Indecent exposure at Rockville convenience store

Rockville police were called to a convenience store to investigate an incident of indecent exposure last Thursday evening, November 4, 2021. The incident was reported at a convenience store in the 400 block of Lincoln Street at 7:15 PM, according to crime data.

Rockville Planning Commission to consider height waiver for rooftop equipment at building in King Farm

The owner of 800 King Farm Boulevard, an office building, is seeking a height waiver from the City of Rockville for equipment it needs to install on the roof for a future tenant. In a rare bit of good news about high-wage jobs coming to King Farm, rather than being replaced with housing, a future biotech tenant requires larger HVAC and exhaust systems than those approved under existing ordinances. 

Since the proposed equipment would exceed 25% of the roof area, it would be counted as additional height under the current rules. To avoid being out of compliance, Banyan Street Irvington Centre, LLC is seeking a waiver that would allow the proposed use of 39% of the roof area for the equipment and screening. The building is in a commercial area, but not far from homes in King Farm and Upper Rock.

The Rockville Planning Commission will consider the waiver request at its Wednesday, November 10, 2021 meeting at 7:00 PM. Planning staff is recommending approval of the waiver.

minte opening soon at Montgomery Mall

If you've ever used the typical teeth whitening kit at home, you know it takes a long time, makes your teeth more sensitive, and shows minimal results after one course of treatment. minte, a teeth-whitening studio opening soon at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, is promising a different experience. The staff at minte will do all the work for you, and in one visit. Results are promised to last a lifetime.

Is it too good to be true? The website does not specify what the actual nature of the treatment is. It does specify that they also offer a tooth gem service. For $50, you can have a Swarovski crystal glued to your tooth, with additional crystals added at $25 each.  

A sneak peek shows a Roman palace-inspired interior, and socially-distanced dental chairs. Audentes fortuna iuvat. Look for minte on Level 2 next to UNTUCKit.

Vie de France closes at Rockville Town Square

Vie de France has closed at Rockville Town Square. The French bakery cafe had operated there for a decade. Two other Vie de France locations remain nearby, at White Flint Plaza (which is technically Rockville, according to the United States Postal Service) and at the Potomac Village Center. 

Perhaps they should have moved to downtown Bethesda, where there is an explosion of new French cafes opening. While this is the latest exit at Rockville Town Square, there are several new restaurants coming soon to the Federal Realty property, including HalfSmoke, Eko House, El Merkat Bar de Tapas, and Kumbia. Thai Chef just opened recently there, as well.

Supply chain issues affect BIBIBOP in Rockville

More signs of America's supply chain woes are visible every week in Montgomery County, from paper goods to gasoline to local restaurant menus. BIBIBOP Asian Grill at 835 Ellsworth Drive at Downtown Silver Spring isn't immune, and neither are the Bethesda Row location at 4820 Bethesda Avenue, nor the Pike & Rose outpost at 11584 Old Georgetown Road in Rockville. The restaurants have posted notices to customers - and on their online ordering pages - that "due to a disruption in our supply chain, this location is using a substitute for our normal bowl." 

Marc Elrich prepares formal launch of Montgomery County Executive reelection campaign

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich (D) confirmed this past spring that he intended to run for reelection in 2022. Now that the election is a year away, Elrich is preparing to formally launch his campaign with a series of launch parties this month. The events will be held in Takoma Park this coming Saturday, November 6, 2021; Saturday, November 13 in Kensington; and Sunday, November 21 in Germantown. 

"Whether it's getting us safely through the pandemic, pushing for ambitious steps to mitigate climate change, or transforming our approach to public safety, Marc wants to continue working for you and the public good," Elrich's campaign said in an email to supporters. The email also asks that attendees be fully-vaccinated and wear a mask to the parties. 

Elrich so far has two confirmed challengers in the Democratic primary, County Councilmember Hans Riemer (D) and businessman David Blair (D); Councilmember Tom Hucker (D) is exploring a possible campaign. No candidates from other political parties have announced a run for the office yet.

Photo: Marc Elrich for County Executive

Purse-snatching at Rockville grocery store

Montgomery County police responded to a report of a purse-snatching at a grocery store in Rockville early yesterday afternoon, October 31, 2021. The purse was snatched at a supermarket in the 12000 block of Rockville Pike at 12:30 PM, according to crime data. There is a Giant store on that block, in the Montrose Crossing shopping center.