Chevy Chase

The Chevy Chase Library, located at 8005 Connecticut Ave near Chevy Chase Lake Drive, was evacuated due to a report of smoke inside the building.

Upon arrival, Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) saw that there was no fire evident, but a an overheated and burned up water pump motor in the basement was the cause of the smoke in the building. Smoke is being cleared as of 10:15am and there are no injuries following the evacuation of the building.


Burtonsville

Last month, Montgomery County’s Planning Board approved (with conditions) the site plan that contains an amendment to allow for redeveloping the Burtonsville Shopping Center by demolishing 7,600 square feet of existing retail uses and relocating that retail square footage into two new pad sites with drive-thrus including improvements to open space, landscaping, lighting, and pedestrian circulation (site plan available below). According to a report by Maryland Newsletters, EDENS has officially received the permit to complete $2 million in renovation and facade work at the shopping center. In June it was announced that a lease has been signed by the Phoenix-based company Sprouts Farmers Market in what is seen as the first critical step to kick start the revitalization of a once thriving retail area. It will also be the grocery chain’s first store in Montgomery County. “We are excited to partner with Sprouts on bringing a unique grocery experience to Burtonsville,” said David Germakian, Managing Director, EDENS. Additional information below, courtesy of Montgomery Planning:

The Applicant proposes to redevelop 6.90 acres of the existing shopping center by demolishing a 7,600 square foot area in the center of the existing shopping center to create a community gathering space (seen in our feature photo). This 7,600 square feet of demolished commercial space in the center of the existing shopping center will be reallocated to two new free standing pad sites with new drive-thru accessory uses on the front of the Property for Retail/Service Establishment or Restaurant uses. Separately from this Site Plan Amendment, the Applicant intends to make façade improvements to the existing buildings to enhance the aesthetics of the shopping center. These interim improvements are not subject to review as part of this Site Plan because they are outside the boundary of the amendment area. Additionally, Site Plan 819851040 approved in 1985 did not include any approved architectural drawings or conditions relating to architectural or building design. As a result, moving forward with façade and exterior building improvements is not a violation of any previous approval.


Crime

On January 30, at approximately 6:35 pm, Takoma Park Police responded to the 300 block of Tulip Avenue for the report of an attempted armed robbery. According to Takoma Park Police, the victim was walking on Tulip Avenue when she was approached by four unknown suspects who had gotten out of a light colored sedan.  The suspects demanded property from the victim at gunpoint.  At this time, another vehicle/witness pulled up near the victim and the victim screamed.  The suspects abandoned their efforts and got back into their vehicle and fled the area heading towards the District of Columbia.

No suspect descriptions.  A lookout was provided to all surrounding jurisdictions. Investigation continues under case #230004936.  Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301-270-1100Featured photo courtesy of Google Maps.


Aspen Hill

Update: The family of the victims are raising funds for the funeral of Jesus Hernandez, who did not survive the fire, and fees associated with the hospitalization of Hilda Quezada, who is still in critical condition. The fundraiser can be found here.

Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services (MCFRS) were called to the scene of a house fire on the 13400 block of Oriental Street in Aspen Hill/Rockville at approximately 11:15 on Monday night.


Education

Reducing sedentary behavior and increasing physical activity is key to immediate and long-term health for children. That is why the American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, the National Football League (NFL) and the Washington Commanders have awarded a $1,000 grant to Watkins Mill Elementary School in Montgomery Village, MD. The grant is to be used for physical activity equipment to help students achieve their daily 60 minutes of physical activity.

Per the American Heart Association: One grant is awarded on behalf of each of the 32 NFL clubs. The national recipient of an additional $1,000 will be announced in the NFL PLAY 60 Super Bowl Fitness Break, which will take place on Feb. 9. It will be followed by an NFL PLAY 60 Draft Fitness Break on April 26. Advanced registration for both broadcasts is required.


Events

Per MCPS: Hundreds packed the cafeteria at Clarksburg High School on Saturday Jan. 28 to learn about the dangers of illegally made fentanyl and resources to help our youth. Panelists including MCPS School System Medical Officer Dr. Patricia Kapunan, members of the Montgomery County Police Department, Department of Health and Human Services and more shared important information for families on the dangers and prevalence of fentanyl, prevention tools, and protective factors for students and resources for treatment when needed.

Hundreds packed the cafeteria at Clarksburg High School on Saturday Jan. 28 to learn about the dangers of illegally made fentanyl and resources to help our youth. Panelists including MCPS School System Medical Officer Dr. Patricia Kapunan, members of the Montgomery County Police Department, Department of Health and Human Services and more shared important information for families on the dangers and prevalence of fentanyl, prevention tools, and protective factors for students and resources for treatment when needed.


Restaurants

Earlier this month it was reported by Source of the Spring that Mark’s Kitchen, a Takoma Park staple for 32 years, would be closing permanently. Recently, a sign was placed on the door stating the following: “Sorry for the confusion. Mark’s Kitchen will remain open until the business is sold.” A second sign below it states: “We do not know what is the last day. Sorry.” A third sign below that one states: “Thank you for your patience with this ongoing uncertainty.”

About Mark’s Kitchen: “Welcome to Mark’s Kitchen, a small neighborhood restaurant with an amazingly big menu full of so many choices that everyone can easily find something that will make them happy. Mark’s Kitchen is a very friendly place. It’s vegetarian-friendly, vegan-friendly, carnivore-friendly, kid-friendly, traditional family-friendly, alternative family-friendly and everyone else-friendly. A full meal or a light meal, a complete breakfast – most of which is available all day long – fresh juices, craft beers, wines, wonderful milkshakes, great ice cream desserts. That’s Mark’s Kitchen, a Takoma Park institution since 1990.


Business

The Montgomery Village Center, located at 19142 Montgomery Village Avenue, has been sold for $40.25 million according to a report by Maryland Newsletters. Per the report, “Atlantic remained in the deal as the 131,000 square foot center traded from a partnership that included Walton Street Capital and Atlantic, to a new one, headed by Petroleum Marketing Group and, again, Atlantic. The new owners paid $40,250,000.” The shopping center was built in 1969 and is currently undergoing a $20 million renovation. It’s anchored by Aldi and Big Lots, and is home to Ledo Pizza, a recently opened Starbucks, Dollar tree, Advanced Auto parts, and more. Below you’ll find a list of all businesses that are scheduled to open in the shopping center soon:

Baskin Robins: Back in January, @themocosource reached out to let us know that Baskin Robbins would be coming to the Montgomery Village Shopping Center and last month we were able to get confirmation from klnb that the ice cream shop will be coming to the vacant space next to Suburban Hair and Linda’s Nails. No opening date has been announced.


Events

Montgomery Parks, part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, has an engaging lineup of special events and programs in February, including birdwatching opportunities, the annual GreenScapes landscape design symposium, and special programs in celebration of Black History Month.  

February events in Montgomery Parks include: 


Bethesda

Federal Realty Investment Trust (NYSE:FRT) announces the recent opening of ANINE BING at Bethesda Row, the brand’s first location in the DMV. Sustainable fashion brand Reformation and Veronica Beardwill also join the leading lineup of premium retail in the Bethesda, Md. neighborhood later this year.

ANINE BING features everyday wardrobe essentials and investment pieces for modern women seeking a timeless, yet rebellious approach to style. Reformation combines stylish, vintage-inspired designs with sustainable practices, releasing limited-edition collections for individuals who want to look beautiful and live sustainably, and Veronica Beard features a uniform of cool wardrobe classics that speak to today’s multifaceted, multitasking woman.


Beyond MoCo

Gordon Ramsay’s new two-story waterfront restaurant, Hell’s Kitchen DC, sits in The Wharf (652 Wharf Street SW, Washington D.C., District of Columbia, 20024) with views overlooking the Potomac River. The space is over 14,000 SF and offers dining room, patio,  or terrace seating. It officially opens to the public today, Monday, January 30th. The menus offered at the restaurant can be seen here.

Hell’s Kitchen, Washington, D.C. serves iconic Chef Ramsay dishes like Beef Wellington, Pan-Seared Scallops, Lobster Risotto, and one of Chef Ramsay’s personal favorites, Sticky Toffee Pudding. “The design considers the waterfront location and ensures a relaxing yet luxurious experience. With beautifully-plated dishes, experiential cocktails being served in smoking lanterns, delectable desserts, and the famous red and blue kitchen, Chef Ramsay brings the energy of Hell’s Kitchen to Washington D.C.”


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