MD A.G. opposing $4 billion deal...for company in his own state

A virtually unprecedented situation is unfolding in Maryland. The state's attorney general, Brian Frosh, is opposing a $4 billion dollar merger expected to be a financial boon for a company...in his own state. In a move that has left many in the business community again scratching their heads over the anti-business mania of the Montgomery County political cartel, Frosh last Friday joined his peers in Illinois, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island in opposing the merger of Sinclair Broadcasting and Tribune Media Company.

Hunt Valley, Maryland-based Sinclair forecasts the merger would be a boon in boosting revenues, cutting costs and generating cash flow to pay down debts. Should such benefits come to pass, the cash flow would also go to the state of Maryland via taxes. But now Maryland's own attorney general is stepping in to try and stop the deal, which is currently before the Federal Communications Commission.

Despite that potential revenue boost for the state, Frosh is calling the merger "a bad deal for Marylanders." The attorney general claims the deal would raise the cost of cable, and reduce programming choices for viewers. Apparently, Frosh is unaware of Netflix, HBO Now, Sling TV, Hulu, YouTube TV, Playstation Vue, Amazon Prime Video, CBS All Access, Crackle, Tubi TV, Acorn TV, and Pluto TV, just to name a few.

Frosh and his fellow travelers also say the merger would improperly use the UHF Discount rule to avoid the FCC cap on total station reach, and advise the FCC to wait until the District of Columbia Circuit Court issues its final ruling on the UHF rule. But clear heads can rule today that the Montgomery County political cartel has once again lost its wits.

While the deal should certainly be scrutinized by regulators, it is astonishing to witness a state's attorney general trying to sabotage a deal - and lower profits for - a company in his own state. It does not help Montgomery County and Maryland shed their horrible international reputation as anti-business jurisdictions. And will therefore give just one more reason for corporations to avoid us and relocate to Virginia instead.

Bad deal.

Pepco proposes microgrid for Rockville Town Center

Exelon infographic prepared for one of
its other utilities in Hartford, Connecticut

Pepco agreed to pilot microgrids as part of its merger agreement with Exelon. Tonight, the utility will officially propose creating a microgrid in Rockville Town Center. Two Pepco representatives will deliver a presentation on the proposal to the Mayor and Council at their meeting tonight at 7:00 PM.

A microgrid is a local power source that can operate even if disconnected from the larger Pepco grid. Solar batteries and natural gas could be utilized on whichever properties are ultimately selected to house the microgrid infrastructure. Potential properties will be discussed in tonight's presentation. No mention is made of the health impacts of a microgrid on nearby residents - if there are any.

Rockville Planning Commission to discuss master plan update vision for parks

Orange areas on the map are
homes that are further from
parks and recreation facilities
than planners and residents
would like

The Rockville Planning Commission will be briefed on, and discuss, the section of the 2040 Master Plan update on Parks and Recreation Facilities at their Thursday, November 9 meeting at City Hall at 7:00 PM. A draft of the plan sets out goals based on feedback from community listening sessions and previous discussions.

Among the goals are leveraging private sector capital, property and resources; continuing expansion of well-connected bike facilities; improving cooperation with Montgomery College, Montgomery County and Montgomery County Public Schools, which all have facilities in or near Rockville; ensuring City parks and facilities have distinctive branding; ensuring no net loss of square footage of parkland (something the Montgomery County Council failed to do in recent years); and ensuring that all homes within the City are a quarter-mile walk from at least one park or recreation facility.

Currently, 79% of Rockville homes are within the quarter-mile range. Underserved areas are primarily east of Rockville Pike, west of I-270, and in the town center. The latter could be very effectively addressed by a long-considered plan to bury the Pike in the town center area, and building a major park on top of it.

Kung Fu Tea to open new store in south Rockville

Kung Fu Tea continues to expand across Montgomery County at an increasing pace. Their latest destination is Pike & Rose. Their store will be located in the low-rise retail structure at the corner of Old Georgetown Road and Rockville Pike.

CremCafe closes in Rockville for renovations, new menu

CremCafe, an alternative to national chain coffee shops along Regal Row, has temporarily closed. Its menu will be updated with a Japanese crepes concept. The new restaurant will be called Amai Crepe, and is from the same ownership as CremCafe was. Their coffee menu is expected to remain the same when they reopen, following renovations.

JINYA Ramen Bar to open at Pike & Rose (Photos)

JINYA Ramen Bar is coming to Pike & Rose. The California-based ramen chain has two existing area locations in the Mosaic District and Logan Circle. Its third will be in the ground floor of the L.L. Bean building at 910 Prose Street at Pike & Rose. The restaurant will open next year, and has posted Coming Soon signage at its future space. L.L. Bean, opening November 10, has also installed its permanent exterior signage.

Xi'an Gourmet to open in Rockville

While plans for a renowned local chef to open a Chinese restaurant in a grocery space on N. Washington Street fell through, a new Chinese spot will open on the strip after all. Xi'an Gourmet has leased the old Fusion Supper Club building at 316 N. Washington. The space has been vacant for more than a year. Xi'an Gourmet will add the flavors of Northwestern China to the potpourri of Asian dining options in Rockville.