The Gaithersburg City Council held its policy discussion on Monday, October 16, 2023 and approved the annexation of the Walnut Hill shopping center, which paves the way for Aldi to move in to part of the old grocery store space and a new Sheetz to be built.

The Annexation Plan proposes several changes to the existing Walnut Hill Shopping Center in addition to Aldi and Sheetz, including demolishing an existing small freestanding building on the south side of the property, renovating the exterior of the main shopping center building, and making improvements to the parking lot and landscaping. Renderings below:

The holiday season is approaching, and what better way to kick off the festivities than with the “Here Come the Holidays” Art Market on Saturday, November 11, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event takes place at the enchanting Arts Barn and historic Kentlands Mansion, nestled in the heart of Gaithersburg, Maryland. The Arts Barn and Kentlands Mansion are located at 311 and 320 Kent Square Road.

The “Here Come the Holidays” Art Market promises to be an exquisite celebration of art and holiday spirit, featuring a wide array of local and regional artists showcasing their talents and offering unique, handcrafted items. Attendees can expect to find a curated selection of art, including paintings, ceramics, jewelry, textiles, and more – making it the perfect opportunity to discover one-of-a-kind gifts for loved ones or to add a touch of artistic flair to their homes this holiday season.

The event will offer a festive atmosphere, seasonal refreshments, a huge selection of gifts, and artist demonstrations, creating a warm and inviting ambiance for all visitors. Admission is free, and ample parking is available for all attendees. This is an excellent opportunity to support local artists, enjoy the holiday spirit, and explore two of Gaithersburg’s cultural gems – the Arts Barn and Kentlands Mansion.

“We are thrilled to bring the ‘Here Come the Holidays’ Art Market to Gaithersburg once again,” said Molly Christian, City Shop Manager. “This event serves as a unique platform for our local artists to showcase their creativity and helps to kickstart the holiday season with an array of beautiful and meaningful gifts.”

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the magic of the holiday season through the lens of local artists. Join us on November 11, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Arts Barn and Kentlands Mansion for an unforgettable celebration of art, community, and the spirit of giving.

Two chefs with restaurants less than a mile away in Bethesda will be teaming up to create a Mexican/Indian fusion menu. Tacombi‘s chef Carmen Miranda is partnering with award winning and beloved DMV chef Ashish Alfred, as they each bring their own heritage to the table for a first-of-its-kind Mexico-meets-India collaboration. The mouthwatering Mexican and Indian fusion will be exclusively available at the Bethesda Tacombi taqueria (4749 Bethesda Ave) for a limited-time-only from October 26 through Thanksgiving.

In what Chef Alfred calls a “synergy of two different flavor profiles in two different cultures,” the brand new Chicken Tikka Masala Taco features garam masala, ginger, and butter chicken sauce, wrapped in a Vista Hermosa corn tortilla, finished with cotija cheese. This cross-cultural creation is another innovation from Tacombi, the Mexican taqueria known for its full-flavor tacos, cocktails and ice-cold beers, which operates 20 popular taquerias across the DMV, NYC and Miami metro areas. Drawing on rich culinary traditions from distinct regions of Mexico, Tacombi’s menu offers a variety of authentic full-flavor tacos alongside traditional Mexican bites complemented by ice-cold beers and cocktails.

Chef Alfred is known for combining his classical training from the French Culinary Institute in Manhattan, his Indian-American roots and his inner-rebel at his restaurants Duck Duck Goose, Anchor Bar, Good Ducking Burger and Osteria Pirata. His taco collaboration with Tacombi will tantalize taste buds in Bethesda and beyond. Chef Carmen Miranda leads Culinary Innovation for Tacombi and is an award-winning chef, who has garnered international recognition for her achievements and culinary expertise. Most notably, Carmen was named winner of the seventh season of “MasterChef” Mexico in 2019 and was awarded the “Taco de Oro” in Dubai, UAE in January 2022.

This partnership is an example of how both Tacombi and The Alfred Restaurant Group are committed to the people, neighborhoods, and organizations that have and continue to support them, and are now bringing something new and exciting to the community of Bethesda.

About Tacombi: Tacombi operates 20 taquerias across the New York City Metro Area, Miami, FL and the Greater Washington, D.C. area. Drawing on the rich culinary traditions across distinct regions of Mexico, its menu offers a variety of authentic taco recipes alongside traditional Mexican bites and beverages. With the opening of its first New York City location in 2010, Tacombi crafted its own line of fresh tortilla products under the brand Vista Hermosa that are made from scratch daily for use in its taquerias. Vista Hermosa now includes corn tortillas, flour tortillas, tortilla chips (“Totopos”), and frozen burritos, and are sold in the taquerias and in 2,000 retail stores. As Tacombi opens kitchens in new cities, each new taqueria is participating in growing The Tacombi Foundation’s impact. With a mission to combat and address food insecurity, the Foundation provides food relief for local families and neighbors in need by donating thousands of meals made at each taqueria kitchen.

About Chef Ashish Alfred: Chef Ashish Alfred combines his classical training from the French Culinary Institute in Manhattan with his Indian-American roots and his inner-rebel, risk-taker sensibilities to create contemporary dining concepts rooted in soulful cooking. A serial entrepreneur with multiple Maryland and D.C. restaurants to his credit, Chef Al is regularly featured on television and in the media for his entertaining personality, and has competed on Food Network’s Cutthroat Kitchen and Chopped. Overcoming an addiction to drugs and alcohol, Alfred has frequently shared his journey of recovery and redemption with adult and teen audiences. His work ethic and creativity have turned skeptics and critics into fans eager for his latest dishes. In 2018, he was invited to prepare a multi-course dinner for a sold-out crowd at the prestigious James Beard House. He was named Maryland Chef of the Year 2019 by the Maryland Restaurant Association and a 2020 “40 Under 40” recipient by the Baltimore Business Journal. Most recently, he was featured on the cover of Baltimore Magazine as one of the city’s top Taste Makers. Alfred Restaurant Group establishments continue to win rave reviews in Maryland and beyond.

Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Cold Case/Missing Person Unit are asking for the public’s assistance in locating Ronald Jeffery Byrd, a missing 61-year-old. Byrd was last seen on Friday, September 15, 2023, in the 10000 Block of Pratt PI. in Silver Spring. He is 6’4″, 245 lbs., with brown eyes and black hair.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Ronald Jeffery Byrd is asked to call Montgomery County Police Non-Emergency (301) 279-8000 (24-hour line).

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police- 3rd District Investigative Section are investigating an attempted residential burglary that occurred in the 3500 block of Bruton Parish Way. Detectives have released surveillance video of the suspect and are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying him.  

The investigation by detectives has revealed that at approximately 6:40 a.m., on Thursday, September 28, 2023, the suspect attempted to force entry into the victim’s residence by breaking a basement window. Detectives reviewed video surveillance and obtained a description of the suspect. The suspect is seen wearing items taken from a theft from auto incident that occurred earlier in the same block. The suspect is described as a Black teenage male, wearing a white hooded sweatshirt, white ski mask and black gloves. He is carrying a flashlight and a black Northface backpack that was stolen from a theft from auto that occurred earlier.

Anyone with information regarding this suspect or this crime is asked to visit the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County, MD website at www.crimesolversmcmd.org and click on the “www.p3tips.com” link at the top of the page or call 1-866-411-8477. A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the suspect. Tips may remain anonymous.

Below are five things to do in Montgomery County, MD the weekend of October 20-22, 2023:
1. Rocktoberfest
Saturday, October 21: 2-6pm
Whelan Commons, Poolesville
RocktoberFest will take place at the Whelan Commons (19701 Fisher Avenue) in Poolesville on Saturday, October 21st and will consist of a day of fun fall activities for the whole family. The events will include pumpkin painting, a costume parade, scarecrow making, smores stations, and bounce houses for kids.  For adults there will be a beer and wine tent featuring Manor Hill, Landmade and Rockwell Breweries.  There will also be an assortment of wines. The bandshell lineup includes No Stop Light from 2 – 3:30 and the Front Page Band from 4 – 6 pm. Additional information can be found on the Town of Poolesville website.

2. Fall Makers Market & Pumpkin Fest
Saturday, October 21: 11am-5pm
Rio Lakefront, Gaithersburg
The Fall Makers Market & Pumpkin Fest is taking place at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg on Saturday, October 21st from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. The Fall Makers Market is curated by Locally Crafted on Grand Corner Avenue and will feature m handmade products from 80+ local artisans, cocktails by California Pizza Kitchen, fall activities for all ages. There will also be a Fall DIY Workshop that is free with $50+ purchase. The workshop will allow participants to decorate their own set of fall-themed burlap napkin rings. “Make a purchase of $50+ from rio shops or restaurants on Saturday, October 21^stand show your same day receipt(s) at the RIO tent near Dick’s Sporting Goods.” While supplies last. Receipts exclude Target, Kohl’s and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

3. MCPS Girl’s Summit 
Saturday, October 21: 9am-1pm
Clarksburg High School
Montgomery County Public Schools is inviting all MCPS families to the Girls’ Summit on Saturday, Oct. 21 at Clarksburg High School. This event will provide informative workshops geared towards middle and high school girls on a variety of current topics. Join us for a chance to network, participate in fun activities, learn valuable skills and enjoy a fashion show presented by White House Black Market celebrating diverse body types! Sessions will be provided in English and Spanish, and will be organized by grade level. Student Service Learning (SSL) hours will be available for students. Topics and activities will include:

• Healthy relationships/dating violence
• Social media use and mental health, including cyberbullying
• Self-esteem
• Identifying symptoms of depression and anxiety
• Healthy eating and body image
• Music therapy, Zumba and Kaiser Permanente spin bikes for art therapy
• Narcan kits will be distributed and training will also be available.

4. Chevy Chase Art Walk
Saturday, October 21-Sunday, October 22
“Come discover 77 local artists showing their work in 31 homes / studios around Chevy Chase, MD and DC. Stroll, bike, or drive around to see the art, and meet friends at the most talked about event in the area! Check out the Passport on our map to win great prizes!! Ch/Art artists offer work in a wide range of media: painting, sculpture, jewelry, pottery, ceramic art, photography, fabric art, & mixed media. An Art Walk ’23 Maps with the artist’s names/media and a map will be available at local businesses soon, or on the map here — click a house icon to see the featured artists names and their social media handles/website urls.

5. Fall Festival & Pumpkin Derby
Sunday, October 22
Ross Boddy Community Center, Sandy Spring
A Fall Festival & Pumpkin Derby will take place on Saturday, October 22nd from 11am-2pm at the Ross Boddy Community Center in Sandy Spring (Ross Body Neighborhood Recreation Center, 18529 Brooke Road, Sandy Spring, MD). This event, brought to you by Montgomery County Recreation, will feature crafts, games, snacks, and a pumpkin derby race! The registration fee for the derby is $20 and includes materials and instructions (pumpkin not included). Contact Ross Boddy CRC for Pumpkin Derby registration and rules at 240-777-8050.

Last November, we let you know that New York‘s Chip Citywill be opening its first Maryland location at the Shoppes of Bethesda, replacing Fancy Cakes By Leslie at 4939 Elm St. Fancy Cakes by Leslie closed in October 2022. A commercial permit was issued at the beginning of the summer for a $210,000 buildout at the location and now the opening date has been announced– Friday, November 3rd.

Five years ago, cookies were a side hustle for Theodore Gailas and Peter Phillips. Since then, they’ve opened over a dozen Chip City cookie shops in and around New York with plans to expand outside of the area. Chip City is expected to rapidly expand, with over 20 stores expected to open in 2023. According to Forbes, The rollout plan will be supported by the founder of fast casual restaurant Shake Shack, Danny Meyer, who recently invested $10 million in the cookies.

The new cookie shop rotates through 18 flavors, allowing customers to choose from those that make it on to the weekly menu. The weekly roster can include “core cookies” like chocolate chip or dairy free chocolate chip, other flavors like blueberry cheesecake, peanut butter and jelly, Nutella sea salt, and more. Currently, location are offering seasonal Thanksgiving cookies with flavors like Pecan Pie, Sweet Potato S’mores, Pumpkin Spice Latte, and White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal.

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The Fall Makers Market & Pumpkin Fest is taking place at Rio Lakefront in Gaithersburg on Saturday, October 21st from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. The Fall Makers Market is curated by Locally Crafted on Grand Corner Avenue and will feature m handmade products from 80+ local artisans, cocktails by California Pizza Kitchen, fall activities for all ages.

The Montgomery County Planning Department, announced the winners of the biennial Design Excellence Awards competition at Celebrate Design 2023 held October 19 at M-NCPPC’s Wheaton Headquarters. An independent jury of accomplished design and development professionals honored two developments with Design Excellence Awards and three developments with Merit Awards that exemplify Montgomery County’s best architecture and building design. The Celebrate Design event was co-hosted by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Potomac Valley Chapter, which presented its Design and Leadership Awards.

“The M-NCPPC was honored to once again host the Design Excellence Awards which showcase the artistry and innovation shaping Montgomery County’s outstanding places and spaces millions of residents and visitors enjoy,” said Montgomery Planning Board Chair Artie Harris.  “This was an evening to recognize and celebrate the great achievements in urban design and architecture that help promote more residential and community-serving developments that support our wonderful downtown, suburban, and rural neighborhoods.”

“Promoting quality design in our buildings, landscapes, parks, and streets in an equitable and sustainable way is a major part of everything we do in Montgomery County and meets the goals established in our Thrive Montgomery 2050 general plan,” said Acting Montgomery Planning Director Tanya Stern. “Excellent design creates beauty and a sense of place in our communities and helps the public realm of streets and parks to be more inclusive and welcoming. Congratulations and thank you to all the winners whose thoughtful designs enhance the quality of life in our county.”

“This is the sixth Design Excellence Awards competition, and we couldn’t be more pleased with all the 2023 submissions and winners,” said Design Excellence project manager Paul Mortensen. “Great physical design matters and we are so appreciative of the healthy collaboration between architects and developers that leads to innovative projects that enhance the communities they serve. We also want to thank the AIA Potomac Valley Chapter for its continued support of this competition and the great achievements in architecture and design they help to promote.”

Montgomery County Councilmembers Evan Glass (At-Large), Andrew Friedson (District 1), Kate Stewart (District 4), Will Jawando (At-Large), and Natali Fani-Gonzalez (District 6) presented the awards to the winners at the ceremony. 2023 Design Excellence Awards Winners:

The Wilson and The Elm, from architect Shalom Baranes Associates and developer Carr Properties, won the 2023 Design Excellence Award for Building and Site Design, the night’s top honor. It is a high-density, mixed-use office and residential complex in downtown Bethesda, and jurors commented that the scaling of the towers and the distance between them for circulation and views is well done. The development still maintains light and air, and the above-grade parking and residential and office spaces are designed in a way that will allow for alternative uses over time making the building extremely resilient to changes in the economy. Described by the jury as a “tremendously complex development” The Wilson and The Elm includes shared parking, retail, a public outdoor plaza, and major underground public transportation infrastructure with links to the Metro Purple Line and Red Line and the expanded Capital Crescent Trail. Jurors concluded the “public realm of the streets and open spaces are the winners here.”

The winner of the 2023 Design Excellence Award for Exceptional Housing went to ArtSpace Silver Spring. Designed by architects BKV Group, with developers Artscape Projects, and partners JDC Construction, EveryMind, and the Department of Housing and Community Affairs, the arts campus was redeveloped into what the jury describes as “unapologetically modern” artist studios attached to 68 affordable rental units and 11 affordable for-sale townhomes. The campus is anchored around 11,000 square feet of commercial space that was Silver Spring’s Third District Police Station until ten years ago; the jury noted the creative, adaptive reuse of the police station that blends the old with the new. The designers worked with the neighborhood to bring the building’s new personality to life using clean and bright colors mixed with metal materials. In this development, everyone wins.

The Pike and Rose landscape master plan was artfully created to support mixed-use development of offices, luxury living, retail and dining in North Bethesda, and it won the 2023 Design Award of Merit for Urban Design and Landscape. To achieve maximum use and comfort, landscape architect Clinton and Ries and developer Federal Realty Investment Trust added a central green that hosts concerts and festivals and is supported by flexible spaces and furnishings, beautifully landscaped streets, playful water features, and public art highlighting local artisans. The jury commented that Pike and Rose is the “perfect example of how communities should be designed around a very strong public realm.” People of all ages constantly shop, dine and stroll through the wonderfully lush neighborhood that offers a uniquely personalized, cozy experience along the landscaped streetscapes. Although relatively new, the highly articulated public realm of the streets allows Pike and Rose to look like it has always been there.

Marriott’s new corporate headquarters in downtown Bethesda is the winner of the 2023 Design Award of Merit for Architecture and Urban Design. Developers Boston Properties and Bernstein Company, and architects Gensler gave a whole new look and feel to the company’s headquarters that moved from a suburban site to downtown in 2022. Not only does the two-building complex house the company’s international headquarters, but it serves the public with a hotel, a conference center, restaurants, and a vibrant through block public plaza. The jury loved the open plaza on the ground floor with its generous configuration and large storefront windows opening onto it. The “artful corporate lobby” shares views of the street and plaza while the hotel lobby and restaurant open to the grand space for public gatherings with seating for all.  The jury thought this is a “wonderful example of design impacting corporate culture for the betterment of the entire community.”

The 2023 Design Award of Merit for Architectural Design went to Good Hope Neighborhood Recreation Center in Silver Spring. Architect Sorg Design and developer Montgomery County Department of General Services redeveloped the old recreation center with a wonderfully detailed building that offers the surrounding community a wide variety of sports activities, children’s play areas and enrichment classes. It also serves as a performing arts venue. The form of the building along Good Hope Road strengthens community connections and dramatically improves equal access to the Center’s amenities. The jury noted the “beautiful minimalism and texture of the different materials” and the “simplicity of the design and the extraordinary quality of the details given the likely budget.”

More About the 2023 Design Excellence Awards: Montgomery Planning’s biennial Design Excellence Awards honor works that make a difference in people’s lives and represent Montgomery County’s highest quality of design to the region, state, and nation.

The selection of winners was made by an independent jury selected by Montgomery Planning comprised of nationally accomplished and highly regarded practitioners in the fields of architecture, landscape architecture, planning and urban design:

• Evan Goldman– Vice President of Land Acquisitions and Development for EYA.
• Marina Khoury, RA, LEED AP, CNU– Partner at DPZ CoDesign, Director of Washington, DC-area office.
• Georgeanne Matthews, PhD– Assistant professor of architecture at the University of Maryland School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation.
• Mark McInturff, FAIA– Founder of Bethesda-based McInturff Architects
• Lee Quill, FAIA– Founding principal of Cunningham | Quill Architects in Washington, D.C.

About Design Excellence: As one of the nation’s most educated, diverse, and prosperous counties, Montgomery County desires neighborhoods, public spaces and buildings of the highest-quality design to reflect our cultural health and maintain a competitive advantage within our region. Quality architectural design that frames a thriving public realm of streets and public spaces is a driving force for complete communities. Design excellence is increasingly important as available land for development in the county is shrinking, densities in our centers are increasing, and priorities for excellent public spaces become more acute. These development challenges present a great need to create and enhance attractive, safe, and sustainable places to live, work, and play. Design excellence is an important tool for attracting the best and brightest to our county – residents, businesses, and visitors. To raise the quality of design throughout the county, the Montgomery County Planning Department has launched a comprehensive Design Excellence initiative focused on the themes of inspiration, collaboration, and clarity.

From the Office of Councilmember Kristin Mink:
“On Thursday evening, Oct. 19, Montgomery County Councilmember Kristin Mink (District 5), County Executive Marc Elrich, Maryland State Delegate Lorig Charkoudian and Progressive Maryland organizers joined the newly formed Enclave Tenants Association at their first press conference, calling on the owners of The Enclave Silver Spring Apartments to make overdue improvements.

The tenants association, a group of nearly 150 residents, organized the press conference to highlight long-standing maintenance and safety issues and code violations at the White Oak property. Enclave tenant Emmanuel Walker led the gathering, opening with a call and response: “When I say ‘less,’ you say ‘pests!’”

“Don’t charge me rent and then not provide livable conditions,” Walker told the crowd, after reading aloud the Enclave website’s description of the “luxury” apartments. “I don’t need luxury — I just need security and decent conditions.”

“I and my staff have spent significant time here since I took office last December,” said Councilmember Mink. “We’ve canvassed multiple times, we’ve held and attended meetings with residents and we’ve responded on-site to follow up on complaints. We have amplified countless complaints with the Enclave’s ownership. What we’ve seen and heard is unacceptable. I’m not going away, and the residents who are organizing and demanding safe, healthy living conditions aren’t going away.”

“While we focus on producing and preserving affordable housing, we need to ensure that current tenants are treated with respect and dignity,” said County Executive Elrich. “I join the Enclave Tenants Association, Councilmember Mink, Delegate Charkoudian and Progressive Maryland to send a message to The Enclave that we demand better treatment of their residents. The Enclave has one of the worst records in the County when it comes to number of complaints and inspection failures. They must do better.”

“We’ll be with you no matter what, and we’ll keep advocating with you,” said District 20 Delegate Charkoudian. “But you shouldn’t need to contact your delegate or your Councilmember to get an elevator fixed or to meet basic health and safety conditions.”

“I just moved to The Enclave on Oct. 1, and already I’m dealing with all of these issues,” said Yvonne Igido. “I moved here to be close to my daughter and her family. When I came here, I was shocked to find out what the conditions were like. Since day one, I’ve had no heat and no hot water. The basic requirements that a landlord must meet are not happening.”

“Today, we unite as a community,” said Abu Conteh, a resident and member of the Enclave Tenant Association organizing committee. “We demand the immediate reinstatement of staff and concierge at every lobby, 24 hours a day, and security cameras in every hallway.”

“Since one and a half years, I have lived in The Enclave,” said Rahmatullah Omarkher, a leader of the large community of Afghan refugees who moved to The Enclave over the last two years. “When we speak about the problems, they are too much. And they are shared problems, among many people. Just one example: I requested that the washing machine and microwave be fixed, and for six months they were not fixed. The other problem is the pests and the mice, which everyone here knows about.”

The property, located at 11225 Oak Leaf Drive in Silver Spring, has been on Montgomery County’s list of troubled and at-risk properties for years for extensive code violations. The County is currently pursuing 1,229 citations against the property in court.

Additionally, in December 2022, police making an arrest in the murder of a convenience store clerk found the body of a pregnant woman that had been decaying in the suspect’s apartment for over a month at the Enclave.

According to the director of the Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs, code enforcement staff “spend a disproportionately large amount of time at this site relative to most other properties, regardless of size. This workload prevents inspectors from focusing their efforts at other sites, and makes maintaining scheduled inspections at other properties challenging. Currently, on average, inspectors visit this property a minimum of four days per week.”

At the end of the press conference, Walker and other members of the Tenants Association handed a letter with their demands to a representative from The Enclave’s management company.”