Strong-arm rape reported in Rockville

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a strong-arm rape in Rockville on Monday morning, February 22, 2021. The sexual assault was reported in the 600 block of Jefferson Plaza around 10:44 AM, according to crime data.

"Coming soon" signage at Taco Bamba in Rockville (Photos)

Taco Bamba is showing us more of what to expect when their new Rockville location opens at 1627 Rockville Pike at Congressional Plaza this spring. "Coming soon" signage has been added to the storefront, with large photographs of menu items. Taco Bamba's liquor license hearing is scheduled for next month.

Rockville African-American cemeteries could get increased preservation aid under proposed Maryland bill

A bill designed to increase protections for African-American cemeteries in Maryland is a good start, but needs amendments, advocates say. HB-1099, introduced by Montgomery County delegate Al Carr, will receive a public hearing next Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at 1:30 PM. Residents can provide their opinions on the bill during the virtual hearing by signing up online today, Monday, February 22, 2021 between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Rules for testifying can also be found online.

As currently drafted, the bill would create a fund to finance the preservation of African-American cemeteries in the state. It would also fund a study of the obstacles and threats to such preservation. 

The Bethesda African Cemetery Coalition is suggesting four amendments to strengthen and expand the bill: the rights of African-American descendants to the remains of their ancestors and how their resting places will be memorialized and celebrated should be recognized; the bill should address the fact that many black cemeteries are no longer in the hands of the original black landowners, and now often in the hands of developers; create civil and criminal penalties for the desecration of black cemeteries; and elevate the status of descendant communities in the bill to be equal to that of developers, "white preservationist NGOs, [and] big-business cultural resources groups."

BACC notes that some of the organizations currently recognized in the bill have facilitated the desecration of Moses African Cemetery in Bethesda. They should not, therefore, have the same status as the descendants of those buried in the cemetery, BACC argues.

Rockville construction update: Bark Social (Photos)

The expected February 26, 2021 opening date of Bark Social is rapidly approaching at Pike & Rose. Construction of the dog park and craft beer and wine bar has advanced accordingly. More of the shipping container structures have been completed, and the lights are on inside. Branded logos have been applied to the sides of the containers, including a dog drinking from a glass of beer.

More Montgomery County news:

Bethesda Row proposed development would require demolition of Uncle Julio's

Sign installed at RanKen Noodle House in Gaithersburg

Glenmont Lidl sets opening date

Power outages in Rockville

The weather this morning has been dominated by ice, rather than the predicted heavy snow. That creates a greater chance of falling limbs and trees, and power outages. Currently, 18 Pepco customers in East Rockville are without power this morning, according to the Pepco outage map.

Rockville declares snow emergency

The City of Rockville is now under a snow emergency, as snow, sleet and ice are expected to result in 3-5 inches of accumulation today. All vehicles must be removed from roadways within the City of Rockville limits, and parked in driveways or garages. 

If there is no off-street parking available, vehicles should be parked along the even-numbered side of the street. On courts or cul-de-sacs, parking is allowed only on the left side of the streets as one enters the cul-de-sac or court. Do not park in the bulb of the court or cul-de-sac.

The city is making satellite parking available for residents in the following locations:

Rockville Civic Center main mansion lot, 603 Edmonston Drive.

Woodley Gardens Park, 900 Nelson Street.

Welsh Park (Mannakee Street side only), at the corner of Martins Lane and Mannakee Street.

Elwood Smith Community Center, 601 Harrington Road.

Melina Greek restaurant coming to Rockville from the CAVA group

Melina, a Greek restaurant, is coming to Pike & Rose. The latest dining concept from the team behind the CAVA empire, Melina will take up a prime location in the ground floor of Federal Realty's new office building at 909 Rose Avenue. That gives the restaurant high visibility from Rockville Pike. 

Melina has a liquor license hearing scheduled for March 4, 2021. If you want a sneak peek at what may be on the menu, check out the tantalizing photos on its Instagram account. Here's a look at the interior so far, and as you can see, there's quite a ways to go before opening day.