Thursday, December 19, 2019

Chase Bank coming to Montrose Crossing

A vacant bank was fenced off earlier this year at the Montrose Crossing shopping center in Rockville. Now the identity of the new bank is known. Chase Bank will be opening here in 2020. Construction is now underway to modify the bank to J.P. Morgan Chase specifications.







Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Montgomery County stagnant or getting worse in all key areas, residents say

Montgomery County's elected officials haven't improved any major area of concern or crisis, residents say in a new County-operated survey. Vast majorities countywide say there has been no progress or improvement in the moribund County economy, Montgomery County Public Schools, traffic congestion, crime and public safety, quality of life or the environment in the last two years.
86% of residents say there has been no improvement in availability of affordable housing. 76% feel there has been no improvement in crime prevention and public safety. A whopping 87% found no improvement in traffic congestion over the last two years. In fact, it's getting worse.
63% of residents say there has been no improvement in MCPS, which has declined steadily over this decade, as test scores and graduation rates plummeted and an achievement gap worsened. Yep, that's getting worse, too. But rather than improve failing schools, the corrupt MoCo cartel is trying to ready a forced busing strategy that failed nationwide decades ago, and is preemptively calling those who favor neighborhood schools "racists" and "white supremacists" - terms regularly deployed as the nuclear option when one has lost a debate on the facts.
Montgomery County's stagnant economy reached rock bottom in the region this decade, and residents' opinions squarely reflect that reality. A powerful 69% of residents say there has been no improvement in job growth. 61% report no improvement in business growth. Montgomery County ranked at the bottom in the region on both measurements this decade.
Progressive and green Montgomery County is leading the nation in environmental policy, our elected officials assure us weekly. Mmm...not so much, counter Montgomery County residents. 68% of residents say the environment hasn't improved, or has gotten worse, since 2017. 66% responded that quality of life opportunities in the county - the arts, culture, recreation and libraries - have either not improved or have gotten worse.

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

The final hours of Baskin Robbins in Rockville

There were 31 flavors, but many less hours left in the life of Baskin Robbins at Congressional Plaza this past Sunday. The shop generously offered all ice cream at 50% off to customers on the final day of operation. Baskin Robbins - the chain - is directing customers here to their store at 7909 Tuckerman Lane in Potomac. I don't believe I've ever gone to that Baskin Robbins, so I'm interested to give it a try, since this one was the best in the county in my opinion. One scoop of Peanut Butter & Chocolate, and one scoop of Baseball Nut, for the final farewell. Another great business closes in moribund, razor-thin-profit-margin, high tax, high cost, high rent Montgomery County.

Monday, December 16, 2019

Rockville Dunkin' Donuts closes

One of the Dunkin' Donuts in Rockville has closed. The Dunkin' Donuts/Baskin Robbins store at 777 Hungerford Drive has been permanently shuttered. This is the one by Flagship Car Wash.
Fortunately, there is a nice newer Dunkin' Donuts a short distance up Route 355 at College Plaza, and it even has a drive-thru. Dunkin' Donuts has been massively expanding in our area - and across central and southern Maryland - in recent years, making store openings much more common than closures.

Friday, December 13, 2019

Congressional Plaza construction update (Photos)

Construction continues on the future Barnes and Noble bookstore, and FITRow, at Congressional Plaza on Rockville Pike. Both the bookstore and the 3-space fitness annex will open in 2020. I can't figure out what they are doing at the B&N space - raising the roof, adding a floor, or just increasing the height of the facade. They have also posted a yellow FITRow sign on the building.



Thursday, December 12, 2019

ArcLight Cinemas Bethesda wins Governor's Crime Prevention Award

The general manager of ArcLight Cinemas in
Bethesda (second from left) holds the Governor's
Crime Prevention award received by the cineplex
ArcLight Cinemas at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda has won a Governor's Crime Prevention award from Gov. Larry Hogan. The cineplex was recognized for donating auditorium time on the first Wednesday of each month to the Montgomery County Police Department. Officers use the time to host a senior forum where seniors enjoy a free film, along with a presentation on tips to prevent becoming a crime victim.
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R)
Police Chief Marcus Jones and other police officials attended the award ceremony, and thanked ArcLight and the other winners. The theater's general manager was on hand to receive the award. Target's Rockville store also received an award from the governor.

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Two tower cranes erected in Rockville Town Center

There are now two tower cranes in Rockville Town Center. Here are some views from Duball, LLC's Phase II of their Rockville Town Center development. Located off E. Middle Lane on what was the last remaining surface parking lot in front of the Regal Cinemas Rockville, the site will be home to a 400-unit apartment building, with 150 of those to be set aside for senior housing operated by development partner Montgomery County Housing Opportunities Commission. The building will also include 20000 SF of ground floor retail/restaurant space.