Tuesday, September 14, 2021

Montgomery County-based JBG Smith announces it has achieved portfolio-wide carbon neutrality

4747 Bethesda Avenue lobby

JBG Smith
, a real estate development firm headquartered at 4747 Bethesda Avenue, announced this morning that it has achieved carbon neutrality across its entire operating portfolio of properties, which include several in Rockville. It accomplished this by purchasing verified carbon offsets for scope-one carbon emissions, and renewable energy credits (RECs) for scope-two electrical consumption.

Galvan development in Rockville

In order to maintain carbon neutral status in the coming years, the company said it will have to take further actions. Those actions will include:

1.       Driving down energy consumption across its existing portfolio

2.       Reducing anticipated energy consumption and embodied carbon for its development pipeline

3.       Deploying onsite solar where most impactful

4.       Exploring offsite solar opportunities and bringing additional renewables to the national electrical grid 

5.       Addressing the remainder of carbon emissions with verified carbon offsets and renewable energy credits (RECs)

7200 Wisconsin in Bethesda

“Achieving carbon neutrality across our operating portfolio provides JBG Smith with a strong and compelling competitive advantage," JBG Smith CEO Matt Kelly said in a statement. "Our office, residential, and retail customers increasingly demand this from their real estate space and service partners and our investors expect that we are doing all that we can to address this looming and critical threat, Our collective actions over the next decade are essential in offsetting the current carbon emission trajectory and, through sustainable best practices, JBG Smith remains committed to positively impacting the communities we serve at every level.”

Terano in Rockville

JBG Smith has developed, owns or manages many properties in Montgomery County, including the Trader Joe's-anchored 8001 Woodmont and 7200 Wisconsin in Bethesda, the Rock Grove shopping center in Shady Grove, and the Galvan and Terano in Rockville. Its most prominent venture is the Amazon HQ2 National Landing project in Arlington County, Virginia.

Rock Grove shopping center



 

Monday, September 13, 2021

Sexual assault at Rockville recreation facility


Rockville police responded to a report of a sexual assault at a recreation facility yesterday morning, September 12, 2021. An individual reported having been fondled, and also having been the victim of a second-degree assault. The incident was reported at a recreation center in the 300 block of Martins Lane, according to crime data; the Rockville Swim Center and associated facilities are on that block.

Friday, September 10, 2021

City of Rockville temporarily suspends collection of yard waste


The City of Rockville just announced a temporary suspension of yard waste collection. This includes items like grass clippings, leaves and garden waste. Service disruptions may continue into next week, the announcement stated. 

All other trash and recycling should be picked up on schedule. No explanation for the reason for the disruptions was given, but staffing shortages were cited in August when some communities' yard waste was not collected. 

Photo via City of Rockville

Èkó House, El Mercat Bar de Tapas to open at Rockville Town Square


Here's an update on my earlier scoop that broke the news on two new restaurants coming to Rockville Town Square. El Mercat Bar de Tapas will serve traditional Spanish tapas, paellas, gambas al ajillo, patatas bravas, Tortilla Española as well as sangria, wines and beer. It will have seating for 60 indoors, and offer outdoor patio seating next spring.

The bigger news is that Lagos Bar & Grill has had a last minute name change to Èkó House. There is also more information about menu and the interior layout planned. As expected from the original name, it will be a Nigerian restaurant. Dishes served will include Suya, a spicy meal made with beef, lamb, or chicken; Nigerian Jollof rice; Nigerian yams; peppered soups; sauteed spinach; collard greens; and more. There are plans to rotate visiting African chefs through the kitchen over time, as well as to feature artists from across the African continent.

Its large 6500 square foot interior will have a private room for events.“Èkó House will provide a sophisticated blend of flavors, allowing Nigerians living in the community to reminisce of home, while introducing others to our cuisine, flavors and lively culture,” Èkó House co-founder Francis Odiase said in a statement this morning. “Rockville is one of my favorite neighborhoods to visit with the family, so we are excited to bring the vibrant features of Lagos here," co-founder Yomi Ajao added. "With its family friendly atmosphere and diverse cuisines, the addition of a Nigerian restaurant will make Rockville Town Square the place to be.” 

Carnival this weekend at Montgomery Mall


Football isn't the only thing returning this fall. It's also fall carnival season. Jolly Shows' popular traveling carnival is at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda this weekend through Sunday night. 


The family-owned carnival will be here through September 12, 2021, and features rides, midway games and, of course, all of your favorite fair foods. It opens at 5:00 PM tonight, 1:00 PM on Saturday, and 3:00 PM on Sunday. You can order tickets in advance on the Jolly Shows website, or at the carnival.








"Must be this tall to ride" list


Thursday, September 9, 2021

Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana Montgomery Mall update (Photos)


Here's an update on the eagerly-awaited Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana at Westfield Montgomery Mall. Not much has been constructed inside yet, but several pallets of material from HarbisonWalker International have been rolled into the space. HWI manufactures heat-refracting products, including those used in various types of high-heat pizza ovens. So we're a long way from opening day, but here is more proof the pizzeria project is still moving forward.




Wednesday, September 8, 2021

Second Derwood McDonald's to get renovated interior


Renovations are ahead for the McDonald's at 16701 Crabbs Branch Way in The Grove shopping center. Unlike the complete overhaul seen at the other McDonald's in Derwood recently, this project will update the interior of the restaurant. 

This location already got a remodel to a newer McDonald's exterior design in the last decade. Other Rockville-area McDonald's have gotten varying degrees of updates in recent years, including the flagship Rockville Pike and White Flint locations.