Text-to-911 now available in Maryland

Callers in emergency situations who cannot, or do not wish to, speak on the phone now have a silent option. Text-to-911 service is now available in the state of Maryland. Residents and visitors alike can contact emergency services via text using the service.

To use Text-to-911 service, follow these steps:

1. Enter 911 in the “To” line.

2. Enter a brief message that includes the location of the emergency and type of service needed – police,              fire, or ambulance.

3. Hit send.

4. Respond to questions from the responding 911 specialist, and follow the instructions he or she provides.

Assault at Rockville pharmacy

City of Rockville police responded to a report of 2nd degree assault and shoplifting at a pharmacy early Monday afternoon. The incident was reported at a pharmacy in the 1800 block of Rockville Pike around 1:29 PM.  There is a pharmacy inside the Safeway there.

Car stolen in Rockville

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a stolen car in the Norbeck Road corridor of Rockville early Saturday morning. The vehicle was taken from the driveway of a home in the 15300 block of Hannans Way around 3:30 AM. Property was taken from at least one other vehicle on the same block, according to crime data.

Rockville Mayor & Council to meet in closed session tonight before work session

Rockville's Mayor and Council will meet in closed session tonight at 6:00 PM, prior to a virtual work session at 7:00 PM, which will be open to the public. The closed session will be held "to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, promotion, discipline, demotion, compensation, removal, resignation, or performance evaluation of the City Manager," the agenda states.

Tonight's work sessions will review potential changes to City water and sewer rates; hold a follow-up to a previous discussion on "Social Justice, Racism and Bias;" and consider whether the City needs to hire an outside consultant on the proposed I-270 and Capital Beltway Express Lanes project. 

Photo courtesy City of Rockville

Burlington coming to Rockville

Burlington is coming to the Montrose Crossing shopping center at 12055 Rockville Pike. It will be located in the other half of the building where Home Depot Home Design Center is. Previously, MD Furniture had been slated to move in there, but Burlington is a much bigger brand name to be sure. There are two existing Burlington locations in Montgomery County, in Gaithersburg and downtown Silver Spring.

Rockville Planning Commission to discuss Open Meetings Act violations

Rockville's Planning Commission will discuss Open Meetings Act violations at its next (open) meeting on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 7:00 PM. Commissioners will specifically address requesting an independent, outside review of OMA violations. No details are provided in the meeting agenda.

Rockville construction update: The Ansel apartments (Photos)

Here's a look at the latest progress at the Ansel apartments in Rockville Town Center, across from Regal Row. Expectations are high for the retail and restaurant space, given the outstanding tenants developer Duball, LLC signed to the sister property, The Upton/Cambria Suites (World of Beer, Panera Bread, etc.). The Ansel is scheduled for delivery this fall.