Montgomery Parks is unveiling new interpretive panels and a listening post at Johnson’s Local Park that spotlight the powerful and often untold history of the Emory Grove community in Gaithersburg.
Founded in 1864 by formerly enslaved African Americans, Emory Grove grew into a self-sustaining community rooted in faith, tradition, and resilience. For nearly a century, it thrived as a cultural and spiritual center for Black families in Montgomery County.
Fontina Grille at 801 Pleasant Drive is reminding guests that it remains open at its King Farm location as it prepares for a move this fall to The Laureate at Westside at Shady Grove. Restaurant officials said there has been some confusion among customers who believed the restaurant had already closed, but the current location continues to operate as usual. (more…)
Last week, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich signed legislation authorizing up to $420 million in tax increment financing bonds to help finance Viva White Oak, a $2.7 billion investment featuring more than 3 million square feet of lab space, office/medical office, retail, and over 4,400 quality residences. The 280-acre site, which is located adjacent to the FDA headquarters and near Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center, is expected to begin construction this fall.
“This is a project that has been discussed and planned for a long time, and now we are getting to the point where people will actually begin seeing it take shape,” said County Executive Elrich. “VIVA White Oak will bring thousands of homes, good jobs, restaurants, stores, and other amenities to an area of the County that has needed this level of investment for decades. We found a financing approach that allows us to build the infrastructure needed to make this development possible while using the new tax revenue generated by the project to repay the bonds. I appreciate the Council, our State partners, MCB, and especially the East County residents who kept pushing to get us to this point.”
Anchored by Costco and with a focus on innovation and research and development, Viva White Oak represents one of the largest development opportunities in Montgomery County in recent years. Once completed, the development is expected to generate $4.9 billion in annual economic output and give the County $21 million year in new revenue. Additionally, the new development is projected to generate 19,000 construction jobs and 9,000 permanent jobs.
“Viva White Oak demonstrates the County’s continued commitment to supporting growth and investment in Montgomery County,” said Jared Smith, President & CEO of the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC). “The County’s first TIF gives us another important tool to compete for investment, attract businesses, and create jobs. Montgomery County has tremendous assets and opportunities, and using tools like this strategically will help us translate those strengths into long-term economic growth.”
Viva White Oak is expected to take place in two phases. In phase one, which is expected to be completed by 2031, it will deliver over 960 townhomes, 1,000 apartments, 470,000 square feet of retail space, a 175-room hotel with meeting space, up to 1,279 permanent on-site jobs, and 92,000 square feet of medical office space. Phase two, which will take place between 2033 and 2044, will deliver 1.3 million square feet of life sciences office and lab space, 400,000 square feet of Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) life sciences manufacturing, almost 2,500 additional housing units delivered, a 150-room hotel dedicated to supporting innovation, and over 3,800 permanent on-site jobs.
Viva White Oak represents the County’s first use of a TIF and follows a push by Montgomery County to remove barriers and create new opportunities for businesses to invest, grow, and create jobs. In July, the Montgomery County Council approved the Job Creation Project zoning initiative, which is expected to cut permitting time in half for development projects that are in Montgomery County’s key industries—including life sciences and technology— or are expected to create at least 200 local jobs, further showcasing the County’s commitment to powering economic growth in target industries.
A 16-year-old Gaithersburg girl has been charged in connection with a social media threat made against Thomas S. Wootton High School on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
Roberto Clemente Middle School in Germantown brought its community together in a big way this month with a Black History Month talent show that doubled as a celebration of student creativity, mentorship, and school pride.
Blackbird Health has expanded into Maryland with a new pediatric mental health clinic in Gaithersburg, bringing additional behavioral health resources to children, teens, young adults, and families throughout Montgomery County.
Located at 555 Quince Orchard Road, Suite 250, the clinic offers comprehensive pediatric mental health services, including ADHD and autism evaluations, neuropsychological testing, therapy, psychiatry, and medication management.
Event location
Olney Baptist Church
17525 Georgia Ave
Olney, Maryland 20832
You’re Invited to the Community Fall Dance! 🍁
Join us for a fun, free evening of music, dancing, and community under the stars!
Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Special Victims Investigations Division are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Reiarha Green, a missing 14-year-old.
Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown has joined a multistate lawsuit challenging changes made by the Trump administration to the federal childhood immunization schedule.
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration is once again warning residents that vehicles owned by Marylanders must be registered in Maryland, as the state steps up efforts to crack down on license plate fraud involving Virginia tags.
The Montgomery County community is rallying around 18-year-old Andy Fon Koh as he continues to fight for his life following a devastating car crash earlier this month.
Quincy’s Golf & Social at 245 Kentlands Boulevard in Gaithersburg has announced it will open Tuesday, March 3. The country club-style restaurant, bar, and golf entertainment venue is taking over the former Not Your Average Joe’s space in Kentlands. (more…)
Dunkin’, the official coffee and donut partner of the Washington Capitals, visited the Washington Pride Hockey team’s practice on February 24 at Rockville Ice Arena.