The Rockville Planning Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to recommend the Mayor and Council approve a Zoning Text Amendment allowing drive-thru restaurants at hotels on major highways in the MXE zone. That ZTA would facilitate a proposal by Potomac Foods Group to construct a new Burger King restaurant in front of the Red Roof Inn on Shady Grove Road.

Other hotels in the MXE zone whose properties have 200 feet of a major highway along their property frontage would also qualify for a drive-thru restaurant, should the Mayor and Council approve the ZTA.

A public hearing on the ZTA is scheduled for September 15.

NIGHTSWATCH: ROCKVILLE CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across Rockville on August 4, according to crime data:

"Other sexual offense." Unit block of Columbia Court.

Assault. 2000 block Gaither Road.

Theft. 600 block Elmcroft Boulevard.

Theft from vehicle. 15900 block Indianola Drive.

Theft. Unit block of Owens Court.

Theft. Unit block of W. Montgomery Avenue.

Theft from vehicle. 200 block Congressional Lane.

Theft from vehicle. 1600 block E. Jefferson Street.

Theft. 12500 block Parklawn Drive.

Theft. 5700 block Bou Avenue.

Theft. 2100 block Veirs Mill Road.

MOCO, DC DON'T MAKE TOP 25 TECH JOB GROWTH CENTERS LIST; VA EXURBS DO

An interesting piece in USA Today on the top 25 tech industry job growth jurisdictions in America ended up making the opposite point of its pro-smart-growth title. Currently-urbanizing Montgomery County failed to make the list, and so did the District, which is ostensibly the model MoCo is now following in regards to development and transportation policies. Not even Arlington or Fairfax are on it. Who in the DC region did make the list?

Exurban Loudoun and Prince William Counties. Neither of which is known for nightlife, transit-oriented urban centers, or other amenities that ostensibly draw "the young and the hip" to urban areas. While the article touts an "urban renaissance," the most recent data shows that urban growth has stalled or is going backwards, and the suburbs are now growing faster than cities. Did you know that, when you are using the internet, 70% of your data is streaming through Loudoun County? If anything, the establishment of Loudoun and Prince William as tech growth centers makes the case for an Outer Beltway even stronger, to manage the workers commuting there. It also again shows the foresight in the planning of the Silver Line through booming-but-squarely-suburban Tysons out to Loudoun.

The success of DC's exurbs - listed alongside New York City, San Francisco and other major urban employment centers on this Top 25 - proves the point again that all of the alcohol, nightlife and high-density development in the world won't assure economic development nor job growth. No one would consider Loudoun or Prince William a hot nightlife spot. Yet both are among the 25 most attractive places to skilled tech workers. That's because they have the companies - and most importantly, the jobs. Conversely, think about Las Vegas. Vegas has arguably the best nightlife in America. But young workers are not flocking to Vegas, because it doesn't have the corporate headquarters and jobs.

Jobs are the biggest draw for college graduates, making economic development - and the attraction of major firms with high-wage jobs - far more critical than high-density development or nightlife. That also includes considering what else Loudoun and Prince William are doing right, that Montgomery County isn't.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT IN ROCKVILLE TONIGHT

Tonight is the annual National Night Out event across Rockville. Many communities will participate in this event designed to promote crime prevention, and greater cooperation between citizens and law enforcement.

Your neighborhood might be hosting a block party. If so, you may expect McGruff the Crime Dog, and representatives of the Rockville City Police, Montgomery County State's Attorney's office officials, as well as Mayor Bridget Newton and/or various City Councilmembers to appear.

The following neighborhoods and associations are hosting parties tonight:

• Beall’s Grant
• College Gardens
• East Rockville
• Fallsbend
• Falls Ridge
• Heritage Park
• Hungerford
• King Farm
• Lincoln Park
• Maryvale
• New Mark Commons
• Redgate Farms
• Rockshire
• Town Center
• Twinbrook
• West End
• Woodley Gardens
• Woodmont Park
• Woods Edge Apartments

ROCKVILLE TARGET EXPANDS HOURS FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL SEASON

Speaking of "Rockville Nights," the Rockville Target store has expanded its hours for the "Back-to-School" season. Beginning today, Target will be open 8:00 AM until midnight Monday through Saturday, and 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM on Sundays. Hopefully we can eventually get a 24-hour Target and 24-hour Walmart Superstore.

Target

5700 Bou Avenue

Rockville

NIGHTSWATCH: ROCKVILLE CRIME UPDATE

Here's a roundup of crimes reported across Rockville on July 29, according to crime data:

"Other sexual offense." 100 block Gibbs Street.

Theft. 1 block Maryland Avenue.

Theft from vehicle. 13900 block Glen Mill Road.

Theft from vehicle. 13700 block Valley Drive.

Theft from vehicle. 200 block King Farm Boulevard.

Theft. 400 block Redland Boulevard.

Theft. 1500 block Rockville Pike.