Christ Episcopal Church wants to relocate future school building on its property

Christ Episcopal Church at 109 S. Washington Street in Rockville is seeking an amendment to its approved special exception and site plan, so that it can change the location of a future school building on its property. The new school was previously approved for 22 W. Jefferson Street. CEC would now like to build the school on a site fronting S. Washington Street. CEC's property is located just across the street from Rockville City Hall.

Montgomery County murders, gang-related crime spiking again in 2018

Massive 72% surge

in violent

gang-related crime;

"Most alarming"

53% jump in 

rape cases

Montgomery County's soft-on-crime County Council continues to have real consequences for victims of crime and gangs in our community. The latest statistics show that, after a 31% spike in murders last year, there have already been more homicides in 2018 than at this time of the year in 2017. That represents a 10% increase in murders this year on top of the 31% increase last year.

COUNTY COUNCIL

Gang related robberies have increased by 36% in 2018, and gang-related assaults have shot up 43% this year. There have been 247 reported cases of rape as of June 30, compared to only 161 by the same point in 2017 - a shocking 53% increase, which Montgomery County Police Chief Tom Manger called "most alarming" in his testimony before the Council Public Safety Committee on July 23.

Despite recent passage of "common sense gun laws" in Maryland, weapons violations are up 6% in 2018. And even after the Council loosened marijuana laws in 2014, marijuana violations are up 11% this year. Drug offenses are up 7.4% overall so far this year. There has also been an increase in human trafficking and kidnappings.

Assaults are up 3.3% in 2018. That increase was driven by an "uptick in gang activity," Assistant Police Chief Russ Hamill told the committee. The department released a list of unsurprising hot spots of gang activity in the County, with Gaithersburg and Montgomery Village being the hardest hit areas. Cider Mill and Lakeforest Mall are being worked overtime by MS-13, and the Hittsquad and L3 gangs.

MS-13 continues to dominate in the Wheaton and Piney Branch areas of the County; an MS-13 "destroyer house" was discovered on University Boulevard last year. "One Way Hustle" is now the dominant gang in Germantown, and Silver Spring is beset by multiple gangs, according to the Council staff report.

Violent gang-related crime is up an astonishing 72% in 2018, a clear failure of the County Council's weak 2017 anti-gang initiative.

Scott/Veirs Drive path would connect Carl Henn Millennium Trail to new Pepco Trail

The City of Rockville has received $60,000 from the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments for a feasibility study for a new shared-use path along Scott Drive and Veirs Drive to Glen Mill Road. If built, the path would provide a bike connection between the existing Carl Henn Millennium Trail and the new Pepco Trail being constructed by Exelon and Montgomery County. The 6-mile Pepco Trail will connect the South Germantown Recreational Park with Muddy Branch Stream Valley Park.

Schools and a senior living community are among the properties that would benefit from the new path, which was called for in the Rockville Bikeways Master Plan approved in 2017. The feasibility study will determine the best alignment for the path along the route. Once completed, engineering work can begin on the project.

Pearl Lady tea shop opens in Rockville

The new Pearl Lady bubble tea shop and Yamachan Ramen have opened at 201 E. Middle Lane in Rockville Town Center. They are in the ground floor of the Cambria Suites hotel. This is the first Pearl Lady location outside of Japan, and among the drinks the Rockville shop is highlighting is their Amber Boba. The ramen menu is also available.

JINYA Ramen Bar sets opening date at Pike & Rose

JINYA Ramen Bar announced its long-anticipated opening date at Pike & Rose on Thursday. The third D.C.-area location of the sit-down, full-service restaurant will open on Tuesday, August 7, 2018 at 11:00 AM. Festivities will begin with a ribbon-cutting, and the first 100 guests will receive a free bowl of ramen. All guests will have a chance to win door prizes, and a portion of the opening day proceeds will be donated to Manna Food Center in Montgomery County.

Specializing in authentic Tonkotsu ramen, JINYA Ramen Bar simmers their broth for over ten hours for flavor, and ages their hand-made noodles for three days. Also authentic will be the Japanese Whisky Highball, not to be confused with the typical highball served in American bars. When added to the menu in the future, the drink will be made with a special Highball machine distributed by Suntory Toki itself. JINYA will be the first D.C.-area establishment to have the machine.

Closer to home, local craft beers will share the list with Japanese brews. To show support for flood-damaged Ellicott City, JINYA is launching with beers from Manor Hill Brewing.

With five types of broth, four noodles, a variety of tare seasonings and oils, and over 25 toppings, you are unlikely to exhaust every customized menu option possible anytime soon. Beyond ramen, there are other JINYA specialties like Salmon Poke mini tacos, the JINYA Bun, Brussels Sprouts Tempura with truffle oil, Takoyaki, JINYA Quinoa Salad, and a selection of rice bowls and curry. For dessert, you will be able to finish your meal with choices such as Green Tea or Chocolate Mochi Ice Cream, Panna Cotta and Green Tea Pistachio or Triple Berry White Chocolate BlockPops.

JINYA will have indoor seating for 74, including the ten seats at the full bar, and communal outdoor seating for 18 around a fire pit. The restaurant is located at 910 Prose Street, at Rose Park, alongside The Baked Bear and L.L. Bean. Initial business hours at launch will be Sunday – Thursday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM. and Friday - Saturday from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Happy Hour specials will be served daily from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. The owner says hours may change as the Pike & Rose neighborhood continues to grow and evolve over time.

Photos courtesy JINYA Ramen Bar

Reappointment of planning commissioner on Mayor & Council agenda August 1

There is currently one vacancy on the Rockville Planning Commission. Current commissioner Charles Littlefield is willing to serve another term, and his potential reappointment is on the Mayor & Council's agenda for their August 1 meeting. If approved, Littlefield would serve until July 1, 2023.

There are also three vacancies on the Historic District Commission, for two members and one alternate. That body has found itself making key decisions on high-profile controversies in recent years, including the "Pink Bank," the Rockville Confederate statue, and the future of the Chestnut Lodge site.

An alternate member is also needed on the Board of Appeals. All three bodies play key and powerful roles in preserving the quality of life and character of Rockville.

To see all current vacancies on City boards and commissions, and to submit an application, visit the Boards and Commissions page on the City website.

UNIQLO to open September 1 in Rockville

Famed Japanese apparel retailer UNIQLO has posted huge "Coming Soon" signage at their future Pike & Rose location at 11853 Grand Park Avenue. And now we know their opening date, as well - Saturday, September 1, 2018 at 10:00 AM.

The new store's manager will be Elissa Jackson, and they are still hiring employees. For the guys, yes, they also have a large line of men's apparel, as well as women's and children's.