Takoma Park

The Takoma Park Library, Computer Center, and Community Center will undergo a major remodel and expansion project in Fall 2022 (video rendering available below). Wednesday, August 24, 2022, will be the last day to visit the Library and Computer Center before we relocate to a temporary space for the duration of construction. In preparation for the project, staff housed in the Library and Computer Center must be removed from the building no later than August 31,2022. Staff in the Recreation Department offices and game room must be removed from the building by approximately January or February of 2023. A definitive date will be provided no later than 1 month prior to the actual move date.

The Takoma Park Maryland Library (Library) and Computer Center are housed in the Takoma Park Community Center building. The campus address is 101 Philadelphia Avenue Takoma Park, MD 20912. The Library is connected to the Community Center building by an indoor walkway. The Library and Computer Center occupy a single story and approximately 12,000 square feet. The Recreation Department is adjacent to the Computer Center at 7500 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912 and is approximately 2200 square feet.


Crime

UPDATE: Detectives from the Gaithersburg Police Department – Investigative Section have arrested and charged 61-years-old, Ricky Stevens of Gaithersburg, MD with First Degree Assault, Second Degree Assault and Reckless Endangerment. Ricky Stevens was transported to the Central Processing Unit and is being held without bond.

Per the Gaithersburg Police Department: Detectives from the Gaithersburg Police Department – Investigative Section are investigating a stabbing that occurred in the 18700 block of N. Frederick Avenue in Gaithersburg.


Bethesda

Montgomery County Police have released a summary regarding the anti-Semitic vandalism that occurred in Bethesda and Kensington on Sunday, August 7. County Executive Marc Elrich has also released a statement on the vandalism.

Per MCPD: On Sunday, August 7, 2022, at approximately 6:46 a.m., MCP officers responded to the Bethesda Trolley Trail located near Rossmore Dr. and Fleming Ave. in Bethesda for the report of a vandalism that occurred earlier. Officers arrived at the scene and found anti-Semitic writing on the Bethesda Trolley Trail near Rossmore Dr. and Fleming Ave. and on the footbridge off of Rossmore Dr.


Lakeforest Mall

Toys “R” Us store-in-store shops are now open inside the Macy’s locations at both Lakeforest and Montgomery Malls. The Macy’s at Wheaton Mall is expected to begin the buildout of its Toys “R” Us soon.

Macy’s is adding the Toys “R” Us store-in-store shops to all of its U.S. locations over the next few months. The shops will range from 1,000-10,000 sq. feet, depending on the size of the Macy’s and will expand during the holiday season to offer a wider assortment of products. Photos of the Lakeforest Macy’s below:


North Potomac

Update: Opening date has been pushed back to Monday, August 15th, according to a new sign on the door.

The first announced Hangry Joe’s in MoCo (Wheaton already opened, but was announced later) will open in the Travilah Square shopping center on Saturday, August 13th, according to a sign placed on the front door.


Silver Spring

The TESS Community Action Center is a walk-in DHHS office where residents are connected with County services and non-profit programs and resources.  Services provided include rental assistance, childcare assistance, financial benefit programs such as SNAP and Medicaid, VITA free tax assistance and legal services.

TESS provides a “one-stop-shop” where staff can help residents navigate a complex system of available services and programs. TESS was the first County office to provide services in Spanish and Vietnamese.  Currently, TESS staff speak English, Spanish, Amharic, and Farsi.


Park Potomac

Gregorio’s Trattoria will begin renovations on its newest location at the former home of Sugo (12505 Park Potomac Ave), this fall and is hoping to open in around January, according to Store Reporter. This will be Gregorio’s Trattoria third MoCo location, and fourth overall. Sugo closed its doors permanently last summer. Park Potomac is also home to Attman’s Deli, Founding Farmers, Gringos & Mariachis, King Street Oyster, and Yirisai Sushi.

Gregorio’s started out in Reston in 2008 and opened a second location in what’s now Cabin John Village in Potomac. The restaurant opened its second MoCo location in November 2020 at the Shops at Sumner Place in Bethesda, in the spot that was home to China Pavilion for over two decades until it closed almost three years ago.


Gaithersburg

A recent listing on LoopNet, an online marketplace for commercial real estate, shows that the Home Depot located at 15740 Shady Grove Rd. in the 270 Center in Gaithersburg is available through a 13.5-year NNN lease. Per Investopedia, “a triple net lease (triple-net or NNN) is a lease agreement on a property whereby the tenant or lessee promises to pay all the expenses of the property, including real estate taxes, building insurance, and maintenance. These expenses are in addition to the cost of rent and utilities. In contrast, in standard commercial lease agreements, some or all of these payments are typically the responsibility of the landlord.” Home Depot and Best Buy have anchored the property since its inception in 1994. An Amazon Fresh grocery store is expected to open in September.

Per the listing: CBRE’s National Retail Partners and Net Lease Property Group are pleased to present the opportunity to purchase a 13.5 Year NNN Home Depot in Gaithersburg, MD, one of the most affluent and sought-after markets in the nation. Home Depot is a co-anchor of 270 Center, an extraordinary shopping destination shadow-anchored by a powerful mix of destination retailers including Best Buy, Nordstrom Rack, and soon, a brand new Amazon Fresh grocer. The property benefits from a solid lineup of destination shadow anchors featuring high historical occupancy, impressive sales, and long-term leases. Nordstrom Rack has been at the property for ±10 years and is ranked the 2nd busiest Nordstrom Rack in the state of Maryland by customer foot traffic. Best Buy has co-anchored the property since its inception in 1994. The property benefits from a solid lineup of destination shadow anchors featuring high historical occupancy, impressive sales, and long-term leases.


Chevy Chase

Thrillist, a national media platform that covers food, drink, travel, an entertainment, has created a list of the ’40 Best Ice Cream Shops in the U.S.‘ Though the list doesn’t include any ice cream shops that are currently in MoCo, it does include a shop that will be coming to MoCo very soon. Back in March, we reported that Baltimore’s The Creamery is making its move into MoCo, with a location coming soon to Chevy Chase Lake in Chevy Chase. According to OpenCorporates, The Charmery will be moving in to 8551 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 202, a 1,306 SF location. Currently, The Charmery has locations in Hampden, Union Collective, Towson, Federal Hill, and it’s first location outside of Baltimore, in Columbia, that opened in 2021. We’ll have an opening date/timeframe as soon as it’s available.

Per ThrillistDavid and Laura Alima opened their dream ice cream shop The Charmery in 2013 and have since grown it to include a factory and event space, as well as more locations in the suburbs. Flavors here are incredibly creative, socially conscious, and rotate often. Some mainstays include the locally inspired and fudgey Maryland Mud and salty-sweet Old Bay Caramel, and one-offs have been an ice cream to celebrate Pride, the savory Baked Ricotta Orange, and Fear Factory flavors every Halloween (Pickled Onion Sorbet, anyone?) Needless to say, the Alimas churn humor and whimsy into everything they do.


Highways / Interstates

“This decision sends a message that our federal partners are united with us in our commitment to multi-modal, environmentally friendly, 21st century traffic solutions that actually work.

“After four years of organizing and advocacy for our County taxpayers, this is a big win for commuters, taxpayers and the environment. This decision reflects all the information Congressman Anthony Brown and I conveyed to Sec. Pete Buttigieg. I’m grateful to my Council colleagues, County Executive Marc Elrich and Planning Board Chair Casey Anderson, who have been consistent advocates for common-sense traffic solutions and community input. I am equally grateful to all the community members and stakeholders who have provided input and voiced their concerns throughout this process.