Crime

On January 18, 2023, a Gaithersburg Police Department patrol officer observed a white Mercedes traveling on S Summit Avenue with an expired registration plate. A traffic stop was initiated and upon speaking with the driver, the officer smelled the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. The officer inquired with the driver if there was anything illegal in the vehicle and the driver advised there was a handgun inside. A probable cause search of the vehicle revealed a loaded Ruger revolver in the front driver door pocket. Upon inspection of the revolver, officers observed the serial number had been removed. The driver, a 27-year-old, male from Silver Spring, MD was arrested and charged with the following:

Information per Gaithersburg Police


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MoCo Government

Per Montgomery County: In recognition of National Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day on Jan. 27, low-to-moderate income Montgomery County residents are reminded that valuable tax credits, including the State and Federal Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credits and County’s Working Families Income Supplement, may help them and provide thousands of dollars in tax refunds.

To help residents access these credits, the Community Action Agency’s (CAA) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Partnership hosts free tax sites throughout the community for households earning $60,000 or less. VITA sites offer in-person appointments in Gaithersburg, Silver Spring, Rockville and Wheaton. Virtual appointments also are available.


Derwood

The first 100 customers at the renovated Wendy’s in Derwood could receive free food for a year. The renovated Wendy’s location at 15807 Frederick Rd will hold its grand re-opening on Saturday, January 28th. As the fast food chain did with its 18425 Woodfield Rd restaurant in Gaithersburg, they’ll give away 100 VIP ticket to those 16 and older and present in line at 10:30am when the dining room opens (a purchase is necessary to be considered for a card). Anyone who gets a VIP ticket will be able to come back to the store once a week for a year to receive a free sandwich, salad, or breakfast biscuit.


Crime

On January 26, at approximately 9:11 am, Takoma Park Police responded to the 700 block of Devonshire Avenue for an attempted shed burglary. Sometime overnight, unknown suspect(s) attempted to pry open the locks on the victim’s shed but was unsuccessful.  Property was not stolen. Investigation continues under case #230004230. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301-270-1100.

On January 26, at approximately 9:20 am, Takoma Park Police responded to the 700 block of Ethan Allen Avenue for the report of an attempt stolen auto.  Unknown suspect(s) attempted to steal the victim’s vehicle sometime between 10:00 pm January 25 and 9:00 am January 26.  The suspect pulled wires and damaged the steering wheel column; however, was unsuccessful in stealing the vehicle. Investigation continues under case #230004232.  Anyone with information about this crime is asked to please call us at 301-270-1100.


Burtonsville

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 3rd District Investigative Section are investigating a Burtonsville commercial burglary. Detectives have released surveillance video of the suspect and are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying him.

On Saturday, January 7, 2023, at approximately 3:05 p.m., 3rd District officers responded to the SiteOne Landscaping Supply store in the 4100 block of Sandy Spring Rd., for the report of a burglary that occurred earlier.


Business

The Olney Professional Building, a a three-story, 20,000 sq ft commercial property located at 17904 Georgia Ave in Olney,  will undergo energy efficiency renovations using tailored financing from the Green Bank and Sandy Spring Bank. The energy efficiency upgrades include HVAC, building envelope, roof, insulation, and windows (including design and contingency). The funding will also include renovations for the elevator, asphalt, landscaping, storm drain, curbs, and a parking lot. These energy conservation measures will result in 29,328 kWh in energy savings and $7,000 in annual savings for the building.

The Green Bank—in partnership with Sandy Spring Bank—provided structured financing with a 12-month draw period followed by P&I payments based on a 10-year fully amortizing loan. Due to the Montgomery County Green Bank’s participation, the Olney Professional Building received a blended interest rate on the loan for $2.9 million.


Arts

The City of Rockville celebrates Lunar New Year by offering a free event, at Wootton High School on Saturday, January 28th from 10am-1pm, that celebrates Rockville’s Asian cultures with performances, to-go activities and snacks. Organized in partnership with Rockville’s Asian Pacific American Task Force, the Lunar New Year celebration is a source of pride for the city’s Asian community and an educational opportunity for neighbors to learn about Asian culture. Event program below:

Individuals with Disabilities: We encourage individuals with disabilities to register and participate in Rockville recreation programs. To adequately plan for a successful and rewarding experience, contact us via e-mail at [email protected] or via phone at 240-314-8620. We ask that you inform us prior to the activity start date as ample time is needed to secure auxiliary services and aides.


Business

Seneca Village Apartments is a 58-building, 684-unit affordable multifamily property located at 750 Clopper Rd. in Gaithersburg. It was originally constructed in 1973 and sits on 40 acres of land. With funding from the Green Bank, in partnership with Virginia Community Capital and NYCEEC, Seneca Village Apartments will install new energy-efficient roofs with reflective coating and a 2.18 MW rooftop solar array by Patuxent and Solar Energy Services.  The $11.4 million project is the largest rooftop solar project on a multifamily property in the Montgomery County. The property will save 2,583,535 kWh in energy savings and over $300,000 in annual savings.

“A fundamental part of our mission is to support the County’s climate goals of equitable access to clean energy. This project situated in an Equity Emphasis Area and on an affordable housing property is such an example,” says Tom Deyo, CEO of Montgomery County Green Bank. “Further, this collaboration with Virginia Community Capital and NYCEEC is the perfect depiction of how the Montgomery County Green Bank leverages capital and innovative partnerships to facilitate clean energy projects in the County.”


Rockville

Rockville’s Mayor and Council will consider in February several recommendations from the city’s Charter Review Commission that could change the city’s voting age, the size of Mayor and Council and other elements of city elections.

On Monday, Feb. 6, the Mayor and Council are scheduled to hold a public hearing on recommendations that, if adopted, would amend the city charter to lower the voting age from 18 to 16, permit noncitizens to vote, set term limits, create representative districts, create an administrative process to fill a vacancy on the council, change election years to coincide with presidential or gubernatorial elections, and implement ranked-choice voting. Learn how to testify during the Feb. 6 hearing at www.rockvillemd.gov/hearings and find more information when the agenda is posted at www.rockvillemd.gov/AgendaCenter.


Gaithersburg

The joint public hearing on the Lakeforest Mall Rezoning & Sketch Plan was conducted on January 17, 2023. The Planning Commission will hold their record open until 5 p.m. Friday February 17, 2023 with anticipated recommendation March 1, 2023. The Mayor & City Council hold their record open until 5 p.m. Friday March 10, 2023 with anticipated Policy Discussion April 3, 2023.

Below is a video of our very own Alex Tsironis discussing the latest meeting on Fox 5, followed by some highlights from WRS, Inc’s presentation on January 17th: